By Colleen Pierson
WKTV Contributor
A melomaniac is defined as a person who absolutely and enthusiastically loves music. Kentwood graduate Judah Guerra fits that definition wholeheartedly.
“Music is something I have been surrounded by for as long as I can remember,” he explained.
His Mom is a director of music, his father is a Latin percussionist and his siblings all have college music degrees. His grandmother is a talented singer and pianist.
“Currently, music has brought me connections to understanding the world and to people in a way that I plan on pursuing as far as I can,” he said emotionally.
His music history started with flute lessons at the age of six. And then he joined the Grand Rapids Men and Boys Choir that year. Trombone came next in middle school followed by remarkable experiences at music camps. Thus began his love for jazz.
“I started playing electric bass in 8th grade because my dad had one and always to wanted me to play it. My junior year of high school I bought an upright bass because at that point I was coming to the point of my gigs where bass players weren’t handy,” he said of his love of the instrument.
In high school, Guerra participated in as many musical ensembles as possible. At Grand River Prep he was in the band, choir, jazz band, pep band, pit, and also had lead roles in musicals he participated in. He also played in college bands in the area, honor bands, Grand Youth Symphony, the St. Cecilia Jazz Orchestra and a band he started out of that orchestra called GR Groove. To say the least, he was very busy with music in high school.
During Guerra’s senior year he transferred to East Kentwood in order to be in-person during the pandemic.
“East Kentwood was extremely helpful in getting me to play at a higher level, and it was very inspiring to see my peers play because of the level they were at.“
Currently, Guerra is a jazz studies major at Michigan State University on a full scholarship. He studies bass and trombone with a world class faculty there, he noted.
“Michigan State has been an inspiring institution for me to continue my musical path.”
Great Lakes Music podcast at WKTV
Judah credits WKTV for giving him the opportunity to start a podcast named Great Lakes Music. He has always wanted to have a podcast ever since he started watching his heroes from far and wide talk when the world went online during the pandemic.
“I want Great Lakes Music to be able to highlight the musicians in Michigan at a high level, and to give people a sense of what talent is,” he enthused.
The podcast itself highlights a new artist every episode.
“It is a chance for the guests to tell their story, give advice, and comment on the music scene as it is,” he explained.
“WKTV has been extremely helpful with the podcast and getting my name out there. The whole staff is out of this world in terms of their talent and kindness; two traits that are very rare to find,” he concluded.
