Band members from Los Angeles High School were the lucky recipients of new instruments that were donated on Tuesday by the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation. Although the donation was exciting news, students were even more enthusiastic about a visit from Latin music superstar Prince Royce, who attended the announcement and provided an inspirational message.

Musician Prince Royce speaks during his visit to Los Angeles High School on Tuesday. (photo by Edwin Folven)

The foundation selects schools from the U.S., Latin America, Spain and Portugal as beneficiaries of grants and gifts to youth music programs. Prince Royce, whose real name is Geoffrey Royce Rojas, spoke to approximately 200 students from the high school’s band and color guard program, and Spanish and dance classes.

The Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation and the Ford Motor Company donated new drums, cymbals and percussion equipment valued at $10,000, and $20,000 in new scholarships of $1,000 each were provided by the foundation for private music lessons for students.

Nannette Velez, project manager for the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation, said she researches school band programs on the Internet as potential beneficiaries of the foundation’s “Latin Grammys in Schools” program, which is how she found Los Angeles High School. The school’s band and color guard has won the Los Angeles Unified School District’s Division 1A band and color guard competition for the past 24 years. Velez said L.A. High was selected as one of six beneficiaries in 2014, and is the only recipient in the United States.

“I saw that they have an amazing marching band,” Velez said. “We look for schools with students with a real financial need. It is the first time the foundation has done one in L.A. It’s a very special school.”

Prince Royce, who is known for hits such as a Latin version of “Stand By Me” and his song, “Corazón Sin Cara”, received a warm welcome from students in the school’s Corwin Theatre. He spoke onstage with Gabriel Abaroa Jr., president and CEO of the Latin Recording Academy, and told students that the decisions they make now will help shape the rest of their lives.

Prince Royce encouraged them to stay in school, study hard and pursue their dreams. The songwriter and vocalist told them of the many challenges he faced breaking into the music business, but his persistence eventually paid off.

“It’s a lot of work. A lot of people told me I couldn’t do it,” he said. “It’s about believing in yourself and going with what you feel. That’s how the music business is. You’ve got to be patient in everything.”

Prince Royce, 25, said he began writing songs at age 14, and later recorded a Spanish version of “Stand By Me” that received significant radio play, which led to a recording contract and later his current status as a top Latin music recording artist.

“That’s how music is,” Prince Royce said. “They say in life, good things come to those who wait, and that’s what it is all about.”

Many of the students who attended the ceremony are Prince Royce fans. Arely Soriano, a senior in the L.A. High color guard, said she had been  eagerly awaiting the event.

“I’m so excited to finally see him,” Soriano added. “I like how his words inspire teens. He talks about real life situations that happen to us. It’s an amazing feeling, and an amazing opportunity L.A. High has brought to us.”

Band director Darnella Davidson said the donation from the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation will help the school expand its music program, and the scholarships will provide opportunities for students that otherwise wouldn’t exist.

“Without the scholarships, the kids wouldn’t be able to get this kind of instruction. These kids can’t afford lessons,” Davidson said. “This is an incredible opportunity and recognition, and we are so proud of the kids. Our kids work very hard, and this is going to take us into the future.”

Los Angeles High School principal Helena Yoon-Fontamillas, said the donation and appearance by Prince Royce coincides with the school’s goal of creating the best possible learning opportunities for students. She added that she was surprised when contacted by the foundation.

“This is truly thrilling — for the students and the community to come together and a star such as Prince Royce to visit, ” Yoon-Fontamillas said. “It provides an opportunity for students to see first-hand that the community is involved in supporting our school. It’s inspiring for all of our budding musicians, and we want to use every opportunity to inspire our students to do their best.”