On April 9, Las Positas College’s Black Box Theater transformed into a dreamy, prom-like space. Under dimmed lights and a ceiling dressed in hanging vines, students mingled in flashy formal wear.
Shimmering dresses caught the light and crisp suits adorned with bow ties glided through the decorated space. While a quiet, moonlit night settled over the campus, a lively scene bustled inside the Barbara Mertes Center.
From 6 to 9 p.m. the space in Building 4000 filled with glowing lights and the sound of live, student-led music for the college’s third annual Music for All Ball.
But it went beyond the decorations. The heart of the event was the music and the students behind it.
The ball itself started with a simple idea. As most students at LPC are no longer in high school, there are fewer opportunities to dress up for an event like prom or senior ball. Dresses and tuxes end up collecting dust, becoming memories.
Co-coordinator Regina Mae Magpoc explained that it started as a way to bring out those outfits sitting in closets with nowhere to go. Over time, it evolved into a larger event that promotes both the music program and student organizations.
“It brings in a lot of traction. It gives more spotlight to the musicians of Las Positas and also the art clubs here,” Magpoc said. “It feeds into the programs we have here, as a lot of people don’t really know the classes that we offer. And now that we’re having club tables, people are going to learn more about those and how they can be more involved on campus.”
Faculty members also see the value in the ball. Director of Instrumental Music Cindy Browne Rosefield noted that the event is entirely student-driven.
“The students are the ones putting this on,” Rosefield said. “They want to bring the community together, show off what we do in the music department … and just have a good time.”
Maikol Musto, the event’s sound engineer, said they hoped event goers had “a fun experience and enjoy(ed) the student-led music.” Working behind a professional-grade mixer, Musto coordinated with the performers to produce the live performances.
On stage, performers brought a wide range of styles and energy. Kevin Ceja, a member of the Mexican cover band Los Pochos, described their set as a mix of traditional, modern and upbeat — all performed in Spanish. Ceja expressed how important these events are, as it gives the students in the music department the opportunity to showcase their work.
“It’s a good opportunity for music students to show what they learn, basically, and what type of work we do,” Ceja said.
That diversity is exactly what performer Kathryn Taylor believes makes the event and the music program so special. Events like the ball give students the chance to showcase a wide range of genres in a way a typical concert might not.
“People think the program just does classical or jazz,” Taylor said, “ but we have everything from rock, funk, punk to pop. You’ll find anything here.”
For many attendees, the event offered more than just a night of entertainment: It sparked connection. Music major Joaquin Benigno said he came to support friends but stayed for the atmosphere, mentioning that music fuels connection.
“Music really brings a lot of connections with people,” Benigno said. “I think in these types of events, you get to mingle and talk with other people that you don’t know. I think music really brings unfamiliar faces together.”
Between performances, attendees gathered around for snacks, including baked potatoes, a popular choice among the crowd. The lobby of the building was filled with booths hosted by campus clubs like the Art Club, Musicology Club and many more. The Lyric Lounge was open for visitation, welcoming attendees to join in.
Event coordinator Sam Hunsigi said the ball relies heavily on collaboration within the department. He emphasized how close-knit the music program is, and how teamwork extends beyond music.
“I think it’s important to … shed light on the music department and get more people to support the department, go to our concerts and support our musicians,” Hunsigi said.
The Music for All Ball wasn’t just about the music or the decorations. It was about the experience of coming together. As Magpoc put it, the hope is simple: that people have a fun time and “make some memories.”
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TOP PHOTO: LPC student Kathryn Taylor performs a live set, April 9 at the third annual Music for All Ball in the Black Box theater. Hosted by LPC’s Music Department, a diverse lineup of live music and invited guests to the dance floor. (Photo by Lily Grice/ The Express)
Angelina An is a staff writer for The Express. Follow her on X @angiebee_919.
