Citrus College Vocal Music program provides exceptional training, opportunities

By Anthony Contreras, Ed.D., Citrus College Governing Board Member

Singing at the Basilica di Santa Croce in Florence, Italy, is a rare opportunity that demands a high level of skill and preparation. Singing there on Easter Sunday is even more extraordinary.

For Des Montoya, a 20-year-old vocal music student at Citrus College, this once-in-a-lifetime experience became a reality when he performed at the church this past March.

"It was so surreal," he said. "To be welcomed into such a sacred space and share my gift with everyone was beautiful. It was something I will never forget."

Monumental moments like this are exactly what the acclaimed Citrus College Vocal Music program is all about. A cornerstone of the college's thriving visual and performing arts division, the program helps students develop their craft and prepare for careers.

"When I was first accepted, I knew I would receive great training while working toward my degree," he said. "Now, I am heading into my final year as a Citrus Singer. I hope that by this time next year I will be auditioning professionally."

From classical choral music and vocal jazz to barbershop, musical theater and commercial/pop music, the vocal music program offers expert instruction in a variety of styles. At the same time, numerous performance opportunities enable students to increase their confidence, showcase their talents and gain valuable experience.

Although vocal music has been a long-standing program at Citrus College, it continues to evolve every year. The program's comprehensive curriculum includes beginning, intermediate and advanced voice classes, musical theater workshops, private voice instruction, music theory, and music history classes. Each course is designed to provide students with the education and practical training they need to succeed in the challenging and competitive music industry.

After acquiring knowledge and skills in the classroom, vocal music students can apply what they've learned in real-world settings. Every student has the opportunity to audition for one or more of the college's vocal ensembles, including the Treble Chorus, Tenor Bass Ensemble, Concert Choir, Vocal Jazz Ensemble (Speakeasy) and the world-renowned Citrus Singers. In addition, some students join one or more of the college's instrumental music groups.

Participating in a vocal ensemble at Citrus College provides students with a diverse range of performance experiences, such as international tours, corporate events and music festivals. Each semester, students also perform at several on-campus productions.

This participation provides students with performance experience, and it helps them develop interpersonal skills. By working together as a group, students improve their ability to communicate effectively, solve problems and think creatively. The collaborative environment fosters a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose, allowing promising performers the opportunity to grow both as musicians and as individuals. As a result, program graduates emerge as confident and versatile musicians who are prepared to excel professionally.

"Beyond singing, acting and dancing, the Citrus Singers instilled valuable life skills," Des added. "Networking, time management and how to be a good leader are all things I have learned in this program."

Ultimately, the impact of the college's vocal music program is evident in the success of its graduates. Many have gone on to transfer to four-year colleges and universities and pursue music degrees, while others have performed professionally around the world, including TV, Broadway, cruise ships and theme parks. Program alumni have also achieved successful careers as studio vocalists, composers, conductors, teachers and more.

Des will soon join the ranks of these successful graduates. As he approaches the end of his time at Citrus College, he not only hopes to work in the entertainment industry but also plans to give back.

"I will be graduating with an associate degree in child and adolescent development in June 2026. I would like to be involved in educating young people in the performing arts while also pursuing a career as an actor," he said. "I'm ready to work hard in my final year, and I feel confident with the tools that I have been given to face the world head-on."

Des is proof that Citrus College provides students with the skills and knowledge that will help them well into the future.

As the Azusa area's representative on the Citrus Community College District Board of Trustees, I am proud of the many ways the Citrus College Vocal Music program enriches the lives of its students. I am also impressed by their spectacular vocal music performances that take place throughout the year. I encourage you to visit our campus and experience one for yourself!