Sometimes it takes just a little push to open a lot of doors. When Brandon Martinez, who just graduated from Pioneer Valley High School, was encouraged to apply for GRAMMY Camp, he hesitated.
His instructors’ insistence, however, convinced him to record some songs as part of the application process. He was chosen out of about 1,000 applicants, and when the issue of tuition came up, he was offered a scholarship. Just like that, Martinez was on his way to one of the most exciting experiences of his life so far.
There were 111 high school students from 93 cities and 34 states across the country chosen to participate in the seventh annual GRAMMY Camp, hosted by the GRAMMY Foundation. The camp was held in Los Angeles and Brooklyn, and Martinez was selected to attend the Los Angeles camp.
“I was flattered but humbled at the same time, because there are a lot of people out there that are good,” Martinez said.
The 10-day residential summer camp focuses on all aspects of commercial music. Industry professionals work with cutting-edge technology in a creative environment where students can explore.
Martinez took the vocal track, one of six different tracks available. His fellow students and he collaborated on creating music and recorded their work at the end of the camp.
Though Martinez received an Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Fund scholarship, which covered tuition, he said the experience was priceless.
“I came back a totally different person. It humbled me,” he said. “Being in Santa Maria, I felt like a big fish in a little pond.”
He had the chance to create at The Village, the same place musicians like Aerosmith, Elton John, John Lennon, Smashing Pumpkins, Stevie Nicks, Rolling Stones, and other prominent musicians have recorded.
Martinez said his vocals have improved thanks to the experience, and he had the chance to hone his skills and advance his talent. But even more valuable was the advice he received from professionals in all aspects of the industry, such as from the musical director for Bruno Mars, Rhianna, and Lady Gaga; the trumpet player for Marvin Gaye; and the saxophone player for Michael Bublé. The students also met such musicians as Nick Jones and 12-year-old Greyson Chance, the internet phenom who found success when his video performance of Lady Gaga’s “Paparazzi” went viral.
“In the beginning they told us this wasn’t fantasy camp,” Martinez said. “They told us straight up it’s not how good you are, because there are a lot of people who are good. If you don’t have a specific look, you won’t get hired.”
He added that the students were told a story about a musician who was fired simply for not smiling when he was supposed to during a performance.
“They don’t sugarcoat it,” he said. “They give you a great reality check if you want to be in the music industry.”
Though he plays ukulele, guitar, and piano, Martinez said his main passion is singing. He’s been singing in choirs and gospel choirs since he was 5 years old. Martinez likes to perform R&B songs, oldies from the ’50s and ’60s, and contemporary songs he’s remixed with a jazz or blues sound.
“Basically, anything that is easy listening, that anyone can nod their head to and enjoy,” he said.
Martinez plans to attend Allan Hancock College to complete his studies and to continue gigging around the Central Coast. Then, he hopes to—what else?—pursue a career in the music industry.
Arts Editor Shelly Cone is always on key. Contact her at scone@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Jul 28 – Aug 4, 2011.
