Music is an instrument that not only speaks to one’s own soul but can also be a way to communicate with others.
Elkhart High School has many outstanding musicians who dedicate their time and effort into becoming the best that they can be. Sophomore Ariana Oropeza has demonstrated her musical talent in various ways. Last year, for instance, Oropeza joined the marching for the first time and discovered she had an amazing experience. She mentions the necessity to maintain her priorities while still being able to participate in such activities. “I made some really good friends throughout the season, and I became more disciplined.” However, she says,“I still found time to have fun and mess around with my friends during bus rides.”
As a result of her marching experience, Oropeza also now plays violin for the symphony orchestra, as well as the clarinet for the wind ensemble. “It’s still a bit surreal,” she notes. “My marching band friends have encouraged me to audition for the wind ensemble–and somehow I managed to make it in!” Although Oropeza finds it hard to believe, she remains humble about it. Playing violin for over 10 years, Oropeza started when she was just five years old. She added in the clarinet later, learning to play that instrument during her middle school years at West Side.
Music is clearly an instrumental part of Oropeza’s life; in fact, she can’t imagine doing anything else. In commenting about her last performance, she says, “I was second chair violin and third chair in clarinet.” While being seated behind the upperclassmen doesn’t bother her, she isn’t complacent about it, either. “There’s still so much I need to learn and improve on before moving up the ranks, but I am content where I am”–embracing the idea that progress takes time.
In addition to her musical commitments, one of their most exciting projects she takes part in is the first Elkhart High School Mariachi band: Mariachi de Oro. The group formed earlier this school year and was brought together by seniors Damian Guerra and Olivia Gutierrez, who scouted for and encouraged others to join. “The band meets every Monday, practicing in the band room before school starts,” Oropeza also says. “We are a student-led group. Mariachi de Oro relies on donations from the audience to fund its activities.” The donations that are given to help support their group is what enables their performances to happen.
With more songs in the works, Oropeza endorses the fact that “Mariachi de Oro is preparing to showcase their talent at the Coffeehouse talent show.” Looking ahead, they also hope to incorporate vocals into their performances. “Before we add vocals,” Oropeza cautions, “we still need to worry about our instruments, rather than adding on vocals.” Oropeza passionately explains her plan on taking the group to new heights.
Oropeza has many other passions, as well–music being the main one. With her instruments, communication is simpler. “With my instruments, it’s just a matter of articulating my hands and letting the melody do the talking for me,” she expresses. Music is what helps her convey herself in her own personal way. Always, Oropeza pushes herself to be the best that she can be by asking herself these questions: “How far can I take my musicality? In what tone of voice should I deliver a certain line? Soft or tender? Or, aggressive and solemn?” These guiding questions make an impact on the direction of her performance. Oropeza wants others to appreciate her musical capabilities and to be remembered by the audience for achievements. Aside from her main passion, Oropeza also enjoys the Japanese Sanrio characters. “Pompompurin is my favorite character!” she admits. “My cousin got me a Lego set of him a few years ago, and it’s still looking as good as ever!” Oropeza would describe herself as a general fan of mainly “cutesy things.”
Another liking that Oropeza takes interest in is fashion–which also plays an important role in her self-expression. “From a young age, my mother made sure that my brother and I wore the nicest things to events in public places–mainly family gatherings.” That attention to detail has been carried with her throughout her life and has now influenced her to find her own style. Throughout the years, she has also been gathering statement pieces, such as jumpsuits and a strawberry dress worn exclusively for Halloween. Oropeza also has quite a collection of various dress shirts paired with ties.
What, though, is her secret clothing fetish? Oropeza has a particular love for maxi skirts, along with distinctive tops and pants. However, not all strike a spark of joy they once did. But, that just opens up more room for new items in her closet. Along with fashion, Oropeza enjoys to crochet. “Crocheting was a pretty big part of my summer vacation,” Oropeza recalls. “Before going to Japan, I started and finished a small bandana for myself.” Despite the compliments of her hard work, the sense of pride and in crafting something by hand was undeniable.
For Ariana Oropeza, life is a blend of many ingredients that have helped her find her own style and express herself to the world–whether through music, fashion, or creative projects. Each becomes its own performance that speaks well of such a hard-working individual.
