By Kim Hilsenbeck
Two Simon Middle School students may be on their way to fame and fortune. Or they may just have the experience of a lifetime. Either way, it’s cool.
Sophia Gonzalez, 13, and Regina Perales, 12, recently entered the “La Voz Kids” singing competition on Telemundo.
The girls submitted audition tapes, with each singing two songs. Their parents received notification that the girls would move on to the next phase of the contest.
At this point, they don’t know when the next round takes place. Both say they are ready to compete. After listening to them sing, this reporter agrees.
Sophia has been singing and playing mariachi for about five years; she started at an academy in San Marcos. She also plays guitar, violin and the guitarrón.
Regina started mariachi about two years ago. She sings and plays violin.
Simon’s mariachi instructor, Frank DeLeon, helped the students prepare for the audition — and accompanied them.
Each girl did two songs; one slow, one fast, to show the judges their range of singing.
Both girls enjoy listening to and singing mariachi. Regina’s love of this genre of music is deep rooted.
“For me, it’s been on generations,” Regina said. “Like my whole family loves it. My dad, since I was little…at first he would only focus on my brother — he’s also in mariachi. But I’ve been singing…and giving it my all. Mariachi is just like part of me now.”
What is the contest all about?
“La Voz Kids” is a talent finding show, in the same vein as “The Voice.” In the blind audition portion of the competition, participants sing in front of celebrity coaches who are sitting in rotating chairs, facing away from the participant. Coaches can hear, but not see the performer. Coaches push a button to swivel their chair around and see the rest of the contestant’s performance.
Coaches select the performers they want on the team. They then help develop their team, offering advice and sharing the secrets of their success. During the battle rounds, the coaches select six groups of three participants each from their teams to compete by singing the same song together in front of a studio audience.
In the final phase of the competition, the top participants from each team compete against each other weekly. The television audience and coaches decide who will stay in the competition.
The winning participant is determined by who has the most viewing audience votes and will be revealed during the final show. The winner receives prizes, which may include money and/or the opportunity to record a single and maybe even a music video.
While both girls said they are not seeking fame, both had a glimmer in their eyes at the possibility.
Historia de la Mariachi
Mariachi music dates back to the beginning of the nineteenth century. During the beginning of the Spanish conquest, music was used as a form of communication and for spreading the Christian religion.
Spanish theater was also a strong part of the popular culture.
Originally the music of Mexico included drums, rattles, flutes, and shell horns.
Mexican people altered the Spanish theatrical orchestra. This new type of orchestra was made up of violins, trumpets, and a guitar.
Today, the mariachi band has six to eight violins, two trumpets, a guitar, and instruments traditional to Mexico.
