From Early Beginnings to the Heart of Little School of Music
Piano, Voice, & Saturn Rock Band · Student Since 2010
Alina Ibarra grew up at Little School of Music, beginning in Early Childhood Music at just two years old and continuing through piano, voice, rock band, performances, competitions, and eventually her role as the lead singer of Saturn. Today, she also welcomes families at the front desk, standing on the other side of the same doors she first walked through as a little girl. Her story reminds us that music can become more than lessons. It can become community, legacy, and home.
Some students become great musicians. Some become leaders. And every once in a while, a student grows alongside a school, becoming part of its very story. That is Alina Ibarra.
At just two years old, Alina walked into Little School of Music as a bright-eyed little girl in an Early Childhood Music class. From the very beginning, this is exactly what we hope music education can become: a long, meaningful journey of growth, confidence, creativity, and joy.
Over the years, Alina experienced nearly every chapter of Little School of Music. She continued through Early Childhood Music, Music for Little Mozarts, Pop Diva Camp, private piano lessons, voice lessons, rock bands, performances, competitions, and eventually became the lead singer of Saturn. Today, as a graduating senior, she also serves as the welcoming smile families see at the front desk, a role that beautifully reflects the person she has become. She didn’t simply attend the school. She grew up here.
And she did it with the steady support of her family behind her every step of the way. Her mom believed in her, encouraged her to keep growing, and challenged her to always do her best. Her dad, Berto, became one of the school’s quiet helping hands, always willing to lend a hand whenever something needed to be done. Along the way, her younger sister, Aubrielle, began creating her own musical journey, following in Alina’s footsteps while finding her own voice.
Today, we celebrate the remarkable young woman she has become. Watching Alina over the years has been like watching a flower bloom one season at a time. Each program added another layer of confidence, another skill, another opportunity to discover who she was becoming.
Music became much more than lessons. It became home.
As both a pianist and vocalist, Alina embraced every opportunity that came her way. She became the lead singer of the rock band Saturn, a role she has proudly held since she was fourteen years old. Together, the band performed throughout the community, including performances at Pocock Brewing Company and the legendary Whisky a Go Go.
They also earned awards at the WorldStrides Heritage Festival on two separate occasions, recognizing not only their musicianship, but their dedication and teamwork.
Her mother beautifully reflects on what music has meant in Alina’s life:
“Alina’s musical journey at Little School of Music began at just two years old, and over the years she has developed an impressive record of accomplishments through her love of music, dedication, and talent. Through her involvement in music, she has developed confidence, discipline, creativity, and resilience. These qualities have positively influenced her academic success, helping her approach challenges with focus, determination, and self-assurance. Artistically, music has provided her with a meaningful outlet for self-expression and leadership, shaping her into a well-rounded, accomplished, and confident young woman.”
For Miss Mindy, however, Alina’s story means something even deeper.
“There are students you remember because of a performance… and then there are students who become family. I’ve watched Alina grow from a two-year-old discovering rhythm for the very first time into a remarkable young woman. I’ve watched her learn, struggle, laugh, perform, lead, encourage others, and eventually welcome new families through the very same front doors she walked through as a little girl. In many ways, Alina grew up alongside Little School of Music. She represents everything I dreamed this school could become.”
Today, Alina stands as a beautiful example of the lifelong impact of music education.
Not because of the awards she earned. Not because of the stages she performed on. But because of the person she became. As she begins the next chapter of her life, she carries with her years of friendships, performances, memories, and experiences that few students ever have the opportunity to experience.
Some students leave Little School of Music with memories. Alina leaves behind a legacy, and carries it forward wherever life takes her.
Soon, another two-year-old will walk through those same doors, holding their parent’s hand, and begin a journey of their own.
Congratulations, Alina. You will always have a home here. ♥️
