A Star is Trained: Studying Music at Citrus College

By Joanne Montgomery, Citrus College Governing Board Member

If you're a fan of pop music, you've probably heard of Billie Eilish and Ariana Grande. An artist you may be less familiar with is Citrus College student and Monrovia resident Talia Saldana. While she hasn't been nominated for a Grammy (yet), I have a hunch that things are about to change for this dynamic singer.

Currently a third-year member of the college's renowned student group, the Citrus Singers, Talia is spending her last few months before graduation preparing to break into the music industry. Devoting hours each day to editing her debut album, which she co-produced with Citrus College audio engineering student Kendra Harris, Talia is the most effective type of dreamer: one with a plan, and one with an overwhelming sense of gratitude.

Talia attributes her current abilities to the Citrus College Visual and Performing Arts Division, as well as her instructors, Doug Austin and Renee Liskey, who helped her hone her talents as a performer. In fact, Talia came to the college for the express purpose of receiving a comprehensive music education.

It was a pitch-perfect decision.

With a notable standard of excellence in performance, the college's various vocal music ensembles have received high acclaim throughout the world. Students wanting to become professional performers, recording artists or music educators can choose from a broad range of courses designed to help them prepare for and succeed in the challenging and competitive music industry.

Alumni Anthony LoGerfo and Shawna Hamic are living proof of this. When they first enrolled at Citrus College, they could only dream of one day performing with their musical heroes. Fast forward several years, and both have achieved just that. Anthony is currently touring as a drummer with his rock idol, Neil Young, and Shawna had the opportunity to perform on Broadway with Sting. More recently, she has appeared in a recurring role on the popular Netflix series "Orange Is the New Black."

Talia's dreams of ghost writing for pop stars and becoming a well-known performer aren't far-fetched – they're grounded in the reality of what a music degree at Citrus College can provide.

The uncertainty and difficulty arising from the outbreak of COVID-19 hasn't dissuaded her either. In fact, the Citrus College Haugh Performing Arts Center recently launched an exciting new online showcase, the "Ghost Light Series." These videos feature performances submitted by students, alumni and faculty from the college's various performing arts programs. I highly recommend viewing this virtual series on the Haugh's Facebook page (www.facebook.com/haughpac). While you're there, look for Talia's contribution – a song she wrote titled "WYA." Currently, it's garnered over 2,000 views.

As Monrovia's representative on the Citrus Community College District Board of Trustees, I'd like to make this last note ring loud and clear: there's no better place to start your music career than Citrus College. Start now and get on the path toward something great!