Sophomore Jonah Moreno surprised his wrestling teammates at last year’s end-of-the-year banquet when he started singing Stephen Sanchez’s “Until I Found You.” Wrestler Dylan Cobbs joined in after the first verse.
Jonah’s impromptu vocals were impressive. Although he’s not enrolled in a choir or band class, Jonah has strong musical roots. He’s a trumpet player, and several family members are professional musicians.
The Tribe Tribune learned about Jonah Moreno’s musical background after we collected a recent survey asking students if they could recommend students to interview about music. Jonah Moreno’s name came up multiple times.
The Tribe Tribune survey also asked, “If you could listen to only 5 songs today, what would they be?” Below is the Tribe Tribune interview with Jonah Moreno along with a few playlists from other students.
Q: A lot of guys wouldn’t put Carly Rae Jepsen on their playlist. Is there any specific reason why you chose Jepsen, Mariah Carey, Rex OC, J. Cole and Vanessa Carlton?
Not really, my family is really into Mariah Carey because she’s freaking insane. She has the vocal cords of an angel. Rex Orange County, an old friend recommended it.
Q: Do you play any bands or sing?
My dad’s side of the family, his mom and her siblings, they’re all professional jazz musicians. I played the trumpet from third grade to eighth grade, but I just stopped. I still play but not at school.
Q: Can you tell us more about your family being professional jazz musicians?
Both of my grandma’s brothers do private events. Her younger brother has record deals and he travels. Her older brother does private events.
Q: We had a few people who recommended you on the survey as someone they knew who sang. Why’s that?
When I hang out with my friends, I sing in the car really loud. I’m not afraid to sing in front of people, but I won’t unless I know them.
Q: What’s your favorite song to sing?
Me and my friend, Dylan Cobbs, we sang “Until I Found You” by Stephen Sanchez at our wrestling banquet last year.
Q: How did you get into singing?
I’ve been listening to music my whole life. Me and my family would sing in the car and also at home when cleaning. We still do so it’s just something that’s always been a part of my life and I enjoy doing it.
Q: Would you like to play an instrument or sing in the future?
It’s not my thing anymore. I enjoy playing the trumpet but I don’t think it’s something I would do. It’s more like a side hobby for me now and singing it’s just something I just do for fun. I rather use my time for sports than sitting down with an instrument.
Reporter Nate Medina contributed to the story.
We asked, “If you could listen to only 5 songs today, what would they be?”
Here are a few student responses:
