SYRACUSE, NY (NCC News) — Indie-pop artist Clairo took the Coachella stage this weekend, marking a major milestone in her career — and reminding Syracuse University students that big dreams really can come true.
Clairo, whose real name is Claire Cottrill, studied in Syracuse University’s prestigious Bandier Program for Recording and Entertainment Industries in 2021. Her journey from campus to Coachella wasn’t a solo act. She performed with the band Shelly, which includes fellow Bandier alums Josh Mehling, Claud, and Noa Frances.
For current SU students, watching their peers perform at one of the world’s most iconic music festivals sparked excitement and pride.
“Some of them were seniors when I was a freshman,” said Bandier senior Gabriella Boccara. “Seeing them on that stage was a crazy feeling. I felt so proud watching from the sidelines.”
Syracuse sophomore Luis Gomez said it’s motivating to see former students achieving so much.
© 2025 Lucy Gonzalez
“Knowing that they went to the same school I’m in right now—it’s like extra fuel,” he said. “It makes me feel like I can do it too.”
The Newhouse Bandier program has long been known for preparing students for success in the music industry. Clairo and her bandmates are just the latest proof that this legacy lives on. As Coachella lights fade, the inspiration they sparked continues to grow on campus.
AUDIO TRANSCRIPTION: Newhouse alum Clairo shines at Coachella, inspires students back home
Anchor Charlene Nomeny: Syracuse alum Clairo took the Coachella stage this past weekend, inspiring students to reach their dreams. Reporter Lucy Gonzalez has more.
Reporter Lucy Gonzalez: Clairo takes the Coachella stage, and she started right here at Syracuse. The indie musician, who studied in the SU Bandier program in 2021, performed at Coachella this past weekend. A monumental moment in her career and an inspiration to many. Claire Cottrill, widely known as Clairo, was accompanied by the group Shelly, featuring other Bandier alums Josh Mehling, Claud, and Noa Frances. Bandier senior Gabriella Boccara said she enjoyed cheering on her peers as she remembered these artists were roaming around campus not too long ago.
Gabriella Boccara: Some of them when I was freshman, they were seniors, so just seeing them on that stage was, like, a crazy feeling and just being very proud of them from the sidelines.
Gonzalez: Syracuse sophomore Luis Gomez said seeing past Oranges perform at one of the biggest music festivals in the world gives him the confidence to achieve big dreams.
Luis Gomez: Like I go to the same school that this person once went to and look at how, like the amazing things they are doing. It’s like extra motivation.
Gonzalez: More on the Bandier program’s legacy is yet to come. Lucy Gonzalez for NCC News.