Puerto Rican performer Edgar René traveled to Hays on March 27 on his first school tour, Viviras 2018-2019. René’s goal is to promote Spanish learning in classrooms and spread the positive message of unity through his music.

René’s first CD, Corazón Poeta, came out when he was only 11 years old. He compared himself to a newborn as he was trying to make a name for himself in the music business in Puerto Rico.

René was a part of a prestigious children’s choir with other famous Puerto Rican performers like Luis Fonsi.

René said his mother was the first to recognize his talent, so she took the time to enroll him in vocal lessons and help him seek out auditions.

“My mom is a believer,” René said. “She puts all things into God’s hands. When I was a kid, she told me that God has a perfect plan for all of us. I started believing that something was going to happen.”

René said there’s no guarantee that you’ll become famous, even if you’re talented. He said it’s about the hard work in every area of your life, and that you need to seize every opportunity to better yourself on your journey.

“Sometimes they tell me yes, sometimes they tell me no, but that’s what’s important about this career,” René said. “If a door (of opportunity) closes in your face, that means it wasn’t the right door.”

For those looking to pursue music, René said that discipline is the best option for the performer.

“The practice is the perfection,” René said. “I think the best things that a musician has is studying and perseverance.”

René has encountered many challenges in pursuing his career, including having to give up performing eight years ago to manage an Office Depot.

“At that moment, my agenda was not doing well,” René said. “The music is not always high (paying), and in the lowest moments, it was challenging for us.”

Five years ago, Sony offered René a contract, but he would’ve had to leave his family behind. He turned it down.

He said that no music deal is more important than being there for his family.

“I know that sometimes doors can open for you, but you need to think about what is going to happen in your future,” René said.

Now, René is back to following his musical path wherever it may take him. He described music as being something that you’re able to feel in your heart, even if you only play one chord.

“When you combine the music and the good message, you get to be closer to the people,” René said. “This is one of the most important things that convinced me that I wanted to be a great musician and be an example for young people.”

21cleiker@usd489.com