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Department of Music

 


Faculty

Full Time Faculty Adjunct Faculty
Steve Baker Ken Anderson Christopher Hollyday James Morton
Fred Benedetti Ken Ard Martha Jane Howe Branden Muresan
Derek Cannon Randy Beecher Esther Jordan Marion Rodewald
Paul Kurokawa Douglas Booth Lorie Kirkell Melonie Sacalamitao
Randall Tweed Manny Cepeda Chris Klich Russ Sperling
  Janelle DeStefano Michael Krewitsky George Svoboda
  Ron Gillis Philip "Jay Jay" Lim Robert Wetzell
  Justin Grinnell Cathy Lionello  
  Jeff Hofmockel Heidi Lynn  
Clerical Staff
Irene Rogers      

Full Time Faculty

Steve Baker, classical & jazz piano studies

Portrait of Steve Baker

Steve Baker, Music Department Chair, has been very active as a performer since 1969. In his career as a pianist, he has performed with recording artists such as Eric Marienthal, Mundell Lowe, Charles McPherson, Kenny Goldberg and Frankie Avalon . His groups have opened concerts for artists such as Michael Franks, Rita Coolidge, The Platters, The Coasters, The Diamonds, Little Anthony , the Nelson Riddle Orchestra and Jack Mack and the Heart Attack. The Steve Baker Trio specializes in Brasilian and Afro-Cuban influenced jazz. They have performed in many varied venues with artists such as Cuban drumming virtuoso Ignacio Beroa, Brasilian recording artist, Josias Dos Santos, Latin jazz recording artist Kenny Goldberg and 50's rock and roll tenor sax veteran, John "Hoot" McDonald.
A resident of the San Diego area since 1960, Mr. Baker's music study has included training in both classical and jazz piano and composition. He holds degrees in music from Grossmont College (AA), UCSD (BA) and SDSU (MM in Piano Performance). Mr. Baker has performed in numerous master classes including those of Misha Dicter, Marion Hall, Frank Weins and Loren Hollander. During post graduate studies at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, he studied with Billy Taylor, David Baker, Gerald Wilson and Bobby McFerrin.
Mr. Baker has also been a founding member of the Grossmont College Music Department Faculty Jazz Quintet called
Ars Nova.
Mr. Baker has been a member of the Grossmont College Music Department faculty since 1985.  His classes include music theory, piano performance and music technology.

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



Fred Benedetti,
classical guitar studies

Portrait of Fred Benedetti

Fred Benedetti, Director of Guitar Studies, was born in Sasebo, Japan and began playing the guitar at age 9. In 1986 he was one of 12 guitarists chosen worldwide to perform in the Master Class of Andrés Segovia at USC where Guitarra Magazine wrote, "...Fred Benedetti amazed the audience with his performance of the (Bach) Chaconne..." He has also been a performer for the master classes of Pepe Romero, Christopher Parkening, Federico Moreno-Torroba, George Sakellariou, and David Grimes. Fred has performed in the United States, Canada, Taiwan, England, Germany, Mexico, the Czech Republic, and locally with the San Diego Symphony, the San Diego Opera, the Starlight Opera, the American Ballet Company, the Old Globe Theatre, Luciano Pavarotti, and jazz artist Dave Brubeck.
Presently he teaches at Grossmont College where he is chair of guitar studies, and is a member of the guitar faculty at San Diego State University with George Svoboda, Robert Wetzel and Celin Romero. Fred is listed in the prestigious "Who's Who Among America's Teachers-2002" and received an "Outstanding Faculty Award of the Year in Music," in 2001 from SDSU, the "NISOD" Excellence in Teaching award from the University of Texas at Austin in 1992 and an "Outstanding Chair" award in 1990 from Grossmont College.
Equally at home playing classical music or contemporary music, he records on the SBE label and DOMO records with four noted ensembles: Keltik Kharma (a celtic band), The Odeum Guitar Duo, recently given the honor by the magazine, Acoustic Guitar, as being one of the ten best independently produced guitar CDs for the year 2000, "Blurring the Edges" a recipient of the 1994 San Diego Music Awards "Best Pop-Jazz" album of the year featuring jazz musicians Peter and Tripp Sprague, and the Benedetti/Svoboda Guitar Duo. As a BMI affiliated composer, Fred has written numerous contemporary pieces for the international CD library company Network Productions and as a studio musician for 20 years his playing is featured on over 60 CD's, numerous movie soundtracks, and TV commercials. He has shared the stage with Art Garfunkel, Basia, Michael Franks, Mark O'Connor, Michael Hedges, and Ottmar Liebert, and has recorded with Willie Nelson, Juice Newton, Paul Overstreet, Patty Loveless, Tom Barabas, Big Mountain, Matthew Lien, Ronny Robbins and William Lee Golden. He has performed for dignitaries such as the King & Queen of Malaysia, Mikhail Gorbachev and President Jimmy Carter.
Fred's academic experience includes being Associate Professor of Music, Grossmont College 1986 to Present. Full Time Tenured. His teaching assignments have included Music Theory 1-4, Classical Guitar 1-3, Class Guitar 1-2, Theory for Guitar 1-2, Guitar Ensemble, MIDI recording and sequencing, Music History. He is Head of Guitar Studies, Grossmont College Music Department 1986 to present. At San Diego State University, a Music Instructor from 1993 to Present. Fred was Chairman, Grossmont College Music Department 1989 to 1992, Music Instructor at the Bishop's School Guitar Instruction, 9/84 to 9/86.
Other experience includes • Young Audience Program Educational Concerts for Secondary Schools, 9/81 to 9/86 • Performance as guitar soloist, member of The Odeum Guitar Duo, member of The Benedetti/Svoboda guitar duo, member of "Blurring the Edges" jazz ensemble. 1980 to present. AWARDS: • Faculty member of the year, Music Department • San Diego State University, 2001 • Outstanding Music Educator Award, San Diego Mesa College, 1997 • NISOD Excellence in Teaching Award, University of Texas at Austin, 1992 • Outstanding Chair, Grossmont College 1990 • Performance tour with Grammy award winner Mark O'Connor, 2000-2001 • Performance for Mikhail Gorbachev, 1997 • Performance for the King & Queen of Malaysia , 1995 • Performance with Luciano Pavarotti and San Diego Symphony, San Diego, 1995 • Master class with Andrés Segovia, University of Southern California 1986 (One of twelve guitarists chosen worldwide) • Performances with Dave Brubeck Quartet, San Diego, 1983.
Fred's pubilcations include: • Class Guitar II Haynach Music Publishing, 2001 • Music Theory for Guitar Haynach Music Publishing, 1989 • An Introduction to Class Guitar Haynach Music Publishing, 1988 CONCERTO REPERTOIRE: • Concierto de Aranjuez-J. Rodrigo • Fantasia Para une Gentilhombre-J. Rodrigo • Concierto Madrigal-J. Rodrigo • Concierto Andaluz-J. Rodrigo • Concerto in A - M. Giuliani • Concerto in E - J.S. Bach • Concierto Romantico - Craig Russell.
Fred's recordings include: Fred Benedetti & Peter Pupping guitar duo, 1996 to Present • CD's: "Morning has Broken" 2000 "Here Comes the Sun" 1997 The Odeum Guitar Duo, 1995 to Present • CD'S: "Forgotten Romance" 2000 • "Concert Hall Classics" 1998 Winner of Acoustic Guitar magazine "Best Classical Recording" 2/15/2000 • The Benedetti/Svoboda Guitar Duo, 1985 to Present • CD'S: "Echoes of Spain" 2002 "Maestrale" 2001 "Spanish Gardens" 1999 "Flamenco Dreams" 1998 "Zephyr" 1996 "Scirocco" 1995 • BLURRING THE EDGES Contemporary Jazz Quartet, 1989 to Present CD'S: "Sombra" 2002 "Blurring the Edges" 1994 Winner "Best Pop-Jazz album of the Year" San Diego Music Awards 1994 • ARS NOVA Contemporary Jazz Quartet, 1989 to 1993 CD: "Ars Nova" 1992 • Zmiros Klezmer Quartet, 1982 to Present CD's: "Cholent with Huckleberry" 1978 "Eclectic Klezz" 1979 • Orion Guitar Duo, 1977 to 1984 Record Album: "The Orion Duo Performs" 1981 • Orion Guitar Quartet, 1975 to 1977 Record Album: "Works by Telemann, DeFalla, Rodrigo, and Others" 1977 • Additional CD's: featuring Fred Benedetti "The Guitar Ensemble II" "Keltik Kharma" "Alterations Garden" with Jeff Basile "Network Music-SOLOS-125" "Network Music-SOLOS-136" "Network Music-SOLOS-213 "Network Music-153" "Network Music-170" "Network Music-173" "Soliloquy" with Peter Sprague "In So Many Words" with Matt Lien "Touching the Earth" with Matt Lien "Voyage to Paradise" with Matt Lien "Bleeding Wolves" with Matt Lien "Night Orchestra" "The Stars Come Out for Christmas" "SONOR Ensemble-UCSD" "Acoustic Variations" "Nouveau Classical" with Tom Barabas.
Fred's professional affiliations include: American Federation of Musicians, Local 325 BMI as writer and publisher: "Haynach Music".
Fred's related expertise includes: • Web-page designer and web-master for "Odeum Guitar Duo," "Benedetti & Svoboda," & "Keltik Kharma," web sites. • Expertise in Adobe GoLive, Adobe Premier, and Adobe Photoshop software. • Expertise in Digidesign's Pro Tools software for professional recording, editing, and mastering of 24 bit digital soundfiles including expertise in 5.1 surround mastering. • Co-founder of SBE records, a record company that has produced 35 CD's from 1994-2001.
Mr. Benedetti has also been a founding member of the Grossmont College Music Department Faculty Jazz Quintet called
Ars Nova.
Fred Benedetti has been a member of the Grossmont College Music Department faculty since 1985.  His classes include class guitar, classical guitar, general music and guitar theory, and guitar ensemble.

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

More information on Fred Benedetti, music links, and interests!

Derek Cannon, jazz & afro-cuban studies

Portrait of Derek Cannon

Derek Cannon, Jazz Studies, is an accomplished performer, as well as music educator having earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music, and Master of Music degrees from San Diego State University (SDSU).  Since receiving his M.M. in Jazz Studies from SDSU, Derek has maintained an active performing career which includes performances with Natalie Cole, Clark Terry, The Four Tops, The Temptations, and Jon Faddis to name a few.  Derek has also written and produced music for several recording artsis in the Chiacago area.  Internationally, he has performed at The Montreaux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, The North Sea Jazz Festival in The Netherlands, The Umbria Jazz Festival in Italy, and The Montreal Jazz Festival in Canada.
Mr. Cannon's recent recordings include Lines and Spaces "Shades of Brown" (1998), Ellen Johnson "Chinchilla Serenade" (1998), Felton Offard "Between Friends" (1998), and the Chicago Jazz Ensemble "Chicago Suite #1" (1996).
In addition to being a member of the music faculty of Grossmont College, Mr. Cannon has also chaired the Jazz Studies Department at Chicago State University (1995-1999).
Derek Cannon has been a member of the Grossmont College Music Department Faculty since 1993.  His classes include Music Theory, History of Jazz, History of Rock, and the Afro-Cuban Ensemble.
In 2002, Derek was elected to the prestigious "Who's Who Among America's Teachers."   
Students of Mr. Cannon may visit his personal webpage at: http://www.derekcannon.pageout.net

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



Paul Kurokawa,
jazz studies

Portrait of Paul Kurokawa

Paul Kurokawa, Director of Jazz Studies, is enjoying his fourth year as a full-time music instructor at Grossmont College after having taught at Saddleback, Palomar, and Mt. San Jacinto Colleges. In addition to his teaching, Paul enjoys a varied performing career. He has been a performer in Southern California for eighteen years and has given concerts as an instrumentalist and as a vocalist in France, England, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Luxembourg, Italy, Russia, Ukraine, Moldova, Israel, and Honduras as well as the United States. He has also had the pleasure of performing in Carnegie Hall in New York City. Accomplished on both brass and woodwind instruments, Paul musical abilities include all saxophones, flute, flugelhorn, trumpet, and piccolo trumpet.
Mr. Kurokawa has been a member of the Grossmont College Music Department Faculty since 1995.  His classes include theory, performance studies,  jazz and concert bands.

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



Randall Tweed,
choral/vocal/orchestral studies

Portrait of Randall Tweed

Dr. Randall Tweed, Director of Choral/Orchestral Activities at Grossmont College, has been conducting opera, symphony, and chorus throughout Southern and Baja California since joining the music faculty in 1986. Dr. Tweed has frequently appeared as guest conductor on concert music series throughout Southern California including the Cabrillo Chamber Orchestra, the United States International Orchestra, Spreckels Organ Society, and various educational and church music concert series. In the area of education Dr. Tweed has appeared as adjudicator for the Music Educator’s National Conference, the Music Teacher's Association of California, the Grossmont Community Concert Association Instrumental Scholarship Auditions, and has twice appeared as conductor for the Suzuki awards concerts.
Dr. Tweed’s performing experience is both in the areas of vocal and instrumental fields winning competitions sponsored by the La Jolla Civic University Orchestra and the Musical Merit Foundation of Greater San Diego. Dr. Tweed received the doctorate in musical arts (D.M.A.) from the School of Music at Arizona State University, located in Tempe, Arizona. He has also completed two Master of Music degrees from the University of Southern California in addition to pursuing post-graduate study in Berlin, Germany (studying at the Berliner Kirchenmusikschule) where he was a recipient of a Konrad Adenauer Foundation Fellowship.
In addition to expanding both the orchestral and choral programs at Grossmont College, Dr. Tweed initiated a series of concert programs dedicated to educating East County’s children beginning in March of 1993 organizing a "musical petting zoo" for the children, under the supervision of the members of the Orchestra and Master Chorale, to "touch," "pet," and "play" the instruments of the orchestra just prior to hearing the actual concert. Aside from giving the members of the Grossmont Symphony Orchestra and Grossmont Master Chorale the experience of learning and performing an extensive variety of orchestral and choral literature, Dr. Tweed has given those members the opportunity to acquire greater stamina and self-assuredness by scheduling extra performances off campus. Being a civic minded person as well as an artist and educator, Dr. Tweed has contributed to the community by bringing his wonderful orchestra and chorale to areas that otherwise would have "missed out." In addition, he has succeeded in integrating community and college life by providing quality art to his East County audiences.

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



Adjunct Faculty

Ken Anderson, gospel choir, vocal studies

Portrait of Ken Anderson

Ken Anderson, Gospel Choir, is an internationally recognized Gospel musician as well as being the music director of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Choir San Diego (MLKCCSD), commonly referred to as the MLK Choir.  The MLK Choir provides scholarships for graduating high school seniors in the visual and performing arts (www.mlkccsd.net).  Ken is also a Lecturer at the University of California San Diego, and music director of the UCSD Gospel Choir.  He is also a music pastor at Scott Memorial Community Church.  In addition to his music director responsibilities, Ken maintains a private voice studio, as well as leading Gospel music workshops throughout the U.S. and Europe. He is also a foster father to nine (9) sons—all grown!
Ken has been a member of the Grossmont College Music Faculty since the Fall of 2006.   His classes include Gospel Choir.

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


Ken Ard, music education/piano studies

Portrait of Ken Ard

Ken Ard, music education/piano studies, received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Piano Performance / Music Theory and Composition from the University of New Orleans in 1974, and a Master of Musical Arts Degree in Piano Performance from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1976, followed by post-graduate keyboard studies with jazz great Ellis Marsalis.  Ard has taught Class and Private Piano in both jazz and classical idioms, Rudiments of Music, Music Theory, Music History, Music in the Classroom, and Commercial Music Skills. In addition to his teaching responsibilities at Grossmont College, Mr. Ard also teaches many of the same music courses at Southwestern College in nearby Chula Vista, CA. Moreover, he has been the musical director for Southwestern College's Jazz Vocal Ensemble for three years.
Mr. Ard performs jazz on a regular basis at various clubs throughout San Diego, both as a single act and with his combo, a New Orleans Rhythm and Blues group, Etouffee.
In addition to his musical performing and teaching career, Mr. Ard has composed two original musicals, The Delta Queen, and Storyville, A Sweet Sportin’ Proposition.  Ard has done extensive musical direction for theater productions in New Orleans and San Diego. A compilation of Ard’s original tunes were produced and released on a CD recording, titled Gumbo in My Blood.
Ard is currently a member of the Music Teacher's Association of California (MTAC), as well as the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP).  Mr. Ard is currently the pianist / music coordinator at Pacific Church of Religious Science in San Diego.
Ken Ard has been a member of the Grossmont College Music Faculty since 1988.   His classes include Introduction to Music, and Class Piano.
More information on Ken Ard.

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



Randy Beecher,
piano studies, general music

Portrait of Randy Beecher

Randy Beecher, piano studies and music history, is a well known member of San Diego's professional musical community.  Mr. Beecher graduated from SDSU with a Bachelor of Arts (B. A.) degree in Music and a Master of Music (M. M.)degree in Musicology. 
Mr. Beecher has a 24-year career as a musician, specializing in piano entertainment. As a performer, he is renown for his relaxed stage presence and ability to encourage audience participation.  Beecher's musical prowess and diversity span the early classics of the '30s and '40s -- George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin -- to modern composers such as Andrew Lloyd Weber and Marvin Hamlisch.
His public performances include Humphrey's, Hotel del Coronado, Red Tracton's, L'Auberge Del Mar, La Valencia Hotel, Bahia Hotel, Town & Country Hotel, and the Westgate Hotel. He also has performed privately for numerous celebrities including: Ann Bancroft and Mel Brooks, Dick Van Patton, Jenny and Sid Craig, Tim Conway, Dick Enberg, Tony Gwynn, Tommy Lasorda and members of the Los Angeles Dodgers.  Randy even shared a piano bench with internationally recognized composer/arranger Burt Bacharach.  Mr. Beecher continues to be sought after for weddings and other social and business functions nationally. His regular performances at Mille Fleurs, in affluent Rancho Santa Fe, continues to draw a local and national following. 
For more information on Randy Beecher, including professional bookings, please visit his homepage at: www.bestpianobar.com, and also www.profbeecher.com
Randy Beecher joins the Grossmont College Music Faculty beginning in the Fall 2000 semester.  His course schedule includes Class Piano and Great Music Listening.

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



Douglas Booth,
contemporary guitar studies

Portrait of Douglas Booth

Doug Booth, contemporary guitar studies, is both an instructor and a performer of guitar and bass.  Beginning at the age of ten, Doug has studied piano, flute, and percussion, in addition to the bass and guitar.   Interested in many different styles of music, he eventually found that his ear "bent" towards the jazz guitar styles of Wes Montgomery, Joe Pass, and early George Benson.  By age fifteen Doug was chosen to play with the Santa Clara Honor Jazz Band and a year later with the California All State Jazz Band. 
Doug has recently completed work on a new CD. Access to his "mp3" site.
You can hear Doug Booth on a variety of recordings including the recordings of the jazz fusion group, Ars Nova, and Zappa guitarist Mike Keneally's internationally released CD's. 
Mr. Booth is currently performing with "Rockola" which can be found performing locally, and internationally.  He can also be seen playing keyboards with "The Steely Damned."
Mr. Booth has also been a founding member of the Grossmont College Music Department Faculty Jazz Quintet called
Ars Nova
For information on Doug Booth's music business, visit: www.soundboothproductions.com
Doug Booth has been a member of the Grossmont College Music Faculty since 1991.   His classes include Class Guitar I, and Music Theory for Guitar II.

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


Manny Cepeda, afro-cuban studies, music theory

Portrait of Manny Cepeda

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



Janelle DeStefano,
vocal studies

Portrait of Janelle DeStefano

Janelle DeStefano, Voice, received her Master of Music Degree (M.M.) in Voice Performance and Pedagogy from Westminster Choir College of Rider University (Princeton, NJ) and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Music from the University of California at Santa Cruz, where she was a Phi Beta Kappa inductee, and graduated with Porter College Honors. She has trained under several noted voice teachers including Carol Neblett, Mary MacKenzie, Zehava Gal, Margaret Cusack, and Patrice Maginnis, and has won a number of vocal competitions including the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, San Diego District (2001-02 and 2002-03), the National Association of Teachers of Singing, San Diego (2001) and the Musical Merit Foundation (2000).
A versatile performing artist, Mrs. DeStefano is making her mark on regional operatic, orchestral and musical theater stages across the United States, performing with Ash Lawn Opera Festival in Virginia, Opera Festival of New Jersey, Westminster Opera Theatre, Shakespeare Santa Cruz, the Lyric Theatre of Santa Cruz, the Jarvis Zarzuela Festival in Napa California, and San Diego Opera.  A member of the San Diego Opera Ensemble from 2002-2005, Mrs. DeStefano sang the roles of Cinderella in an English adaptation of Rossini’s La Cenerentola, and appeared as both Third Lady and Papagena in Mozart’s The Magic Flute.  Her portrayal of the gypsy, Maria, in La Alegria de la Huerta at the Zarzuela Festival in Napa, California (now available on DVD through the Jarvis Conservatory) was hailed as the “pick of the Chueca” by Zarzuela.netIn 2004, Mrs. DeStefano made her San Diego Opera debut as the Second Handmaiden in SDO’s critically acclaimed production of Turandot.  During San Diego Opera’s 2005 International Season she understudied the roles of Dorabella (Cosi fan tutte) and Erika (Vanessa).  Equally comfortable on the concert stage, Mrs. DeStefano has rendered dramatic performances of works such as the Bach Magnificat, the Vivaldi Magnificat, Handel’s Messiah, the Mozart Requiem, and the Bach Mass in B-minor.  Most recently, she was heard in Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, in a return engagement with the Inland Valley Symphony.  A skillful and passionate recitalist, Mrs. DeStefano has performed all manner of art song and light classical repertoire, and has a personal interest in the Zarzuela repertoire.
In addition to performing, Mrs. DeStefano has taught voice for more than a decade at both collegiate and community music schools, as well as in her own private vocal studio.  An Adjunct Faculty Member of the University of San Diego since 1999, she has taught individual and group classes in vocal technique and performance as well as Opera Workshop.  Further, she served as departmental coordinator for applied music at USD from 2001-2003.  In addition, she has taught voice and beginning music theory at the University of California, Santa Cruz.  Interested in teaching singing and music to all ages, she has also taught for the Center Stage School in New Jersey and for San Diego Junior Theater.  Mrs. DeStefano is an active member of the National Association of Teachers of Singer (NATS), Opera America, and the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA).  A member of the Grossmont College Music faculty since 2005, Mrs. DeStefano teaches Group Voice, and maintains a private vocal studio.

Office: 230-I
Phone: (619) 644-7254
E-Mail: mezzo@JanelleDeStefano.com
Website: http://www.JanelleDeStefano.com/



Ron Gillis,
general music, music theory

Portrait of Ron Gillis

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



Justin Grinnell,
general music

Portrait of Justin Grinnell

Justin Grinnell, acoustic and electric bassist, has been a freelance musician and music educator in San Diego since his move from his hometown, Santa Rosa, California, in the fall of 1999. His familiarity with a wide range of musical styles, including jazz, latin, funk, rock, pop, and classical, make him a valuable asset in almost any musical situation.
In May 2005, Justin received his Master's Degree in Jazz Performance from San Diego State University. While attending SDSU on a full scholarship, he had the opportunity to travel, perform, and teach in South and Central America as a member of two faculty-student jazz groups. At this time, Justin began studying privately with internationally acclaimed acoustic bass soloist, Bert Turetzky.
After receiving his Master's degree in Jazz Performance from SDSU, Justin was accepted into the Henry Mancini Institute's 2005 Summer Education Program on a full scholarship. HMI is a four-week music training program on the UCLA campus where participants from around the world attend master classes, rehearsals, mentoring sessions, and panel discussions. HMI provided Justin with the opportunity to work with one of Los Angeles' premiere session bassists, Nathan East, as well as Billy Childs, Peter Erskine, Dave Liebman, Christian McBride, Vince Mendoza, and Alan Pasqua.
Justin is currently performing and composing for several jazz-influenced groups. Justin performs in downtown San Diego every Monday and Friday night in Croce's Jazz Bar with the Dave Scott Quintet and the Latin-jazz sextet, Yavaz. The Arc Trio and Rezolution are collaborative projects featuring contemporary compositions and arrangements by each groups' members. In addition to his performing schedule, Justin teaches private students and Music 110: Great Music Listening, a classical music appreciation course, at Grossmont College.
If you'd like to read more about Justin and his musical activities, then check out his website and regularly updated itinerary at www.justingrinnell.com. Check back frequently because Justin often performs with some of San Diego's finest musicians, including Rick Helzer, Christopher Hollyday, Kevin Koch, Gary Lefebvre, John Opferkuch, Duncan Moore, Peter Sprague, and Tripp Sprague.
 
Business Email: rezzzonance@yahoo.com
Phone: (619) 644-7254
Office: 230-I
Justin has been teaching in the Grossmont College Music Department since Fall 2005.  His courses include general music.

Office: 230-I 
Phone:  644-7254
 


Jeff Hofmockel,
music history

Portrait of Jeff Hofmockel

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


Christopher Hollyday,
jazz performance

Portrait of Christopher Hollyday

Christopher Hollyday, Jazz Ensemble, began performing publicly in 1983 in the Boston area at age thirteen as a member of his brother Richard’s quintet. In 1988 Hollyday headlined a week at the historic Village Vanguard in New York City.  Hollyday toured with Maynard Ferguson as a featured soloist in the trumpeter’s “60th Birthday Big Band”, and recording the “Big Bop Nouveau” album.  From 1989 through 1993, Hollyday toured with a regular quartet visiting every Western European country, Brazil, Canada, and most of the United States.  During this period Hollyday made four recordings for RCA records.
In 1993 Hollyday pursued his desire to study composition and larger ensemble arranging techniques at Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA.  During this time he also became very interested in music education.  In 1996, Hollyday relocated to San Diego, CA, where he has taught at Valley Center High School, in Valley Center, CA for eight years.  Hollyday recently completed a master degree in jazz studies at San Diego State University.
Christopher has been a member of the Grossmont College Music Faculty since the Fall of 2006.   His classes include Jazz Ensemble.

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


Martha Jane Howe, performance studies

Portrait of Martha Jane Howe

Martha Jane Howe, Performance Studies & Musical Theater Performance, is a versatile singing actress and teacher having performed with numerous opera companies and symphony orchestras throughout the United States and Canada, consistently receiving critical praise for her rich contralto voice and interpretive skill. In 1998 she moved to Vienna, Austria, to teach voice, Acting While Singing, presenting Breathing and Interpretation Workshops and stage directing.
A published poet, she began writing program notes with the Param Vir operas she performed with Musik Werkstatt Wien in 1999, and has been writing a monthly essay for Women In Motion, a publication in upstate New York, since July, 2002.
Since starting to stage direct in 2000, Ms. Howe has staged shortened versions of Rocky Horror Show and Oklahoma, blocks from J.C. Superstar and Glöckner von Notre Dame (Hunchback from Notre Dane), scenes from Carousel, Frühjahrsparade (Spring Parade), Jekyll and Hyde, Sunset Boulevard, Man of La Mancha, The Wiz and Titanic, and over 100 audition songs. She produced and directed the VMS 2003 Christmas Show, and the 2004 Summer Show, Divided Hearts.
She has presented numerous recitals in Vienna, including two concerts of new works in the Alte Schmiede, and two Liederabend concerts in the Schubertkirche, Lichtental. She sang the alto solos in J.S. Bach’s B-minor Mass in München, and three Bach cantatas in Eisenstadt, Austria and Schloss Esterhazy in Hungary. In 2001, she recorded Van de Vate’s All Quiet on the Western Front.
She has specialized in 20th century operas, starting with R. Strauss, Britten and Shostakovich, and performed in 9 different world and U.S. premieres. During five seasons with the Lyric Opera of Chicago, she performed in the world premiere of William Bolcom’s McTeague, Prokofiev’s The Gambler, plus Die Walküre, The Bartered Bride, La Sonnambula, and the Ring cycle conducted by Zubin Mehta. With San Diego Opera, she has performed The Rape of Lucretia, Albert Herring, Boris Godunov, Les Dialogues des Carmélites, Le Nozze de Figaro, Eugene Onegin, Roméo et Juliette, and in 2001, Carlisle Floyd’s Cold Sassy Tree. This year she returns to San Diego Opera to perform Boris Godunov.
Ms. Howe made her San Francisco Opera debut in Lulu and L’Incoronazione di Poppea, and her Los Angeles Opera debut in Faust and Elektra. Among her 70 roles with various companies, she has sung Der Fliegende Holländer, The Rake’s Progress and Elektra with the Canadian Opera Company, and Eugene Onegin, Boris Godunov, The Rape of Lucretia, Pelléas et Mélisande and L’Incoronazione di Poppea with Long Beach Opera.
She has also performed over 36 concert roles with major orchestras, including the Chicago, Minnesota and San Francisco Symphonies. She has performed with noted conductors Daniel Barenboim, Nicolas McGegan, Edo de Waart, Kent Nagano, Dennis Russell Davies, Richard Bonynge, James Conlon, Christoph von Dohnanyi and Leonard Slatkin.
In 1997 and 1999, Ms. Howe represented the Action Committee for Solo Singers at on-going union contract negotiations of the Basic Agreement between AGMA and the participating opera companies. These meetings resulted in the clarification and rewriting of the Basic Agreement and the National Agreement.
Presently, her students are performing in major productions in Berlin, London and Vienna, along with regional productions and individual performances in Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Austria and California.
For more information on Martha Jane Howe, please visit her webpage at: http://www.marthajane-howe.com
Martha Jane
has been a member of the Grossmont College Music Faculty since the Fall of 2007.   His classes include Performance Studies and Fundamentals of Musical Theater Performance.

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



Esther Jordan,
vocal studies

Portrait of Esther Jordan

Esther Jordan, Voice, began teaching choral music in 1977. She graduated from Grand Canyon University in Arizona with a B.A. in Vocal Performance and Music Education, and earned her M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction from San Diego State University. Her teaching and directing have been in Arizona and Californa public and private schools, community theatres as well as churches. She has toured with performing groups in the United States and Europe. Mrs. Jordan has enjoyed singing with madrigral groups, performing oratorio solos as well leading roles in musicals and operas. In 1977 Esther returned with her family from living in Japan where she conducted the Yokosuka Choral Society, Handbell and Chapel choirs and performed in recitals. She also taught English in the Japanese public school system and the Japanese National Self Defense Academy.
Ms. Jordan has been a member of the Grossmont College Music Department Faculty since 1998.  Her classes include class voice. 

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



Lorie Kirkell,
music history

Portrait of Lorie Kirkell

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



Chris Klich,
music history

Portrait of Chris Klich

Chris Klich, music history instructor, a native of San Diego, has been performing professionally for the last 26 years, playing engagements in San Diego, Orange County, and Los Angeles, and has toured in Texas, Hawaii, Illinois, Missouri, Arizona, New York, Ohio, Tennessee, New Mexico, Louisiana, Colorado, Nevada, and Utah. In addition to his many stateside performances, he has also done a great deal of touring in countries as diverse as China, Macau, Canada, Norway and Sweden. Holding Bachelor of Music (UCSD 1983) and Masters in Jazz Studies (SDSU 2005) degrees, he has worked with dance band favorites The Fabulous Mar Dels and the Heroes, swing band Tobacco Road (featuring Sue Palmer), blues artist Candye Kane, variety bands The Rhythm Method, Harvey and 52nd St. Jive, and The Rhythmakers, and funk group Wise Monkey Orchestra, as well as many of the other popular groups in San Diego. He can currently be seen with his own Chris Klich Jazz Quintet, one of the best mainstream jazz groups in the city. The Quintet plays San Diego's jazz clubs and concert venues, as well as many weddings, corporate events, and private parties. In addition, Chris performs often at club events, church services, and concerts with other musicians, does a good deal of studio recording, and plays everything from jazz to blues to swing to top-40. The Quintet plays many weddings, corporate events, and public shows every year.
Chris has performed in nearly every venue in San Diego, Los Angeles and Las Vegas including Caesar's Palace and the House of Blues (New Orleans, Los Angeles, and Downtown Disney). Locally, he can be seen at Dizzy's, the Coyote, Croce's Top Hat,, Twiggs, Claire de Lune, La Costa Resort, The Four Seasons Aviara, Scripps Aquarium, The Darlington House, Orfila Vineyards, Le Meridien, the Sheraton, the Hyatt, Morgan Run Golf Resort, and the U.S. Grant Hotel, playing club events or private parties.
Chris Klich has been a member of the Grossmont College Music Faculty since 2006.   His classes include History of Jazz.

More information on Chris Klich.

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



Michael Krewitsky,
computer music technology

Portrait of Michael Krewitsky

Michael Krewitsky, computer music technologist, is one of the leading computerized music specialists in the United States.  He began his career as a lead technician at Musicians Repair Service in 1976.  Three years later became a Moog Certified Polymoog and ARP technician. In 1980 Mike bought the struggling Musicians Repair Service. He then earned his Apple Macintosh Developer Certification in 1984. In 1985, he changed the business name to Professional Sound and Music and began selling pro audio and configuring systems. In 1999 Mike established ProSound.com.
Mike's educational resumé includes a Bachelor of Science degree (B.S.) in Electrical Engineering, a Master of Science degree (M.S.) in Physics, a Master of Arts degree (M.A.) in Music, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree (Ph.D.) in Physics and Acoustics. Note: Mike was also an "Eagle Scout" in 1967!
Recording is Mike's main bag (baby) and knows Pro Tools inside and out. He lives most of his life in Prosound's in-house studio, when he's not teaching at Grossmont College or coaching Little League. He has scored many soundtracks for the Winter Olympics and various commercials and industrials, and done extensive recording projects for friends and clients. He also has at least three or four CD's awaiting release.
Mike has been a member of the Grossmont College Music Faculty since 2005.   His classes include MIDI SEQUENCING AND RECORDING (MUS187).

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



Philip "Jay Jay" Lim,
piano studies

Portrait of Philip "Jay Jay" Lim

Philip "Jay Jay" Lim, Piano Studies, finished his B.S. with a minor in music at the University of Arizona and his B.M. in Music Therapy from the Berklee College of Music.  He has since worked as a music therapist, educator, and performer in San Diego since 1999. He served eight years as a music therapist at the Bayview Behavioral Health Campus in Chula Vista, where he helped clients of all ages cope with various psychiatric issues.  His position at Bayview also allowed him to work as a clinical training supervisor for Musicworx of California, where he has supervised, oriented, trained, and formally evaluated music therapy interns to prepare for work in the adult psychiatric setting.
Since 1999, Jay Jay has served as a music therapist and educator for the Greene Music Education Center. As an educator for Greene Music, he has had the chance to acquire a wealth of experience of teaching piano to the adult learner, and as a music therapist, his experiences have varied from creating a geriatric music therapy program for assisted living and skilled nursing facilities, to involvement with the Senior Recreational Music Making Project, a bi-coastal research collaboration between Yamaha, Remo Drums, and the Mind-Body Wellness Center in Meadeville, PA.  During this 2-year project, he was one of two music therapists on a research team which studied the effects of creating a “musiculture” within an older adult facility.
Although education remains his passion, Jay Jay has enjoyed a busy schedule as a performer.  He is music director and accompanist for Park Hill United Methodist Church in Chula Vista, and he plays twice a week at Croce’s Jazz Bar for both Yavaz and the Dave Scott Ensemble.  He is currently a board member of JAG (Jazz Association of Greater San Diego), and since the year 2000, he has been pianist and coordinator for a weekly jazz jam which is currently held at South Park Bar and Grill.  He has more recently finished a M.M. in Jazz Studies at the San Diego State University, where he studied with Rick Helzer.  Jay Jay continues to study with San Diego pianist, Lynn Willard. For more information on Jay Jay, please visit his webpage at:
www.jayjaylim.com  
Jay Jay has been a member of the Grossmont College Music Faculty since the Fall of 2007.   His classes include Class Piano and Introduction to Music.

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



C
athy Lionello,
general music, piano performance, staff accompanist

Portrait of Cathy Lionello

Catherine Lionello, staff accompanist/music education, received her Bachelor of Music degree from the Eastman School of Music and her Master of Music degree from Arizona State University (ASU).  She also completed a year of doctoral studies at Boston University (BU). 
Ms. Lionello has had a wide and varied career as a performer and teacher.  She has worked as an opera coach/accompanist for Opera In The Ozarks in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, and for the opera programs at ASU and BU.  She has accompanied ballet dancers, singers, and instrumentalists in recitals and classes.  As an educator, her experience includes several years of teaching elementary general and choral/vocal music in New York, Arizona, and California.  She has also taught both private and group piano lessons and has served as an adjudicator for piano competitions.  Her work has also included church music, both as director and as pianist/organist.
At Grossmont College, Ms. Lionello teaches Introduction to Music Education and private piano lessons.  She is
also the staff accompanist for the Performance Studies program.  Outside of Grossmont College, she is the musical director for the opera "The Tender Land" at San Diego State University (SDSU) and the rehearsal/pit orchestra pianist for "Footloose" at the School of Creative and Performing Arts in National City.  She also maintains a piano studio in the Hillcrest area.
Catherine Lionello has been a member of the Grossmont College Music Faculty since 2003.   

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



Heidi Lynn,
music theory

Portrait of Heidi Lynn

Heidi Lynn, Director of Chamber Singers, received a Master of Music degree in sacred music from Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey and is an adjunct faculty member at Grossmont College. She is also a full-time music director at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Fletcher Hills.  Ms. Lynn was musical coordinator of the San Diego Opera's Children's program and founder/musical director of Musicque Classique, a choral ensemble featured in concert with the San Diego Symphony Summer Pops Series. She has also worked as assistant conductor of the La Jolla Symphony Chorus.
Ms. Lynn sang the role of "Pecus" in Honegger's Jeanne d'Arc au bucher with the New York Philharmonic and conductor Kurt Masur. She has also sung with the San Diego Symphony, the La Jolla Symphony, and the Portland Symphony Orchestra, with whom she originated and recorded the role of "Mary Magdalene" of Kenneth Nielson's Cantata on Four Saints.
Ms. Lynn has been a member of the Grossmont College Music Department Faculty since 1997.  Her classes include directing the Grossmont College Chamber Singers.

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



James Morton,
percussion performance, "rock" studies

Portrait of James Morton

James Morton, percussion performance, "rock" studies, was born and raised in Houston, Texas and received the major portion of his musical education through "experience."  Having performed with several notable artists in the jazz and rock fields, he continues to perform in a variety of venues.  He has written for Mel Bay Publications since 1980, and has ten books to his credit.  Some of his publications include:  You Can Teach Yourself Drums, Easiest Drumset Book, Easy Rock Drum Charts, Killer-Fillers, and Rock Studies for Drumset.  He recently completed an instructional video for Mel Bay, and is currently working on a book about "rhythm and blues" drumming.
Mr. Morton has also been a founding member of the Grossmont College Music Department Faculty Jazz Quintet called
Ars Nova.
James Morton has been a member of the Grossmont College Music Department Faculty since 1989.  His classes include History of Rock and Roll, and Modern Drumset Technique.

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


Branden Muresan, general music, violin studies

Portrait of Branden Muresan

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



Marion Rodewald,
piano studies, music education

Portrait of Marion Rodewald

Marion Rodewald, piano studies professor, is the daughter of a U.S. Army bandmaster.  She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in piano in 1969 from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia.  She also pursued graduate studies in music and pedagogy at San Diego State University.
Ms. Rodewald has taught piano and basic music at Grossmont College since the mid-seventies.  She has also taught at St. Mary's College in Notre Dame, Indiana and at Southwestern College in Chula Vista.  As a frequent recitalist, Ms. Rodewald has given piano performances at Grossmont College, the East County Performing Arts Center (ECPAC) in El Cajon, the Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara, and for the Noontime Concert Series at the Civic Center in San Diego.
Ms. Rodewald currently serves on the Musical Merit Foundation of Greater San Diego and is a former board member of the Music Teachers Association of California.  Ms. Rodewald maintains an active private piano studio in addition to holding a position of adjunct music professor at Grossmont College.  To broaden her musical horizons, Ms. Rodewald currently studies bluegrass guitar with Walt Richards of San Diego.
Marion Rodewald has been a member of the Grossmont College Music Faculty since 1975.   Her classes include Introduction to Music, and Class Piano.

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



Melonie Sacalamitao,
piano studies, vocal jazz ensemble

Portrait of Melonie Sacalamitao

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

Portrait of Russ Sperling

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

Portrait of George Svoboda

George Svoboda, classical guitarist, was praised by San Diego Tribune Staff Writer Bob Corbett as,

"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 Wetzell,
guitar studies

Portrait of Robert Wetzell

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