Musical Autobiography

Having been adopted from El Salvador, I have been around a lot of non-Western Art music. Bachata, Cumbia, Merengue, and Perreo are just a few of the Latin genres. This variety of Latin music is not only found in El Salvador, but in all Central America. Coming to the United States at a young age and spending almost my entire life here has been the greatest opportunity given to me. I was raised by a loving American family, able to learn and be accustomed to the different habits and traditions, and most importantly, be introduced to different types of Western Art Music. For example, I was exposed to different types of music through the sports in which I was involved during my childhood: tap, jazz, ballet, and gymnastics. I started to dance when I was six years old at Miss Marions School of Dance. I started out with tap, ballet, and jazz but then switched to Ballet Spartanburg. I experienced music such as pop and popular music, as well as music from broadway, operas, and symphonies. Meanwhile I had been doing gymnastics since I was eight years old and was exposed to a different variety of classical music during my floor exercises. My coaches were Russian and I was able to experience Russian music. I remember going to practice everyday to Kozeevs, and Tamara playing Russian music on the CD player. During my time there, I was exposed to a different way of listening to and appreciating classical music because of my floor routine. Later in my life, I gave up gymnastics for piano. And now I play the organ in which I been introduced to a lot of German pieces that Dr. Couch has included into my musical repertoire.

As I have been growing up around Latinos and speaking Spanish with my family, I have been around Spanish music my whole life. Every Sunday, I go to the Spanish mass at Our Risen Savior (ORS) and play the piano. This reminds me a lot of my country. I have many spanish speaking friends from various different countries from church along with all of my mom's friends as well. Of course, I would not forget to mention my friend from a long time ago, Andrea Contreras. She sang and still does sing for the Mariachi band. She is very gifted and talented. The Mariachi band is usually everywhere I usually go such as weddings, quinceaneras, Mexican restuarants, and other special events. Another experience was also this one time I went on a school field trip to watch a Flamenco, which is a dance originating in Spain. It was interesting to watch the movement of their feet and their costumes. Oddly, I have found myself to enjoy dancing to the Spanish music from going to many parties and clubs throughout the years. Maybe I will be able to dance to music from another country one day.. who knows?

Having taken music history with Dr. Vaneman in Fall 2008, I was introduced briefly to Indian music and the definition of raga.I have enjoyed listening to Indian music when I dine at Five Spices, an Indian restaurant near downtown Sparkle City. Being involved in the Converse Chorale during my freshman year has been a great experience. Not only have I been able to hear my friends perform, but I have been able to both enjoy and sing to the pieces we have been taught in class. In addition, I have two friends, Natasha from Srilanka and Bianca from the Philippines who have introduced me to music from their countries. Hopefully, I will be able to actually travel to their countries one day to hear the music on hands.

In conclusion, I am very excited to be taking this class and learn more about different cultures and their music. It would be nice to learn more about different types of music from all over the world. I look forward to it!<3