by Christina Calderon, staff writer

Junior Nick Vivar certainly stands out in a crowd, and it’s not just because of his awesome hair.

Vivar has been singing from a young age. He began singing karaoke just for fun and it quickly became one of his passions, but he decided he wanted more.

It all began in the seventh grade when Vivar first played the guitar. He enjoyed being a percussionist in his middle school’s band, but the guitar was something he’d been wanting to take up.

He was inspired after watching his cousin’s band play and was immediately interested.

“My cousin started a band and I thought it was the coolest thing ever,” said Vivar. “It was something I wanted to try out, and I ended up falling in love with it.”

Not only does he sing, but he is also a self-taught guitarist. His musical talent came naturally. He started out playing piano and when he went beyond what his instructor was teaching him, his mom fully recognized his talent.

“We always knew he had an ear for music,” said his mother Liza Vivar. “We’re grateful he noticed his gift.”

Though he can’t read music, Vivar has been writing and playing his own songs since his freshman year. In addition, he enjoys doing covers of pop and electronic songs.

Some of his covers can even be found on Youtube on his channel nvivar87.

At the moment, Vivar works at Canyon Creek Presbyterian Church as a music director and intern.

He plays alongside other band members, including senior Cory Teese.  Vivar said they just “get each other.”  Vivar and Teese enjoy each other’s company and play outside of church a few times a week.

“We learn off each other, but he’s way better than I am,” said Teese.

In addition to playing at his church, Vivar has gotten offers to play at community centers and festivals. Vivar has even been asked to play at the 2012 San Ramon Art and Wind Festival.

“I play whenever I get the opportunity to,” Vivar said. “If there’s any opportunity, I’ll take it.”

He has a wide range of musical talent and abilities. In addition to playing guitar, Vivar also plays drums, bass, keyboard, and mandolin.

One of Vivar’s close friends, junior Kayvaan Ghovanloo, is a fellow musician who also plays with Vivar at church.

Ghovanloo  notes that when Vivar plays, he can see the glimmer in his eyes.

“My favorite thing about playing Nick with music is that is it brings joy to my heart and that I know he will sing at my wedding day,” Ghovanloo said.

His family has always been very supportive of his music and always has been. Vivar sees them as his biggest fans. His mom describes him as having a natural ear for music and has enjoyed hearing him play and sing throughout the years.

“I feel proud of him,” said Liza Vivar. “I know it’s God’s calling on his life.”

After Vivar graduates high school, he plans on going to college and majoring in music.

Before playing for a group Vivar gets a little nervous, but that feeling quickly wears off and he is overcome with a rush or excitement.

“At first I got nervous (before performing), but now it’s like I’m really stoked to do this,” said Vivar. “When I perform it’s a different feeling, it’s awesome.”

He plans on going with the flow and seeing where things go lead him. Among his goals of majoring in music in college and becoming famous lie other plans for his future.

“Just be happy in life, keep playing music, if I get famous then that would be awesome!” said Vivar. “But aside from that just be happy and have a family.”