Mariana Rivas’s Musical Journey: From Doral to Auditioning for the Frost School of Music

Mariana Rivas, a young and accomplished vocalist from Doral, Florida, is preparing for one of the most significant milestones in her musical career: auditioning for the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami this week. After a wave of attention and recognition for her achievements, she hopes to take her talents to one of the nation’s top music programs to further her passion and dedication to the arts.

Achievements in the City of Doral

Mariana Rivas first gained widespread recognition in her community by winning the City of Doral’s 2023 National Anthem Contest. Representing Doral Academy, she was selected to perform at major city events from October 2023 to 2024, including:

• State of the City Address
• Veterans Day Ceremony
• National Day of Prayer Ceremony
• Doral Central Park Grand Opening

Her performance at the grand opening of Doral Central Park Amphitheater was historic, as she was the first artist to sing the national anthem at the new venue. Her contributions to these events earned her recognition from Mayor Christi Fraga, who commended her talent and leadership.

“Mariana Rivas’s performances have brought immense pride to our city. Her ability to convey emotion through her voice has resonated deeply with Doral residents, and she continues to inspire with her dedication to the arts,” said Mayor Fraga.

Additionally, Mariana was invited by Doral Academy’s Assistant Principal to perform at all football and basketball games, further solidifying her role as a representative of her school and community.

Leadership and Mentorship

Mariana Rivas’s achievements extend beyond her performances. She has held leadership roles as Co-President of the Firebird Choir and Vice-President of the Tri-M Music Honor Society, where she:

• Managed large groups of choir members and board officers.
• Organized events and rehearsals to prepare students for competitions.
• Promoted student talent, increasing the visibility of her school’s music programs by over 65% on social media.

Her passion for mentorship was evident in her Music Theory Mentorship & Training Project, an initiative that helped peers prepare for Florida All-State auditions. This project resulted in a 71% increase in the number of qualified students and earned her a nomination for the Miami Herald Silver Knight Award in Digital & Interactive Media.

Artistic Growth and Original Work

Mariana Rivas’s musical journey has been marked by personal and artistic growth:

• She achieved a perfect 50/50 score on the Music Theory audition for the Florida All-State Choir as a junior, becoming the only student from her school to reach this milestone. She will return to All-State in 2025 as part of the Mixed Choir.
• She is collaborating with producer Fernando Abadía from Cali, Colombia, to release her original song, “Cada Momento,” which emphasizes the beauty of life’s moments.

Preparing for the Frost School of Music Audition

With aspirations to study Music Industry, Mariana Rivas is now preparing to audition for the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami. Her decision to audition follows the wave of attention and recognition she has received for her work in the Doral community and beyond. Mariana has also participated in the Frost School’s MusicReach Contemporary Mentoring Program, gaining valuable experience by performing alongside alumni and preparing for opportunities like the Winter Wonderful Gala.

“Mariana Rivas’s achievements reflect not only her exceptional talent but also her determination to elevate herself and those around her. She embodies the values of our community, and we are proud to support her on this journey,” added Mayor Fraga.

Her audition represents the culmination of years of hard work, community involvement, and artistic development. It’s the next step in her journey to refine her craft and pursue her dream of becoming a music professional.

A Bright Future

Mariana Rivas’s achievements as a vocalist, mentor, and leader position her as a strong candidate for the Frost School of Music. As she takes this critical step toward her future, she carries with her the support and pride of her community, peers, and family. Whether on stage or behind the scenes, Mariana Rivas’s dedication to music continues to inspire those around her as she looks ahead to this next chapter in her journey.