leandro barrientos

What did Norco Music mean to you?

Norco got me motivated and gave me the space to figure out who I wanted to be. I was a bit of a nomad in my youth—traveling, playing music, and never really settling. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it left me searching. Norco College helped me try different things and discover what I was truly passionate about. It turns out art, music, and community were my anchors. Norco didn’t just support those interests—it gave me the tools to build on them.

Favorite memory from your time here?

One of my absolute favorite memories was a summer recording class while I was working toward my Pro Tools Avid certification. I took it with my best friend Stulo, and it was honestly the perfect mix of fun and learning. We spent the summer hanging out, making music, and taking a playful, hands-on approach under the guidance of Brady Kerr. I’ll never forget that lightbulb moment—when terms like automation, panning, or velocity finally clicked. Understanding the science and art of sound changed how I approached music forever.

What are you doing now?

I’m currently a digital communications professional for the City of Tigard in Oregon, working in bilingual community building. I also created and run El Tigre Fest, the largest Hispanic music festival in our region of Oregon—an event rooted in music, cultural pride, and community connection.

Biggest challenge you’ve faced?

In my 20s, I experienced homelessness. I lost my job, my home, my partner—honestly, it felt like the setup to a country song. But it was very real. During that difficult year, music kept me grounded. The friends and support I found through Norco College were there for me, and I turned those hard moments into songs. To this day, I’m incredibly grateful for the healing and growth that music provided.

A moment you knew you were on the right path?

There are a few moments, but one really stands out. While I was at Norco, I helped put on a music festival in Corona. We had five or six local bands and hundreds of people show up. I remember looking out at the crowd and realizing—this is it. Music and community building weren’t just passions; they were my path. That event lit a spark that still fuels my work today.

Project you’re most proud of?

There are two that rise to the top. The first is El Tigre Fest, the large-scale Hispanic celebration I produce now. But that never would’ve happened without the second: the full-length album I released with my band, Castle Pines, during my time at Norco. That record, Summer Blood, was a major undertaking—writing, recording, mixing, publishing, and marketing. Two of us in the band were part of the Norco Music program at the time. It was a transformative experience for me, both artistically and personally, and it built the foundation for everything I do now.

How do you stay inspired?

Nature keeps me grounded and inspired. I’ve been sober for seven years, and I’ve fallen in love with fishing, hiking, gardening—being outdoors brings clarity and joy. My family, my wife, and my cats also play a big part in keeping me centered. It’s the quiet things that feed the creativity now.

What advice would you give current Norco Music students?

Stay humble. Don’t rush the process—enjoy every single second of it, even the difficult parts. Learn to see those moments from a different perspective, because time flies, and you’ll one day wish you could go back to where you are now.

Be collaborative. Be inclusive. Don’t be rigid. Be open to learning, open to being wrong, and open to growing. Music is communication—and to be an effective communicator, you must first be an expert listener.

Good luck, students. You’re in the right place.