Munster seventh-grader spins around the region as DJ Dom

MUNSTER, Ind. (AP) - His office is a folding table that holds his laptop, LED lights and mixing board - with a sign in front showcasing his name.

Dominick Reda, 13, of Munster, has entrepreneurship and music in his blood and has merged both passions in his disc jockey venture. A seventh-grader at Munster's Wilbur Wright Middle School, Reda is "following his dream" and has been in business for two years, but this year has taken his craft to a new level.

"I love music, and I love making people happy," Reda, who goes by the moniker DJ Dom, told The (Munster) Times (http://bit.ly/1GBfq4u ). "There's no greater feeling than seeing people have a great time and making memories on the dance floor, and I'm just happy to be part of that fun."

Reda has played weddings, Sweet 16 parties, communions, block parties, holiday events and dance showcases, to name a few.

Reda's interest was piqued at age 9 when he attended a block party where his grandfather, Randy Chavez Sr., was presiding over the music.

"Dom became a student, watching every move I made," Chavez said. "He had a certain focus and enthusiasm you don't see in many kids that age. He asked if he could play a few songs and I let him, and I knew he was hooked."

Reda also has a landscaping business, wrestles at Wilbur Wright Middle School and the Region Wrestling Academy, rides motocross and volunteers at horse and animal shelters in his spare time.

He credits his grandfather's influence and encouragement for his success.

"We share a love and appreciation for music and I knew it was his time, and he has done an incredible job by incorporating new technology and respecting the classic style," Chavez said.

"He comes to me all the time asking questions and at the beginning he had some difficulty on the microphone but through practice he's gotten so much better. I'm impressed with his style."

Reda also thrives on the business side and isn't afraid of the research, marketing, organization and preparation that goes into each event he plays. Recently, he picked up an insurance policy so he could perform at schools. From setup, breakdown, lighting, sound and audience engagement, Reda puts a great deal of preparation into each gig.

"Playing the music is the best part," Reda said.

"I always try and think about who I'm playing for, because one night's set list may be totally different than the next. Sometimes, you can't pull people off that dance floor and other times you have to use some skill and that's where experience comes in, but regardless it's all about having fun."

DJ Dom's self-proclaimed No. 1 fan is his mother, who is proud of her son's commitment to his business.

"You walk in his room and it is meticulous, from his personal belongings to his DJ equipment," Maureen Chavez-Reda. "I wish more kids would follow their dreams and had Dominick's dedication."

In the beginning of DJ Dom's career, he was a bit worried about what others were saying and some of the negative remarks that came his way because of his age.

"He doesn't have that problem anymore because he believes in his ability and has a great worth ethic," Chavez-Reda said. "I'm so proud of him."

Reda, however, focuses not on the work, but on the fun.

"I stay pretty busy, but I'm having a good time along the way," he said.

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Information from: The Times, http://www.thetimesonline.com