I remember, vividly, every one of my closing shows. My last concert with my touring cover band Glass Cactus. My final tune with the high school jazz band. My final march as the high school drum major. My final washout with my 3 piece grunge band Bad Box. Each one ended the same. Feeling empty, sad, and lost without the rhythm. Even when a song ends, a small part of me cries. Whenever the final note plays it hits my heart. Music has and always will be my why, what, and how. I will never stop chasing the beat, chasing the solo, and chasing the curtain call. I was homeschooled my entire life. My biggest class was when my dad happened to be home, and my hardest homework assignment was mowing the lawn. One day, my parents decided to drop me in middle school. No friends, no connections, no groups. It was there I played music with others for the first time. In a short 55 minute band class, I had flawlessly learned the bass line for Nunca Es Suficiente. I didn’t understand a single word, but I knew one thing. I was obsessed with the music. Throughout the years I have had many teachers in many environments. A hippy guitar teacher in a studio/warehouse with a stubborn stinky sock smell. A Spanish classically trained vocal coach at School of Rock. And of course, the grumpy and old high school band directors. Every one of them has had an impact in the way I face music, and in turn, the way I see life. My first music teacher, Mr. Schwagerus, used to tell me “Don’t look at the keys. Read the music. If you hyper focus on perfecting the measure, you’ll never see the next one coming.” If I only look at the ground as I am walking, how do I know where I am going? Just as in music, we must keep our head up and trust our feet to take us to the destination we seek. One of the people that inspired me the most was Mr. Coulson, my high school band director. Nobody cared more about the music than he did. And oh, did he have the accomplishments to show for it. Cases and cases of trophies with nothing under 3rd place. He helped me understand the nuances of bass, and saw my potential in jazz band piano and guitar. When I auditioned for drum major, he saw my leadership abilities before I did. Going against 2 seniors and 2 juniors, I became the first sophomore drum major in Dixon High School History. I went on to win Outstanding musician 2 years in a row, place top 3 in every marching competition (Including 1st place 2023 Santa Cruz Band Review Drum Major, 2023 Tournament of Champions 2nd place overall march, and 2024 1st place Dixon Mayfair Drum Major), and several other miscellaneous accomplishments. He was a tough but loving man. To his students, but especially his family. He has a son who is severely special needs, affected by cerebral palsy. I have never seen a man so dedicated to his craft and passion, but who would be willing to drop anyone and everything for his son. Watching him with his family and with his students for 4 years truly taught me a valuable lesson about priorities. He loves music and his family with all of his heart…and baseball. But he is a man true to those things and one who will always be. I strive every day to have the simplicity of love as Mr. Coulson.

It is my dream to be a grammy award winning musician and producer. As someone who has battled with anxiety and depression my whole life, I know the relief of having an outlet. Mine is the creation of music. It is one one my dreams to found and supervise a mental-health themed music festival/art show where people can feel free to mingle and express themselves to and with others. This event will be themed around mental health and emotional expression. I want to feature artists who are open about their experiences and lives. People who normalize strong and courageous vulnerability. Artists of all facets who will be showcasing their work will be encouraged to build and share personal stories in between showings. I want to have a real bond between the viewers and performers. All Proceeds and profits will go to local counseling services that prioritize personal and affordable mental health help. All my life I have struggled with anxiety and depression. To this day I find trouble in social settings and confrontations. I choke up, lose my breath, and can't remember how to speak. But being able to live and relish in the things I love, like songwriting and production, brings me back to reality. It steadies my hand, and slows my heart. It is my goal to bring that level of peace and serenity into the lives of those like me.

Life is sacred. Not just in the obvious of creativity and complexity, but in the simple details. I grew up in a family and town where living paycheck to paycheck was the way life went. Early struggles taught me to see value in every person. Regardless of how “convenient” or "accepted" their existence might seem for others. My pro-life convictions are from a mix of faith, experience, human connection, and my own personal mission statement. I’ve seen what happens when people are dismissed. I have been treated like my life doesn’t matter. But more than that, I have also seen the beauty and change that comes when someone is given a chance. That belief in the unique value of every human being is something I carry with me into everything I do, especially my music. I’m pursuing a career in music because I believe in its power to move people emotionally, spiritually, even morally. Music has always been a way for me to make sense of my world, and it is my goal to help others do the same. I want to create music that affirms life, brings hope to those with none, and reminds people of their worth. In a society that devalues the inconvenient or unseen, I want my work to do the opposite. To give voice to the voiceless. My mission statement is this: Live in love. In this world, there a constant fight for what is good or what is bad. Good and bad is a severely unbalanced scale. Nothing can be defined as good or bad, nobody can tell me if they have been a good or a bad person. But I bet what you can tell me; do you live in love? Or in hate? Protecting the unborn, defending the vulnerable, and honoring the dignity of human life isn’t about good or bad. It’s about love. Love doesn’t measure value. It doesn’t categorize worthiness. It sees the humanity in everyone, even those we can’t yet see or hear. While I haven’t been part of a formal pro-life organization, I’ve been involved in creative, community-centered efforts that align with my beliefs—volunteering in mentorship programs, supporting families in need, and performing at local events that center around faith, healing, and unity. Moving forward, I plan to write, produce, and perform music that speaks to the dignity of life. I also want to get involved with pro-life campus groups and use my creative platform to advocate for the unborn in ways that are personal, compelling, and true. Life is a gift. Music helps me celebrate that gift, and I hope to spend my career using it to protect and uplift the dignity of all people. And always the ones who can’t speak for themselves yet.

I’ve always struggled with depression and anxiety for as long as I can remember. It has affected the way I connect with people, made me second-guess myself, and left me feeling isolated during times when I truly needed support. Because of that, I had a lot of time to learn how to understand and manage my own mental health. I’m still not great at social interactions. I get nervous, I overthink, and sometimes I still shut down, but I’ve gotten better. And that progress has helped me show up for others in a way I wish someone had for me. I don’t typically hear about my friends' mental health struggles. But the few times someone has opened up to me have stuck with me. I’ve learned that empathy goes so much farther than sympathy. Most people don’t need advice or long-winded stories in return. We just need someone who’s willing to listen without judgment, and I try to be that person. I listen, I ask how I can help, and I make sure they know they’re not alone. Even just sitting in silence with someone can mean more than any words. My dreams in music have always been rooted in connection. I started off performing...playing shows, touring, singing, drumming, doing whatever I could to share something real and true. Now, I’m focused on production, where I’ve found a new love for shaping music in a way that helps people feel understood. Whether someone is going through it or just needs to feel something, I want my music to be a space where emotions are real and vulnerability is encouraged. I want emotional support to be part of what I bring to the table, not matter where my career takes me. Mental health isn’t always about fixing things. Sometimes it’s just about being there. And if I can be that for even one person, through a conversation or through a song, that is something meaningful.

My interest in music began when I was a kid and my mom got me my first acoustic guitar. I was instantly hooked. She signed me up for lessons in both guitar and piano, and I dove headfirst into it. At first, it was just a fun hobby that gave me a creative outlet. But over time, that hobby turned into a passion, and eventually, a dream I knew I wanted to chase long-term. Music quickly became a core part of how I think, feel, and experience the world around me. Before I fell in love with music production, I spent several years as a performing musician. I played solo shows, jammed and collaborated with other artists, and even had the opportunity to tour twice. One tour took me to Los Angeles, and the other to Las Vegas, both with my band Glass Cactus, the School of Rock Vacaville house band. I am very experienced when it comes to playing guitar, singing, drumming, and also playing bass and piano. Those years of performing taught me how powerful music can be when it is experienced live. I learned how to connect with an audience, how to communicate emotion through sound, and how to work with a group of musicians to bring a song to life. All of that now plays a major role in how I approach music production today. Currently, as a Recording Arts major at Chico State, I am focused on learning everything I can about the technical side of music. I want to fully understand studio and live sound technology, explore all aspects of music production, and gain the right business skills to navigate the industry successfully. My goal is to become completely self-sufficient. I want to be an artist and a producer, but also someone who can help others share their voice too. I do not see myself performing jazz, and I do not plan to become a traditional performer or teacher. I see myself working behind the scenes. I want to engineer live shows, produce original work, and stay deeply involved in the creative and technical processes that bring music to life. Music has always had a strong emotional pull for me. It is how I express myself, how I connect with others, and how I keep myself sane. With the right tools, education, and support, I know I can make a real and lasting impact through sound.

Music has always been a meaningful presence in my life. I first became interested in music when my mom got me my first acoustic guitar. She signed me up for piano and guitar lessons soon after, truly sparking the fire in me that still burns today. Over time, the hobby turned into a dream. A dream I’m now actively chasing at Chico State University, where I am majoring in Music: Option in Recording Arts. I believe every step in my journey has led me here to Chico State, where I am taking all my time and energy to extend my knowledge of music and production as far as I can possibly take it. As I continue to pursue my degree, I am focusing heavily on music production, studio recording, and live sound design. My interests have shifted more toward the technical aspects of shaping sound, while still always being in love with creating it I am fascinated by how audio is captured, manipulated, and delivered to audiences. I remember always being in awe of the soundscape around me whenever I went and saw things with my family. It was never always about the video. But I was captured by the sound. I recently began working as the sound designer for Clue, a Chico State Theatre production, where I’ve been designing the soundscape and managing the show’s full audio environment. I’m also currently pursuing live sound internships in Northern Sacramento to gain more hands-on experience in both concert and event production, which has already helped me grow in more ways than I expected. After completing my degree, I want to produce my own beats, manage studio and event audio professionally, and build a career that blends my creativity with my ever-growing interest in audio technology. Most of all, I want to win a Grammy. I want to earn not just Best Rap Album, but also Best Producer. It is an ambitious goal, but I believe in setting my standards high and showing everyone I have the tenacity, passion, and grit to get there. I want to push boundaries in sound design, tell stories through music, and create work that earns that kind of powerful recognition. Receiving this scholarship would support my continued growth and allow me to focus more fully on becoming the kind of musician who not only masters the world of production, but also uses it to inspire, uplift, and connect with others in a meaningful way.

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.