Fresno State clarinet quartet “Invicta” to perform in South Korea, marking a program first
A group of Fresno State musicians is taking their talent from the school concert hall to an international stage this summer.
The clarinet quartet, Invicta, has been invited to perform at the International Clarinet Association (ICA) conference in South Korea. They are one of just five groups that were selected from the United States to perform. More importantly, they are the first quartet from Fresno State to receive the honor.
The group formed less than a year ago, after the four students attended last year’s conference with the Fresno State clarinet ensemble in Fort Worth, Texas.
By the time they returned from the conference, they were rehearsing weekly, and working towards something bigger.
Now, every Monday from 7 to 9 p.m., they meet to rehearse and, of course, spend time catching up and hanging out.
They say that friendship is what keeps them grounded through the late nights.
“It’s not about us being competitive…we were friends before…we just enjoy what we do on the daily when we play together said Jason Hilario.
That friendship shows up both in and out of practices. The group makes time to check in with one another, spending time together outside of the music building, all while balancing school, work, and performance schedules.
Still, the work itself is extremely demanding.
Playing in a quartet requires constant adjustment, where each musician has to balance their own style with the sound of the group overall.
“The hardest part is matching with each other, trying to play to each other’s styles as best as possible,” said Devin Calderon.
That attention to detail is part of what helped Invicta stand out at this level.
For Raul Roldan, the opportunity also carries a deeper meaning tied to where they come from.
“Growing up as a kid, especially me, we feel like we’re not good enough because where we’re from, and that’s the opposite case,” Roldan said. “This is my home. This is where I can call home and they’ll support me.”
This summer, the group will take that sense of identity with them to South Korea, where they will perform an original piece written by Calderon. The composition draws inspiration from both widely recognized and lesser-known elements of Korean culture, reflecting the group’s effort to connect through music on a global stage.
For the members of Invicta, the journey is about more than one performance. It is about growth, representation, and showing what is possible for musicians from the Central Valley.
“Going on a trip of that extent with my best friends…I’m excited,” Tapp said.