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Like many immigrants who come to California from Mexico, Rosendo Ybarra (mi abuelito) not only sought a better life for his future children but one of adventure for himself. Whenever I find myself in need of inspiration, he is the one I look to. A lover of the outdoors, the risk of leaving a mundane office job did not shake his will to instead take more labor intensive employment as a construction worker; his legacy now forever being gazed upon by countless eyes who pass the Los Angeles River, a historical landmark he helped build.
This legacy did not come easy though; at the early age of seventeen, misfortune struck as a mining accident claimed one of his legs forcing Rosendo to use a prosthetic leg for the remainder of his life. Through the hardships I have faced over the years, my grandfather's legacy has been there not only to remind, but also teach me to overcome any adversity with humility. Rosendo did not have any of his four children until after the mining accident, this is where the iron will of the Ybarra name was forged and prevailed. My grandfather is a true embodiment of "Si Se Puede."
The story told within the Ybarra family is that Rosendo walked uphill for five miles and back on foot, after purchasing a crib for what would be his first born daughter (mi madrecita). Inheriting her father's iron will, raising three children by herself would not be easy but my mother found a way to financially provide for her children while gifting them the ultimate life lesson. The same life lesson I have been gifted from her throughout my life; never give up.
Often times, it was very difficult to live in a household where she was undervalued, underappreciated, and financially taken advantage of by one of her siblings. After her parents passed away, my mother battled admirably to provide for her children, while being financially manipulated into an environment that was not healthy for her children. This did not stop her from providing love and support to the dreams of her children, but living with a sibling who had no regard for his damaging behavior made it difficult for anyone to find peace at home.
At the age of fifteen music became my escape from the toxic environment my family was forced to be in. My earliest memories of music consist of myself practicing late at night when everyone slept; during the day I was not allowed to practice with an amplifier unless I wanted to risk getting in trouble for making too much noise.
It was the iron will of my ancestors guiding me when I refused to let fear navigate my musical journey. When I began volunteering at Saint Marcellinus Church as a guitarist, I learned the power of music and how it brought a community closer together. The love I gave and received was stronger than the fear trying to be forced on me. Eventually I became the music director where I shared and acquired knowledge on guitar theory and choir music; the seed to becoming a classically trained musician had been planted.
Graduating from East Los Angeles College with an AA degree in classical guitar performance not only allowed me to develop a deep focus as a musician, but It also encouraged me to explore new areas of music. Learning how to navigate recording software so I could record and produce my own music, and then learning how to use this skill to help other musicians with their projects still proves invaluable; my proudest accomplishment being "Roots of Refuge Records."
My grandfather and mother sacrificed so much, and although my legacy is still being written, it will never be as impactful as theirs. I hope to honor their loving commitment to my upbringing through music.
Copyright © 2024 David Jesus Ybarra - All Rights Reserved.
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