Parker Cinel is a young musician with big aspirations.
A student at St. Charles College, Parker credits school staff for their encouragement for him to pursue his musical dreams.
“Mrs. Patricia Demore, the music teacher at St. Charles, has been particularly helpful in my journey for a few reasons. She’s been so supportive, and she is just so invested in the music world,” Parker said. “She really pushes me to follow my dreams and reach my goals.”
Parker recently performed at a matinee event at the Daventry Restaurant, a gala event at the Caruso Club and at popular downtown spot, La Fromagerie.
“My greatest success was probably when I first got up on a stage,” Parker said. “I was still a beginner musician when I started out in the Sudbury Youth Rocks program, but if I didn’t get up there and strum a couple chords, then I wouldn’t be where I am today. While that may seem small, I feel that the beginning is the most crucial. Once you get that momentum, then it gets easier from there.”
When asked about volunteering, Parker is clear.
“Volunteering helps me make connections with people in the industry. It’s all networking,” he said. “You help someone and they can hook you up with somebody else who can get you these opportunities. Everybody knows somebody who knows somebody else.”
He adds, “I get to see the looks on people’s faces while I perform. Even the smallest smile feels like glory. Being acknowledged means a lot, even if they don’t leave a tip. It just shows us that they see us, that we’re not just playing for nobody.”
Parker credits not just St. Charles for their encouragement, but also his father. “He’s been a very key part of my journey. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t have even picked up a six-string and started learning to play.”
When asked about his future, Parker plays to his strengths.
“I intend to become an engineer. I excel in math and science, so I think that I am up for the job. I won’t stop playing music, but I don’t think that I will pursue music as a full-time career. If I can get a couple gigs here and there, so that no matter what, I’ll always have something to supplement my income.”
Inspiration seems to come naturally to Parker. “I am inspired by people like me, who have been through some tough times, but still manage to make the best of it. I intend to be a voice, if even a small one, for those who feel like there is nothing out there for them. We can all do great things, and even the smallest voices can make it major.”
Parker Cincel’s words of inspiration
“Don’t be afraid to be different. If you stand out from the crowd, and people recognize your talent, then you’re ahead of the game. And one more thing: Just because you might have come from a negative background, doesn’t mean that you can’t do great things. If you tell yourself that you can’t do something because of who you are, or because of what you’ve been through, then you'll never make any progress. Go out there and be awesome.”
James Stewart is a writer in North Bay. Inspire is made possible by our Community Leaders Program.
