In some, talent can go undiscovered, lying dormant until the day when, perhaps by chance, it might be awakened and cultivated.

Senior Mariana Montufar is not one of these people. “I’ve known I could sing since I started talking,” she said.

At a young age, Montufar, and those around her, recognized her vocal abilities. In childhood, Montufar’s talent was at once sharpened and used to entertain by performing for her family.

“My mom used to watch soap operas and I would sing the theme songs for her and her friends,” Montufar said. Still today, in adolescence, “My mom loves hearing me sing,” she said.

Montufar, having realized her ability early on in life, has been in choir every year since the fourth grade – except junior year, when she took a break to focus on academics. Now, in senior year, Montufar is considering her talent in sifting through her options for after high school. “I want to go to a college that has music,” Montufar said. “I want to continue with my voice.”       

One of her key proponents thus far has been choir director Mark Swope. Over the years of working with Montufar, Swope experienced first-hand the idiosyncrasies of Montufar’s voice. “She’s able to sing higher,” Swope said. “Her voice is stronger, and she has a beautiful tone.”

In addition to the progress in her vocals, Swope has also observed developments in Montufar, as a person and as a student. “She’s a wonderful student,” Swope said. “She’s a definite vocal leader in her group. The choir is definitely better having her in it.”

With Montufar approaching graduation, Swope is reluctant to let her go. “I hate to lose her. I want some teacher out there to fail her so she can stay,” he joked.

Beyond being in choir, Montufar is using music in other ways as she strives toward higher education. “(Music) helps me concentrate on my schoolwork,” Montufar said. “Instead of talking during class, I’ll think of a song in my head, be quiet, and focus.”

Aside from concentration in school, Montufar also uses music as a coping method. “Sometimes I can get really upset and music just helps me through it,” she said.

Some of the music Montufar turns to most, whether for practice or enjoyment, are bands like The Smiths and Florence and the Machine.

When it comes to inspiration, one song rises above all others – “There is a Light That Never Goes Out,” by historically upbeat downers The Smiths.

“It’s so heartfelt,” Montufar explains. “I can just relate to it.”

Montufar has ambitions to be in a band of her own, although not for a salary. “I don’t really care to get paid for it,” she said. “I would just love to be in a local band and play local shows.”

Her hesitation for having a band to perform with? “I’m really shy,” she said.

Band or no, Montufar still looks to music as her passion and escape. “I feel like a song can express things you can’t express yourself,” she said. “If you can’t talk things out, you can sing it.”