Faculty

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, Brazilian 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 Ars Nova.

Mr. Baker has been a member of the Grossmont College Music Department faculty since 1985.  His classes include Rudiments of Music, Aural Skills, Music Theory, Piano Performance and Music Technology.

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

For more information Paul's professional activities, visit his website at: www.paulseaforth.com

Dr. Tweed is has been a member of the Grossmont College Music Department Faculty since 1986.  His classes include Music Theory, Music History, Performance Studies, Voice Class, in addition to the Grossmont Symphony Orchestra & Master Chorale.

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 for Dr. Tweed's GMC members.
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

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 staff Jazz Guitar instructors, 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 Kurokawa.

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:  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 Grinnell, 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.grinnell@yahoo.com

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 recently received the “Prize Principal Award” from KYXY FM and Point Loma Nazarene 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.

Office: 230-I
Phone: 644-7254
E-Mail: russ.sperling@suhsd.k12.ca.us

Pauline Tweed, voice & piano studies

Mrs. Tweed has been soloist with the La Jolla Civic University Orchestra in performances of Rachmaninoff's The Bells and Bach's Mass in B minor which was filmed for public television. She has sung with the San Diego Opera, one in particular where she understudied Beverly Sills in "Norma" under the direction of Maestro Walter Herbert. She also has sung with Opera under the stars as well as An Evening with Jerome Kern with the San Diego Pops Orchestra.

Mrs. Tweed has also appeared as guest artist with the Grossmont Symphony Orchestra performing such works as; Ravel's Scheherazade, Mascagni's Cavalleria Rusticana, Verdi's Requiem, Vaughan William's Hodie, Handel's Messiah, Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, Honegger's King David, and Mozart's Litaniae Laurentanae Beata Maria Virgine and Regina Coeli.

Mrs. Tweed's roles in musical theatre include "DOLLY" in HELLO DOLLY! with the Date Street Players, "Lalume" in KISMET and "Mamita" in Gigi, with the Vanguard Theatre.

Pauline Tweed did graduate work at the University of Southern California with Walter Ducloux, Natalie Limonik and Ruth Michaelis. Her performances of Opera, Oratorio and recitals have taken her to many areas of the country singing under such conductors as: Richard P. Condie, Bruno Rigacci, John Green, Peter Erös, Charles Ketchum, Walter Ducloux, Thomas Nee and Zigmont Gaska.

She is currently the soprano soloist at All Saints Episcopal Church of San Diego and Temple Beth Israel. She is adjunct professor of voice at San Diego State University and Grossmont College. She is a vocal coach and also past president of the National Association of Teachers of Singing, San Diego Chapter.

Office: 230-I
Phone: 644-7254
E-Mail: pauline.tweed@gcccd.edu

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. During this musical apprentice-ship in the old-European style approach of ‘I’ll show you how to do it, now you try’, I developed close friendships with each member of the Romero family who often referred to me as their ‘little brother’.”

In 1975, another great master guitarist, Pepe Romero, awarded Robert the honor to study on full scholarship for five consecutive years at his then annually conducted master classes in Houston, Texas.

Robert relates another anecdote from this time: “Pepe also cordially invited me to study privately with him in Del Mar and he showed me the same degree of kindness as Angel had expressed earlier by allowing me to reside in his family’s house during those periods of study of the guitar before I moved permanently to California in 1979. This early bohemian lifestyle privilege gave me the priceless opportunity not only to learn how to play the guitar from one of the greatest masters, but also enabled me to witness how great artists live from dawn to dusk. It was very enlightening for me and I was determined to devote my life to music and survive by music.”

During this period Robert also participated as a performer in master classes by two Spanish master composers of the 20th century, Joaquin Rodrigo and Federico Moreno-Torroba. The master classes were organized by Pepe Romero and were held in Houston and Dallas, respectively. Private guitar studies in Del Mar coincided with Pepe Romero and later with the gran maestro and patriarch of the Romero family, Celedonio Romero, whom Robert cites as his greatest influence:

“I had studied diligently with his sons and had learned much and drew great inspiration from them, but it wasn’t until I had the great fortune to sit next to Celedonio Romero and have him show me personally how fantastic guitar playing with profound musicality was done that I realized where all of his son’s greatness had stemmed from. It was from him! That time was the golden period of my artistic development and some of my fondest memories are from those times spent with Celedonio at his home in Del Mar, sometimes enacting the respectful student to maestro relationship and at other times just being totally down to earth and assuming the roles of two sincere good old friends. He showed me immense kindness and I really miss him. I am still in touch with his sons Celin, Pepe and Angel and see them from time to time and our relationships too are very special.”

Undergraduate studies with Robert Guthrie at Southern Methodist University earned Robert a BA degree in musical performance and he was the first guitarist to earn a Master of Music degree from San Diego State University under the guidance of Celin Romero.

A founding member of the award-winning Odeum Guitar Duo with guitarist, composer, and colleague, Fred Benedetti, Robert is a frequent performer in solo, chamber music and orchestral concerts and currently he resides in San Diego, California