PATERSON

Paterson youth Hector Otero wins spot in Los Angeles music festival

Joe Malinconico
Paterson Press

PATERSON — Anyone who heard a woman screaming out the door of a home on Nagle Street earlier this month can stop worrying about her.

That was Maryluz Valerio reacting to the news that her 12-year-old son, Hector Otero, had been picked as one of 36 string musicians from around the country to participate in a 10-day music festival in California this summer, an event sponsored by the Los Angeles Philharmonic orchestra.

Hector Otero, 12, practices the viola in class at Paterson Community Charter School.

Valerio said she later explained the commotion to her neighborhoods, telling them she was just expressing her pride in her son’s accomplishment.

“I am so happy for him,” said Valerio, who came to the United States from the Dominican Republic in 2004. “He is such a good son."

Natural talent

Hector, a seventh-grader at Community Charter School of Paterson, was picked from among 350 applicants for his playing of the viola, according to his teacher. The youngster said he also plays the piano and this year began working on the cello and violin.

Hector started with the viola about four years ago, when he joined the Paterson Music Project initiative at his school.

Hector Otero, right, 12, practices the viola in class at Paterson Community Charter School. Otero is a student of the Paterson Music Project, and was selected to perform with other string musicians at the Los Angeles Philharmonic National Take a Stand Festival.

“Music has helped me become quite successful,” he said. “It’s helped me in ways I don’t even understand myself.”

Shanna Lin, the director of education at the Paterson Music Project, described Hector as being “naturally talented.” Lin said the youngster maximized his talent through hard work and commitment.

“He’ll go home and practice for four hours,” Lin said.

MORE:MLK’s speech in Paterson was one of his last. Hear from those who witnessed it

MORE:Paterson mayoral candidate says he spends weekends at home in Little Falls

MORE:Man killed by NJ Transit train in Paterson

Headed to Hollywood

Hector admitted that he didn’t think his chances were very good when he applied for one of the slots in the National Take a Stand Festival. “It’s very competitive,” he said.

But his classmates in the Paterson Music Project had more confidence in Hector’s chances than he did.

“I knew he would get it,” said sixth-grader Geanelly Vallecillo. “Sometimes, he believes in himself. Sometimes, he doesn't.”

Hector has never been to California and is looking forward to seeing the giant “Hollywood” sign that has become an American icon. Hector, who has lived in Paterson his whole life, said he has been to New York City just once, on a trip with the Paterson Music Project.

Shanna Lin, associate program director of the Paterson Music Project, leads a viola class at Paterson Community Charter School on Thursday, March 22, 2018.

Inspired by the El Sistema program in Venezuela, the program attempts to use music as a vehicle for social change by empowering and inspiring children through the community experience of ensemble performance. It is operated by the Wharton Institute for the Performing Arts.

The festival in Los Angeles is designed to bring together young musicians from El Sistema-like programs from all over the country.

Hector’s mom said everyone in her family is involved in music in some way or another. A student gifted enough to have skipped third grade, Hector said he didn’t realize music would become such a big part of his life when he signed up for the program.

“It gives me an opportunity to forget about the sad times that I’ve had,” he said, adding that he had been bullied when he was younger.

Good news

Hector had to submit a video of his playing as well as a personal statement for his application to the Take a Stand Festival. As part of the event, the 36-student ensemble will play at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles.

The program sent notifications to successful applicants on March 16. But Hector said he was having problems with his email account and couldn’t get access to his inbox.

That night, Hector said, he barely slept from nervousness over whether he was selected. The next day he got a new password and was able to open the email that brought him the good news.

After celebrating with a dinner with his mom at his favorite restaurant, Hector had another sleepless night. This time, Hector said, it was excitement over the impending trip to Los Angeles that kept him awake.