SAN ANTONIO – A talented musical student in Boerne has left a lasting impression with one of his teachers following a move to the US to seek more opportunities.
Tarek Al-Shaherbelhadad, 17, is a senior at Boerne Champion High School and has been playing the piano since he was 5-years-old and currently performs for the school choir.
Born in Syria and having grown up in the United Arab Emirates, Al-Shaherbelhadad said he enjoys both the spotlight and being on stage.
"I feel like I'm just in the music together," Tarek said. "I basically (when playing) forget about everything."
One of his teachers, Wanetta Hill, has taught music for more than 30 years and said there is something special about Tarek.
"When he sat down and played I wept," Hill said. "I wept because I truly felt like I was in the presence of someone who will be great."
Tarek said he wants to be both a doctor and a pianist. The senior plans to attend UTSA and study pre-med while continuing his piano lessons.
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