Mariela Palencia

2022 Singing Scholarship Recipient

Mariela views music not just as an activity but as an integral part of her identity. While her primary instrument is her voice, she possesses a deep passion for music in all its forms. In addition to singing, Mariela is a talented songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Although she is self-taught on several instruments, her fortunate training in classical piano has provided her with a solid foundation in theory and composition, allowing her artistry to flourish. Her journey in music began at the age of 8, and upon discovering the existence of arts schools and the possibility of studying her craft at a university, Mariela's dedication to her studies intensified, revealing a world of limitless possibilities.

Driven by a desire to challenge herself musically and explore her potential, Mariela has actively participated in competitions, achieving numerous victories and performing at esteemed venues like the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall. Through these experiences, she noticed a scarcity of Latino representation in such programs and competitions. With her father being a Honduran immigrant, Mariela aims to break barriers and pave the way for other Latino artists. She aspires to be among the first to succeed in the classical music realm, demonstrating to fellow children of immigrants that they too can pursue their passions.

Mariela faced disappointment when the Tanglewood BUTI program, a prestigious vocal studies program, was canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Having been accepted as a freshman in high school, this setback was truly disheartening. Last summer, the program transitioned to a virtual format, prompting Mariela's decision to focus on applying exclusively to in-person programs. She believes that Tanglewood, with its renowned faculty and diverse cohort of passionate artists, will elevate her artistry. At her high school, she feels isolated in her musical pursuits, with no other students applying to conservatories or competitive summer programs. The opportunity to collaborate and create with other talented young musicians who share her enthusiasm is one of the most valuable aspects of a program like Tanglewood.