CFCC Grads Team Up for One Last Guitar Performance

CFCC student musicians Annmari Trakimowicz and Cliff Haas are about to graduate, but before they head off, they’re coming together for a special guitar performance. The performance will be held on Wednesday, April 16, at 7 p.m. in Union Station Auditorium (U-170) and is free to attend.

Two Paths, One Passion

Annmari and Cliff may be on different academic paths. She’s earning an A.F.A. in Music while he’s graduating with a Health and Fitness Science degree, but they share a common passion for playing guitar.

Music Runs in the Family

For Annmari, music has always been part of the family. “I started playing the guitar when I was eight. My sister plays the fiddle. My brother plays the banjo, and my other brother plays mandolin. We’ve always played together.”

The family band performs all over Wilmington at restaurants, festivals, and farmers’ markets. One standout moment was opening for legendary bluegrass musician Sam Bush. “That was a huge deal for us,” she said. “We sent in a video to audition, and we got to open for him. It was a big moment!”

They also played MerleFest, considered one of the premier music festivals in the country, and they’ll be back there again in just a few weeks.

At CFCC, Annmari has continued to grow as a musician, performing with the jazz ensemble and guitar ensemble and as a soloist at the Wilson Center.

“Getting to perform at the Wilson Center was amazing,” she said. “It was such a cool opportunity to be on stage like that.”

Annmari will continue her music studies this fall at UNCW, hoping to become a music teacher. “I want to teach and keep playing music for as long as I can,” she said.

Athletic Drive, Artistic Soul

Cliff Haas came to CFCC for the Health and Fitness Science program. A talented combat sports athlete, Cliff has balanced his studies with professional training in jujitsu and boxing. Still, music has been a steady passion. “I was 14 when I started playing guitar,” he said. I found a guitar at home, and I just started learning classic rock songs like Led Zeppelin. Then I got into the blues and classical guitar.”

Cliff discovered CFCC’s music courses by accident. “I had just bought a classical guitar. Then I saw this poster with a classical guitar on it and said, ‘ Free pancakes are good. Free guitar lessons are better,’ he laughed.

He signed up, and that’s when he met Marc Siegel.

“Marc is one of the best teachers I’ve ever had. He’s so patient and knows how to help you when you make a mistake,” Cliff said. “He’s also really attentive. If he sees something off, he’ll help you fix it right away.”

Cliff, who’s especially into classical guitar, loves Brazilian composers like Jobim, Grotto, and Villa-Lobos. “What’s cool about Marc’s class is that everyone has a different style,” he said.

After graduation, Cliff plans to transfer to a four-year university to pursue athletic training and sports medicine. And while his career path is rooted in health and fitness, music will always be part of his life. “Playing guitar is something I’ll never stop doing,” he said.

Different Styles, One Stage

At next week’s concert, Annmari will perform a few of her favorite latin pieces, while Cliff will bring his classical style to the stage. The two will also blend their styles in a pair of duets.

“I think it’s going to be a nice way to end our time at CFCC,” said Annmari.

Don’t miss these two talented graduating students. It’s a great way to support them before they head off to new chapters in their lives!