Bishop Montgomery Senior Is Multi-Talented
Torrance, CA (May 13, 2014): The halls of Bishop Montgomery are filled with students whose talents lead them in many different directions. One of the things the school prides itself on is the many opportunities that are offered for students to discover their great work - to discover their Magnum Opus. One student who embodies the spirit of Magnum Opus is senior Ian Rivera '14, a talented student in more ways than one.
Torrance, CA (May 13, 2014): The halls of Bishop Montgomery are filled with students whose talents lead them in many different directions. One of the things the school prides itself on is the many opportunities that are offered for students to discover their great work - to discover their Magnum Opus. One student who embodies the spirit of Magnum Opus is senior Ian Rivera '14, a talented student in more ways than one.
Rivera, a graduate of Nativity Catholic School, has been a valuable member of the boy's volleyball team since his freshman year. Last year as a junior, he helped lead the Knights to both the CIF and State finals in what proved to be the most successful team in the program's history. This year, Rivera helped the Knights win a share of the Del Rey League title as they head into the CIF playoffs as the #2 seed in Division IV.
As talented as Rivera is on the court, he may be even more gifted off the court. Rivera has been singing since age six and playing the guitar since he was nine. Additionally, he has been writing his own music since his freshman year. When asked when he knew he could sing, Rivera recalled his days at Nativity: "I found out I could sing in first grade," explains Rivera, "when I got the lead role in the Christmas play." Listening to Rivera today, one might think that he has had years of vocal training, but in fact, he only took up voice lessons in the first semester of his sophomore year and then stopped. "[Voice lessons] got in the way of volleyball practice."
Rivera credits his father's side of the family with sparking his interest in music. His father and uncle got him started on the guitar and he even plays the ukulele and a little piano. Like the voice lessons, Rivera has not had much formal training on the guitar. When he began playing, he took lessons for a few months, but he is generally self-taught. "My dad and uncle play the guitar and that side of the family is pretty musical," explains Rivera. "My mom's side of the family handles the audience side of things," jokes Rivera.
A few years ago, Rivera began writing his own music, but has not really taken it seriously until this year. On average, Rivera explains that he spends about two hours a day writing songs, but it depends on how much time he has after school, volleyball practice, and homework. "I generally write about either things I'm going through or things that others I know are going through," explains Rivera.
For now, Rivera's plans are to attend El Camino College and major in business management. As far as his music is concerned, he plans to continue to "keep it on the side," but hopes to one day, perhaps, work for a record label. Wherever his talents take him, Rivera is sure to find success.
As talented as Rivera is on the court, he may be even more gifted off the court. Rivera has been singing since age six and playing the guitar since he was nine. Additionally, he has been writing his own music since his freshman year. When asked when he knew he could sing, Rivera recalled his days at Nativity: "I found out I could sing in first grade," explains Rivera, "when I got the lead role in the Christmas play." Listening to Rivera today, one might think that he has had years of vocal training, but in fact, he only took up voice lessons in the first semester of his sophomore year and then stopped. "[Voice lessons] got in the way of volleyball practice."
Rivera credits his father's side of the family with sparking his interest in music. His father and uncle got him started on the guitar and he even plays the ukulele and a little piano. Like the voice lessons, Rivera has not had much formal training on the guitar. When he began playing, he took lessons for a few months, but he is generally self-taught. "My dad and uncle play the guitar and that side of the family is pretty musical," explains Rivera. "My mom's side of the family handles the audience side of things," jokes Rivera.
A few years ago, Rivera began writing his own music, but has not really taken it seriously until this year. On average, Rivera explains that he spends about two hours a day writing songs, but it depends on how much time he has after school, volleyball practice, and homework. "I generally write about either things I'm going through or things that others I know are going through," explains Rivera.
For now, Rivera's plans are to attend El Camino College and major in business management. As far as his music is concerned, he plans to continue to "keep it on the side," but hopes to one day, perhaps, work for a record label. Wherever his talents take him, Rivera is sure to find success.
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