La Sierra University Department of Music

We are SO proud of your accomplishments!!! Go and change the world with every note you play and sing!!!! That’s how we do it

Outstanding Seniors of 2026
Department of Social Work

Gabriella Del Vecchio is a compassionate, driven, and exceptional student whose journey into social work began in high school, where she discovered her passion for therapy and its potential for positive impact. Over the past four years, she has been a straight-A student, demonstrating academic excellence alongside a deep commitment to serving others. Known for her genuine kindness, empathy, and warmth, Gabriella has a remarkable ability to connect with people from all walks of life. She currently interns with the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health in forensic services, supporting individuals transitioning from incarceration and facilitating group therapy through the CSAR program. Her macro project reflects her commitment to community engagement, organizing a Mental Health Month art gallery to reduce stigma and foster dialogue. Gabriella will continue her education at Loma Linda University, pursuing a dual Master of Social Work and Master of Criminal Justice degree program.

Outstanding Seniors of 2026
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Tabitha Usery’s faculty say she exemplifies the very best of the Biochemistry Department and of La Sierra University. An outstanding Biochemistry major with a Music minor, she has distinguished herself through exceptional scholarship, meaningful service, and gracious
leadership. Tabitha has excelled in a demanding academic program while maintaining a high GPA and contributing to significant undergraduate research, including studies on purine metabolites linked to oxidative stress. Beyond her academic accomplishments,
she has invested deeply in her campus community as a Resident Assistant, a leader in SALSU and the Pre-Medical Society, and a trusted mentor and friend to her peers. She
is also an accomplished musician, serving as first-chair cellist in the university orchestra and performing in chamber ensembles. In every setting, Tabitha is known for her intelligence, humility, kindness, and steady commitment to serving others. Following
Next she will be attending Loma Linda University School of Medicine and pursuing a career in compassionate, service-centered patient care.

Outstanding Seniors of 2026
Department of Music

Michael Dada is completing a Bachelor of Arts in Music with a focus on violin and an emphasis in orchestral conducting. He currently studies violin under Mr. Jason Uyeyama and studies conducting under Dr. Dean Anderson. Michael’s passion for music began at a young age in church. He started playing drums at age three, picked up the violin at five, and later expanded to piano and other instruments. His musical journey has included singing in the children’s choir, the Pine Forge Academy Choir, and currently as a tenor in the Loma Linda University Church Choir. Today, he actively serves in various churches, contributing to song services and special music. In addition to performing, Michael has a deep love for composition. He has released three piano albums on major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube, and has written several choral and concert band works. Through his compositions, Michael seeks to inspire others to connect with God while engaging the depth of human emotion. Looking ahead, Michael aspires to become an orchestra conductor for a university or professional ensemble while continuing to compose music.

2026 Performer of the Year

Nathalia Boeira is a Brazilian flutist and passionate music educator, currently based in California. Known for her lyrical tone and expressive musicality, Nathália began her flute studies in 2009. Her performance experience spans chamber music, solo repertoire, and orchestral settings. She has been featured in numerous music festivals throughout Brazil and was a finalist in the 2021 Aldo Parisot Competition. Nathalia has collaborated with a wide range of instrumentalists and vocalists, and she was a member of the UFRGS Academic Orchestra from 2020 to 2021.  In 2025, she performed at Walt Disney Concert Hall with the CSUN Youth Orchestra.  She also serves as a flute instructor at the Vienna Music Institute (Irvine, CA) and teaches and conducts at the Riverside Arts Academy. She recently completed a PC at La Sierra under the mentorship of Dr. Martin Glicklich. In 2024, she began formal conducting studies under Dr. Giovanni Santos and she is currently pursuing a Performance Certificate in Wind Conducting under Dr. Christine Lundahl-Fritz.

You're invited to the music department showcase on May 30th at 7:30pm., featuring performances by the wind ensemble, university orchestra, and chamber singers.

Join us for our Annual Homecoming Concerto Concert, an evening of exceptional music and celebration.
✨ Featuring:
Ethan Guzman – Marcia Specht Guy Prize Award Winner
Xander Knecht – Our proud alum, currently a violist with the San Diego Symphony

Come celebrate the artistry of our talented performers and reconnect with our musical community.

AVPA Winter Recital

Join us for the Academy of Visual & Performing Arts Winter Recital, featuring performances by our talented music students. Enjoy an afternoon of piano, guitar, violin, voice, and more as students showcase their musical growth and achievements.

HMA Hall – La Sierra University
Free Admission
Everyone Welcome

The La Sierra University Wind Ensemble invites you to Steampunk, an evening of bold and imaginative music by Leonard Bernstein, George Gershwin, David Maslanka, Joseph Haydn, and Kevin Charoensri, featuring two of our incredibly talented chamber ensembles and a full wind ensemble finale of "Steampunk Suite" by Erika Svanoe. Thursday, March 12 at 7 PM in HMA. Free admission.

Join us this evening at 8 PM for Afonso Bittencourt’s Oboe Recital in HMA at La Sierra University.