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Scott teen trying to make it in the music industry

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Stephenie Wade
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  She began singing at a young age, but it was at age 12 when her mother and sister decided to enter Bryana Salaz into her first singing competition at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. She realized then how much she enjoyed performing and that she wanted to make a career out of it.

Being a military kid, Bryana continued to compete even while relocating with her future goal in mind. Her father, U.S. Army Col. Edward Salaz, is the commander of the 757th Transportation Center at U.S. Transportation Command. Their family moved to the Scott area this year.

Today, Bryana is 17-years old and a senior at Mascoutah High School.

"Keeping up with anything in a military family is a challenge," said the teenager. "When I first discovered that I truly loved singing, I knew I would never stop no matter what. So every time we moved I just used it as an opportunity to perform in a new place. Actually being a military dependent worked to my advantage because I was able to adapt to scenarios and become less intimidated."

Before their move to Scott, Bryana had participated in six competitions and had already tried out for "The Voice" television show.

"I've watched 'The Voice' for the past few years and have been amazed by the performances," said Bryana. "I really love the approach 'The Voice' takes in the beginning with the blind auditions, when the four coaches have their back turned to the singers and they select them based on their voice."

She said her first experience on "The Voice" was nerve wracking.

"I was a mess backstage. The other contestants tried to calm me down with breathing exercises. When I first got on stage my mind went blank. Then once a chair turned around for me I started jumping and crying before I could finish my song."

Bryana, a huge Gwen Steffani fan, was fortunate enough to make it past the blind audition round and was chosen to be on team Gwen after singing "Problems" by Ariana Grande.  According to Bryana, she learned so much she could probably write a book. She was voted off in the first round of live singing on the 2014 competition.

"Being on the show allowed me to grow as an artist and Gwen taught me how to connect with lyrics and emote [during] my songs, which takes a performance to the next level," said Bryana. "I think you can actually see and hear the improvements of the contestants throughout the show. Personally, I learned that I can handle pressure better than I thought. I actually think stress makes me better because I work harder and put more effort to give my best performance."

Bryana's future plans include working towards her goal of becoming an artist. She currently has two vocal coaches. Her dream is to have sold-out shows and to connect with fans through her music.

"Even if I never make it in the industry, I will always make sure that music is a part of my life," she said. "Whether I decide to teach others or come home and play music after a long day of work, music will always be in my life."