Faculty

Office:  223
Phone:  (619) 644-7261
E-Mail:  Steve.Baker@gcccd.edu

Office:  230-E
Phone:  (619) 644-7259
E-Mail:  Fred.Benedetti@gcccd.edu OR fbenede1@san.rr.com

Derek Cannon, jazz & afro-cuban studies

Office 230-E
Phone (619) 644-7257  
E-Mail: Derek.Cannon@gcccd.edu

Office:  222
Phone:  (619) 644-7260
E-Mail:  Paul.Kurokawa@gcccd.edu

Office:  230-D
Phone:  (619) 644-7298
E-Mail:  Randall.Tweed@gcccd.edu

Information for Dr. Tweed's GSO members.
Information for Dr. Tweed's Music Theory Students.
Information about the Grossmont Master Chorale
Information for Dr. Tweed's Voice Class Students

Office:  230-I
Phone: 644-7254
E-Mail: ken.anderson@gcccd.edu

Ken Ard, music education/piano studies

Office:  230-I
Phone:  644-7254
E-Mail:  kardrive@yahoo.com

Office:  230-I
Phone: (619) 644-7454 x3617
E-Mail: Prof.B@cox.net

Office:  230-I
Phone: 644-7254
E-Mail:  guitartoca@aol.com

Manny Cepeda, afro-cuban studies, music theory

Manny Cepeda, Afro-Cuban studies, hails from San Juan, Puerto Rico.  His musical experience of over 48 years makes him a fountain of knowledge in the Latin Music genre.  He has a Bachelors degree in music from Illinois State University, and a Masters Degree in Performance from Ellington University.  He has performed professionally since the age of 7 years old when he was the leader of a 14-piece Salsa Band and performed in National TV for the Mid-day variety show in San Juan Puerto Rico’s Channel 4.  After his musical education in the Conservatory of Music Pablo Casals, in Puerto Rico, and finishing his musical degrees, Manny joined the US Navy Music Program in 1973.  He has lead many Navy Band throughout the US and Overseas.  He was the leader of the famous Navy Steel Band and the world traveled U.S. Navy Show Band.  He toured the entire continent of South America and West Africa doing 7 world tours.  He currently works as the Assistant Director for the CINCSOUTH Band and is also an arranger for many enterprises and bands in the US. 

Art Walk 2004 Review

“One of the most promising artists with a background of rich music from the famous Bomba y Plena “Cepeda” family of Puerto Rico is Manny Cepeda.  Since the age of 7, Manny has been performing first as the “Timbales Player” in the acclaimed variety TV “Show de Vigoreaus” in San Juan, Puerto Rico’s Channel 4, and with other famous bands such as “Babo Jimenez, Ricardo Ray, Willie Colon and others.
Manny’s talents expanded further as his musical knowledge increased and has also developed into a superb composer and arranger.  He is now bringing his collection of Salsa/Merengue music to the public and it’s sure to be a hit with all the audiences.  His energetic beat and the richness of his songs choruses make for this “Paloma Collection” an album to be remembered.  Stay tuned for more of Manny Cepeda’s music.” 
Robert Evans, Owner & Art Director, Little Italy Art Walk 2004
For more information on Manny Cepeda, please visit his website at: www.mannycepeda.com

Office:  230-A
Phone:  (619) 644-7254
E-Mail:  manny.cepeda@gcccd.edu

Ron Gillis, director, conducts the Grossmont College Chamber Singers.  He also serves as an adjunct faculty member at Southwestern College and San Diego State University teaching courses in music education, music theory, and voice.  Ron has extensive choral experience beginning in his native El Paso, Texas.  Since moving to San Diego in 1985, he has directed several church choral programs, most recently at La Mesa First United Methodist Church, and directed many community ensembles including the San Diego Choral Artists (SDCA), which Mr. Gillis founded and directed from 1991-1996.
While directing SDCA, he composed Requiem in Memoriam: Oklahoma City, which was premiered on the anniversary of the tragic bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah building, April 19, 1996.  He has composed many anthems, masses, songs, and music for theater.
Mr. Gillis has served as a choral clinician and is a member of MTNA, ACDA, and The Hymn Society.  He also serves on the advisory board of the La Mesa Village Dance Company, and the San Diego Children's Choir.
Mr. Gillis has been a member of the Grossmont College Music Department faculty since 2002.

Office:  230-I
Phone:  (619) 644-7254
E-Mail: not available

Jeff Hofmockel, jazz history instructor, has been a “gigging guitarist” in San Diego since 1972, and in the 70's worked with many local “Top Forty” bands, including Nimbus, Soul Expression, Showboat and others.  Jeff worked with many blues artists in the mid-70's, such as Tom Cat Courtney and His Blues Dusters,  Kansas City pianist Bob Jeffries and Jamaican blues artist Louis Majors. In the mid-70's Jeff was also a member of rock band Jamul, who had a Billboard Top 100 hit with their rendition of “Tobacco Road.”  From 1978 to 1988, Jeff worked mainly with “oldies” band the Ducktail Revue at the Sheraton Harbor Island, Mission Valley Hilton Hotel, Hanalei Hotel and many other restaurants and clubs. With the Ducktail Revue, Jeff has performed as an opening act for the Platters, the Coasters, Frankie Avalon, the Diamonds, Little Anthony, the Drifters, the Hollywood Argyles, the Kingston Trio, the Bellamy Brothers, Roger Miller, the Association, the Four Freshman and Mel Tillis.   As a member of Reeves In Motion, Jeff  backed up the Coasters, and as a member of the Belair Boys, Jeff opened for the Four Tops.  Jeff has also performed with “oldies” bands Rama Lama, the Impostors, and the Midnight Hour.
Since 1995, Jeff has mainly worked with Breez’n, a variety band that does smooth, Latin and straight-ahead jazz as well as pop, disco, classic rock and rhythm and blues.  Breez’n has  played many wedding receptions, corporate events and private parties, along with restaurants, night clubs and many summer “Concert in the Park” events.  Breez’n has played at the KIFM Jazz Festival every year since 1996, and also performs yearly at the Del Mar Electronics Fair.  Besides continuing to perform with Breez’n, Jeff works with various straight-ahead jazz combos and alternative rock band Kitten With a Whip. Jeff also plays at the Comedy Store on Sunday nights,  “riffing” between comedy acts!
After graduating from high school in 1970 and attending UCSD as a math major, Jeff began his musical studies at Mesa College in 1972.  Jeff continued to take music classes at San Diego State University through the 70's and 80's while continuing to “gig” and work part time delivery jobs, finally receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1990.  Jeff returned to SDSU to complete his Master of Music degree in Jazz Guitar Performance in 1998.  While a student, Jeff studied jazz guitar with Everett Gonsalves,  Peter Sprague, Bill MacPherson and Art Johnson.  Jeff also performed with the SDSU Jazz Ensembles and Jazz Combos, including 1997 concerts with the “A” band backing up Gary Lefebre, Ellen Johnson, Louis Bellson and Pete Christlieb.  Jeff also taught three semesters of Jazz Guitar Ensemble and a semester of Jazz Combo while a grad student at SDSU.
Jeff has taught History of Jazz at Grossmont College since Fall 2005.  Jeff is one of two taff Jazz Guitar teachers, and has taught Class Guitar and subbed for Music Theory classes. Jeff has performed with the Grossmont Jazz Ensemble, the Grossmont Jazz Faculty and fellow teacher Paul Kurokowa. For the Fall 2006 semester  Jeff  is teaching History of Rock as well as History
of Jazz.

Office:  230-I
Phone: 644-7254
E-Mail: christopher.hollyday@gcccd.edu

Martha Jane Howe, performance studies

Office:  230-I
Phone: 644-7254
E-Mail: marthajane.howe@gcccd.edu

Office:  230-I
Phone:  (619) 644-7254
E-Mail:  jordanm1@home.com

Lorie Kirkell, music teacher/performer, general music education, is an acclaimed young American cellist, who has developed a glowing career on the West Coast as soloist, recitalist, and chamber music player. After her studies on the East Coast with distinguished cellists Raya Garbousova and Bernard Greenhouse, she spent some time doing freelance work and repertoire development. She then came to the West Coast where she earned a Master of Arts degree in music at the University of California San Diego and studied with the well known cellist Peter Farrell. Her research into repertoire moved into the 20th century as well as performance practice of music of earlier times. After this, a long series of recitals and solo appearances began and continue with noticeable frequency and high critical acclaim. She has appeared as principal cellist with orchestras for the Bolshoi Ballet and San Francisco Ballet.
Lorie Kirkell has been a member of the Grossmont College Music Department Faculty since 2002.  Her classes include Great Music Listening.

Office:  230-I
Phone:  (619) 644-7254
E-Mail: lorie.kirkell@gcccd.edu

More information on Chris Klich.

Office:  230-I
Phone:  644-7254
E-Mail:  chris.klich@gcccd.edu

Office:  230-I
Phone: 644-7254
E-Mail: mkrew@prosound.com

Office:  230-I
Phone: 644-7254
E-Mail: pianoinstructor@gmail.com

Office:  230-I
Phone:  644-7254
E-Mail: claviercat@yahoo.com

Office:  230-I
Phone:  (619) 644-7254
E-Mail:  Heidi.Lynn@gcccd.edu

Office:  230-I
Phone:  (619) 644-7254
E-Mail:  jmortondrums@aol.com

Branden Muresan, general music, violin studies

Branden A. Muresan, general music education, is a native of Southern California. He holds a Bachelor' s of Music in Violin Performance from San Diego State University where he studied with Igor and Vesna Gruppman as well as Juanita Cummins. Muresan completed his Master's in Music in Instrumental Conducting under the supervision of Donald Barra and Harold Warman from SDSU in 2000.
During the past three years, he has conducted concerts given by the SDSU University Symphony and collaborated with SDSU Opera Theater for a production of Gilbert and Sullivan's The Mikado.  Muresan has appeared previously as guest conductor for both the Grossmont Symphony and the Palomar Symphony Orchestras.  Muresan is on the faculty at both Grossmont and Palomar Community Colleges as well as substitute conductor for the Civic Youth Orchestra of San Diego.  Muresan served for three years as volunteer strings chairman for the Music Teachers Association of California, and is currently string coaching for the Helix High School Orchestra.  A resident of San Clemente, Muresan also gives private instruction for students from Mission Viejo to San Diego. Muresan currently occupies the STAT Pharmaceutical Company’s Mentor /Tutor Chair in the Grossmont Symphony and performs both as violinist and Assistant Conductor of the Palomar Symphony Orchestra
Branden Muresan has been a member of the Grossmont College Music Department Faculty since 2001.  His classes include Great Music Listening and Introduction to Music, in addition to occupying the STAT Pharmaceutical Endowed Violin Chair in the Grossmont Symphony Orchestra..

Office:  230-I
Phone:  (619) 644-7254
E-Mail: violinmanb@yahoo.com

Office:  230-I
Phone: 644-7254
E-Mail:  Marion.Rodewald@gcccd.edu

Melonie Sacalamitao, vocal jazz, began studying piano at the age of four, and has since been recognized not only for her skills as a pianist but also for her abilities as a musical director, piano instructor, vocalist, and music educator. Melonie received a Bachelor of Music (Education/Jazz Emphasis) from the University of Miami in 1996.  In 2003, she received a Master of Music degree in Jazz Studies from SDSU. 
Melonie has an extensive list of musical performance experiences, both at the collegiate level at SDSU and in the free-lance field.  She plays jazz, Latin jazz, salsa, classical, and musical theater.  Additionally, she has performed in well-known San Diego venues, including Dizzy’s and Croce’s Jazz Bar. Melonie is active as a performer in the jazz community and has worked with Lori Bell, Ron Satterfield, Gilbert Castellanos, Rob Thorsen, Tim McMahon, Duncan Moore and the Benny Holman band.  She has done extensive work as musical director and pit keyboardist for Starlight Civic Theater, the San Diego Repertory Theater and the Lawrence Welk Theater.  Additionally, she has been employed by Royal Caribbean International Cruises, both as a pianist and musical director for shows featuring major headliner acts. 
Her teaching experience extends to Southwestern College and Miramar College where she teaches courses including: World Music, Vocal Jazz Ensemble, Introduction to Music and Music for Elementary Teachers and Class Piano. Melonie is also a member of Local AFM 325.
Melonie Sacalamitao has been a member of the Grossmont College Music faculty since 2001.

Office: 230-I
Phone: (619) 644-7254
E-Mail: melonie.sacalamitao@gcccd.edu

Russ Sperling, Concert Band, is the Program Manager for K-12 Music for the San Diego Unified School District in the Visual and Performing Arts Department. He supervises all elementary instrumental music teachers and coordinates with all secondary instrumental and choral music teachers in California’s second largest school district. Under Mr. Sperling’s leadership, instrumental music enrollment in the district has increased by 28% over a three year period. 

Mr. Sperling was Instrumental Music Director at Helix Charter High School in La Mesa, California for fourteen years. During his tenure at Helix, the band and orchestra tripled in size, won numerous awards and performed in Europe on three tours. Mr. Sperling holds a B.A. from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, a Masters in Educational Leadership from Point Loma Nazarene University and a second Masters in Music Performance with an emphasis in Conducting from San Diego State University.  

Mr. Sperling is currently Past President of the California Association for Music Education (CMEA), Southern Border Section, and has twice been awarded Band Director of the Year by that association. Mr. Sperling is the representative to the CMEA board for the state’s music supervisors. In 2004-2005, Mr. Sperling received the Golden Apple Award from Helix Charter High School for excellence in teaching. Mr. Sperling is a Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association (SCSBOA) Festival, Field and Parade Adjudicator. Mr. Sperling is in his second year as music director for the Grossmont College Concert Band.

Office:  230-I
Phone: 644-7254
E-Mail:  rsperling@sandi.net

George Svoboda, guitar studies

"a first-class musician, top-drawer stuff . . . his fingers seem to fly effortlessly
across the guitar strings. The music that results is full of life. It’s happy."

First prize winner in the Guitar Competition of the City of Kromeriz, Czechoslovakia Mr. Svoboda has been heard in recital in his native Czechoslovakia, England, Germany, Spain, Hungary, Austria, Mexico and the United States. Mr. Svoboda has gained recognition not only as an immaculate and entertaining performer, but also as a composer and arranger of music for solo guitar and small ensembles. His music is rooted in the folk traditions of Eastern Europe and his transcriptions have won him consistent praise from musicians and critics alike.
As co-founder of Benedetti/Svoboda Duo, and member of the well-known Second Avenue Klezmer Ensemble, he has performed throughout the US, Hawaiian Islands, Mexico and Europe. Mr. Svoboda has performed for President and Mrs. Clinton at the world-renowned Hotel Del Coronado. He has co-wrote and performed music for the Old Globe's production of Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing under the direction of Tony award winning director Jack O'Brien.
Mr. Svoboda has been performing and recording for nearly twenty-five years. His compact discs, entitled Scirocco-Desert Wind and Zephyr, were recorded in 1994 and 1996 with guitarist Fred Benedetti on the SBE label and features original, flamenco and East European music. His last two compact discs, entitled Flamenco Dreams and Spanish Gardens, were recorded also with Fred Benedetti on Domo records label and released world-wide in 1998 and 1999.
Mr. Svoboda has also been actively involved in teaching for over twenty years. In his native Czechoslovakia, he taught guitar and music theory in Public Schools of Art. Since arriving in the U.S. he has been teaching at San Diego City Schools as an Artist in Residence, in addition to being an adjunct member of the music faculties at Mesa College, CSU San Marcos and CSU San Diego. He has also published a successful instructional book on guitar technique.
Born in Cheb, Czechoslovakia and now residing in San Diego, California, Mr. Svoboda studied guitar and history of music at the State Conservatory of Music in Pilsen, Czechoslovakia. He received his Bachelor Degree in Music at San Diego State University in 1996 and his Masters Degree in Music in 1998.
Mr. Svoboda has been a member of the Grossmont College Music Faculty since 1998. His classes include Classical Guitar I.

Office: 230-I
Phone: 644-7254
E-Mail: gsvoboda@san.rr.com

Robert Wetzel, guitar studies, belongs to that small generation of gifted former students of the legendary Romeros family guitar dynasty from the period between 1972-1985 who has succeeded as a professional musician. Devoted to the classical guitar, he has continued with his primary vocation, maintaining a busy schedule of practicing, performing, recording, teaching and arranging music to this day.
He made his formal concert performance debut by sharing the stage with his mentors, the legendary Romeros, as the fourth member of the performing guitar quartet at the August Moon Concerts of the Napa Music Festival in 1977. His status confirmed alongside Celin, Pepe and Angel Romero, he performed the lute and guitar parts of their father, the great Celedonio Romero who was vacationing in Spain that summer. The Napa concert that Robert participated in was a special rare program by the Romeros that featured ensemble performances on lutes, vihuelas and guitars.
On commenting about his early life and ascension up the ladder rungs of early music successes, Robert states: “A native of the Netherlands with Dutch-Indonesian and Chinese lineage, I immigrated to the United States at age two with my parents, two older brothers and sister, settling in Dallas, Texas. My mother, Leonie, intuitively sensed my inclinations towards artistic sensibilities and encouraged me to draw and later persuaded me to study the piano which I undertook until I was age eleven.
It was after my sister brought home a Silvertone acoustic guitar, that I switched my musical allegiance and thus I began my lifelong love affair with the guitar. I began studying with my first classical guitar teacher, Darryl Ray Saffer, at Southern Methodist University, who introduced me to the Romeros when they visited his house during their U.S. tour in 1971. After intensive study of the classical guitar while still a teenager, I was granted the opportunity to be a performer in the guitar master classes of Pepe Romero, Christopher Parkening, Oscar Ghiglia, and Robert Guthrie which were held in Dallas. The following year I began private studies in Del Mar, California with one of the worlds’ greatest guitarists, Angel Romero, who graciously invited me to reside in his residence during my yearly summer studies with him. Duri