Jimenez’s passion soars in her voice

TAMUK student takes the national stage  

The lights dim, the audience grows silent and a single spotlight shines down as lifelong dreams turn into an awakening reality. Sophomore music education major Angel Jimenez hits the stage once again, this time, at a national level.

Jimenez started singing when she was eight years old. She sings genres such as country and pop and performs song covers from artists like Adele and Whitney Houston. Her father, Abel Jimenez, is her inspiration to sing, especially when it comes to mariachi, one of her strengths.

Jimenez is studying to be a director at Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK) but would also love to pursue a singing career. In March 2022, Jimenez found herself performing on Tengo Talento, Mucho Talento (TTMT), a national talent competition show done in a series of rounds.

Auditions take place in the first round, followed by a head-to-head competition in the second, after that is the semifinals, during which the highest scorer amongst three semi-finalists compete leading up to the finale. Jimenez was a semifinalist and concluded her time on the show two months later in May.

“My life has definitely changed since being on the show. I get recognized and more people in town know who I am. I have also had some interviews since then,” Jimenez said.

Jimenez states that the overall experience was incredible. She met and learned from some of her favorite singers.

In addition to being a national singing sensation, she is involved in theater, choir and mariachi at TAMUK. She states that she tries her best to manage her time and even though it gets stressful at times, it’s worth doing what she loves.

Jimenez mentions how her hobbies made her who she is today. Some hobbies developed as time passed and quickly turned into passions, one of these being singing. Aside from her passion for singing, Jimenez also loves to help teach others about music.

Jimenez wants to finish her education first because she believes it is very important. Other goals of hers include performing live more and creating her own music.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, catching up on sleep and practicing, whether that be scripts, vocals or mariachi.

Jimenez’s close friends have also taken notice of her musical and character progress since her first time arriving on campus.

“Her passion for music comes naturally. She’s a hard worker and takes her music very seriously. She’s always trying to do her best. She found her calling and it shines through,” sophomore Sociology Major and Choir Mentor Alexzandra Garcia said.

Garcia and Jimenez both attended a choir camp to further increase their chances of advancing to region choir and the two enjoy singing together for fun.

“Angel achieving her dreams has inspired me to achieve my own. We are supportive of one another,” Garcia said.

TAMUK’s Director of Choral Activities Dr. Kenneth Williams strives to produce the best music educators by teaching through performance. One of the ways he does this is by encouraging non-music majors to join his ensemble groups. 

Jimenez, a member of the campus concert choir, has worked closely with Williams to make great progress in her private lessons and more.

“Angel has grown in many ways. She demonstrates an understanding of the potential of her voice in all its capabilities and a variety of styles.

 One of the most striking growths that I have seen in Angel is her confidence and in her belief in the potential of her voice,” Williams said.

Williams states that singing can give students a sense of belonging, which is something Jimenez found gradually along the way.

“She is a born performer, unlike most in that when she performs in front of an audience, her nervousness spurs her to greater heights. This she has demonstrated in her many performances within the university and without,” Williams said.

Jimenez is grateful for her support system and to everyone who plays a part in helping her get to where she is today.

She plans to audition for other shows in the future, and believes she is still learning and improving with each performance but likes to appreciate the experience she gains out of it nonetheless.

“My advice would be to just go for it. You’re going to hear a lot of nos before you finally hear that one yes, and that one yes could possibly change your life,” Jimenez finishes.

The lights turn back on as supporters and audience members cheer in applause. 

Jimenez stands proud, having an unforgettable experience behind her and a bright future ahead.