Accomplishments 5.3.05 Andrew Ford, from Gardena, bassist with Gladys Knight, Al Jarreau, Whitney Houston, David Crosby, Michael McDonald, and many others. Music director at a large and growing church in Chino Hills and a volunteer in the local school music program. Mike Bennett, from La Verne, drummer, winner of national awards from Downbeat magazine, performed with Jewel, Kenny G, Ron Powell, endorsed by several drum manufacturers, regularly volunteers his time and talents in the public schools. Roberto Catalano, college instructor at ULV, Whittier, and UCR, PhD in ethnomusicology from UCLA, and leader of one of the most in-demand groups playing Italian and Sicilian (from where he comes) music. Joe Bagg, from Crafton Hills, one of the top Jazz organists/pianists, with glowing reviews in every Jazz magazine around the world and papers, including the LA Times. Gayle Serdan, pianist from the area, teacher in the highly regarded Etiwanda HS music program, Doctorate of Musical Arts from USC, and an outstanding performer. Giloh Morgan, from Arizona, sold over 1,000,000 copies of his song, Dance With Me. Music producer in New York and Hamburg, Germany. Catharine Lombardo, from New York, soprano and very successful lawyer. Ray Garza, from Central California, director of a very busy and successful music theater troupe in Los Angeles. Butch Tyes, highly recognized R&B and Jazz singer in Cleveland. Theresa Walker, singer in Los Angeles. Karen Foster, singer, producer, music business executive in Los Angeles. Deb Waas, director of elementary school music for Bonita Unified, one of the most successful programs in the state. Les Butler, keyboardist/producer, recent recipient of an Unsung Hero award for his community service. Melanie Periera, pianist/singer/songwriter, has released a number of CDs of Christian music. Andy Maniero, band director of the highly recognized Bonita HS program. Pete Naysmith, bassist and successful lawyer. Ron Gonzalez, guitarist/singer/songwriter, director of student activities at Pomona High School for many years, highly respected by his students, children and community. Jason Walker, from Indiana, manager of MRI, the company responsible for clearing the rights for nearly all of the music used on network television in Los Angeles. Skip Sams, from Ohio, record producer, song and opera composer, who has produced and written albums for former Miss America, Kate Shin and is active working for the National Aids Foundation, Gay rights, and years of community service in Chicago. Chris Hamabe and Devon Davis, producers/songwriters, who have written hits for Coolio and other internationally-known recording artists. Michael Ryan, from Claremont, guitarist/songwriter with several successful CDs, a longtime faculty member in the ULV Music Department. Jon Rothe, from Claremont, guitarist/songwriter, very successful public school teacher, and faculty member at ULV. Jon has continually and positively influenced his students through his music. Bantsi Basili, saxophonist/composer, former Minister of Culture of Botswana and successful teacher. Dayita Datta, singer of Indian classical and European classical music, studying voice in the masters of music program at CSULB. Ronald Muldrow, internationally-known jazz guitarist with Lou Rawls and many others. Leo Sayles, successful high school choir director, track coach, and church youth leader in New Jersey. Misa Kitagawa, violinist/songwriter, a teacher of music in Rowland Heights with her first CD of her songs. Mariasari Lehman, arranger/pianist, successful music career in Nashville. Zheming Fan, composer at a major conservatory, and winner of a national Chinese (a country of what, 20 million composers?) composition competition. Yukiko Nasu, pianist, music therapist, masters degree in music therapy from University of Miami, therapist in Seattle. Shohag Apartian, pianist/composer at international jazz festivals and church musician in Aleppo, Syria. J. Michael O'Neal, Jazz pianist, accompanist for Della Reese, music teacher in Colton, church music director.

Posted 5.5.05 by Steven A. Biondo