Three times a charm with the Spotlight on Citrus Singers

Three promising performers on their third and final year completing the Citrus Singers program are ready to go their separate ways, thankful for the opportunity gained from the Citrus College music department.
 

Josh Pecjak, 21, was chosen from hundreds who auditioned from L.A., N.Y., London and Australia for a lead role and contract with Disney at Tokyo, Japan.
Pecjak is proud to be part of the Citrus Singer family who helped him get to where he is today and where he’s going in a few months.
 

Katie Ransom, 21, participated as a leading lady in numerous Citrus productions, including such roles as Glinda in the “Wizard of Oz,” Roxie Hart in “Chicago,” a dancer in “Hello, Dolly,” Helga in “Cabaret,” and in “Christmas Is…” several times.
 

Reyna Cerca, 20, has been performing as a vocalist and violinist in a mariachi band. Citrus Singers has helped her confidence as a performer and as a Spanish speaker. She said her English has improved as a singer because of word pronunciation. She is now able to go beyond her voice range and have unlimited control musically.

Q: How did you come to be at Citrus College?
Josh:     I came in the fall of 2007, and started with “Rocky Horror Picture Show” as  Brad Majors. My uncle was a Citrus Singer 20 years ago, then my mom came to school here as well. I’m like a “Citrus baby.” I originally went to Chapman University as a theater major, but left to come here because of the music department at Citrus.
Katie:     (laughing) I was too lazy to fill out other applications when I graduated from high school. My choir director had worked with Doug Austin and encouraged me to talk to him. Doug then suggested that Citrus Singers was the best thing for me and I started here in the fall of 2007.
Reyna: I came here in September 2007 looking for a program and so I auditioned. I wanted to try something new, something more challenging. I’ve always done mariachi and so I always wanted to be a bigger and better singer beyond my comfortable range. Citrus Singers gives that to you.

Q: How has Citrus Singers helped you?
Josh: Specifically, the connections with Disney. But I’ve gotten out of a speeding ticket because I was a Citrus Singer, offered odd jobs, met lots of fun people and connected to a large network.
Katie: The real life experiences with working with professionals like John and Doug. Personally, I have gained leadership qualities as a section leader and interpersonal skills working in a group dynamic. I am being promoted to a manager at my work because of my experiences here. We also get many job opportunities. I did pit singing for a brand new show.
Reyna: It’s not just about singing. They also encourage you to do better in your instrument if you play one. Not only do I sing but I play my violin pieces here. I’ve become a better sight-reader. I used to be an alto and now I’m a mezzo soprano to tenor. My dance moves are better. When I walked in here I didn’t know how to move.

Q: What are your goals after Citrus Singers?
Josh: I’ll go to Tokyo this July and be there for seven months, but when I come back the goal is to do a national tour, or a second contract with Tokyo Disney. For awhile I wanted to finish school and get a degree, but if I could perform, why the heck not?
Katie: The plan is to go to USC as a music business major. If I don’t become a performer, it gives me something to work on within the music field, where I can be a manager or producer. It has always been a goal of mine to get a degree. I want to be able to do the performing thing and come back and have a family. There is no experience that can top being on stage and having 10,000 eyes on you.
Reyna: I’m a music major for sure. I’m a performer. I want to become a backup singer for an artist and keep auditioning for musicals.

Q: What is your favorite musical?
Josh: I don’t really know many shows except new shows. I never really grew up with musicals. But probably “Spring Awakening,” it really rings through 18 to 25 year olds with its contemporary coming of age story and I want to be in it.
Katie: “Cabaret” because of the message of discrimination and people being equal.
Reyna: “West Side Story,” it’s just the way they dance, the colors and the mix of ethnicities.

Q: Which Glee character would best describe yourself and why?
Josh: I’ve never seen Glee. (Jokingly)Who’s the male lead? Finn, I’d be Finn because we are strikingly sexy male leads.
Katie:    Probably, this will sound weird, but the gay guy [Kurt]. He’s so eccentric and does whatever he feels like. He’s emotional and he best describes me.
Reyna: The black girl [Mercedes] because she can belt it out and she has soul. Her voice is strong and powerful.