Talent like truth never remains hidden, it
has to surface for someone to notice it. In most cases it is the parents who
perceive and in some instances it is the teachers. 25 years old Maria Sheena
Gracias is an orphan brought up in Lar de Santa Terezinha Pajifond, Margao.
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| Maria Sheena Gracias |
Right now people must have not heard about
her but she is surely making her way up the singing world in Goa. One who have
not delved into her past could say it is a little too late for her, but it is
not true she is part of a very famous choir and sings for Operas. She could not
sing for bands because of restrictions and discipline adopted by the orphanage
but she has no qualms or regrets about it as she believes that opportunity
knocks at the right time.
Sheena story began when she was in the sixth
standard at St. Joseph High School, Nagoa Verna. Her talent for singing was
first noticed by her teachers Rose Mary and Joseph. From there on there was no
looking back for her as both the teachers supported and promoted her to sing
during various functions in the school. She says that when was in the VIII they
made her participate in the interschool competition when was won the 2nd
prize in English catergory.
Sheena story which began at 11 years is on
the rise today because of lots of support from teachers, mentors, friends and
priests who went out of their way to encourage her to pursue singing.
Recently she made it to the finals of an all
Goa singing competition. Though she was not the winner she is not disheartened
but says this is her first experience performing at such a huge audience.
She is all praise for Fr. Peter Cardoz who
she calls her backbone. In 2009 he gave me an opportunity to sing for his choir
and then Opera. “I underwent voice training under him for my 2nd grade”.
Sheena says Fr. Peter gave her the opportunity to sing the opening song for an
opera. That she was also part of the St. Francis Xavier opera.
Earlier during her school days she completed
1st grade in keyboard from Trinity College of Music, London through
her trainer Ludvico Correa from Agassaim who introduced her to Fr. Peter
Cardoz.
She is all praise to Carmelite priests who
encouraged her to pursue singing. Carmelite priests in Margao are incharge of
the Lar de Santa Terezinha. “Both former director of Lar Fr. Alvito Fernandes
and now Fr. Archie Gonsalves allowed me sing and showcase my talent in Goa as
well as abroad. “Goan band Genesis wanted a female singer in their group as
they were supposed to perform in Dubai, I was allowed to accompany them and it
was a dream come true firstly because I always wanted to travel to that country
and secondly because I was performing with professional band and singing on
stage for the first time”.
“God has always been there for me, sometimes I feel
God is partial to me”.
Director of Lar de Santa Terezinha Fr. Archie
says that Sheena is blessed with the singing talent and we support her.
Sheen goes on to praise Genesis band member,
“Zico Fernandes is very helpful, he was very supportive of me during my
performance recently, I was nervous to perform at Ravindra Bhavan for finals
last week before a huge crowd but he was by my side like a pillar”. Out of 120
participants from all over Goa, Sheen was last 17 participants singing in the
grand finals.
Though she did win the prize she does seem to
be disappointed as she claims that she did not participate to win but to get a platform
to showcase he talent.
Talking about her future plans Sheen said
that she wants to pursue her career as a beautician at the same time make a
mark as a singer. After completing SSC, she opted for vocation training in
beautician course and currently runs a parlour in Fatorda. She also disclosed
that she has bagged the leading role in an upcoming movie.
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