When Faith Becomes Song: Cesar Galvan’s Award-Winning Composition
- occtac
- Aug 5
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 6
OCCTAC proudly celebrates the achievement of Cesar Galvan, who earned 3rd Place in the 2025 MTAC Composers Today State Contest with his original work, Tres Caballeros.
But behind this award-winning composition lies a powerful family story—one of faith, resilience, and a miracle passed down through generations.
Cesar’s piece draws inspiration from the extraordinary experience of his grandmother, Guadalupe Enriquez, who in 1996 faced a moment of life-threatening danger. A man named Miguel, angered after losing his job, sought revenge and pursued Guadalupe with a pistol in hand. As he prepared to fire, three mysterious horsemen appeared out of nowhere in a crowded plaza—an impossible sight in such a place. No matter where Miguel moved, the horsemen blocked his aim. To Guadalupe’s family, this was nothing short of divine intervention, the Holy Trinity stepping in to protect her.
Cesar took this story—told and retold in his family as a moment of faith made real—and transformed it into music. Tres Caballeros captures the tension of danger, the presence of the unexpected horsemen, and the triumph of life over violence.
“When I composed this piece, I wanted to honor my grandmother’s courage and the miracle that saved her,” Cesar shared. “For me, it’s a way to turn our family’s faith into song.”
The judges at MTAC recognized the depth and creativity in his work, awarding him a top placement at the state contest. For OCCTAC, Cesar’s success is a shining example of how music can preserve stories, inspire hope, and pass faith from one generation to the next.
Cesar’s journey proves that when faith becomes song, music becomes more than notes—it becomes a living testimony.
About OCCTAC: Orange County Children's Therapeutic Arts Center (OCCTAC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering individuals and communities through arts education, therapeutic services, and community outreach. Since its inception in 2000, OCCTAC has been providing vital resources and support to underserved populations in Orange County, assisting them in unlocking their full potential and achieving their goals.
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