I dreamed for a long time to be able to one day see Bocelli live. I wanted my parents to experience it as well. I would hunt for tickets and end up never purchasing because of their price. Well, the price is very much worth it because the concert is an incredible experience. Your spirit almost leaves your body and has no other thoughts but to enjoy and take in the sound of the hall. The energy is electric, the passion for music is effervescent, and the chemistry between all the talents is mesmerizing. How can I possibly know this without ever having gone to see him live?

I know this because God arranged for me to PLAY on the same stage as Bocelli. I didn't just attend a concert. I got to participate, accompany, collaborate with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra players, and make life long memories alongside like-minded and passionate individuals. I met Loren Allred and spoke to Nadine Sierra. The kindness and professionalism as well as the humble presence of every individual truly filled up the venues. I was blessed enough to play in the Orlando AND Miami shows for Bocelli's 'Believe' Tour. How could little ol' me have this incredible experience? Maybe a miracle. Maybe God saw me. He saw how hard this year was for me and how many tears I cried in secrecy while other badmouthed me, belittled me, and put me in a box of their creation for my life. 

Maybe this experience is the biggest and most profound one I will ever have while I live on this earth. I wish Mr. Bocelli knew how thankful I am for his gifts and existence. I wish he knew that I grew up singing his music with my dad and that my soul felt renewed whilst playing 'Time to Say Goodbye' and 'Vivo Per Lei'. I wish I knew if I'll ever do this again. Either way, I am thankful. 2021 has ended on a superb note (no pun intended) and I could not be more overjoyed. 

Thank you to God. Thank you to my parents. Thank you to the Orlando Phil, and thank you to Andrea Bocelli. 

I am so thankful that my graduate recital was a success. You can check it out on my YouTube Channel which has it all in 4 parts. I worked hard despite the fact that it was not an easy semester for me. Personal problems, health concerns, and all kinds of stress inducing situations made it diffcult for me to believe that I'd ever finish this degree or even succeed at completing this recital. Could it have been better? YES. Could I have played at a higher quality? 1000000% 
Am I happy and thankful that I at least put on a brave face, showed up and played my heart out? Most definitely. 
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Well it has been awhile since I've updated this blog. To be honest, I mainly use my Youtube and Instagram to give updates on my endeavors. Alot has happened in the past year, and I have been very happy here at SHSU. I've met and worked with great musicians and professionals, gained more confidence as a performer, and also kept my side passion going for YouTube and content creating (alot of work in progress there).

Now I am approaching my final grad recital as well as the end of my collegiate study. Unless a great opportunity presents itself and I really feel the need to continue with more studies, I don't see myself going past the masters level. I am thankful and tired. 7 years of college is enough, in my opinion. 

I have learned alot, cried alot, smiled alot, and also played alot. I'm excited to post about my recital and I hope to be able to deliver the music well. I'm excited to be approaching the end of this journey and the beginning of something new. 

Well 2020 has most certainly been a rollercoaster of events for people worldwide. As a late 90s kid, I can't say I've lived through anything quite as shocking. We remember 9/11 of course, but I was so young (and not in America yet), that I can't really use this event as that triggering and traumatic point in my life. So many families were shaken that day and so many lives were lost. It was enough to change things drastically, and I feel that with this virus, more will change. Alot of things were put into perspective for me recently. I was disappointed by the people around me, people who I thought were professional and trustworthy, but who, in fact, did not hesitate to ignore the hardship around us and add on to my plate of worries. 

I've been happy but quite lonely in Orlando. Orlando has been my dream city and I remember begging and wanting to go to Disneyworld, or take a trip down to Miami so bad growing up and never having had the chance or the financial ability. Being here blessed me immeasurably more than I could have hoped or imagined. Not only did I get to live in an amazing city, in the beautiful sunshine state (that really needs to finish its I4 construction), but I was able to go to Disney quite often after obtaining my annual pass and truly live my childhood dream. I got to explore, to feel, know, and experience what being alone means and what working to fix the problems you find yourself in, without the help of anyone else, is truly like. I had my first car accident here, my first hospitaliation, my first fears over what and how I'll handle work, school, and the expectations of faculty members. Alot happened, huh? I won't go into the details, but no, being here was not some vacation. It was work. Being alone shapes you as a person. Working to take care of yourself, never really asking for anyone's help (but also being surrounded by people who never offer help), well...that does change a person. 

Although I've been happy here, I feel that God knows what's best for me. With a heavy heart I'll have to part at the end of May with Florida. I'll be moving back to Texas, specifically to Huntsville, TX and transferring to Sam Houston State University where I feel that I'll truly be able to become a better musician, while also having the family, the friends, and those I love alot closer. I have only peace of mind and hope for what lies ahead, and I know that even though this move is not something I wanted, it is needed. 

I'm excited to keep making videos and hope you will enjoy watching my growth. Thanks for stopping by!