Scholarship Competition Winners

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Kayla Stefansson, 1st Place $1,500.00 Ruth Cuccia Memorial Scholarship

Kayla Stefansson is a 20-year-old El Camino student who has been performing since the age of 6. She began her performance journey at the South Bay Conservatory where she performed in over 30 musicals from 2010-2020. Her favorite roles include Mary Poppins (Mary Poppins) and Gertrude (Seussical). She recently had the wonderful opportunity to play Amélie in the El Camino College production of “Amélie the Musical.” Last summer, Kayla studied acting and Shakespeare’s works in depth in Oxford, England at the British American Drama Academy. She is currently studying privately with Dr. Victoria Muto and singing in the chorale with Dr. Joanna Nachef in the El Camino College Applied Music Program. Kayla is humbled and privileged to receive a scholarship to help her pursue her passion for the arts, and she extends her gratitude to Mu Phi Epsilon.

Nickolas Ortiz, 2nd Place $1,250 David Witherspoon Scholarship

Nickolas Ortiz is a saxophone player pursuing a major in Music Education at California State University, Dominguez Hills. As a high school student, he was offered a role to join the Fernando Pullum Community Arts Center by a former student of the program, Keisha Potter, after she singled him out at one of his performances. Since then, he has played in Fernando Pullum’s Senior Jazz Orchestra and has had the opportunity to play and record music with remarkable musicians such as members of Earth, Wind, and Fire, Kamasi Washington, Jackson Brown, Jhene Aiko, and more. At CSUDH he decided to take double lessons in both Classical and Jazz music. From the start of his sophomore year to the end of his junior year, Nickolas took Classical Lessons with Chika Inoue and Jazz Lessons with Teodross Avery. At CSUDH, he learned leadership skills, which led him to his position of Chorister in the Mu Phi Epsilon Gamma Sigma Chapter. He has a passion to help others become successful in whichever musical endeavors they pursue and plans to become an educator who can help and inspire students to become successful in whatever path they choose. Nick is in his last semester at CSUDH getting ready to enter the world as an educator and performer.

Samuel M. O. Price III, 3rd Place $750.00 Scholarship to honor Pearl Kim

Samuel Price is a native and resident of the South Bay Area, Samuel is currently studying under the direction of Professor Lois Roberts at El Camino College and was previously a student under Mrs. Nobumon at Opus Music in Torrance. He is currently working to transfer and complete a B.M in Piano Performance. In his spare time, he composes using Finale Notepad 2012, and recently, Musescore 3.0, with most works written under the style of neo-Romanticism, with waltzes and marches with elaborate titles such as “A Day”. He firmly believes that music should evoke human experience and emotions.

Ian Mendoza, $300.00 Scholarship in memory of Barbara Hammer

Ian Mendoza is a 21-year-old multi-instrumentalist, and tenor vocalist from Redondo Beach, CA. Ian discovered his passion for singing in elementary school and continued to pursue performing throughout his academic career, including singing in Redondo Union High School’s “Sea Hawk Singers” choir, that participated in the 2017 Worldstrides Heritage Choral Festival in San Francisco which was awarded gold in the 3A Chamber Choir category. Ian has been a member of the El Camino Chorale since 2020 and the Applied Music Program since 2022, performing and studying both online and in-person under the instruction of Dr. Joanna Medawar Nachef and Dr. Kevin Blickfeldt. Ian plans to pursue an associate degree in musical performance at El Camino College and aspires to become a recording artist and composer. Ian has a strong interest in film and is considering transferring to multiple UCs to pursue an education in film production while expanding upon his musical studies.

Alejandro Pelaez-Jimenez, $300.00 Patron Scholarship

Alejandro Pelaez is a Classical Guitarist enrolled at California State University Dominguez Hills majoring in both Computer Science and Music Performance. Alejandro participated in the CSU Summer Arts Guitar Course and studied abroad in Granada Spain with maestro Pepe Romero and his protégé Vicente Coves in the Festival de la Guitarra. Master classes include Pepe Romero, Vicente Coves, Thomas Viloteau, Judicael Perroy, Rafael Aguirre, Roland Dyens, Scott Tennant, William Kanengiser, Eliot Fisk, Andrew York, and Jack Sanders. Currently, he is studying classical guitar under Dr. David Isaacs at CSUDH. Alejandro plays a 2004 Rafael Moreno Spruce top (Spain) and a 2005 Gioachino Giussani Cedar top (Italy). Upon Graduation, Alejandro plans to pursue his masters in guitar performance.

Marisa Klug, Soprano $300.00 Patron Scholarship

​Marisa Klug is a Los Angeles based singer, actor, and dancer. She is currently studying voice under the direction of Dr. Victoria Muto at El Camino College in the applied voice program. Marisa’s start in the performing arts began at the age of 6 with classical ballet training, and she has taught ballet to all levels at Pacific Dance Center in Hermosa Beach, CA. She studied dance in New York with the Alvin Ailey School of Dance in Harlem. She has performed in numerous musical theater productions in Los Angeles. Marisa holds a Bachelor of Arts from UCLA and an MBA from Loyola Marymount University. Marisa plans to continue her studies in music by obtaining an AA degree in music from El Camino College.”

Airi Ozawa, $300.00 Patron Scholarship

Airi Ozawa is currently attending El Camino College majoring in music. After completing her prerequisites, she plans on transferring to a four-year college such as a CSU or UC to continue her in violin performance studies. She has been playing the violin for 15 years starting at the young age of five years. During these years, she performed with many orchestras outside of El Camino College such as “nTyme” and “PVRO” just to name a few. She performs with the El Camino Orchestra as the assistant concert mistress. Airi is currently learning “Mozart Concerto No. 5” with expectations of playing it with the El Camino Orchestra in the summer of 2023.

Jonathan Bass, $300.00 Patron Scholarship

Jonathan Bass is a dedicated clarinet player from Redondo Beach, California. He discovered his passion for music in 2014 and has since honed his skills through various performance opportunities, including concert band, orchestra, marching band, and pit orchestra. Currently pursuing an Associate Degree in Music at El Camino College, he is always challenged to improve his tonality, articulation, and technical capabilities as a musician. In addition to his studies, Jonathan aspires to compose a wide range of music styles and strives to connect with fellow musicians. His ultimate goal is to transfer to a Cal State University to continue his education and pursue his musical dreams. 

Alex Luna Jr. $300.00 Patron Scholarship

​Alex Luna Jr. is a first year applied piano major at El Camino College. He is currently studying with Lois Roberts and David Nunez. He loves playing music from the romantic era and hopes to transfer to a university to pursue a career in film scoring.

Allan Mancia, $300.00 Patron Scholarship

Allan Mancia is currently studying jazz guitar at California State University Dominguez Hills. Allan has experience in and outside of the classroom. He is currently working with a music program at a middle school in Downtown LA. He has performed at the Greek Theatre and the Walt Disney Concert Hall with artists such as Foreigner and The Airborne Toxic Event. If he is not practicing, he is hiking the mountains of Southern California or cheering on his alma mater. 

Brandi Morales, Voice $1,000.00 Ruth Cuccia Memorial Scholarship
Brandi Morales is a 23-year-old musician with a passion for vocal performance since she was 5 years old. She has performed in the South Bay’s Children Choir in 2007 and performed with a youth theater company, Haven Academy of the Arts, from 2009-2019. Some of her favorite roles include Anita (West Side Story) and Ursula (The Little Mermaid). Her after-school hobby quickly became her passion, she has been pursuing vocal performance since. This is Brandi’s third semester in the Applied Music Program at El Camino College with her private instructor Dr. Kevin Blickfeldt. She has also been involved in Concert Choir and Chorale at El Camino College and performed for a board member meeting in the Fall of 2021. Brandi has decided to work on getting an associate degree in vocal performance with plans to transfer to a Cal State University 2024 to pursue her passion.

​Catherine Nunley, Vibraphone $1,000.00 Patron Scholarship
Catherine Nunley is a Vibraphonist and Composer from Torrance, California. Catherine started her career as a Percussionist at South Torrance High School where she competed in Marching Band and Drumline for four years. She is in her third year at El Camino College and working towards achieving an Associate Degree in Music along with the Commercial Music Certificate of Achievement. Catherine is a part of the Applied Music Program at El Camino and received Jury Honors in the Fall of 2020 and the Spring of 2021. She plans to transfer to a Cal State University in the Fall of 2023 and aims to work in music production.

Janelle Catbagan, Voice $750.00 David Witherspoon Memorial Scholarship
Janelle Catbagan will be graduating with her B.A. in Music: Music Education, with an emphasis on voice, at California State University Dominguez Hills in Spring 2022. Upon graduation, she plans to pursue a music teaching credential and earn a master’s degree to become a music educator in a K-12 school. Janelle was President of the Gamma Sigma Chapter of Mu Phi Epsilon at CSU Dominguez Hills for two years from 2020 to 2022. At CSUDH, she studied voice under Dr. Dawn Brooks and has received honors in her juries every semester. Janelle currently serves as a cantor for Sunday mass at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Gardena, CA.

Eric Calderon, Saxophone $600.00 Scholarship in Memory of Maria Jaque
Eric Calderon is a freshman at California State University Dominguez Hills majoring in Music Performance studying classical saxophonist with Dr.Chika Inoue. Wanting to expand his knowledge on saxophone, he has the drive and passion to keep pushing to his very limits to continue to strive and learn new things. Outside of classical music, Eric likes to dive into other genres of music such as Pop, Jazz, and Funk, learning new ways to approach the saxophone in any genre. After graduation, Eric wants to perform and to share his knowledge with the world and to inspire new musicians of today’s generation.

Chase Yun, Voice $300.00 Scholarship in Memory of Barbara Hammer
​Chase Yun received his BS in Chemical Engineering from California State University Long Beach in Spring 2020 and is now pursuing his passion in music. He has completed all levels, including the Panel level, of the MTAC Certificate of Merit Evaluations for piano and is now in his first year of the Applied Voice Program at El Camino College studying under Dr. Anthony Moreno. Chase wants to inspire the new generation to follow their passion. 

Daniel Torres, Saxophone $300.00 Patron Scholarship
​Daniel Torres is 18 years old and played the Alto Saxophone since 2018 at Banning Highschool. He is now a full-time student at California State University Dominguez Hills as a Music Education Major.  He enjoys a variety of music genres including classical, reggae, rock, jazz, R&B and more. He enjoys the little things in life and plans to educate the future with the musical arts.

​Samuel Price, Piano $300.00 Scholarship in Honor of Pearl Kim
Samuel Price lives in the South Bay, Los Angeles and is studying to be a concert pianist and composer. He is proficient in Finale, Notepad and now is also branching into Musescore. He started his studies in piano performance under Mrs. Nobumon, and currently is under the instruction of Professor Roberts at El Camino, working to achieve an AA in Music and a B.A in Piano Performance. He composes in his free time, something he’s done since the fall of 2017, with most completed works falling under the style of neo-Romanticism, mainly waltzes and a few marches.

Michael Wise, Drums $1,000.00 Patron Scholarship

Michael Wise received his BA in Music at California State University Dominguez Hills in spring 2021 and plans to continue to a master’s degree. Michael has played for social gatherings, church events, and school social functions in the Los Angeles and Long Beach areas. He performed with a variety of groups such as Resonance Band, The Think of One Jazz Combo, Luke Elder and The Infinite Ways, The Long Beach City Jazz Band, and many more ensembles. He also volunteered his time by helping the drumline at Jordan High School. Michael’s goal is to become a private Drum instructor for high schools, community colleges, and for universities.  Michael wants to share his gifts with the world and inspire new musicians of today’s generation.

Mahane Tomizawa, Piano $750.00 Ruth Cuccia Memorial Scholarship

Mahane Tomizawa is dedicated to playing classical piano music. She completed all levels, including the Panel level, of the MTAC Certificate of Merit Evaluations, and is in her first year of the Applied Music Program at El Camino College with private instructor Professor. Lois Roberts. Mahane also continues lessons with her long-time private teacher, Naomi Ozawa with whom she has been studying since elementary school, performing in her recitals every year. In those recitals, Mahane also performed piano duets and trios and as accompanist for instrumentalists. Mahane won several awards in competitions such as the Southern California Junior Bach Festival, Southwestern Youth Music Festival (SYMF), and the JMAC Lighthouse Piano Festival. Mahane performed as a flutist in school bands from fourth grade to high school marching band and wind ensemble. She performed with the South Torrance High School Jazz ensembles as a piano player and in a small jazz combo with some of her friends. The combo performed in recitals and in competitions Recently, Mahane has focused on the piano in classical music. She recently performed in virtual recitals hosted by Mrs. Ozawa, while also working on some recordings of classical piano pieces that she is studying with Lois Roberts at El Camino College

Dé Ana Abinante, Jazz Vocals $750.00 Patron Scholarship

 Dé Ana Abinante is a 23-year-old, passionate, singer/songwriter/musician, and youth advocate. She is an El Camino College alumni and is pursuing a BM in Jazz at CSUN. As an artist, she places a particular emphasis in her message to inspire young people towards their dreams and to uplift them to fight through the challenges that they face in their lives. De Ana has performed all over the Los Angeles area and around the West Coast, including performing and hosting her own live and virtual home concert series, Freedom Cry, in 2018, and Heart Cries in 2019 – 2020. In September 2017, she released her debut, 5 song EP, War Cry, and is currently working on her next album Heart Cries, set to be released by the fall of 2021. De Ana also teaches music at Cal Heights Music School and started her own online music academy, Young Song Learners.

Janelle Catbagan, Voice $400.00 Linnea Eades Memorial Scholarship

​ Janelle Catbagan will be a senior this fall at California State University Dominguez Hills majoring in Music Education with an emphasis on voice. After graduation, she plans to pursue a music teaching credential and earn a master’s degree to become a music educator in a K-12 school. In the 2020-2021 school year, Janelle was president of the Gamma Sigma Chapter of Mu Phi Epsilon at California State University Dominguez Hills. She is representing the chapter at the Mu Phi Epsilon International Convention this summer and will continue as president in the coming year. Janelle is currently studying voice under Dr. Dawn Brooks and currently a cantor for Sunday mass at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Gardena, CA.

Enrica Hodder, Voice $300.00 Patron Scholarship

Enrica Hodder attends the Applied Music Vocal Program at El Camino College maintaining a 4.0 GPA. She received the Foundation Board of Directors Award for Excellence for the 2021 to 2022 academic year. A soprano in the vocal program, she performs solo classical pieces in recitals and with the choir. In 2019, Enrica performed at Carnegie Hall as a member of the Distinguished Concerts Singers International. Also in 2019, Enrica was selected to participate in the Master Class for the Applied Music Vocal Program, directed by Sara Widzer where she performed the role of Rosina in Rossini’s Il Barbiere di Siviglia. Enrica is an active member of the Manhattan Beach Community Church Choir and performs with them on a weekly basis. She is also a continuing member of the Voce Angelicus Choir at El Camino. Enrica performs solo pieces in the Opera Workshop Showcase each fall and spring and looks forward with enthusiasm to performing live this fall 2021.

Shannon Gaebrielle Hefley, Composition $300.00 Pearl Kim Award

Shannon Gaebrielle Hefley is a composer, musician, and private flute instructor and currently a student at California State University Dominguez Hills She began her musical journey in elementary school with the choir at 7 and flute at 9, followed by composition at 16. Hefley has performed throughout the Temecula Wine Country, Riverside County, and as a pit orchestra musician for the off-Broadway show of Beauty and the Beast (2018). Her most recent performance was Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Springs. Currently, she is studying flute under Dr. Derrick (Rik) Noyce and composition with Dr. Jonathan Grasse at California State University Dominguez Hills. She composed music for the Mount San Jacinto College Orchestra, where she debuted an original composition Beyond the Reaches of Our Galaxy. Shannon Gaebrielle composed multiple works for the Cadenza String Orchestra based in Temecula, CA. She was to debut her piece Plumb Blossom, in July 2021, in the Summa Cum Laude International Youth Festival (Vienna, Austria). In June 2021, she had the pleasure of composing two pieces Seasons Changing and Mama Thelma and performing in a workshop by the LA-based Brightwork Ensemble for New Music. She is currently working with a three-time platinum award-winning artist and writer (not to be disclosed) on a project she will share upon its completion. 

Carlos Rodriguez, Guitar $1,000.00 Patron Scholarship

Carlos Hugo Rodriguez is a full-time musician and graduate of California State University Dominguez Hills who studied under the direction of guitarist Julian Coryell. He has played in numerous clubs and venues around the Los Angeles Area (including the Slide Bar, Chain Reaction, and Malone’s concert venue) with his band Lydian Arrow. As well as performed for local school events (such South Torrance High School) and has been the musical director and performer in Cal State Dominguez Hills’ theatre department in the play “Seven Guitars” (directed by Jozben Barrett). Carlos would like to continue his music career by improving his abilities on his instrument, play with other talented musicians, write and produce music for himself and his clients and to teach private students and guide them through their musical journey.

De Ana Abinante, Jazz Vocal $1,000.00 Ruth Cuccia Memorial Scholarship

​De Ana Abinante is a 23-year-old, passionate, singer/songwriter/musician, and youth advocate, currently pursuing a degree in Jazz Vocal Performance at El Camino College. As an artist, she carries a particular emphasis in her message to inspire young people towards their dreams and to uplift them to fight through the challenges that they face in their lives. De Ana has performed all over the L.A. area and around the West Coast, including performing and hosting her own live and virtual home concert series, Freedom Cry, in 2018, and Heart Cries in 2019 – 2020. In September 2017, she released her debut, 5 song EP, War Cry, and is currently working on her next album Heart Cries, with plans to release it in early 2021. De Ana also teaches music at Cal Heights Music School in Long Beach and started her own online music academy, Young Song Learners.

Aaron Greer, Tenor $500.00 Patron Scholarship

Aaron Greer is a transfer student from El Camino College where he studied classical voice under Dr. Kevin Blickfeldt. He is now a senior majoring in music education with an emphasis in voice at Cal State Dominguez Hills where he studies under Professor Kendra Vuk. He was named a Presidential Scholar and received the Presidential Scholarship, which is a full-tuition academic scholarship that is awarded to very few high-achieving incoming freshmen and transfer students. It is one of the highest honors at California State University Dominguez Hills. Aaron is planning to graduate in the Spring of 2021, and to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education. He looks forward to either pursuing a master’s degree in Performance or to continuing his studies in Music Education beginning the process to obtain his teaching credentials.

Cassiddy Feskowetz, Soprano $500.00 Patron Scholarship

Cassiddy Feskowetz is an undergrad in her Junior year at CSU Northridge. She recently transferred from El Camino College and has been involved in the Opera Workshop program every single semester she has been there, portraying a lengthy catalogue of roles in scenes, including Zerlina in “Don Giovanni,” Maria in “West Side Story,” and Mabel in “Pirates of Penzance”. She has also been involved in the ECC Chorale and the Concert Choir, achieving soprano solos for Mozart’s “Requiem” and John Rutter’s “Gloria.” She will be performing with the ECC Orchestra in their 2021 season. Cassiddy has been awarded Honors in Jury Performance for four semesters in the Applied music program at El Camino College, and has performed in master classes for Pamela Blanc and Daryl Taylor. She has also performed for the L.A. Opera League. Cassiddy would like to thank her teachers, Vicki Muto (ECC) and Shigemi Matsumoto (CSU Northridge).

I-Chun Kuo, Piano $250.00 Pearl Kim Award

 Born in Taipei, Taiwan, I-Chun Kuo began her piano studies at the age of four. She won first place in the Taipei Piano Competition and was awarded Honorable Mention in the final round in the Taiwan Piano Competition. After studying with Dr. Karen Follingstad at San Diego State University, she continued her studies with Prof. Lois Roberts at El Camino College. At El Camino, I-Chun was awarded the Norma Kayser Memorial Endowment for the Arts Scholarship. She also received applied music juries honors and was selected to perform in the master class for Kenny Broberg, the 2017 Cliburn Silver Medalist. Her performance experience includes college recitals and as a soloist in the concert choir concert. She plays chamber music and is currently a church accompanist in Torrance. She is also a Yamaha certified teacher. She would like to continue her passion for piano performance, as well as being a chamber musician and a piano teacher.

​Brenda Osorio, Soprano $250.00 Memorial Scholarship

Brenda Osorio is a 19-year-old classical voice major. She just completed her second year studying with Dr. Muto at El Camino college. She has received three scholarships including: Phyllis Hausman Loeb Scholarship, Norma Kayser Memorial Endowment for the Arts Scholarship, and a Mu Phi Epsilon Scholarship. She has participated in musicals all throughout her life and recently had the opportunity to perform for the LA opera league in February 2020. She plans to transfer to a conservatory as soon as possible so she can continue her training to be a professional opera singer. Brenda is extremely thankful for organizations such as Mu Phi Epsilon for providing support to young singers such as herself. 

Ben Tyrrell, $1000.00 Patron Scholarship
Ever since his youth, Ben has been entranced by music. He began playing piano and clarinet in elementary school, and later picked up saxophone and guitar. He now studies classical and jazz saxophone performance at El Camino College under the guidance of Ann Patterson. He performs with the El Camino Symphonic Band and Jazz Band and will be performing a solo concerto with the El Camino Orchestra this Spring. Whether it be through avid listening, performance, or study, Ben wishes to continue his musical journey into university and beyond; along the way uncovering the life-enriching truths of music.

Meng Chieh “Jamie” Yu, $1000.00 Eunee Yee Piano Scholarship
Jamie was born in Taiwan and moved to California in 2017.  She studied piano at El Camino College with Dr. Chambers-Salazar for two years and was selected to perform in three piano masterclasses held at El Camino College. Now in her fourth semester at El Camino College she will transfer to a California State University in Fall semester 2019. During her three semesters at El Camino College, she successfully auditioned for three piano masterclasses as well as one Alexander Technique masterclass. Jamie frequently took time on weekends to play piano at the Torrance Senior Homes (the Earlwood and Driftwood Healthcare) for the elderly and the patients there. She greatly loves the piano hopes to become a music teacher, focusing on teaching piano and music theory. Jamie believes “The purpose of learning is not simply to get a diploma, but to use the newfound knowledge and abilities to live a more fulfilling life and to provide a meaningful contribution to society.”

Dylan Abernathy, $500.00 Patron Scholarship
Dylan Abernathy is a budding classical guitar performer and educator in the Southern California area. His friendly demeanor and profound excitement towards music of all genres help him flourish in his music related activities. He actively seeks performances, maintains a private guitar studio, and volunteers his free time to teach at local high schools. He is also an active member of the Orange County Guitar Orchestra. Dylan is currently pursuing a BA in Classical Guitar Performance at California State University, Dominguez Hills, and holds an AA in Music from Modesto Junior College. Dylan’s overarching goal is to share his passion for music with others. When he is not working on his music, Dylan likes to spend time with family, play video games, and take part in a never-ending journey to find the best chicken-fried steak.

​Liana Wopschall, $500.00 Ruth Cuccia Memorial Scholarship
Liana Wopschall is a music major at El Camino College pursuing opera and musical theatre. She studies with Erin Wood in the Applied Music program and independently with Ann Grennan. Her most notable and recent accomplishments include placing first in VOCE (a state-wide competition), participating in Music Academy of the West’s opera auxiliary chorus in its production of Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro, placing first in the most advanced level within her age group in the Crescendo International Music Competition where she sang in Carnegie Hall, receiving the Daily Breeze “Making a Difference Award”, and playing Marsinah in MBCC’s production of Kismet. She plans to transfer to California State University, Long Beach, this fall to continue her studies as well as to continue developing her craft. 

​ Barney Aparicio, $250.00 Memorial Scholarship
Barney Aparicio graduated from the Herb Alpert Music Academy at Los Angeles City College where he played with the wind ensemble, jazz band and saxophone quartet. He is currently in his Junior year at CSUDH, studying saxophone performance with Dr. Chika Inoue. After completing his bachelor’s degree, he plans to continue studying saxophone in graduate school. In the past he has instructed K-12 with the Pasadena Conservatory of Music and has coached high school marching band and wind ensemble saxophonists.

​Jon Reyes, $250.00 Patron Scholarship
Jon Reyes is a classical guitarist currently studying at El Camino College. He is also a member of various classical guitar societies in Southern California such as the American Guitar Society (Valley Glen), Orange County Guitar Circle (Orange, CA), and the Vietnamese American Classical Guitar Society (Westminster). He has had the privilege of studying with outstanding classical guitarists Tizoc Estrada, Jon Minei and John Dearman. This fall, Mr. Reyes will transfer to California State University, Fullerton, to pursue his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in classical guitar performance under the guidance of Martha Masters and Andrew York. He also hopes to be admitted to the University of Southern California to pursue a doctoral degree in music. Once his academic studies are completed, Mr. Reyes plans to become a music professor at a college or university. He also plans to establish a non-profit music organization with the purpose of donating musical instruments to those who are in need.

Eda Villegas, $250.00 Patron Scholarship
Mexican-born singer-songwriter, Eda Villegas, developed her passion for music after she moved to Long Beach, California, in 2008. After many years performing in local choirs, she learned to play guitar and piano and began her journey as a songwriter. Primarily specializing in jazz, indie rock, and nueva cançion, Eda uses these musical genres as her principal means of artistry and expression. She is currently studying music education with an emphasis on voice at California State University, Dominguez Hills’ Department of Music. Eda has been featured in honor recitals for the CSUDH Department of Music during fall, 2018, and spring, 2019. She has also been part of special performances for the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and for LA Galaxy.