SAN JUAN - Rudy Cerda didn't expect joining middle-school band eight years ago would be a big deal.

But his life changed the moment he struck a thin, wooden stick against a snare drum.

Drums were just the beginning for Cerda. He learned many percussion instruments while in band such as the xylophone, vibraphone and marimba. And he took his role in band seriously.

"I always had first chair," he said. "And I kept it."

As a Wolverine at Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Memorial High School, Cerda relaxed a little in band. His interest in music was growing, but he began focusing on another instrument - keyboard. Learning how to play instruments like the xylophone and vibraphone made the jump to keyboard easy for Cerda, since the notes are the same.

Cerda started writing his own music, inspired mostly by the artist Imogen Heap. He played his keyboard, wrote lyrics, then started adding beats and layering using laptops. He named his one-man band Artemis, but didn't perform publicly. Though he felt creative and prolific, he didn't like what he created.

"I think it's important to listen to your own music. You need to like your own music," he said. In his junior year of high school, Cerda focused on band again, trying out for drum major. For the last two years of his high school career, Cerda took on the responsibility of that leadership role.

Cerda's parents were understanding when their son chose to major in music when he was offered a full scholarship to University of Texas-Pan American. They wanted him to take over the family business (they own two jewelry stores in downtown McAllen), but knew music was what he loved.

When Cerda earns his degree, he plans to leave the Valley for greener pastures. He wants to work as a studio engineer for a large record company, but also expects to return home after he gains some experience. It may be several years before he comes back, but when he does, he wants to take a position as a band director at a high school. Cerda believes he understands the evolution of music in the Valley and wants to be a part of that.

"I'm used to working with people from the Valley ... and I know how music is taught here," he said.

Amy Nichol Smith covers features and entertainment for The Monitor. She can be reached at (956) 683-4420.