IVCC students Zombracz, Cendejas sing along
By Beth Kalisiak
Megan Zombracz and Olivia Cendejas, who are giving a vocal recital on April 28, have been singing seriously since the ages of 8 and 10 respectively.
Saying she doesn’t remember what got her started, Zombracz said, "I think my mom wanted me to get involved because my older cousin was."
For Cendejas, it was singing in the church choir.
"My grandfather influenced me a lot," Cendejas said. "He was musically gifted, exposed me to classical music at a young age, and knew that I would do something in music. He never had the opportunity to go to college so I feel like I’m doing this for the both of us."
Both women are sopranos, but each has her own unique sound, said singing instructor Dr. Alan Peters.
"Megan (Zombracz) is more dramatic, has a sense of wanting to express emotions and has a very full voice," the instructor said. "Olivia (Cendejas) has a lyrical or smooth voice. It has a naturally high tension and unusual sound."
Peters explained, however, that "you won’t know in the studio how an individual will perform on stage while excited. There’s no venue but performing to test you. It’s not much different than sports."
Zombracz, an L-P graduate, has been accepted in NIUs music program where she plans to major in vocal performance.
"I’m excited but scared," Zombracz said. "I’m going to be a junior but not a veteran of the school."
Zombracz received the Arion Award her senior year in high school, won first place in solo and ensemble contests three years in a row and went to IMEA throughout her high school career. She has performed with the IV Children’s Choir, at Stage 212, in L-P musicals and IVCC plays.
Cendejas, a Putnam county graduate, is transferring to ISU to major in English and minor in music history. She plans to become a high school teacher.
"It (ISU) is a really good school for people who are aspiring to be teachers, plus it’s close to my family," Cendejas said.
Cendejas received many scholarships from her high school to help her at IVCC.
Peters said both women have made good choices for their futures.
"Both work very hard," he said. "It has been interesting to see what each has had to go through."
Both women are excited about their recital, which will be at 7 p.m. in the Cultural Centre.
Zombracz said, "It’s kind of cool. I’ve never had one (recital) showcasing my talents."