Photo from the performance at Segerstrom Center for the Arts
The Orange County Children's Therapeutic Arts Center (OCCTAC) is proud to introduce our exceptional House Band, a group of talented and passionate young musicians. Each member brings a unique story and set of skills, united by their love for music and the arts.
Headshots by Mark Dimalanta, M.D.
Hunter Coyle (Guitar/Alto Sax)
Discovered at the Orange County Arts & Disability Festival last spring 2023, Hunter quickly became a valued member of our Music Magnet Program. As a multi-instrumentalist, Hunter excels in guitar, piano, accordion, and his favorite, the saxophone. Active in the Youth Employment Program as an important sound production team member and participates in various skill enhancing music workshops. Mr. Coyle aspires to pursue a career in Culinary Arts. Hunter’s hobbies include building intricate Lego models of cars, planes, and boats.
Jesus Reyes (Timbales/Drum Set/Percussion)
Jesus began his OCCTAC journey in the Music Therapy program and has currently been involved with the Rob Richardson Transitional Resource Center. As a very versatile musician, he plays drums/percussion, violin (Level 5 CM ), and piano (Level 7 CM) and is also part of the Composer’s Today composition program. Known for his infectious humor and love for Mario Bros. You can sometimes see him sporting a cap or t-shirt. Jesus enjoys watching movies and dining at Teppanyaki Grill Supreme Buffet.
Joanna Cobos (Lead Vocals)
Joanna’s musical path at OCCTAC started with group piano lessons at the age of nine, eventually transitioning to private lessons. A standout talent in her high school choir, Joanna graduated from UEI Trade School in Medical Billing and Insurance Coding last year and now works as a full-time employee. She plans to further her education at Santa Ana College. Joanna loves all things music, enjoys gaming, cosplaying, and occasionally dives into a good book. This summer she’s adding guitar lessons to her list.
Justin Navarette (Congas)
Justin has been an integral part of OCCTAC’s music program for six years, starting with group piano. This fall Navarette will be a rising junior at Magnolia Science Academy. He is involved in soccer, track, swimming, and water polo as an athlete. Justin’s academic interests include meteorology, physiology, and political science and he plans to pursue one of them in college. Navarette is a dedicated student in our World Percussion, Jazz Trax Ensemble, Mariachi, and Composer’s Today Program. He’s progressed through to Level 5 in the CM program in piano as well and also volunteers regularly, showcasing his commitment to the community and the music department.
Ricardo Sanchez (Keyboards/Accordion)
Ricardo, the 17-year-old rising senior at Santiago High School, has been a part of OCCTAC since he was eight years old. Excelling in several AP classes at his school, he has received four State Honors awards in piano and headed to complete Level 7 in the CM program in the fall. Ricardo’s talent with the accordion was showcased in our very first post pandemic Bloom program and on the song “El Mundo Entero.” In his free time, he enjoys hanging out with friends, listening to music, watching movies, and enjoying refreshing drinks from Tastea.
Robert “Bobby” Arroyo (Bass Guitar)
Bobby’s journey with OCCTAC began in 2009 in our early childhood program. Since then, he has evolved into a remarkable musician, focusing on the bass guitar. Currently he will be one of our graduating participants in our Youth Employment Program this summer. Bobby plans to return to Santa Ana College next year to complete his Digital Music Production Certificate. His musical tastes are influenced by legendary bassist Jaco Pastorius, and he has a deep passion for instrumental jazz and traditional cinema, inspired by filmmaker Terrence Malick.
Roberto Reyes (Piano/Vocal)
As a recent graduating senior of Saddleback High School, Roberto is making history as one of only two seniors to perform a senior recital at OCCTAC this year and the first eligible student to participate in the MTAC Senior South Coast Branch recital this past May on piano. Reyes will be attending Santa Ana College in the fall as he moves forward to his last level of CM (Advanced/ Level 10) on piano & Level 7 on viola. His diverse talents include emceeing, narrating, and singing lead vocals. Roberto enjoys bible study, movies, and participating in male pageants. His performances in the pandemic production “La Mariposa” and with the local band El Santo Golpe highlights his exceptional musical range and dedication.
These amazing young musicians embody the spirit of OCCTAC, demonstrating dedication, passion, and a deep love for the arts. We are immensely proud of their achievements and excited to see where their musical journeys will take them. Stay tuned for more updates and performances from our spectacular House Band!
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