Teen music prodigy hitting all the right notes at Baldwin County High School

BAY MINETTE, Ala. ( WKRG ) — Brilliant, gifted and confident not only describes the music the Baldwin County Symphonic Band is practicing for the Spring Concert Thursday evening, it also describes the music’s composer 18-year-old Lyric Moreno.

“I was a big fan of Star Wars, really liked that music, and I just decided I want to write music like that,” he said.

That decision led him to Baldwin County High School Band Director Joshua Howard.

“He came in, and he said, ‘I’ve decided that I would like to be a composer,'” Howard said.

Howard was admittedly skeptical of a kid he had never met who didn’t play an instrument but gave him some guidance and books on music theory.

A few months later, Lyric came back with his first musical score.

That music, “March of the Tiger” and “El Tigre,” is now on the music stands of the kids he grew up with.

“The fact they are playing it in the first place is a great compliment to me; I’m so thankful to them,” Moreno said.

His next accomplishment was a symphony he wrote in five days.

He’s submitted it to a scholarship competition at Carnegie Hall, a place that is on his musical radar.

“I do have a feeling however arrogant competition or no competition I’m getting to Carnegie Hall,” Moreno said.

With his career path set, “I’ll be lucky if he remembers who I am when he gets to where he’s going,” Howard said.

With a name like Lyric, “All it is or ever will be is music for me,” he’s hitting all the right notes.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.