The Journey to Music

Growing up, I always found myself in the music world, whether dancing around as a kid or singing along to the biggest pop or Spanish songs. When I reached middle school, I was surrounded by new people, and like every other kid, I wanted to fit in and feel included. Transferring from one school to another, I felt isolated, and as a way to try to be involved, I would be a part of the school musical every year. It wasn’t until 8th grade that I felt that music was my passion. 

The musical I was a part of was called “The Wiz,” which is an adaptation of the famous “The Wizard of Oz.” When I auditioned, I used the song “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten and got in, similar to previous years. After auditioning, I was nervous, but it wasn’t because I was scared I wouldn’t make it into the play. Since it was my last year, I wanted a lead role. The following Friday, the role sheet was up, and I ended up getting the lead role, which is the Wiz. I was thrilled. 

For my first week of rehearsal, I was so lost. Even though we just ran through the script, reading everyone’s lines, I was overwhelmed. I never had so many lines and so much attention on me! When I finished my first week, I knew it was going to be a struggle to keep up due to the abundance of lines and my anxiety. I was so used to being in the background both in and out of school. This was going to be a real challenge. School continued as usual, but whenever I had free time and got home, I would open up my script and practice my lines alone and with my best friend, Genesis. I would practice learning them and the emotions that came while saying them. It was a tedious process, but I felt accomplished when I finally got part of my script down after a month. I showed up to rehearsals more prepared than ever to know my lines. I would flawlessly do my lines and feel great about it.

A couple of months later, after dozens of rehearsals, the day of the musical arrived. The whole cast was getting their hair done and makeup done. Costumes were on, and the set was ready. Everything didn’t feel real. The crowd was sold out and full of school staff, families, and friends. Patiently yet anxiously, I waited for the show to start. 

We heard the laughs and screams after every song as the show continued. My ending scene was about to come, where I sang my closing song and gave my closing speech. Clearing my mind and focusing on my solo and speech made everything easier. I saw my friends cheering me on and dancing along to my solo. After I was done, everyone cheered. Underclassmen looked up to me, and friends told me they were proud of me. I was moved to tears. That was the moment I knew I wanted music as a career.

When it was time, I auditioned for several high schools, but my top choice was Celia Cruz Bronx High School of Music. Although very eventful, this high school had many people with whom I unified. My choir kids were there, along with band kids and orchestra kids. Besides musical theater, I learned about jazz, classical, and operatic music and was fascinated with each genre.

I am attending City College to major in Popular Music Studies to learn how to write and compose music. I take my harmony and piano classes and wouldn’t change anything about my major. I hope to one day perform for people, share my passion for music with the world, and inspire those from similar experiences and backgrounds.