2023-2024 academic year has been an extraordinary one for the Music Discipline at Norco College, marked by an unprecedented level of activity and a record thirty-eight events. This remarkable year showcased the exceptional talents of our students and the dedication of our faculty, reaffirming Norco College’s commitment to excellence in the arts.

One of the highlights of the year was the Music Guest Artist/Lecturer Series, which featured seven professional guest artists who shared their expertise and passion with our students. These sessions provided invaluable insights into the world of professional music and inspired our students to push the boundaries of their own artistic endeavors.

In addition to the guest artist series, the Music Discipline hosted six student solo recitals, each a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students. Noteworthy among these were the performances by:

  • Amir Pourmehdi (Guitar and Vocal)
  • Fabian Orozco, who delivered two stunning guitar recitals—one in the Fall and another in the Spring.
  • Jazi Khairi (Guitar and Vocal)
  • Jorge Sanchez (Guitar)
  • Michael Ortiz (Bass)

All of our students talent was displayed brightly in their respective recitals, demonstrating the breadth and depth of talent within our music program.

The year also saw eight applied music student recitals, where students had the opportunity to demonstrate their technical skills and artistic growth. These recitals are a cornerstone of the music program, offering students a platform to refine their performance abilities in front of an audience.

Community engagement was another key focus of the year. The Norco College Chamber Singers brought joy to the residents of the Citrus Place Retirement Community with their concerts, while the Guitar Ensemble delivered memorable performances, including one for the Chancellor and a much-anticipated Summer Concert. These events not only enriched the lives of the community members but also provided students with real-world performance experience.

A crowning achievement of the year was the inaugural performance of the Norco College Community Band on May 30th, 2024. This new ensemble, composed of both students and community members, brought together musicians from across the region to celebrate the power of music. The performance was met with enthusiasm and set the stage for future collaborations.

Kim Kamerin, Chair of the Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) Department, reflected on the year’s successes, stating, “I’m incredibly excited we were able to offer so many opportunities for music students to shine in performance this last year. Norco College is blessed with a team of dedicated, student-centered music faculty, that continue to help our students succeed and excel in their artistic and educational pursuits.”

As we look back on the 2023-2024 year, we are proud of the accomplishments of our students and faculty and are committed to building on this momentum in the coming years. The Music Discipline at Norco College remains a vibrant and integral part of our campus community, dedicated to fostering the next generation of musical talent.

For more information about the Norco College Music Discipline and upcoming events, please visit our website at Norcocollege.edu.

About Norco College:

Norco College, part of the Riverside Community College District, is dedicated to providing high-quality education and fostering an inclusive, supportive environment for all students. With a wide range of academic programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and a commitment to student success, Norco College is a leading institution in higher education.