Hundreds expected for retirement tribute honoring beloved OC music educator

Award-winning Orange County music educator honored with alumni jazz concert featuring Wayne Bergeron

Hundreds of former students expected to return to Mission Viejo campus for tribute honoring retiring La Paz music director Dan Robbins

MISSION VIEJO, Calif. — After more than three decades shaping generations of young musicians in Orange County, longtime La Paz Intermediate School music educator Dan Robbins will be honored Thursday night with a large alumni jazz concert bringing together former students, current musicians and internationally recognized guest artist Wayne Bergeron.

The “Alumni Jazz Concert,” scheduled for May 14 at La Paz Intermediate School in Mission Viejo, is expected to draw hundreds of attendees, including alumni from across Southern California, current high school band students, professional musicians and former students who have gone on to careers in music and education.

Robbins is retiring after 33 years teaching instrumental music at La Paz Intermediate School, where he directed award-winning band, orchestra and jazz programs that became widely respected throughout the region and beyond.

Under Robbins’ leadership, the La Paz Intermediate Jazz Ensemble was selected 14 times to perform at the prestigious Monterey Next Generation Jazz Festival — a rare distinction for a middle school program. Robbins was also named Saddleback Valley Unified School District Teacher of the Year and recognized as a Grammy Music Educator Award quarterfinalist.

“Mr. Robbins didn’t just teach music — he built a lasting community that continues across generations,” organizers said. “This concert is about celebrating the impact he has had on thousands of students and families over the past three decades.”

The concert will feature a large alumni jazz ensemble directed by former student and professional musician Walter Simonsen, as well as appearances by Wayne Bergeron, one of the most recognized lead trumpet players in the music industry. Bergeron has already been rehearsing with students on campus ahead of the event.

Organizers say the evening will celebrate not only Robbins’ musical achievements, but also the lasting mentorship and sense of community he created through music education.

The Mission Viejo mayor is also expected to attend.

EVENT DETAILS

What: Alumni Jazz Concert honoring retiring music educator Dan Robbins
When: Thursday, May 14, 2026
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Where:
La Paz Intermediate School
25151 Pradera Drive
Mission Viejo, CA 92691

Free onsite parking available.

Media are welcome to attend, film and conduct interviews before, during and after the event.

Additional information is available at:
retiringrobbins.com