Victor Alejandro Baca was born in Killeen, Texas, on September 1, 1985. He began piano lessons at the age of seven, and he began to play the trumpet in the school band by the age of 12. Trumpet quickly became his favorite instrument. He attended Valley Grande Adventist Academy and was a member of the Rio Grande Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra. As a freshman he taught wind instruments to kindergartners and first graders.
In 2003, he recorded on the album "A Cristo Coronad" with the University of Montemorelos Brass Choir. In 2004, he enrolled at Southwestern Adventist University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in music, specializing in trumpet performance, and a religion minor. Victor joined the university wind symphony and brass quintet and played trumpet in the Brazos Chamber Orchestra. Victor also performed with two choirs and a men’s a cappella quartet. While at Southwestern, Victor received a Presidential Scholarship, the Clarence Dortch Memorial Scholarship, and was on the distinguished dean’s list.
Victor received a Master of Arts degree in music education from the University of Southern California in 2009 at the age of 23. While studying there, he volunteered in Los Angeles schools’ inner-city school music programs. He aspired to continue his post-graduate education and teach, dedicating his life to music education.
Victor was a wonderful, loving son. He was a nurturing and encouraging brother, the delight of conversation for his sisters. He was a faithful friend, never losing touch with anyone. He was an artiste, an athlete, a nurturer, a giver of himself. Nothing was too much for him to do for others. Victor lived a life of service. His way of living was giving. He was a teacher, a composer, and adventurer. Victor’s love of outreach shined, and his outgoing personality and music ministry reached people for Christ.
Victor’s short life illustrates that God does not measure success or plans by time. Victor’s favorite quote by Oliver Wendell Holmes is: “Alas for those that never sing, but die with all their music in them!” Undoubtedly, Victor’s music of life was loud for all to hear.
Scholarship award requirements
This scholarship is awarded to a student who is a music major, has a GPA of 3.0 or higher, has financial need, and is not receiving any educational allowance.
Victor Baca Scholarship
Students Recipients
2020-2021-Daniel Longoria
2019-2020 -Brianna Teich
2017-2018 -Christian Vasquez
2016-2017 -Erika Martinez
2015-2016 - Erika Martinez
2014-2015 - Jonathan Dunchie
2010-2011 - Sacha Brooks