On September 20th, the Latin Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences announced the 23rd Annual Latin GRAMMY® Award Nominees. The album, "A La Fiest de La Música Vamos Todos" by Sophia, was nominated for Best Latin Children's Album and features MM in Percussion student, Derris Lee, who served as classical and global percussionist, and PhD in Composition student, Chris Shelton, who served as recording engineer! The album also features Assistant Professor of Guitar, Dr. Silviu Ciulei, who served as guitarist, vocalist, and flamenco hand clapping and Visiting Assistant Professor of Voice, Dr. Thaddaeus Bourne, who served as lead background vocalist! The mission of "A la Fiesta de la Música Vamos Todos" is to educate children about the characteristic, distinctions, migratory influences, and intergenerational facets of musical genres. The album features musicians from 20 countries and 80+ musicians.
This year,Dr. José Valentino Ruiz earned two Latin GRAMMY® Award Nominations! Along with his students and colleagues, Ruiz collaborated on Sophia's album as lead album producer, recording engineer, mixing engineer, album marketing director, composer, and multi-instrumentalist (i.e., bass, flute, saxophone & MIDI keyboard). His 2nd nomination, Best Christian Album in Spanish Language for "Viviré" by Marcos Witt, showcases Ruiz's work as recording engineer, featured artist, background vocalist and vocal arranger. The mission of "Viviré" is to encourage listeners to continue living with the pillars of faith, hope, and love amid a world that has become very difficult to adjust. The award ceremony premiere and telecast will take place in Las Vegas at the Michelov ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino on November 17th, 2020. The awards will air live on Univision at 8pm ET. For more information, visit www.grammy.com.
Click HERE to listen to Viviré" by Marcos Witt
Click HERE to listen to "A La Fiest de La Música Vamos Todos" by Sophia