Robyn Nicole Aguilar

Hometown

Murrieta, California

Education
Riverside City College, Saxophone Performance, 2025

Instrument

Alto Saxophone

Biography

Robyn Nicole Aguilar is currently a music major here at RCC, and has been playing Saxophone for 10 years. Growing up in Murrieta, Robyn has been part of music ensembles since elementary school, and studied under renowned teachers and educators such as Krystin Cowan, Bill Fritz, Donald Wade, and Steven Ragsdale. She attended Vista Murrieta HS, and was involved in their renowned marching program: the Golden Alliance, as well as being part of their top Wind Ensembles and Jazz Ensembles since her freshman year, and served on their leadership team. She is currently on her third year at RCC studying with Charlie Richards, and currently is in the Wind Ensemble, Jazz Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, under James Rocillo and Kevin Mayse, as well as a combo and various chamber groups where she studies Classical and Jazz Saxophone. She also currently works at various high schools in the area as a Saxophone instructor and is a Woodwind coach for various marching programs in Southern California as well. Robyn has also received numerous musical awards since high school and beyond, such as Director’s Choice awards, multiple collegiate scholarship awards, and was a 2024 Downbeat award winner; she also has had the opportunity to play with renowned musicians such as Tom Hooten, John Daversa, Bijon Watson, and Wayne Bergeron.

What inspired you to go into music?

My mentors in college and past band directors are my biggest influences and how I got into music full time in the first place. The musical industry is definitely still very male dominated, but my middle school band director was a big role model for me in showing how much women impact the music industry. Also, my high school directors were my main motivators in pushing me to pursue music full-time; the way they invested so much time into me as a musician and a person, helped me not just grow my talents, but to also push myself out of my comfort zone in pursuing musical opportunities in the Classical and Jazz scenes.

What is an interesting fact about you?

An interesting fact about me is I have had the opportunity to travel to almost every continent! One of my goals is to travel to as many countries as possible and explore different cultures.

What activities do you enjoy in your spare time?

Outside of music, I enjoy being out with friends or family, whether it’s the beach, traveling, or going out and trying new things.

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

I’m most excited about the repertoire and musical selections we might play, as well as being able to push myself with a new group and help expand my musical career.

Favorite Musical Quote:

“Music can name the unnameable and communicate the unknowable.”

- Leonard Bernstein