There are very few legendary guitarists out there, Carlos Santana, George Benson, and Joe Satriani. But how about our campus� own legend Ronny Dorian (�07)?

Well, he may not exactly be a legend, but he definitely has the skills to be.

Dorian has been playing the guitar for over five years but has also played the piano for four years.

�I struggled with the piano,� said Dorian. �I wasn�t satisfied or inspired until I picked up the guitar.�

Although he admits that he cannot read sheet music, he uses his ears to learn certain pieces. Dorian does not take any classes to excel in guitar, he teaches himself.

Dorian received recognition last spring when he won first place in an amateur contest, the only contest he entered. The contest was focused on guitar leads and different solos that each contestant was required to write. After winning this regional contest, he received a backstage pass at the G3 guitar festival where he met legendary musician B.B. King and art-guitarist Joe Satriani, Dorian�s favorite.

In addition to playing the guitar, Dorian also writes his own songs with other instruments in mind. He could also play different guitars such as the Jackson guitars, Dave Mustave series �V� guitars, and the custom edited �Dragonfly Elite� by Fernandes.

Dorian�s style is influenced by genres of metal ranging from classic thrash to melodic to the less acclaimed raw north European black metal. He compares his music to the Finnish bands of Kalmah and Children of Bodom.

Although guitar is important in Dorian�s life, he hopes to have a career in business or law in the future.

By Staff Writer Claudine Sarmiento