BAA graduate Tomas Labrador Flores receives $5,000 James Taylor Scholarship from Boston Arts Academy Foundation
By Cary Shuman
Two years ago, aspiring musician Tomas Labrador Flores of Jamaica Plain made a very impactful decision in his life and academic career, opting to begin the process of transferring to Boston Arts Academy.
At the time Labrador had been taking a guitar class at John D. O’Bryant School of Mathematics and Science in Roxbury. “I started practicing a lot and I was getting pretty good at it, so my guitar teacher [Frederick Woodard] suggested I join the jazz and rock ensembles,” said Labrador, who is originally from Colombia and emigrated to the United States with his family in 2021. “That’s how I began really getting into music, and in the process, I heard about Boston Arts Academy, and I auditioned to transfer for my junior year.”
Boston Arts Academy, a highly regarded visual and performing arts school which is located adjacent to Fenway Park, proved to be perfect match for Labrador’s rising musical talents.
“BAA was better suited for me, and when I became a student there, I realized how much I really enjoyed music,” said Labrador.
Labrador became a member of the first class (2026) to graduate from BAA’s new, state-of-the-art campus and performed on the guitar at the June 8 commencement ceremony. A week earlier on June 1, Labrador had received a prestigious $5,000 James Taylor Scholarship awarded by the Boston Arts Foundation at the inaugural Rising Stars and Scholarships and Prizes Luncheon held at MGM Music Hall Fenway. In all, the Foundation awarded a total of $253,500 in scholarships, prizes and gift cards to members of the BAA’s Class of 2026.
“I was very excited to receive this scholarship and I’ll be forever grateful to the Foundation for its generosity,” said Labrador. “My mother [Fernanda Flores] and stepmother [Natalia Franco] were at the awards luncheon. It was just a great day.”
Labrador will attend Berklee College of Music and study Music Production & Engineering. Nathaniel Codio, of Boston, the other recipient of the James Taylor Scholarship, will attend Boston Conservatory and study Vocal Performance.
Denella J. Clark, president and chief executive officer of the Boston Arts Academy Foundation, said, “As a philanthropic partner of Boston Arts Academy, Boston Arts Academy Foundation’s mission is to invest in our students, expand opportunity, and ensure that young artists have the resources they need to thrive. These scholarships are a powerful reflection and affirmation of what happens when people choose to invest in young people, opening doors, creating opportunities, and helping make college dreams a reality. There is nothing more inspiring than seeing the impact of that generosity reflected in the faces of our students, whose futures are being transformed through the scholarships, prizes, and opportunities made possible by our supporters.”
Legendary concert promoter Don Law, chairman of Live Nation New England and longtime supporter of the Boston Arts Academy Foundation, noted, “Music has the power to change lives, open doors and inspire generations. Through the James Taylor Scholarship, we are proud to invest in the future of talented Boston Arts Academy musicians – providing both financial support and meaningful recognition as they pursue their artistic dreams. Supporting the Boston Arts Academy Foundation and the local Fenway community is a privilege and we are thrilled to congratulate the Class of 2026 on all of their accomplishments.”
Setting a foundation to college
Labrador said BAA inspired him to pursue music programs beyond the high school classroom.
“One of my favorite programs is ZUMIX in East Boston,” said Labrador. “I’m part of their rock ensemble and play in a band there. ZUMIX has been very helpful to me, giving me the chance to be a part of a community of artists and musicians. It’s a really cool organization.”
Labrador also participates in Berklee City Music, a high school academy program where he performs in two ensembles. This summer, he has been attending Berklee’s Aspire, a five-week, intensive program that provides an immersion into the school’s curriculum.
Labrador said he is aware of Berklee’s distinguished alumni, a list of all-time greats that includes music producers Quincy Jones (Class of 1951) and Arif Mardin (1961), and singers John Mayer (1998) and Charlie Puth (2013).
Asked about his current, personal favorites in the music industry, Labrador said, “I’m really inspired by Billie Eilish and her brother, Finneas O’Connell, who is her music producer. I’m also inspired by guitarists Mark Lettieri and Cory Wong.”
An appreciation for his BAA teachers
Labrador said he leaves BAA with an appreciation for his dedicated teachers. “Mr. Lee-Ro (whose actual name is Chris Lee-Rodriguez but is affectionately called Mr. Lee-Ro by his students] was my guitar teacher, and he’s one of my favorites. I also want to thank Mr. [Chris] Rivelli, who was my instructor for the band ensemble. He really pushed me artistically, and I’m very grateful to him. I also want to credit Mr. [Brian] Paulding, who was my adviser and provided valuable guidance. He is an excellent trumpet teacher at our school.”
Labrador said he is excited about beginning his studies at Berklee.
“I really want to meet as many people as I can at Berklee and find my path,” said Labrador. “I know that I love music and want to pursue this as my career. I want to explore different aspects of music. I really like instrumental music like jazz and fusion, but I also like singing and songwriting. I hope to find a balance between being a singer, songwriter, and a really good guitar player.” It seems like Tomas