LA Pierce College Brahma Beat - Issue 121
Pierce College Faculty to Perform in LA Phil’s 2025 International Tour
Pierce College celebrates the artistic excellence of three of its distinguished music faculty members, who have been selected to perform in the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s highly anticipated 2025 international tour. This opportunity underscores the caliber of faculty leading LAPC’s music programs and reinforces the college’s mission to bring excellence in education to our Pierce students.
The LA Phil 2025 Tour, featuring the Los Angeles Master Chorale and conducted by Gustavo Dudamel, will bring California’s music scene to audiences across Europe and Asia. Representing Pierce College on the global stage are:
- Dr. Garineh Avakian, Professor of Music in Voice and Choral Studies at LAPC, who is a celebrated soprano and member of the Los Angeles Master Chorale. Dr. Avakian brings a wealth of performance and teaching experience, inspiring students both in the classroom and on the concert stage.
- Dr. April Amante, an acclaimed soprano and instructor in LAPC’s Applied Music Program and Dual Enrollment Voice Program. Dr. Amante’s artistry and commitment to accessible music education elevate the student experience.
- Cameron Wilkins, Applied Music Program Trumpet Instructor and Performance Workshop/Chamber Music Instructor at LAPC. Professor Wilkins is an accomplished freelance musician whose work spans symphonic, operatic, and chamber music. He is currently completing his Doctorate in Trumpet Performance at USC.
Pierce College Student Journalists Shine at JACC SoCal Conference
Pierce College is proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of its student journalists, who swept awards in news, photography, and magazine design at the Journalism Association of Community Colleges (JACC) Southern California Regional Conference, held Saturday, October 11, at Cal State University Northridge. Competing against peers from across the region, Pierce College students demonstrated remarkable talent, skill, and dedication and brought home a collection of prestigious honors that reflect the strength of our journalism program. Congratulations to:
The Bull Magazine - Honorable Mention – Magazine Design; Abraham Elizalde - 2nd Place – On-the-Spot Feature Photo, 3rd Place – Sports Game Story, Honorable Mention – Sports Action Photo; Abraham Elizalde & Emily Garcia - 3rd Place – On-the-Spot Social Media; Delilah Brumer - 1st Place – News Story, Meritorious – Enterprise Story; Melanie Somoza - 1st Place – On-the-Spot Opinion Story, 4th Place – News Story; David Cohen - Honorable Mention – On-the-Spot Opinion Story; Zamourad Iqobal - 1st Place – On-the-Spot News Story; Gelareh Behdad - Honorable Mention – Photo Essay; Angelina Guerrero - 1st Place – Feature Photo; Dominic Borja - 2nd Place – Feature Photo; Gabrielle Lashley - 4th Place – Magazine Illustration
These accomplishments are a testament not only to the hard work and creativity of each individual winner but also to the high-caliber instruction, support, and opportunities provided by the journalism faculty at Pierce.
Pierce College to Host 2025 University Transfer Fair
On Wednesday, October 29, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Los Angeles Pierce College will welcome representatives from more than 50 universities to the Great Hall in the Student Community Center for its annual University Transfer Fair, an event that continues to serve as a launchpad for students pursuing their academic goals beyond community college.
Organized by the college’s Transfer Center, the event offers students a unique opportunity to engage directly with university representatives, ask questions about transfer pathways, admissions requirements, and academic programs, and begin building meaningful connections with future advisors. In addition to personalized guidance, students will gain insight into diverse campus cultures and student support services resources that can significantly shape their transfer success.
The fair is open to all currently enrolled Pierce College students, removing information barriers and facilitating early engagement with transfer institutions. The event plays a key role in increasing degree completion and university transfer rates among students from all backgrounds.
Adding to the momentum of the day is the “Submit It to Win It” campaign, which encourages students to take proactive steps in their transfer journey. Those who apply to transfer and submit a graduation petition by October 31 can earn up to five chances to win a $400 Visa gift card. Students must submit proof of application or petition by November 2 via https://bit.ly/SubmitITWin.
UPCOMING EVENT AND HIGHLIGHTS & ACADEMIC WORKSHOPS / ASSISTANCE
(see complete list of events on the website calendar of events)
On Monday, October 20, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., students are invited to connect online with Samantha, a UCLA biology major and former Pierce College student, now serving as a peer advisor through UCLA’s Center for Community College Partnerships (CCCP). Hosted via Zoom, this session offers current Pierce students a chance to ask questions about transferring to UCLA, navigating the UC application process, and what to expect from campus life. Whether you're preparing to apply or just exploring your options, this is a valuable opportunity to hear directly from someone who has successfully made the transfer journey. Join the conversation at bit.ly/TransferZoom
On Monday, October 20, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., join an online session with Rachel Levy, Executive Vice President of Film Music at Universal Pictures, hosted by the Music Department of Los Angeles Pierce College (LAPC). This event offers a rare inside look at the intersection of music and film production, and is especially relevant for students interested in commercial music, media arts, and entertainment careers. Whether you’re composing, supervising, producing or managing music for film, this is a valuable opportunity to hear directly from a seasoned industry executive.
Join us on Monday, October 20, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. in LLC 5111 (under the Library) for a session designed to introduce you to the health‑services resources available on campus. Whether you’re curious about medical care, mental health support, wellness programs, or how to access the health center at Los Angeles Pierce College, this is a great opportunity to get a guided overview and ask any questions you might have. Come learn how to get the support you need to stay well, succeed in your courses, and make the most of your college experience.
On Tuesday, October 21, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., join an online workshop by the Los Angeles Pierce College Library designed to help you master academic reading. You’ll learn how to identify the structure of scholarly articles, evaluate peer‑reviewed research for credibility, and read strategically so you don’t get lost in the details. This session is especially useful if you’re working on research papers or planning to use journal articles in your coursework.
On Tuesday, October 21, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., join us in the Great Hall at Los Angeles Pierce College for a panel discussion featuring professionals working in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. Learn how emerging technologies are reshaping their work and gain insights into how you – as students – can prepare for careers in these evolving fields.
On Thursday, October 23, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., join the Los Angeles Pierce College Veterans Resource Center and the Veterans Club for a campus‑event connecting student veterans, service members, and allies with over 20 local veteran‑serving organizations. The fair will showcase services ranging from health care and housing to education benefits and career opportunities — and invites staff, faculty, students and community members to participate and support our veteran community.
On Thursday, October 23, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., join this workshop in the Library Classroom at Los Angeles Pierce College to learn how to power up your literature‑research skills. You’ll explore how to locate scholarly articles and literary criticism, navigate relevant databases, and build strong research strategies—ideal if you’re working on a literature paper or analysis.
-
Support Brahma Athletes at These Upcoming Competitions
- Men’s Soccer vs Allan Hancock (away) — Tuesday, October 21, 2025, 4:00 p.m.
- Women’s Soccer vs Cuesta (home) — Tuesday, October 21, 2025, 4:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
- Women’s Volleyball @ Moorpark (away) — Wednesday, October 22, 2025, 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
- Women’s Soccer @ Allan Hancock (away) — Friday, October 24, 2025, 4:00 p.m.
- Men’s Soccer vs Oxnard (home) — Friday, October 24, 2025, 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
- Football @ Glendale (away) — Saturday, October 25, 2025, 12:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
-
LAPC Theatre Presents Frankenstein
Beginning Friday, October 24, 2025, LAPC Theatre will stage John Nick Dear’s acclaimed adaptation of Frankenstein in the Performing Arts Mainstage, with performances continuing through Sunday, November 2. Showtimes are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2:00 pm, including a special sign‑interpreted performance on Saturday, October 25 at 7:30 pm. Directed by Shaheen Vaaz and featuring scenic design, lighting, costumes, and original music, this production explores the haunting themes of creation, rejection, and human identity. Tickets are $15 for students/seniors and $20 general admission; free parking is available in Lot 6.