February 2023 Soloists

Guitarist Joe Gonzales is a local performer and music educator. His work with various jazz groups and classical ensembles throughout his career includes performing with violinist Sebastian Campesi, the Doc Watkins Big Band, Prime Time Jazz Orchestra, the San Antonio Chamber Choir, the San Antonio Mastersingers, and of course the San Antonio Community Orchestra.

Joe has been playing with the SACO for well over 20 years, dating to when it was known as the Saltarelli String Orchestra. He accompanied trombonist Nick Rossi during intermissions starting in the late 1990s and continued as a soloist when Rossi retired from performance in 2003. 

Arwen Cantu is a senior at Sandra Day O'Connor High School and plays in her school orchestra under the direction of Brenda Johnson. She has played the viola for six years and has been a member of the Youth Orchestra of San Antonio for four. Arwen has participated in UIL events and made the TMEA Region 29 Orchestra. 

After graduation, she plans to attend Northwest Vista College and continue to play her viola with the San Antonio Community Orchestra.