Gabriel Goodwin is a senior at Santiago High School, who has a passion for music and singing. He has auditioned for American Idol twice, in addition to being involved with choir. We chose Gabriel, because he is interesting and expresses his passion for music here at school. Besides making music, he plays sports, and enjoys following political news.

When did you start playing your first instrument?

“When I was six, I got my first guitar. Now I play six different instruments.”

What instruments do you play?

“I play the acoustic, electric guitar, piano, ukulele, singing (if you count that), and percussion instruments.”

When did you start singing?

“Really, only in about seventh grade.”

What inspired you to play instruments and sing?

“I just knew that it was something I loved and something that I wanted to pursue.”

Do you write your own songs?

“Yeah, I do.”

What’s your favorite part about making music?

“Oh, wow…there are so many parts. Maybe the possibility that someday, someone is going to appreciate it. Not doing it for the fame–well, kind of!–but I’m doing it so that somebody out there appreciates what you do, you know?”

What’s your favorite song to listen to and perform?

“This is usually a hard question for people, but undoubtedly Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen. Absolutely.”

Who’s you biggest musical influence?

“Probably a tie between Ed Sheeran and Sam Smith.”

Have you played in other public places other than school?

“Yeah, I’ve played at City Hall, I’ve played at Downtown Disney, I’ve played at Mission Inn, if you count driving up to San Francisco singing for American Idol–I didn’t actually get through, though. But yeah, those are a couple of places I’ve performed.”

Do you have a favorite old song?

“I mean, Bohemian Rhapsody still qualifies, right? I love that song!”

What advice would you give someone who’s nervous about performing?

“Just to remember that you have to do it for yourself. At the end of the day, as long as you know you did a good job, you should be satisfied with it. I guess the biggest piece of advice is to ignore everybody else, just hone in your own craft, and get to a point where you know you’re proud of it, then pursue the crap out of it, and hopefully it turns into something.”