CPP Percussionist Jesus Aguilera Selected for Prestigious World Youth Wind Orchestra
From Cal Poly Pomona’s stages to an international concert hall in Rio de Janeiro, recent graduate Jesus Aguilera took his place among some of the world’s most promising young musicians this summer.
Aguilera went through a highly competitive international audition process to earn one of the few spots in the prestigious World Youth Wind Orchestra, which performed at the World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles (WASBE) International Conference in Brazil, Aguilera traveled to the conference, held July 20-25, alongside Music Professor Rickey Badua, director of bands at Cal Poly Pomona, showcasing the university’s growing international presence in wind band performance and education.
Aguilera graduated from Cal Poly Pomona in 2026 with a Bachelor of Music in percussion performance and served as principal percussionist of the Cal Poly Pomona Wind Ensemble.
Through this distinguished appointment, Aguilera represented not only Cal Poly Pomona but also the United States as a musical and cultural ambassador. His selection placed him among some of the world's most accomplished emerging wind and percussion musicians in the World Youth Wind Orchestra, an ensemble comprised of students from across Europe, Asia, Australia, North America, and South America. The experience provided him with the opportunity to rehearse and perform under internationally recognized conductors while collaborating with musicians from diverse cultures and musical traditions.
“To be able to represent CPP among so many amazing musicians from all over the world was a huge honor,” Aguilera said. “I was able to learn incredible things about other countries' cultures and approaches to music, and these experiences are things I'll carry with me for the rest of my career as a musician.”
Badua praised Aguilera’s music prowess and dedication.
“Jesus' selection for the World Youth Wind Orchestra is a tremendous achievement and a reflection of his talent, discipline, and commitment to musical excellence,” said Badua. “To represent Cal Poly Pomona and the United States on an international stage is an extraordinary honor. We are incredibly proud of Jesus and the way he continues to demonstrate the exceptional artistry and professionalism of our band students.”
The WASBE International Conference brings together leading conductors, composers, performers, educators, and ensembles to celebrate and advance wind band music throughout the world. The participation of both Badua and Aguilera further strengthened Cal Poly Pomona's presence at this prestigious international gathering. Participation in the World Youth Wind Orchestra is considered one of the conference's most distinguished opportunities for emerging musicians.
Aguilera's accomplishment highlights the strength of the Cal Poly Pomona band program and its commitment to preparing students for meaningful artistic and professional opportunities at the national and international levels. Aguilera will continue his musical studies by pursuing a Master of Music in percussion performance at the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at Cal State Long Beach.