My name is Dorian Ketchens-Dixon and I am a member of NOCCA’s graduating class of 2021.
I want to let you know what attending NOCCA has done for me as an artist and a person--and that it holds a special place in my heart.
The opportunity to attend NOCCA means so much to me. During my four years in the Jazz program, I was able to fully fall in love with and hone my craft as a drummer. Being self-taught, I had no knowledge of music theory until I started NOCCA. My instructors made my learning experience easy and fun. This wasn’t a hobby. This was my opportunity to continue the cultural tradition of live jazz performance.
Our instructors, specifically our chair Michael Pellera, teach at a collegiate level. That level of learning has prepared me for the world, given me confidence, and has ensured that no matter what I do I am ready; I won’t fall short.
In the fall I will be attending Delgado Community College to pursue a degree in American Sign Language to prepare myself for enlistment in the Navy in 2023. With this chosen path, I know that Jazz performance will still be a part of my journey to open future doors and sustain my happiness.
The NOCCA Institute’s work is both critical and inspirational and your support helps them continue their work in support of students like me.
Thank you for supporting NOCCA, The NOCCA Institute, and helping students access the same opportunities I did!
Dorian Ketchens-Dixon
