Senior Federico Hernandez, in an attempt to synchronize the simple harmony of country music with the rhythmic patterns of hip-hop, fiddles around with his guitar to find the right combination that complements both genres. He eventually stumbles upon the perfect mix and lets the notes resonate in the air for a little while before carrying on. Because he is blind, Hernandez is unable to see the world around him, but he appreciates the auditory beauty of music.
“When I play music, I feel free to express myself,” Hernandez said. “Every music teacher that I have had taught me new patterns and techniques, and we used them in different songs.”
Hernandez first tested his interest in music a decade ago by trying out various instruments, but he immediately lost interest. Three years later, his interest in music sparked again after listening to inspirational country music, and he has pursued it ever since.
Presently, Hernandez plays the guitar, piano, drums, and flute. He can also sing and is trying to master the saxophone.
Hernandez’s biggest influence is his former music teacher, who taught him how to play the guitar in his early childhood. In the future, Hernandez aspires to write music that successfully combines stylistic elements from both the hip-hop and country genres, a goal of his since he decided to pursue music again.
“I just think that both genres say what you want to say, in a light way and in a heavy way,” Hernandez said. “Country is light because it expresses yourself when you feel good; hip-hop expresses yourself when you feel really mad. I was thinking, if I mix them both, I could express one emotion or the other.”
TCHS School Newspaper