RCC Alumna Hits All the Right Notes: Angelina Salcedo's Musical Journey to CSUF

Angelina Salcedo, a 21-year-old Riverside City College (RCC) graduate, is proving that passion, persistence, and education can take you far. This talented bassist is not only transferring to California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) but also making waves in the music scene with her jazz quintet.

Angelina's path has been anything but conventional. While pursuing her Associate's degree, she juggled a variety of part-time gigs, from food delivery with Postmates to tutoring bass for high school students. She even explored opportunities as a movie extra to make ends meet. Despite these challenges, her love for music remained her guiding force.

Her commitment to her craft led her to land a "dream job" performing at Disney and secure regular gigs at venues in Downtown Los Angeles, Riverside, and Redlands. Her quintet's performances, featuring jazz and Latin jazz, have become a weekly highlight for local audiences.

What makes Angelina’s story even more inspiring is her determination to prioritize her musical aspirations over financial gain. Encouraged by her family, she embraced the philosophy that passion, not money, should be the main focus. This mindset, coupled with her girlfriend's advice to pursue higher education as a backup plan, inspired her to complete her degree at RCC and transfer to CSUF.

Angelina’s educational journey is supported by a combination of scholarships, including a jazz scholarship and tuition assistance from Disney. With her sights set on the future, she is ready to embrace new opportunities at CSUF while continuing to perform and grow as a musician.

As her proud parent shared, Angelina is living life on her terms, staying true to her passion, and being a positive influence on others. Her story serves as a testament to the power of following your dreams and seizing every opportunity along the way.