We’re excited to share that DUSD was selected to receive a JDilla Grant from the Save The Music Foundation, part of a powerful collaboration with Wasserman Music and We Make Noise to inspire and support students interested in pursuing careers in the music industry.
On Wednesday, October 8th, students attended the official kickoff event at Warren High School, where they heard directly from professionals at Wasserman Music —a leading agency that works with some of the biggest names in the business, including Ed Sheeran, SZA, Drake, Coldplay, Lorde, and Imagine Dragons. Panelists included managing executives, tour marketing coordinators, and even the company’s Senior Vice President, who shared valuable insights about career paths in the industry, the importance of teamwork, and the perseverance it takes to succeed in such a competitive field.
After the panel, these CTE students participated in a hands-on workshop led by artist Niko Rubio, whose music blends traditional Mexican Ranchera with alternative rock and indie pop. Using Niko’s vocals, students created their own tracks, experimenting with beats and sound layers to get a real feel for the creative process behind professional music production.
This event also celebrated the launch of our brand-new CTE Audio & Music Production Pathway, made possible through the JDilla Grant. The program gives students an incredible opportunity to explore music production, sound design, and the technology that drives the entertainment industry.
The course is taught by our new teacher, Mr. Jorge Cardenas, a professional multi-instrumentalist and recording artist with over 15 years of experience in the Latin music scene. He has performed with award-winning artists such as Marisela, Larry Hernandez, Gerardo Ortiz, and Mariachi Divas, and recently produced “Sola” for Marisela’s Empoderada 2025 U.S. and Mexico tour. As a voting member of the Recording Academy—the organization behind the Grammy Awards—Mr. Cardenas brings his industry expertise directly into the classroom, giving students hands-on experience with music theory, production tools, and sound engineering.
Through this new CTE pathway, students will learn not only how to produce music but also how audio shapes film, television, and video games—discovering how sound brings stories and emotions to life.
Follow us @warrenhighcte to stay up to date on all the exciting things happening in our CTE programs!
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