[ot-caption title=” Rodrigo Torrejon (via Rachel Rutstein, Junior)”]

Rodrigo Torrejon singing at the Future Stars concert (via Dr. Jorge Torrejon)”

This week Type One interviewed sophomore Rodrigo Torrejon. Rodrigo is well known around campus due to his melodious voice. Often on stage for Playing for Change or the musical, Torrejon’s voice is well known on campus. The singer opens up to us about his favorite memories, accomplishments, and some knowledge he has gained from singing.

T1: How old were you when you started singing?

Rodrigo: I was 13. A lot of my friends were members of chorus in Lower School, so when I got into Middle School I was interested. Then, Mr. Malone, the chorus instructor, asked me and my brother to join, so we did.

T1: What’s your favorite genre of music? Why?

Rodrigo: I have a very strange interest in music. All my playlists in Spotify range from Kanye to opera with some rock and reggae. I have a really mixed up style.

T1: Who’s your favorite musician?

Rodrigo: That’s tough. Probably Kanye. Just the other day me and my brother were sitting in the car, windows down, blasting Kanye. His music just really pumps me up.

T1: What enables you to display passion when you sing?

Rodrigo: The acting component of myself allows me to put such passion into songs. I also like musical theater so I really try to put myself in the song I’m singing.

T1: Why do you enjoy singing? What’s your favorite thing about it?

Rodrigo: I enjoy it because I can express myself. I also really love being able to convey certain emotions or feelings to an audience.

T1: What is your favorite memory with singing?

Rodrigo: My favorite memory would have to be the Future Stars competition in Boca Raton when I got to perform in Mizner Park. I had to audition with other singers and if you got accepted you would perform live in Mizner. It was a really cool experience.

T1: What is your favorite quote?

Rodrigo: “Music to me is like breathing – I don’t get tired of breathing, I don’t get tired of music.” -Ray Charles

T1: What is some important knowledge you’ve gained from music?

Rodrigo: I’ve learned that you should not close yourself in. You can always be open and express yourself. Don’t hide something just because its personal to you.

T1: How will you use music for the rest of your high school/career?

Rodrigo: For the rest of high school I will still be doing Playing for Change and musicals. I’m not sure what I’ll do with it in the future, but it will always be a small thing I continue to do.

T1: What is a goal you have?

Rodrigo: A goal I have set with my music is to audition for Julliard. That will be a challenge, but it is a big goal I have set.

T1: What is your biggest accomplishment?

Rodrigo: To me, improving every year and trying to get better and better is a huge accomplishment

T1: What are three words to describe yourself?

Rodrigo: Funny, enthusiastic, and caring.

T1: What do you hope people will take away from your work?

Rodrigo: It depends. I basically want to convey the message in  whatever song I’m singing.