My child is a teenage rock star

Fame, fortune and hit singles --- they're a fantasy for millions of people. Breaking into the music business is a difficult task for anyone, but try doing it when you're 15 or younger. At that age, gigging at a bar, signing a contract or hiring musicians is hardly feasible without Mom or Dad there to supervise or sign on the dotted line.

But what if your parents were less than supportive? What if they not only refused to attend a show but threatened to kick you out of the house if you continue playing in a band?

Some would say trying to achieve rock star status is a pipe dream, but still, the dreamers persevere with or without their parents' approval.

The Supportive Parents

William and Robert Roeper had no doubt their parents would support their chosen career paths: they come from a long line of musicians.

"They're fourth-generation musicians," said Matthew Roeper, father of the two local rock stars. "Their grandmother, Gertrude Woodrow, would play piano for silent movies."

Both William, 20, and Robert, 22, had an interest in music early in their lives because their parents always had different types of music playing in their house. The boys now front The Requested, a Christian hardcore band.

Roeper runs his business, Roeper's Guitars, where he spends most of his day handcrafting flamenco and classical guitars.

"My wife is the one in the family with the real job," he laughs.

When Mr. and Mrs. Roeper decided to move to Big Spring, they chose to not sell their house in McAllen, instead allowing their sons to remain in the home.

"What they had going on was really good, and we didn't want to disturb that," their dad said.

So their sons worked, attended school, played in their band and paid the mortgage. However, there were times when William and Robert leaned on their parents for more than moral support.

"We may not live here, but our checkbook does," Roeper said with a laugh.

Between equipment, van rentals for touring and always being there for advice, the Roepers are helping their sons achieve their goals.

"As long as they're happy, healthy and safe, their parents are behind them," said Roeper.

* THE REQUESTED
BASED IN McAllen
GENRE Christian/hardcore
ONLINE www.myspace.com/therequested
Click here to download a free song from the band

>>> The Adamantly-Against-Rocking Parents

After eight years of piano lessons, Neal Somoso, 21, naturally wanted to play keyboards in a band. But that was the last thing his parents wanted.

The Somosos are devout Seventh Day Adventists, adhering to the traditions and practices of their religion. And playing in a rock band is not something they approve. Especially when that rock band (Big League) often performs on their Sabbath.

"It is considered breaking the Sabbath, which is breaking one of the Commandments of God," said Andrew Gradzikiewicz, Pastor of the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Pharr. "If there is proof of that, it's reason to be dropped as a member of the church."

The Sabbath falls on Saturday for Seventh-day Adventists, which means Friday night is usually devoted to preparing for the holy day and refraining from secular activities, such as concerts. Also, Neal's parents strongly disapprove of the drug and alcohol abuse that is typically associated with being a rock star, even locally.

"I base my decisions on what I think is right or wrong," said Neal. "And deep down, I think some of the things I do are wrong."

He tried playing in his church, but it wasn't what he expected and didn't find the experience fulfilling.

Neal joined local rock group Big League in January of last year and intends on maintaining his role in the band as long as possible. He does have plans to attend graduate school next year to complete his education in physical therapy.

"I made a commitment, and I need to follow through," he said.

Neither of Neal's parents chose to comment on their son's chosen lifestyle.

They haven't gone so far as to disown their son, but they will never approve of his choice to play in a rock band. Neal said they often threaten him, citing the old "you live under our roof, you live under our rules" adage. Neal is confident they'll never go through with their threats, though.

It's likely just a phase for Neal. He said he initially joined the band because he wanted to hang with his friends. Now he loves being on stage and he loves performing. It won't last forever, though.

"I think if it had anything to do with the music, I'd have been playing the recitals and continued (piano) lessons," said Neal.

* BIG LEAGUE
BASED IN McAllen
GENRE Indie/jungle/rock
ONLINE www.myspace.com/bigleaguekills

>>> The Completely Involved Mother

They say you need to put in a good 10 years to make it in show business. By that count, Bree Stevens has about three years to go before hitting the big time.

The 17-year-old country-pop singer from Brownsville began her career in Oklahoma at the age of 10, performing with the non profit organization American Kids. The program includes children of all ages, performing in competitions including singing, acting and dancing.

Holly Putegnat, Bree's mother, said her daughter's interest in music was fostered by her grandmother, when she would sing constantly to her as a baby. As soon as Bree could speak, she was singing.

"We couldn't get her to shut up, ever," said Putegnat, laughing.

Between raising two other children and her busy career as a drama teacher for St. Joseph's Academy in Brownsville, Putegnat also makes time to serve as "momager" for Bree. She takes calls, books gigs, finds musicians for those gigs, attends practices, shows, mixes when there isn't a sound engineer and even sings back up vocals at Bree's performances.

Many people make snap judgments about a mom who is so involved in her teenage daughter's career.

"I call myself the booking coordinator," said Putegnat. "But when I call, sometimes people will ask me if I'm Bree's mother. I can't lie to them."

Often those people she's trying to book gigs with won't take her seriously. They assume every mother thinks their daughter can sing, said Putegnat.

And she isn't the one pushing Bree in her career.

"She's the boss," said Putegnat. "I'm like her assistant. And the pay sucks!"

Putegnat also sings back up for Bree - an unpaid position. But the musicians who perform with Bree need to be compensated. So if it's an unpaid gig, that money comes out of Putegnat 's pocket. But she doesn't mind.

When Putegnat was a teen, she had an acting bug and couldn't understand where she got it. After her father died, she discovered that he was once an actor and loved to perform.

"My mother said, "If you do one thing for your father, do what you love,"" she said.

Bree's mother will always support her children in their dreams and choices. And for Bree, it's not just a dream; it's a goal. She will be heading to Nashville this month to finish her album and plans to attend a college in Tennessee (preferably Belmont University) majoring in contemporary music with a minor in music business.

"My family is my biggest support," said Bree. "I don't know what I'd do without my mom."

BASED IN Brownsville
GENRE Country/ progressive/two-step
ONLINE www.myspace.com/breestevensmusic
Click here to read more about Bree Stevens