After two years at City College, drummer Brian Doca is off to Los Angeles, where he plans to take his talent to the next level by becoming a full time professional musician.

“I feel like I’m ready to move on,” he said. “To be free from the school and see what concepts I can apply to the real world.”

Doca became interested in the drums when he accompanied his father to jazz jam sessions, or informal band rehearsals.

A guitar player, Doca’s father would let young Brian listen in on the sessions, and eventually allowed him to play along. After finding out how much interest the young boy had in playing, Doca’s father bought him a Toys ‘R Us drum set, and Doca began teaching himself.

Growing up in and around Santa Barbara, it wasn’t until he reached City College that Doca was given any private instruction on the drums.

Primarily self-taught, Doca participated in school bands from fourth grade on. He played with Harding Elementary’s concert band, jazz band and marching band. Doca also played at La Cumbre Middle School, and continued on with jazz and marching bands at Santa Barbara High School.

Doca said that in high school, he loved playing so much that he would often skip class to play more.

During the summer in his middle school and high school years, Doca participated in City College’s six-week summer jazz program, where he learned even more about being a jazz drummer.

There he first met jazz professor James Mooy. Doca said what he appreciated most about Mooy was his integrity.

“He is always completely honest with me in terms of what I have to work on,” Doca said.

Doca has continued to play for Mooy in the Lunch Break Band at City College, as well as Monday Madness, directed by Ike Jenkins, and the “A” Combo. In the past he has also played with Eric Heidner’s Good Times Band, and the Concert Band at City College.

Another inspirational teacher for Doca was Cal State Northridge jazz instructor Gary Pratt, who judged many of the competitions that City College jazz bands participated in.
“He taught me about building on top of listening to other instruments, being a supporting role, as well as freeing myself up so I can make my own sound as well,” Doca said.

At Santa Barbara High School, band teacher Rob Cortez gave Doca other tools for his craft.

“He got me to be melodic with the drums, to interact with people, to open up my ears,” Doca said.

Now that Doca is off to the big city, he is setting his hopes high. As a back-up plan, he has considered auditioning for and taking a job playing on a cruise ship. He would save up some money that way, and certainly have time to work on his craft, but Doca’s first choice is to make it as a professional drummer in Los Angeles.

“I would play it all if I could-studio, touring, in clubs, any kind of music, it’s all fun,” Doca said.

Soon Doca will be officially finished at City College. The big city will be waiting for him, and this small town drummer will have a chance to take on the world.