Muhamed “Mo” Casorla was named the “Outstanding Senior” by the University of Arizona School of Music for the 2024 fall semester. Casorla is a music education major from Sahuarita, Arizona.
“One of the most talented oboists I have taught in my career, Mo has demonstrated strong artistic leadership throughout his college career and has made significant impacts in many areas of our school,” writes Sara Fraker, associate professor of oboe at the School of Music.
What follows are excerpted quotes from her nomination letter.
Mo has been a leading performer in the oboe studio, large ensembles, and undergraduate chamber music. He served as principal oboist of the U of A Wind Ensemble and principal oboist of the Arizona Symphony Orchestra. He was a founding member of the AM Wind Quintet.
- Fall 2024 CFA Graduation Convocation | Dec. 19 | 7p | Crowder Hall
Mo plays with a beautiful, spinning sound that is mature and refined. While his talent for tone production and phrasing is innate, he has worked incredibly hard these last four years to develop his rhythmic and technical abilities. Mo is not simply a gifted oboist. He lives a ‘fully creative life’ with great intention and somehow finds the time to express himself fully through a variety of artistic passions.
For the last two years, Mo has performed as a male principal dancer for Ballet Continental … a four-year member of the Pride of Arizona Color Guard and held the staff position of Color Guard/Winter Guard Director at Sahuarita High School.
Last year, he asked to play in the first half of our December oboe studio recital, because he had to dance in “The Nutcracker” just a few hours later.
In terms of artistry, determination, and personal character, Mo represents the very best of what we hope to cultivate in our undergraduate students. I believe that his creative achievements and student leadership, all rooted in such joy and commitment, embody the spirit of this award.
How was your experience at the college and the university?
My experience at the College of Fine Arts has been exceptional. I have grown significantly as both a musician and a person, thanks to the inspiring faculty and the wide range of opportunities offered to me at the University of Arizona, both within the School of Music and beyond. I have met lifelong friends and mentors who will continue to support me throughout my career, and I feel fully prepared to step into the professional world!
What’s your favorite memory?
My favorite experience as a University of Arizona student was being part of the Pride of Arizona. It was an incredible opportunity to join an organization I had admired during high school. Performing in front of hundreds of high school students each year at U of A Band Day was especially rewarding, as I got to inspire them to pursue the marching arts, which had such a positive impact on me.
What are a couple academic and scholastic successes you enjoyed?
As an undergraduate music education student at the School of Music, I received a strong foundation in the skills and knowledge essential for a future music educator. The summer before my junior year, I was honored to receive funding from the Medici Circle, which allowed me to attend the Bay View Summer Wind Quintet Intensive. This experience was invaluable in building my skills and inspired me to form an undergraduate wind quintet upon returning to Arizona.
Please share experiences of leadership that were impactful.
The mentorship and guidance I received from my professors provided me with important examples of leadership. Through these experiences, I founded an undergraduate wind quintet with several colleagues. I organized our rehearsal spaces and coordinated both school and community performances. Additionally, my involvement with the Pride of Arizona greatly shaped my leadership skills, particularly through interactions with staff and directors. This foundation later helped me return to teach and direct the color guard program at my high school alma mater.”
How did you get involved in community service?
I had the opportunity to give back to the community through performance events. One example is the Musical Murals event, held each fall, where I performed in downtown Tucson, helping to bring the community together through live music. Additionally, I offered lessons and masterclasses to students who might not otherwise have access to such opportunities.
What message would you want to leave your fellow graduates?
We have finally made it to graduation, but this is only the beginning of our lifelong pursuits. Always remember why you fell in love with this passion. When we chose to pursue the arts, we also chose to be ambassadors and so it is up to us to make sure future generations are inspired to do the same. Careers in the arts take lots of hard work, but so many have come before us that have done it. There are so many opportunities out there, you just have look in the right places and take the leap.
- Jocelyn Markeson: A classroom trailblazer
- Mo Casorla: Mastering music and motion
- Jordan Shomper: Leading through music
- Linda Garcia Escobar: A dynamic, emerging educator