Kevin Rosales, a 2025 graduate of Arsenal Technical High School, has begun his studies at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music after developing his musical talent through Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) programs. Rosales’ introduction to music was unplanned; he joined band as an elective and discovered the trombone by chance.
“It was fate that I ended up doing band at all,” Rosales said. “It was just on my schedule to fill up electives. I tried the flute but couldn’t get a sound out of it. Mr. Goodman handed me a trombone, and that was it. My instrument was also fate.”
Through participation in IPS music programs and the IPS All-City Band, Rosales distinguished himself as a soloist for two years and received the Outstanding Soloist Award at Purdue’s Jazz Fest.
“The balance between having fun with friends and the discipline of practice couldn’t have prepared me better for college auditions,” he said. “The All-City Band was a family that kept me striving to be my best.”
Josh Goodman, Director of Bands at Arsenal Tech, described how Rosales’ accomplishments have influenced other students.
“Having a student like Kevin completely changes the trajectory of a program. Students want to have the experiences he has had. He gives them someone to look up to. Our students see that in IPS and at Tech, you can compete and excel alongside peers from our surrounding districts.”
Goodman added that these achievements are part of broader expectations within the school community.
“No longer in our program is it a possibility to qualify for state solo and ensemble and receive a Gold rating. It is now an expectation. Kevin’s experience speaks volumes about the support all teachers and admin at Tech provide to our students. To have students achieve greatness, you need a culture from the entire school community that expects that of our students. With our early college program and demanding technical programs, students at Tech are expected to achieve greatness in whatever they pursue.”
Now attending IU as a freshman, Rosales earned placement in the university’s top jazz band.
“Of the five freshman trombonists, only two of us made top band,” he said. “The first person I called was my mom. Without her support, I’d be lost. Making it was for her, my mentors, and my friends as much as it was for me.”
Rosales noted he misses his former classmates but is adjusting well at IU.
His advice for younger IPS students: “Make and maintain long-lasting connections. Surround yourself with people who want to see you strive. Those relationships will shape your future.”
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