Hello! I’m Rio Forchini, a jazz drummer and aspiring music educator from Mossbeach, California. Currently, I am pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance, building on my studies at the College of San Mateo, where I focus on jazz drumset, composition, and ensemble work.

Music has been a constant throughout my life, but my relationship with it truly transformed during my senior year of high school. To say the least, it was a moment that taught me leadership isn’t about having all the answers, but it’s about showing up for others. It’s about bringing determination, energy, and reliability into every rehearsal and performance. That experience shaped not only the musician I want to be, but the person I strive to become.

I’ve been fortunate to study under inspiring and skilled mentors such as Michael Soloway, Patrick Wolff, and Tran Simon, and to attend programs like the Stanford Jazz Workshop and Sitka Fine Arts Camp. I’ve also had the honor of performing in ensembles including the CSM Big Band, CSM Symphonic Band, Sitka Fine Arts Jazz Ensemble, as well as with high school groups such as the Half Moon Bay High School Jazz Ensemble and Marching Band. Some of my notable performances include playing at the Chase Center in my friends’ combo and playing along with artists like Pasquale Grasso as a part of the CSM Big Band.

Ultimately, my goal is to integrate musicianship, leadership, and empathy to enrich every musical community I join. Music is my medium, but how I show up as a human being is just as important.

I never want to be the same person I was yesterday.