03 Dec GMI Students Speak: Camilo Barrios
The student community at GMI cuts across age groups, musical backgrounds, and interests. The Student Speak Series aims to give a platform to their voices and stories, share what drew them to GMI, how they see their artistry maturing, and their path forward.
Camilo Barrios // Saxophone
Bogotá // Colombia
Hailing from Bogotá, Colombia, raised in Washington DC, and currently residing in New Delhi, Camilo Barrios exemplifies the notion of a global citizen. After spending two years studying jazz at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Camilo changed courses by joining his mother to explore a new part of the world- India. Stumbling upon the universe of Hindustani Classical music for the first time, Camilo was taken by its spiritual nature. Seeking to continue his music education, GMI emerged to be the meeting place of the best of both worlds where he could explore his newfound interest in Hindustani Classical, and continue his studies of Western music theory.
Now in his third semester of the Artist Diploma, Camilo’s adventures through India have been shaping his musical sounds and projects. Below are the excerpts of an enriching conversation, learning about the man behind the music, his musical beginnings, and more.
When did you become interested in music?
I started playing the saxophone in Washington. There was a music store near my house where I went with my mother, and she asked me if there was anything I liked. I saw a really weird thing- a saxophone- and I was curious. I told my mother, who was super generous, and she rented one out and put me in classes. I was nine years old when I started. In Washington DC, there were a lot of jazz cafes and bars and I was taken by it. It was so complex and I wanted to understand it.
What drew you to study at GMI?
The fact that I am able to learn Hindustani classical and western theory at the same time.
A memorable experience at GMI:
My classes with Ujwal have been very special. In some of our lessons, we just sit and talk, and we have become friends in the process.
How have you managed to stay creative during the pandemic?
By trying new things and being more open to experimentation.
A fun fact about yourself:
I love to cook in my free time
Your favourite food:
Burgers
If you weren’t a musician, what would you be?
Engineer
An artist that currently inspires you:
The JBs
A track that currently inspires you:
Footprints by Ezra Collective
Your musical idol:
Joshua Redman
Your dream collaboration:
Kenny Garret
How do you spend your free time?
Sleeping
A quote that keeps you going / inspires you:
“El mundo es ancho y ajeno”- “broad and alien is the world”, Ciro Alegría
An instrument you wish you could play / want to learn:
Trombone
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