Is it just me or has Gables lost some of its flavor? One of the first things the chorus students could not help but notice was the absence of our beloved and esteemed chorus director Anthony Cabrera this year. So where oh where did Mr. Cabrera go? And who are the new teachers taking over our music department?

For those who do not know of Cabrera or his legacy, he is responsible for completely reshaping the chorus program and leading groups in the past to great achievements at local and state competitions and festivals. Unfortunately for Gables, Cabrera had to announce that he would be absent this year.

“I transferred to the Young Woman’s Preparatory Academy. There, I can start a brand new choral program. The school is three blocks from my grandparent’s [house], my grandpa has Alzheimer’s and this way I can help take care of him,” Cabrera said.

Working in an all girls academy that features wireless internet and mandatory parochial uniforms is an enormous change from Gables. One has to wonder, does he ever miss it?

“I miss the kids at Gables. I miss the room I’ve lived in for so long, especially the nooks and crannies,” Cabrera said.

In addition to starting a new choral program, Cabrera is also looking forward to starting a family.

“My partner and I are taking the big step to become parents. We are interviewing surrogate mothers and egg donors at the present time,” Cabrera said.

When a beloved chorus teacher leaves a school, who do you get to replace him? A beloved band director of course! Taking over where Cabrera left off, William Shepard, former Gables band director is making his mark on the choral program.

Shepard is an extremely distinguished man when it comes to music. He holds a Bachelors Degree in choral music from Georgia State University and a Masters Degree in applied choral conducting from the University of Miami. He has been conducting choruses since the age of fourteen and has had a steady career in different fields of music for the past thirty-two years.

So how did this swicharoo from band to chorus take place anyway?

“Mr. Cabrera was leaving and Alexis Martinez [former Gables principal] asked me to take his place,” Shepard said.

Shepard’s personal life also influenced his decision to leave the band.

“My daughter was born in February and I wanted to be able to spend time with my family. I was going to transfer to an elementary school, but I prefer ‘big people,’” Shepard said.

When asked about the future of the choral program at Gables, Shepard expresses nothing but excitement and positive goals.

“I would like to continue Mr. Cabrera’s success and increase the level of musicianship for all the choral students,” Shepard said.

There is always bound to be both negative and positive feedback with a change of this kind. So how are students feeling about the switch?

Cavalier Singer Annette Navarro, senior, is excited about the change.

“I feel that Mr. Shepard has allowed us to further appreciate music by understanding the techniques of music theory. More than singers, we are now musicians,” Navarro said.

Some students are little more apprehensive.

“Being used to Cabrera’s teaching style, it’s somewhat uncomfortable to be taught by Mr. Shepard,” Pedro Rivero, senior, said.

The chorus students all seem to express one sentiment in particular, they miss Mr. Cabrera!

“Cabby’s (a nickname) absence is a sad loss, especially to the juniors and seniors,” Annie Segarra, junior said.

However, Shepard has anticipated this kind of mixed feedback.

“A lot of students like to learn about music. Some, as I expected, are having trouble adjusting,” Shepard said.

So if the chorus director is gone and the band director has switched professions, where does that leave Gables? It leaves an open spot in the band director’s slot. Jeff Miller, a young teacher at the age of twenty-six is more than happy to fill the spot.

Miller is new to Miami. He majored in music education and performance at Florida Southern College and is an avid trumpet player.

“I knew Gables was a good school and I fell in love with the program while visiting. I am happy to be a member of the Cavalier family and I look forward to building a superior band program,” Miller said.

Moving to Miami from Lakeland, Florida is certainly a big change for Miller, but he has received only positive feedback from Gables students and enjoys the city. What great plans does he have in store for band?

“I want the band to grow in size. I want to increase our numbers, strive for superiors at marching festival and other competitions, and build upon the foundations already laid down my Mr. Shepard. I look forward to building a superior band program,” Miller said.

With such sudden structural changes in the foundation of the music program at Gables, it is unwise to predict what this New Year will bring. One thing is certain however, students and staff alike are excited to see what changes are bound to take hold.