Teen Stars in the SB Skies

Teen Star Santa Barbara, the local youth performing arts program originally based on the singing competitions American Idol, is set to produce its 17th showcase finals on Saturday, May 23, at historic Lobero Theatre. Which means the competitive event that eschews the nasty criticism in favor of encouraging words is now almost older than any of the area hopefuls aiming to take home the coveted crown. Teen Star’s mission is to provide talented young singers the opportunity to work with mentors – this year local songwriter and producer Adam Zelkind – culminating in a professional stage performance. The young singer, quite possibly performing for the very first time in front of a live audience, will gain priceless experience, build confidence, and bask in the glow of community support.

San Marcos High School boasts four of the 10 finalists on its roster, as well as one of the two alternates, with Cate School, La Colina Junior High, Ernest Righetti High, Dos Pueblos, Santa Ynez High, and Dunn School also represented. SMHS’s dominance is perhaps not surprising, due to the prominence of the Madrigals, the advanced choral ensemble that frequently represents the region at prestigious, invitation-only national festivals. But tenth grader Bradley Duran, a Montecito native, is the only Teen Star competitor currently with the choir. 

Duran’s interest in singing dates back to age six, when he joined Santa Barbara Young Singers Club, which culminated in a performance at SOhO, during which nerves gave way to joy. 

“I loved it,” he said. “I remember thinking, Oh, this is actually really fun.”

Once he started high school, Madrigals has been a major influence for Duran, largely due to the Director, Eleni Pantages, the UCLA Thornton School-grad who sang with the LA Master Chorale even after starting teaching at San Marcos. 

“It’s such a great opportunity,” Duran said. “She puts in so much effort and work and it’s obvious she really loves what she does, which helps to motivate us. “

For his solo slot at the Lobero, Duran will be performing “Far Away from Tulsa” from the coming-of-age folk-rock musical The Outsiders. 

“It’s always so hard to choose one, but I can relate to the story, which makes it easier to perform, and it showcases several parts of my voice,” he said. 

Should he be chosen by the judges and audience vote to advance to the three-person final round, Duran will sing “Walk,” the 2011 song by the Foo Fighters.

“It’s really different, but I also find a lot of meaning in the lyrics, which I love to express,” he said. “Both of them have big moments, too.” 

Duran was also a finalist at last year’s Teen Star showcase at the Marjorie Luke, which perhaps gives him a leg up on the newbies. Winning would be fun, he said, although he wasn’t sure what prizes would come with claiming the competition. 

“For me, it would mean a lot that people enjoy what I put out there,” he said. “It’s great when someone you never met before comes up to tell you they liked your song. Winning would be awesome, because it’s recognition for all the hard work that you’ve put into it.” 

Might all this translate into pursuing a career in music? 

“That was definitely my dream growing up, but now I have new passions,” he said. “It takes a lot of work and even more luck to make it. But music will always be in my life.” 

Perhaps, he said, even in the context of becoming a music teacher. 

“I’ve been really inspired by Ms. P,” he said. “I think I’d love teaching too.” 

Visit https://teenstar.us or www.lobero.org