Cassandra Nevarez

Hometown

Visalia, Californiza

Education

Biola University, Music Education 2015-2019

Cal State LA, Violin Performance 2022-2024

Instrument

Violin

Biography

Cassandra Nevarez is a skilled violinist and educator from Visalia, California. Known for her versatile performances, she has worked with grammy award winning Maverick City Music, The Brilliance, Ronnie Freeman, Lucas Buck, Cadence Barnett, and most recently played strings for Aolani’s newest album. She recorded strings for the Van Gogh art installation in London and has recorded on various projects with video game and film composer, Chapman Hammond.

In addition to session recordings, Cassandra has performed with the La Mirada Symphony for three seasons, played with the Chamber Music Institute of Southern California for two seasons, and is in her second season with the Afro-Latin ensemble at CSLA. She has also played violin for the Los Angeles Film Conducting Intensive at the Clint Eastwood Scoring Stage at Warner Bros.

Cassandra earned her undergraduate degree in Music Education from Biola University (’19) under the studio of Elizabeth Larson and Melody Chang and completed her master’s in Violin Performance at Cal State Los Angeles (’24) under the studio of Marta Sofia Honer. During her time at Cal State LA, she served as concertmaster for the orchestra during her masters program and played in various chamber and her research focused on music and the brain in a state of grief.

Cassandra is currently in her fifth year teaching middle school music in Pasadena, California, with her performing groups earning gold ratings at festival, performed at Angel’s Stadium, and have earned 1st place at the Pasadena Black Heritage Parade and Festival. She regularly plays with her church’s worship team and is currently based in Los Angeles. She aims to use her passion for music to inspire students not only to grow as musicians but as citizens ready to positively impact the world around them.

What inspired you to go into music?

My first music memory was my Grandpa Gus rocking me to sleep to Debussy's "Clair de Lune". He would do this whenever I'd get really fussy. His father, my great-grandpa Maximiliano, was an avid musician playing violin, trumpet, and piano. While my parents did not play any musical instruments, they both appreciate music and have always intentionally introduced me to their favorites from a young age. I think that these factors all played into my innate love for good music and a well-written song. In 5th grade, my school offered orchestra, I chose the violin, and never looked back.

What is an interesting fact about you?

I'm (somehow) distantly related to Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.

What activities do you enjoy in your spare time?

I really enjoy film photography and camping/traveling.

What are you most excited for about this 2024-2025 season?

Definitely making new musician friends. I didn't attend CBU like the majority of the crew so I'm the newcomer but music always brings me together with some amazing folks - so I'm excited!

Favorite Musical Quote:

"Locate a resilient kid and you will also find a caring adult - or several, who has guided them."

-JP Shapiro