Alumni Profiles
Nori Crystal
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“I truly love my work as a music teacher at the Inner City Education Foundation and a performer in a variety of professional orchestras, including the Disney Candlelight Orchestra. I have a true passion for what I do and that is a privilege.
“The Conservatory introduced me to chamber music. I had soloed and played in orchestras, but playing in chamber ensembles is very difficult because each member has to shoulder so much responsibility, and that is scary. My coach, Rosemarie Krovoza, helped me to realize my potential, and consequently, I greatly improved as a performer.”
Nori Crystal received a bachelor of music from the University of Redlands, where she was the recipient of a music merit scholarship for four years. She currently works full time for the Inner City Education Foundation, a twelve-school charter system located in South Central Los Angeles, and performs in a variety of studio orchestras.
Eddie Trager
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“Right now I've got several musical projects in the works, including a Folk/Melodic/Goblin Death Metal band called Nekrogoblikon. Our second album is currently being mixed and mastered for release. I also play in a shred-jazz band that will soon record its first album. Other projects include an indie band--Awkward Starfish-- that is currently recording its first album and a progressive metal project called The Sirens of Titan. Meanwhile, I continue to play solo acoustic folk music, and I will record soon.
“In the near future I'll basically be recording, touring, practicing and composing. I plan on dipping my fingers into the electronic music and pop scenes soon. I will also be working with composers who will be writing percussion pieces with me in mind, which I've done before - an excellent experience; that's mainly where I'll be playing my classical music. Eventually, I'd like to get involved with video games and movie scoring, and perhaps play in an orchestra but that's far ahead.”
Jacque Robinson
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“I decided to pursue music study when my teachers began telling me I had great potential and I began excelling very quickly. My teachers introduced me to the Pasadena Youth Symphony Orchestra and that was one of the greatest experiences of my life. I met so many other students from different parts of Pasadena and the surrounding community and it offered me my first opportunity to travel on a plane outside California and play in Carnegie Hall!
“I feel the Pasadena Conservatory prepared me for my career. During the time I was a student, I had no idea where it would possibly take me. I ended up studying music through the 12th grade with many wonderful teachers like Roberta Wilcox and Cameron Stone encouraging and teaching me along the way. I remember all the times I didn't want to practice as well as the times I was scared to play in front of the public. Reflecting back on that, I know it was preparing me for life now: being reliable, being focused, being comfortable speaking in front of the public. Being a musician at a young age offered me the chance to learn those transferable skills that are so important now as a Pasadena City Councilmember.
“Strangely enough, my favorite memories of the Pasadena Conservatory are the recitals. I was always very nervous about having to play, but I was always proud of myself after completing my performance. My advice to aspiring musicians is always do your best and the rest will follow. The lessons learned as a musician will help you in all facets of your life later on down the road.”
Pasadena City Councilwoman Jacque Robinson became one the youngest elected officials in the history of the City of Pasadena at age 28. Born and raised in Pasadena, Jacque is an alumna of John Muir High School (1996) and earned her B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley (2000). She is earning a M.A. in Public Administration from California State University, Northridge.
Michael Gutierrez
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“I think the Pasadena Conservatory provided me with a great opportunity to continue developing my musical talents at a developmental age. The PCM was brand new back then, and there was a family atmosphere about it that was fun and positive. The most important thing I learned at the Pasadena Conservatory is that music is fun! My favorite memory of the Pasadena Conservatory are the potluck dinners after recitals and chamber music lessons.
“My advice to aspiring musicians is don't worry about the future or how 'good' you are. Music should always be made out of a sense of love and fascination- a challenge and an adventure. Focus on that, and the rest will take care of itself.”
Learn more about Michael Gutierrez
Christopher Goodpasture
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Learn more about Christopher Goodpasture
Kenneth Pattengale
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Learn more about Kenneth Pattengale
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