Karenly NievesKárenly Nieves is a singer, writer and food and lifestyle blogger who was born and raised in Hormigueros/Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. She was the winner of the “Outstanding Vocalist Award” in the Berklee in Puerto Rico program in 2012 and is currently at Berklee College of Music focusing on achieving a bachelor’s degree in Music Business/Marketing. Now, on her fifth semester at Berklee, Kárenly works as a Spanish tutor and intern for LP’s Congahead Studios. She has been blessed to perform with bands such as the Migrant Motel, 427 Flavah Factory, the Ibetnia project, Latimbop, Amy Black and be part of Berklee ensembles such as the Indian Ensemble and the Recording Ensemble with Gabriel Goodman.

Spanish

El verano ya está a la vuelta de la esquina! El clima de éste semestre ha impactado en definitive nuestras agendas, planes y clases. Ha sido muy duro mantenerse al día de todo lo que estaba tratando de pasar pero, cuando lo logramos, la alegría de estar en tarima, de recibir una buena nota y poder entender el material de la clase son algunas de las recompensas. Estos últimos meses han florecido y se han convertido en una plataforma de talento que no tiene comparación en Berklee y, para mí, el Festival VIVE fue la perfecta demostración y celebración.

Andrea Alarcón fue la primera estudiante de voz de Berklee que conocí a través de una profesora. Su personalidad y compasión por los demás es algo que sobresale desde el momento que la ves. Lamentablemente, no tuve la oportunidad de establecer una amistad con ella pero siempre tuve por seguro que recibiría una Hermosa sonrisa y un abrazo tan pronto la viera por los alrededores. Cuando descubrí que ella es la fundadora del VIVE quedé muy impresionada ya que el evento es una obra de arte. Mantiene una lista de talent increíble y es muy organizado con sus ensayos y promociones.

Éste es su ultimo semestre en Berklee y, ya que ha trabajado árduamente para hacer éste evento todo un éxito, quiero felicitarle y agradecerle. Tener una estudiante que le apasiona promover la música latina y que nos recuerda que podemos hacer lo que sea que nos propongamos si luchamos y perseveramos es admirable. Ha sido mi inspiración a permanecer fuerte y trabajar duro para que mis sueños se logren.

Para el festival de éste semestre, le pedí a un amigo, quién nunca había cantado en Berklee pero es un artista reconocido en su país, que sometiera una de sus composiciones. No fue fácil convencerlo por que compartir tu música en frente de cientos de músicos da mucho miedo. Pero cuando sabes, sabes. Su talent lo había traído hasta Boston y su creatividad brilla en todas las formas posibles.

Cuando supe que lo habían escogido para tocar y cantar su pieza, me di cuenta de que Andrea tendría un regalo de graduación que la haría sentir en familia. Todos los estudiantes que tocaron esa noche hicieron que Andrea sonriera y se sintiera orgullosa y lograron que el public bailara y cantara con ellos. Ver a tus amigos dejar su alma en tarima es algo inexplicable. Mientras veía sus sonrisas reflejadas en las nuestras, vi mi primavera florecer. Gracias a Berklee por ofrecernos oportunidades así y gracias Andrea por nunca rendirte.

English

Summer is around the corner at last! This semester’s weather has definitely made an impact in our schedules, plans and classes. Overall, it has been really hard to keep up but when we finally do, the thrill of being on stage, receiving a good grade and understanding material is more than enough compensation. This semester has bloomed into a showcase of talent beyond compare in our school and, for me, the Vive Latin Festival was the perfect concert to celebrate just that.

Andrea Alarcón was the first Berklee student that I met before attending school. Her personality and compassion were things that outstand from the moment you see her. I didn’t get the chance of developing a friendship with her but I always knew that she’d give me the most beautiful smile and hug if we bumped into each other. When I learned that she was the founder of the VIVE Festival I was so impressed because the event is a true masterpiece. It holds so many talented musicians and it’s really organized when it comes to rehearsals and promotions.

This is her last semester at Berklee and, given the fact that she worked so hard to make this event successful, I really want to extend my congratulations and my gratitude. Having a student that really cares to showcase Latin music and to remind us that we can do anything if we have the passion and perseverance is admirable. She has been my inspiration during this semester to stay strong and work for my dreams to come true.

For this semester’s festival, I asked a friend of mine, who had never performed Berklee, but is recognized in his home country, to submit a composition. It wasn’t easy for him to accept because sharing your music in front of hundreds of other musicians can be nerve racking. But, don’t you just know sometimes? His skills and creativity shined in every way possible.

When I got the news that he had been chosen to do it and sing too, I realized that Andrea would have a warm graduation gift from us. All the students who performed that night made Andrea proud and got the public dancing and singing along. Watching your friends leave their soul with you is more than words could ever explain. As all of their smiles were reflected on ours, I saw my spring bloom in front on me. Thank you Berklee for giving all of us a chance to share our roots and thank you Andrea for never giving up.

Blog: thetastypleasuresoflife.weebly.com
Facebook: Forever Kárenly – The Tasty Pleasures of Life
Instagram: @porsiemprekarenly
Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/Karenly11

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