The most recent Fresno City College Music Faculty Recital held on Sept. 12 was especially meaningful this fall semester, as it honored the memory of Eric A. Borboa (1986-2025). Eric was a student at FCC, a talented guitarist and choir singer, and was honored for his dedication as a member of the music department. He passed away earlier this month after suffering from a heart attack.
In addition to the tribute and phenomenal performances by music professors on campus, donations were accepted at the door to raise funds for FCC music student scholarships.
Throughout the recital, music professors shared personal memories and anecdotes that highlighted Eric’s dedication to music, as well as his kind and eccentric personality loved by all.
One of the performances on stage came from Christopher Brady, an instructor in Commercial Music. Brady recalled his first impression of Eric, who appeared on Zoom during the COVID pandemic with a snake wrapped around his neck while eating ghost peppers, a moment that made the entire audience laugh.
Eric was also known for his “tremendous diligence and perseverance,” Brady told the audience. He always showed up even to classes he wasn’t even in, as well as regularly visiting his teacher’s office hours to connect with others. Moving on from his speech, Brady honored Eric by performing “Waterfalls” by TLC on the piano. He chose to play this specific piece because he often told his students, “say your prayers, take your vitamins, and don’t go chasing waterfalls,” and Eric was the first to point out the first part came from Hulk Hogan and even repeated the saying to Brady after classes. This memory captured Eric’s humor and wit, making the performance a celebration of the joy he brought to everyone around him.
Another moving performance came from music instructor Brandon Bascom who played “Nocturne in C# Minor, Op. Posthumous” by Frédéric Chopin, a piece Eric himself had been working on before he passed. He followed it with “Claire De Lune” by Claude Debussy. Bascom explained that the “Nocturne,” written in a minor key, has a darker more foreboding tone, but ends on a Picardy third meaning it shifts to a major key that feels triumphant and happy. Transitioning into “Claire De Lune” written in a D-flat major, Bascom described the two songs as a musical journey.
“It [the performance] takes something that’s dark and turns it into something that’s light, and that’s what Eric did,” Bascom said, noting that Eric helped others in many ways, including being an organ donor.
During the recital, Eric’s parents were invited on stage to receive his certificate in guitar and music teaching. The faculty also recognized the certificate in commercial music that Eric earned before his passing.
Maddie Berg, a music education major specializing in choral teaching, attended the event to observe advanced musicians in their element. She shared that faculty recitals are very important for the music community.
“It gives us something to strive towards, and it is really nice to see people have succeeded in the world of music. A lot of people will say music is not a good major to go into but you can do so many great things with it,” Berg said.
Professor Bascom gave his own input about the important role these faculty recitals play at FCC. They showcase the diversity of the staff’s talents, as there is everything from classical, jazz, pop, to rock and it gives the students and entire community a chance to see the faculty in action. He added that performing together each fall has become a tradition for the department, something that many look forward to annually.
Bascom closed his reflection by saying, “Above all, Eric will be remembered for his big heart, and his desire to make everyone feel welcome and included.”
