I plan to make a positive impact through creating emotionally resonant music, fostering my community, and using my platform to raise awareness about mental health. I plan to focus on creating music that speaks to people on a deep level. For me, music has been a real lifeline during some tough times dealing with anxiety and depression. I want to craft songs that can offer comfort and a sense of connection to others who might be going through similar struggles. My influences like Jay-Z, Dr. Dre, and Metro Boomin have taught me a lot about the power of storytelling and emotional honesty in music. My goal is to follow in their footsteps and use my art to explore the depths of mental health and human emotion, so that listeners feel understood and less alone. I'm committed to making a positive impact through my music in various ways. I aim to create emotionally impactful songs, foster community through outreach, and raise awareness about mental health. Through my music, I hope to inspire, heal, and unite people. I truly believe that music has the power to transcend barriers and bring people together, and I am dedicated to using my art to make a meaningful difference in the world. I will spend my career in music creating an outlet one can listen to . I will create emotionally impactful songs, foster community through outreach, and raise awareness about mental health. My goal is to inspire, heal, and unite people, as I believe that music possesses the power to transcend barriers and bring people together. I am committed to using my art to make a meaningful difference in the world.

My name is Angel Santa Cruz, an 18-year-old aspiring musician and producer. Music has been a constant in my life, shaping my identity and aspirations. From an early age, I found myself in the world of music, starting with piano and guitar lessons, continuing through middle and high school band, and performing as a singer in the touring house band "Glass Cactus" at School of Rock Vacaville. My passion for music has also led me to play several solo shows, each one a step closer to mastering my craft. I graduated high school a semester early through independent study and additional classes at Solano Community College. This fall, I am excited to begin my journey at Chico State, where I will pursue a degree in Music Recording Arts. Although I love performing live and always will, I have taken a greater interest in music production. It first came to me when I listened to J. Cole’s 2014 Forest Hills Drive album from start to finish. The idea of sitting behind a computer, making beats, and constructing the entire audio experience is fascinating to me. I’ve always listened to music in a way that picks apart every aspect, from a producer standpoint. One of my favorite things is to listen to an album from start to finish and listen to every minute detail of every bar of every song. My ultimate goal is to become a renowned music producer, inspired by industry legends like Jay-Z, Dr. Dre, and Metro Boomin. Winning a Grammy for my music is a dream I am determined to achieve. Music has not only been my passion but also my savior. Throughout my life, I have struggled with mental health issues, including anxiety and depression. The years between 2019 and 2022 were particularly challenging, marked by frequent suicidal thoughts and a tendency to isolate myself as a coping mechanism. During this dark period, I also dealt with being a pathological liar, seeking attention as a substitute for genuine connections. Despite these challenges, music provided a lifeline. The beauty and power of it helped me realize that I have much more to offer the world. It showed me the potential to unite people and create a sense of belonging and understanding, therefore creating a new personal identity of love for music and the people around me. This realization has fueled my desire to create music that resonates deeply with listeners, providing support and inspiration as it did for me. If I could do one thing in my community, it would be to start a music outreach program for kids struggling with their mental health. This program would provide access to musical instruments, lessons, and recording equipment, giving the youth an outlet for their emotions and a way to express themselves creatively and without bounds. By offering a safe and supportive environment, I hope to help them discover the transformative power of music, just as I did. Link to video performance: https://youtu.be/FRzUbgk1pmw

My name is Angel Santa Cruz, and music has always been my life's passion. Throughout my school years, music was my constant companion. I eagerly participated in any musical opportunity that came my way, from jamming with friends in garage bands to joining school ensembles. One of the highlights of my musical journey was being the lead singer of a touring band under the School of Rock franchise. That experience taught me invaluable lessons about the power of live performance and the profound connection that music creates between performers and their audiences. I'm working hard to hone my skills and to make sure that I'm giving my best effort. I'm confident that with hard work and dedication, I will be able to achieve my goal. In the past few years, I have become obsessed with producing. It first came to me when I listened to J. Cole’s 2014 Forest Hills Drive album from start to finish. The idea of sitting behind a computer, making beats, and constructing the entire audio experience is fascinating to me. I’ve always listened to music in a way that picks apart every aspect, from a producer standpoint. One of my favorite things is to listen to an album from start to finish and listen to every minute detail of every bar of every song. Being a part of the Recording Arts Option at Chico State would be a dream come true for me. I’ll be surrounded by the creation of music every day and get to do it myself on a professional level. I’ll be able to bring my own ideas to life and collaborate with others to make the music that I want the world to hear. However, my ambitions extend beyond just mastering the technical aspects of music production. What truly drives me is the desire to create music that resonates with people on a deeper level. Whether it's a catchy pop tune that gets stuck in your head or a heartfelt ballad that moves you to tears, music has the power to evoke emotions and create connections like nothing else. That's why I'm so passionate about creating music. I want to evoke emotions and make connections that will stay with people long after my music is over. Music is my passion, and I'm here to share it with the world. My plan is to graduate college and move straight to Southern California or any other place where music is prominent. As much as I love performing live and don't want that to ever stop, I have become obsessed with the creation of music. Shaping the soundscapes and composing the music itself rather than just performing it. I want to get my own studio and engineer for up-and-coming artists, then get to a place where I am an independent artist myself. Some of my biggest influences and role models are Benny Blanco, Shane Lindstrom, Leland Wayne, Kanye West, André Young, etc. The Recording Arts Option major would give me the tools and knowledge to grow into one of the greats in music production. Choosing to study at Chico State will help me learn all about sound engineering, making music, and running a studio. I believe mastering these skills is super important to make it in today's tough music industry. Plus, getting hands-on experience with top-notch equipment in the program will help me get even better at what I do. These experiences will not only improve my technical abilities but also help me find my own unique style in making music.

My name is Angel Santa Cruz, and music has always been my life's passion. Throughout my school years, music was my constant companion. I eagerly participated in any musical opportunity that came my way, from jamming with friends in garage bands to joining school ensembles. One of the highlights of my musical journey was being the lead singer of a touring band under the School of Rock franchise. That experience taught me invaluable lessons about the power of live performance and the profound connection that music creates between performers and their audiences. I'm working hard to hone my skills and to make sure that I'm giving my best effort. I'm confident that with hard work and dedication, I will be able to achieve my goal. In the past few years, I have become obsessed with producing. It first came to me when I listened to J. Cole’s 2014 Forest Hills Drive album from start to finish. The idea of sitting behind a computer, making beats, and constructing the entire audio experience is fascinating to me. I’ve always listened to music in a way that picks apart every aspect, from a producer standpoint. One of my favorite things is to listen to an album from start to finish and listen to every minute detail of every bar of every song. Being a part of the Recording Arts Option would be a dream come true for me. I’ll be surrounded by the creation of music every day and get to do it myself on a professional level. I’ll be able to bring my own ideas to life and collaborate with others to make the music that I want the world to hear. However, my ambitions extend beyond just mastering the technical aspects of music production. What truly drives me is the desire to create music that resonates with people on a deeper level. Whether it's a catchy pop tune that gets stuck in your head or a heartfelt ballad that moves you to tears, music has the power to evoke emotions and create connections like nothing else. That's why I'm so passionate about creating music. I want to evoke emotions and make connections that will stay with people long after my music is over. Music is my passion, and I'm here to share it with the world. My mother has been my biggest cheerleader in my musical journey. She has given up countless hours and sacrificed endless nights to support my love for the arts. She has driven me to every show I’ve played, paid for every lesson I took, and been in the front row for every performance I’ve had. My main motivation to succeed is to demonstrate that her unwavering support for my craft will never be forgotten. I will dedicate every step of my journey to my mother. Because when I succeed, she succeeds. She will always be my rock and my inspiration. I love her deeply and I will never forget her. I will strive to make her proud. In the end, my goal is simple: to make music that moves people. Whether it's through crafting the perfect melody, crafting a unique sound, or creating an unforgettable live experience, I want to create music that leaves a lasting impression and brings joy to people's lives. And with each new day, I'm one step closer to turning that dream into a reality.

My first introduction to music was through a program called Kids Can Music, where I learned Mary Had a Little Lamb on the recorder and how many claps are in a half note. I then transitioned to taking piano lessons at 6 years old, and 4 years later I picked up a guitar for the very first time. After that, I simply fell in love with the idea of music. I always wanted to be in and around it. Every second I could, I would listen to music or practice whatever piece my teacher had me working on. I stopped taking individual lessons in the 7th grade to focus on the middle school band, for which I played bass. During the lockdown in 2020, I stayed immersed in music. I consistently taught myself as much as I could about playing the guitar and the piano and picked up drums, bass, and songwriting along the way. At that time, I was introduced to School of Rock. I began taking personal vocal lessons and working with their performance groups. After 3 months, I auditioned for the School of Rock Vacaville house band, Glass Cactus. I was one of three singers in the 11-Musician Act. We started out playing small venues like city fairs and local taprooms in the Sacra- Bay area but ended up touring Los Angeles and Las Vegas in 2021 and 2022, playing venues such as The Viper Room, SeaLegs at the Beach, The Hard Rock Hotel, and others. It was a great experience for me as a musician and vocalist. I learned a lot from the other band members about collaborating with others and gaining confidence in my abilities. It was also a great way to build relationships with other musicians, especially those who are older and much more experienced than I am in the music industry. Learning music at a young age gave me a creative outlet I was able to carry over into my adult life. In the stresses of today, I'm able to lean into music as a a safety net, a place to let out all of my pent up emotions and turn them into song. My plan is to graduate college and move straight to Southern California or any other place where music is prominent. As much as I love performing live, and don't want that to ever stop, I have become obsessed with the creation of music. Shaping the soundscapes and composing the music itself rather than just performing it. I want to get my own studio and engineer for up-and-coming artists, then get to a place where I am an independent artist myself. Some of my biggest influences and role models are Benny Blanco, Shane Lindstrom, Leland Wayne, Kanye West, André Young, etc. I plan to use my ability to create music that can break cultural barriers. One of my favorite quotes is from Jean-Michel Basquiat, "Art is how we decorate space, music is how we decorate time.” I plan to take this philosophy with me into my career and use it as a guide for my creativity. I want to decorate the timeline of my life with the music I make.

My first introduction to music was through a program called Kids Can Music, where I learned Mary Had a Little Lamb on the recorder and how many claps are in a half note. I then transitioned to taking piano lessons at 6 years old, and 4 years later I picked up a guitar for the very first time. After that, I simply fell in love with the idea of music. I always wanted to be in and around it. Every second I could, I would listen to music or practice whatever piece my teacher had me working on. I stopped taking individual lessons in the 7th grade to focus on the middle school band, for which I played bass. During the lockdown in 2020, I stayed immersed in music. I consistently taught myself as much as I could about playing the guitar and the piano and picked up drums, bass, and songwriting along the way. At that time, I was introduced to School of Rock. I began taking personal vocal lessons and working with their performance groups. After 3 months, I auditioned for the School of Rock Vacaville house band, Glass Cactus. I was one of three singers in the 11-Musician Act. We started out playing small venues like city fairs and local taprooms in the Sacra-bay area but ended up touring Los Angeles and Las Vegas in 2021 and 2022, playing venues such as The Viper Room, SeaLegs at the Beach, The Hard Rock Hotel, and others. It was a great experience for me as a musician and vocalist. I learned a lot from the other band members about collaborating with others and gaining confidence in my abilities. It was also a great way to build relationships with other musicians, especially those who are older and much more experienced than I am in the music industry. My plan is to graduate college and move straight to Southern California or any other place where music is prominent. As much as I loved performing live, and don't want that to ever stop, I have become obsessed with the creation of music. Shaping the soundscapes and composing the music itself rather than just performing it. I want to get my own studio and engineer for up-and-coming artists, then get to a place where I am an independent artist myself. Some of my biggest influences and role models are Benny Blanco, Shane Lindstrom, Leland Wayne, Kanye West, Andre Young, etc. The Recording Arts Option major would give me the tools and knowledge to grow into one of the greats in music production. Choosing to study at Chico State will help me learn all about sound engineering, making music, and running a studio. I believe mastering these skills is super important to make it in today's tough music industry. Plus, getting hands-on experience with top-notch equipment in the program will help me get even better at what I do. These experiences will not only improve my technical abilities but also help me find my own unique style in making music.

Music has been my passion for as long as I can remember. From the moment I first opened my acoustic guitar on Christmas morning to the moment I grabbed the microphone in The Viper Room, I knew that this was what I wanted to do with my life. It's like music flows through my veins, guiding me, inspiring me, and giving me purpose. My journey with music has been driving my life since I was 5 years old. I started with piano lessons, exploring the melodies and harmonies that could be created with just the touch of a key and ink on a staff. Then, at eleven, I picked up the guitar and delved into the raw energy and emotion that could be expressed through its strings. Throughout my school years, I immersed myself in bands. From joining the school band in middle school through high school, becoming the youngest Drum Major in Dixon High School history, playing electric guitar for their jazz band, and becoming the lead singer of School of Rock Vacaville's house band, Glass Cactus. Each experience deepened my love for music and fueled my desire to pursue it professionally. As I get older, I see music production as the perfect fusion of my passion for performance and my fascination with music technology. It's the art of crafting soundscapes, sculpting emotions, and bringing melodies to life. I want to learn everything there is to know about recording, mixing, mastering, and synthesis so I can create music that moves people, just like the music that has moved me throughout my life. But my passion for music would have never been curated and supported without my opportunities to play in school. I believe that music is not just a form of entertainment; it's a fundamental aspect of human expression and culture. One of my favorite quotes that has helped lead my path is a quote by Jean-Michel Basquiat, "If art is how we decorate space, music is how we decorate time.". Music education provides students with a creative outlet, teaches them discipline and teamwork, and fosters a love for the arts that can last a lifetime. It's a vital part of a well-rounded education that nurtures the whole child, not just their academic abilities. In a world that has been chaotic and divided, music has the power to bring people together. In times of global separation, like the pandemic, through the times of divided culture, music has the power to transcend our human differences. It has the ability to harmonize people with each other and be first-hand witnesses to the beauty that mankind is capable of creating. Instilling this in our youth throughout grade school is essential to creating human beings with a strong foundation and appreciation for one another. Even if a child does not decide to continue pursuing music, at least they know the connectivity music has with the world, therefore reiterating inside of the student the connectivity they can have with everyone around them.

Hi, my name is Angel Santa Cruz. I am a high school senior who graduated early, hailing from Dixon, California. My life goal is to become a music producer. For years, I have wanted to be a musician. Not being exactly sure what that meant, I went directly into performing. After a couple of years of performing with School of Rock Vacaville, I took a step back from music to focus on high school sports. This is when I fell in love with hip-hop and music production. The idea of making beats and engineering a song has become my life goal, and I am committed to Chico State to study music technology and studio production. For me, music isn't just about creating catchy tunes or chasing fame—it's about using my talents to make a positive impact on the world. I see music as a universal language that has the power to bring people together, bridge divides, and inspire change. Whether it's through heartfelt lyrics that address personal issues or creating with like-minded artists who share my vision, I'm committed to using my platform as a music producer to spark meaningful conversations and drive social progress. My journey in music production is guided by a simple yet powerful goal: to create music that resonates deeply with listeners and leaves a lasting impression. I believe that every beat and every lyric has the potential to touch someone's heart or provoke thought, because it does the same with me. Whether it's a certain melody that catches someone's ear or a drum line another finds catchy, I want my music to evoke emotional responses from its listeners, just as music does for me. In a world that can often feel divided and chaotic, music has the unique ability to bring people together and remind us of our shared humanity. It has the power to traverse barriers of language, culture, and background, uniting us in a truly common beauty. Through my music, I hope to create moments of connection, empathy, and harmony that remind us of the beauty of being united. As I continue on my journey as a music producer, I'm filled with excitement and optimism for the possibilities that lie ahead. I know that the road won't always be easy, but I'm driven by a sense of purpose and a belief in the transformative power of music. Whether I'm working on my next record in the studio or reaching out to young aspiring artists in my community, I'm committed to making a positive difference, one measure at a time.

My name is Angel Santa Cruz, and my journey with mental health has fundamentally shaped my beliefs, relationships, and career aspirations. During the span of the 2020 pandemic, my mind went to a place I had never experienced. I was in my freshman year of high school, and nothing brought me joy. I never wanted to see friends or participate in activities. I was depressed. It only got worse when my parents and I explored and researched what this meant for me. I had gotten to a point where ending my life seemed like a better option than figuring out what the rest of my life was going to be like. Through endless support from my family and my unwavering commitment, I could work myself out of the hole I fell into. I have been self-harm free for three years. During the COVID lockdown, I became very lonely. I didn’t have a whole lot of friends, seeing as I was fresh out of homeschool just a year and a half earlier. This was a huge catalyst for my growing loneliness to turn into depression. Those experiences with my mental health taught me to cherish the relationships that I have. And no relationship is a one-way street. It takes work and sacrifice to love your friends and to be loved by them. I also learned to be more open and honest with the people I care about. This was the only way to create a bond that would last. All these things together taught me to be kind to myself and to care for my mental health. For all my life I wanted to be a musician. Growing up I wanted to go to college to learn how to make music, and to be the most famous and successful artist of all time—a very child-like dream. Fast forward a couple of years to age 15, my only dream was seeing my next birthday. Music used to bring me so much joy, but it had stopped. At the time I was even in a touring band playing 5-8 shows a month. Still, doing the thing I loved most in the world did not bring me a smile. After months of suffering through this mental state and eventually working my way out of it, I have grown a music appreciation I never thought I would have. It is the lifeblood of humans. Seeing something can distract the eyes, but music will catch your ears, creating an entirely new reality inside your mind if you let it. Music can be the gateway to your true emotions, and even how to cope with them. After overcoming my depression and still working to better my mental health every day, becoming a musician is now more important to me than ever. So that one day maybe I can create the music that is enough to save a young man’s life.

My first introduction to music was through a program called Kids Can Music, where I learned Mary Had a Little Lamb on recorder and how many claps are in a half note. I transitioned to taking piano lessons at 6 years old, and 4 years later I picked up a guitar for the very first time. After that, I simply fell in love with the idea of music. I always wanted to be in and around it. Every second I could, I would listen to music or practice whatever piece my teacher had me working on. I stopped taking individual lessons in the 7th grade to focus on the middle school band, for which I played bass. During the lockdown in 2020, I stayed immersed in music. I consistently taught myself as much as I could about playing the guitar and the piano and picked up drums, bass, and songwriting along the way. At that time, I was introduced to School of Rock. I began taking personal vocal lessons and working with their performance groups. After 3 months, I auditioned for the School of Rock Vacaville house band, Glass Cactus. I was one of three singers in the 11-Musician Act. We started out playing small venues like city fairs and local taprooms in the Sacra- Bay area but ended up touring Los Angeles and Las Vegas in 2021 and 2022, playing venues such as The Viper Room, SeaLegs at the Beach, The Hard Rock Hotel, and others. It was a great experience for me as a musician and vocalist. I learned a lot from the other band members about collaborating with others and gaining confidence in my abilities. It was also a great way to build relationships with other musicians, especially those who are older and much more experienced than I am in the music industry. As a musician, I have goals far beyond just performing. While being on stage is a dream of mine, I see myself as an artist who uses music to connect with people and not just create it for entertainment. Music can go beyond language and cultural differences. It can create feelings that anyone can understand, regardless of their origin. My goal is to make music that touches a diverse audience, bringing out emotions that don't need words. Whether I am on stage with a microphone or working on a computer as a producer, I want to share how I see the world with my music with everyone who will listen. To make this happen, I want to be more than just the person behind the instruments. I want to be the one who orchestrates the entire sound experience. I aim to be an essential part of every step in creating my music, from creating melodies and lyrics to producing and making the final product sound just right. I'm inspired by the idea that music can break down barriers and create special moments. By being involved in every part of creating my art, I can shape a unique story with music. In the modern music industry, there is a constant flow of unique and diverse ideas. As the creative process flows between infinite numbers of artists, it is important to be flexible. I believe that to be successful in this field, one must concentrate on their creations while being committed to learning from peers and elders. By letting my love for music guide me, I hope to create music that speaks to all walks of life. I am excited to begin my musical journey and to leave a lasting impact on those who will listen.