Boston Bound: How Community Opened the Door to Berklee

A student's dream. A mentor's guidance. A community that believed.

Before sunrise on the Fourth of July, OCCTAC senior student Eileen Perez and Music Coordinator Phoebe Stanciell began a journey from Santa Ana to Boston that would become a life-changing experience.

Eileen was accepted into the prestigious Aspire Summer Program at Berklee College of Music, a five-week intensive program bringing together talented young musicians from around the world to learn, collaborate, and grow as artists.

For Eileen, this opportunity represented more than attending a renowned music program. It was a chance to challenge herself, step outside her comfort zone, and discover new possibilities for her future.

A New Chapter Begins

After arriving in Boston, Eileen and Phoebe experienced the city’s rich musical and cultural energy, including the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular along the Charles River before the program began.

The following day, Eileen stepped onto Berklee’s campus for the first time, joining more than 1,000 aspiring musicians from across the globe. Students arrived carrying instruments, backpacks, and dreams, ready to begin an unforgettable summer.

"The excitement was contagious," Phoebe shared.

As orientation filled Berklee’s Performance Hall, the magnitude of the opportunity became clear. Soon after, families and mentors said goodbye as students began their independent journey.

For Phoebe, watching Eileen confidently take that step was a powerful reminder of the impact of opportunity.

"Watching one of our own confidently step into an environment of this caliber was both humbling and inspiring," said Phoebe. "With encouragement, preparation, and opportunity, our students are capable of thriving on some of the world’s most respected stages for music education."

Growing Beyond Music

Throughout the program, Phoebe is staying connected with Eileen through weekly check-ins. During her third week at Berklee, Eileen shared how meaningful the experience had already become.

"I’m having a great time. I’ve been able to make plenty of friends already. I just needed to get out of my shell. All the teachers are so fun and nice, and I feel like I’m improving a lot."

Eileen’s experience reflected more than musical growth. She was building confidence, independence, and a stronger belief in herself.

A Community That Made It Possible

Eileen’s Berklee journey was made possible because a community believed in her potential.

OCCTAC extends heartfelt gratitude to Reaching Youth Through Music Opportunities (RYTMO) and Mike Anderson for their commitment to supporting young artists and helping make this opportunity possible. Special thanks also goes to Mike Adams, whose generous sponsorship covered Eileen’s room and board throughout the Aspire Program.

OCCTAC proudly provided Eileen’s round-trip transportation to Boston, lodging, and meals before she moved into her campus residence hall.

Together, these partners opened the door to an experience that will continue shaping Eileen’s journey as a young artist.

The Journey Continues

Eileen’s story does not end in Boston.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of Eileen’s Berklee journey, where she will share her reflections after returning home, the lessons she learned, the friendships she built, and how this experience shaped her growth as an artist.

At OCCTAC, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to discover their talents, build confidence, and pursue their dreams.

Your support helps create more life-changing opportunities for students like Eileen.

Will you help open the door for the next OCCTAC student?

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Thank you for believing in our students and helping create a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive.

Boston was the beginning. The journey continues.