GUNNAR EISEL

Born and reared near Heidelberg, Germany, Gunnar Eisel has taught and developed programs at California State University, Los Angeles, Whittier College, Fullerton College, and the Los Angeles High School of the Arts. Mr. Eisel holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Composition from Cal State University, Long Beach and a Master’s degree in Music History from Cal State University, Fullerton.

As a full-time faculty member at Citrus College since 1989, Professor Eisel has taught music history, electronic music, guitar, and music theory classes. Mr. Eisel was instrumental in the development of the Citrus Audio and Video Recording Arts Center.

A well-respected teacher, Mr. Eisel's students include Rusty Anderson (lead guitarist for Paul McCartney Band) and Mike Simpson (producer, Beastie Boys and Beck). As chairman of the Guitar program at Cal State University, Los Angeles for 27 years, Eisel guided many guitar majors to successful careers.

For 16 years, Mr. Eisel served as Executive Director of Guitar Foundation of America, the largest guitar organization in America.  He is listed in Who's Who in Entertainment and Who's Who in the West.

ALEX GALVIN

Proficient on piano/midi keyboards, mallet instruments (6 mallets) and bass, Mr. Galvan has been a featured performer in a variety of venues including film composition (Kingsley’s Meadow, aired on Pax nationwide, The Pope’s North American Tour and others), on stage (musical director and actor: Patsy Cline review: A Closer Walk) and as a jazz soloist playing piano and vibes simultaneously for the Bob Newhart stage show accompanied by a big band, and on recordings including Royale Crown Revue and the Guy Lombardo Band. Mr. Galvan has recently produced a training video for the U.S. Government on the Air Curtain Burner, a large scale high efficiency burner for environmentally friendly disposal of forest products. His work included scripting, camera, non-linear editing, voice over and music composition. Mr. Galvan’s voice has been heard over KCIV 99.9 FM advertising the facilities of an organization camp in a radio commercial produced in his home studio.

In collaboration with a colleague from the philosophy department, Mr. Galvan has completed a musical on the politic scene of America which includes composition, arranging, orchestration and recording. Prior to his employment at Citrus College, Mr. Galvan was an Assistant Professor of Music at Cal Poly Pomona.

BILL HOEHNE

Bill Hoehne is the Director of Chamber Winds and Percussion at Citrus College.  He is an accomplished musician with over 27 years experience as a professional woodwinds performer and 25 years as a music educator.  Mr. Hoehne earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of North Texas, a Master of Music degree from the University of Miami at Coral Gables, and is pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the University of Southern California. 

He has performed extensively in numerous recording studios in the Miami and Southern California areas, and has performed with leading artists, including the Ralph Carmichael Orchestra, Sammy Davis Jr., Andy Williams, the Temptations, Joan Rivers, the Modernaires, and many others.  Mr. Hoehne is certified as a Master Adjudicator for the concert, street and field events of the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association.  During his term as Vice-President of Field Adjudication, Mr. Hoehne initiated the evolution of the SCSBOA Field Adjudication System, and implemented the first Field Adjudicator Evaluation System.  In 1996, 1998 and 2000, he toured Europe as featured soloist and member of the instruction/conducting staff with the Southern California Ambassadors of Music.  Mr. Hoehne was the conductor of the 1995 and 2003 SCSBOA All-Southern Middle School Honor Bands, and is honored to be continuously called upon to work as an adjudicator, guest conductor and clinician for distinguished school wind band programs and honor groups in the Western United States.

BRUCE LANGFORD

Bruce Langford holds a Bachelor of Music Degree from California Institute of the Arts (the Walt Disney arts conservatory in Los Angeles) and a Master of Music Degree from the Southwestern School of Music in Fort Worth, Texas.

Professor Langford joined the Citrus College staff in 1992 as an adjunct faculty member. He was hired full time in 1997. His current areas of instruction are Music Appreciation and Music History. In addition, he is the Faculty Coordinator for the Citrus College Distance Education Program.

Having taught on the college level for 30 years, Mr. Langford has also been active as a performer and conductor. He worked for several years at KUSC Radio and still does live broadcasts for KMZT Radio in Los Angeles. He has worked with vocal and instrumental ensembles throughout the United States, Europe, and Australia and has performed principle roles in over fifty productions. In addition he is a guest lecturer for several arts organizations around southern California and has hosted the Three Tenors Concert from Rome for KCET Television. Mr. Langford has also published numerous articles on music, literature, and the arts.

ROBERT SLACK

Robert Slack received a Master of Trumpet Degree from Indiana University, and since then, has grown to be a respected professional in the music industry.

Mr. Slack shares with his students and faculty impressive personal and professional experience.  After several years touring professionally with Paul Anka and Buddy Rich, Mr. Slack has also performed with Celine Dion, Ella Fitzgerald, Whitney Houston and Trisha Yearwood, among others.

Mr. Slack’s talents have extended into numerous recording sessions for Mattel, Toyota, Diet Coke, Pillsbury, Ford Motor, Taco Bell, Tristar Pictures, Disneyland, NBC News and CNN.  Film credits include Disney’s D3: The Mighty Ducks, Casper, Dillinger and Capone, Desert Storm for HBO and most recently the hit movie, That Thing You Do! Mr. Slack also performed for former President Ronald Reagan in Phil Donahue’s 25th Anniversary Special.

Among his honors, Mr. Slack received the coveted Jazz Educator of the Year Award from the International Jazz Educator’s Association.

A major driving force behind the visionary conception and planning of the innovative Entertainment Technology Complex, Mr. Slack continues to guide and develop the exemplary instrumental music program into a creative and professional training vehicle for the students of Citrus College.

Few community colleges can boast of the professional experience and assiduous commitment Mr. Slack has brought to the music students of Citrus College.

DAVID BEATTY

Bachelor of Music, Cal State Northridge, David has been active on the Los Angeles studio music scene since 1978. He has been a member of the Bill Watrous Refuge West Big Band and is currently performing with the Ralph Carmichael Orchestra. Among many recording credits are jingles for Mercedes Benz, Budweiser, Carnival Cruises and NBC News as well as motion pictures such as A Minor Miracle, Newsies, Hocus Pocus and Heavyweights. Additionally, he has numerous recording credits for almost every major gospel artist and has participated in live recordings for The Integrity Music Label in Israel and South Africa. He is the founder of “Slideworks”, a professional trombone quartet and also maintains a vigorous teaching schedule at a number of Southern California colleges and universities.

STEVE COTTER

Bachelor and Master of Music from the University of North Texas, Steve directed a big and taught guitar classes while attaining his Master degree in Music. He has had the opportunity to work with Marc Johnson, Buster Williams, Randy Brecker, Bobby Shew, Gerry Mulligan, Dave Pike, Sandra Booker, James Mahone, Willie Jones III, Duffy Jackson, Roy McCurdy, Bobby Caldwell and many others. Steve joined the Citrus College faculty in the Fall of 1997. He teaches Applied Music, Guitar and Jazz Combo.

ANDREW FORD

Bass player composer Andrew Ford has played bass with Chaka Khan, James Ingram, Whitney Houston, David Crosby, Graham Nash, Phil Perry, Robben Ford, Dianne Reeves, Kirk Whalum, Boney James, Norman Brown, Oleta Adams, Michael McDonald, Christopher Cross, Gladys Knight, The Emotions, Patti Austin, Randy Crawford, George Duke, Larsen-Feiten Band, and many others. He has played for such dynamic ministries as Lakewood Church in Houston, and Joyce Meyer. Andrew has a song on the Al Jarreau record “Tomorrow Today” and has numerous tv show writing credits. He has also taught at BIT and his alma mater the University of La Verne. Andrew plays and endorses Yamaha basses, Fender basses, M- Audio products and Elixir Strings.

THOMAS HYNES

Master of Music, Cal State Los Angeles. Tom is an active guitarist, jazz artist, educator and clinician in the Southern California area. His debut album, “The Sun Shop” (Chase Music Group), features his original contemporary jazz compositions and includes guest appearances by John Patitucci and Eric Marinthal. His professional credits range from appearances with Bob Hope to the Kim Richmond Concert Jazz Orchestra and the films Bright Angel and Rapid Fire. Tom recently completed Siete, a new composition commissioned by Citrus, which was featured on the Jazz Band’s newest recording, “Take A Number.” Hynes’ original large jazz ensemble compositions are available from UNC Jazz Press. In 1996, Tom toured the Middle East and Northeast Africa as a United States Information Agency “Jazz Ambassador”.

Selected Recordings: Choros #2 I'm Getting Sentimental Over You The Eagle Has Landed

WILLIAM KERR

Billy Kerr, a versatile musician, is an accomplished jazz artist, composer, arranger and clinician.  Brooklyn born and raised on Long Island, he completed his studies at the Juilliard School of Music and Queens College receiving a BA in music.  His major studies were with Augustin Duques (clarinet), Joseph Allard (clarinet and saxophone) and Thomas Nyfenger (flute).  His studies in composition and arranging began at Queens College with John Carisi and continued over the years with Don Sebesky, Manny Album, Jim McNeely, Roger Kellaway, and Vince Mendoza.

After a four-year hitch in the Air Force Band, Billy established a busy career recording for television, films and commercials and gained extensive experience in the Broadway musical theatre.

Billy has performed with a variety of artists covering every musical style.  Most notably, they include Liza Minnelli, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Johnny Mathis, Natalie Cole, Ray Charles, Peter Allen, Henry Mancini, Julie Andrews, Sammy Davis Jr., and Mel Torme.  He has also performed with jazz artists such as Phil Woods, Bob Mintzer, the Toshiko Akiyoshi Big Band and The National Jazz Ensemble.  Performances with the St. Luke’s Chamber Ensemble and the Brooklyn Philharmonic under distinguished conductors like Gunther Schuller and Lukas Foss show yet another facet of his abilities.

As tenor saxophonist with the New York Saxophone Quartet, Billy has performed in Europe, Japan, Canada and throughout the United States.  In addition to concert performances, the Quartet has appeared on the “Tonight Show” and participated in many teaching clinics.  The group has recorded several albums, all of which spotlight Billy’s skills as a soloist and writer.

As a composer and arranger, Billy has written for every type of ensemble from duets to big band.  For four years he was a member of the BMI Jazz Composers Workshop, which concentrated primarily on the art of composing for big band.  His original saxophone quartet “Send In the New Boy” was premiered at the Tenth World Saxophone Congress in Italy in 1992.  This piece and several other quartet and octet arrangements written by Billy are published with UNC Jazz Press. His saxophone duet “Conversation for Two Baritones” is published by Opus 102 Music Publishers in Montreal .

In 1995 Billy moved to Montreal, Canada where he continued to work in the theatre, record for the National Film Board and CBC, as well as lead his own jazz quintet.  He performed with Charles Dutoit and the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, playing clarinet and a variety of saxophone solos.  Billy was the soprano saxophonist in the “Phenix” saxophone quartet, which included his wife baritone saxophonist Nancy Newman. 

Since 2000 Billy has resided in Los Angeles, where he received his Masters degree at the University of Southern California.  He remains active in L.A. appearing in concerts and recordings with the likes of Bill Holman, Lennie Niehaus. Clare Fischer, and Kurt Elling.  Billy plays regularly in bands led by Buddy Childers, Bob Florence, Steve Huffsteter, Kim Richmond, Bruce Eskovitz(BEJO), and singer, Cathy Segal-Garcia. In 2005, Billy was a featured soloist at Fesival Jazz en Lima, Peru.  While there, he played lead alto with Maria Schneider as well as led his own quartet in a series of concerts.   In addition to his busy performing schedule, Billy writes CD reviews for “Saxophone Journal” and is on the faculty of Citrus College and the College of the Canyons. 

Billy can be heard on his CD “The Eagle has Landed….eh?”, on the Productions Bilanci label, and as a soloist on “Alternate Routes” with the New York Neophonic Orchestra, on the Tantara label.  He may also be heard as a soloist and arranger on “The New York Saxophone Quartet”, on the Stash label, “Free Trade” with the Gerald Danovitch Saxophone Quartet, on the CBC Jazzimage label, and “Kentucky Roastup” with The Osland Saxophone Quartet on the Sea Breeze label.

Billy is a performing artist for Buffet clarinets, and Vandoren reeds.

BOB McCHESNEY

Conn-Selmer Artist Bob McChesney is thrilled to have been able to work with the legendary composer and entertainer Steve Allen before his untimely death in 1999. The two collaborated on a CD from Allen’s prolific songbook which resulted in the highly acclaimed No Laughing Matter – The Bob McChesney Quartet plays Steve Allen. About the CD, virtuoso jazz clarinetist Eddie Daniels says, " . . . probably the best jazz trombone playing I've heard to date." Composer Lalo Schifrin says, "Bob McChesney is a virtuoso and he has the gift to bring us the joy of music at the highest level" and jazz trumpeter Freddie Hubbard says, "The most incredible trombone playing I've heard in a long, long time."

McChesney is well known for his emotional delivery and fast technique and has been featured in many big bands and on many CDs. A prominent fixture in the studios of Los Angeles, Bob can be heard on various television shows such as The Simpsons and The King of the Hill, Looney Tunes cartoons, and on motion picture scores such as Rush Hour 2, Bringing Down the House, Soldier and The Siege. Bob was a featured soloist at the 2001 International Trombone Festival in Nashville, Tennessee. Around L.A. he performs live with The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, The Bob Florence Limited Edition Big Band and with his own jazz quartet.

In addition to his work as an artist and studio musician, McChesney has authored the trombone method on doodle tonguing entitled Doodle Studies and Etudes (Chesapeake Music). Critically acclaimed and endorsed by the great trombonists Carl Fontana, Bill Watrous and Joseph Alessi, McChesney's method is an in- depth analysis of the fast-legato multiple tongue technique. Respected as one of the foremost authorities on doodle tonguing, McChesney has contributed to the International Trombone Association Journal about his method.

McChesney's extensive audio engineering and MIDI programming experience has earned him album credits on Patti Austin's Carry On, Handel's Messiah - A Soulful Celebration, Vona Shepard's The Radical Light and the double platinum The Songs of West Side Story with Michael McDonald, James Ingram and Kenny Loggins. He has also produced CDs for several artists.

A passionate performer and enthusiastic teacher, Bob is in demand as a clinician and guest soloist at schools and universities worldwide. He gives masterclasses on trombone technique, jazz improvisation and doodle tonguing.

See Bob McChesney's website for more information and complete discography.

MICHAEL PACKER

Michael Packer graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a Bachelor of Arts in Music. Michael has studied privately with Ralph Humphrey and Jeff Hamilton. Performance credits include Free Flight, Nils Lofgren, Carl Anderson, Ben Vereen, Steve Allen, Michael Bolton (CableAce Awards) and Cirque Du Soleil (CableAce Awards). Television credits include 16th, 17th, 18th and 19th Annual CableAce Awards (TNT), The EasterSeal Telethon (National Broadcast), KTLA Morning Show with Leeanza Cornet, World Cup Closing Ceremonies (World Wide Broadcast) and the New York New York Casino & Hotel, Las Vegas, NV. (In-house recording). His teaching experience consists of 15 years of private instruction and several clinics in the USA and Europe. Michael is the author of "Feet Don't Fail Me Now" (Hal Leonard Publications) and "Feet First" (Michael Packer Publications). Michael has also written for Modern Drummer Magazine. Please visit www.michaelpacker.com for more info.

PAUL SCHURICHT

California community college teaching credential (1963), California Administrative Credential, Student teaching done at Citrus College.  Teaching at Citrus College since 1970.
Taught several years at CSULA
B.A. and M.A. from CSULA
Doctoral work at USC

Jenni Olson Scott

Jenni Olson Scott is an active orchestral and chamber music performer in the Los Angeles area. She performs regularly with the chamber group Orion Winds which she co-founded and has played with various orchestras such as Santa Monica Symphony, Redlands Symphony and the Pacific Symphony. She is currently principal flute with the Stockton Symphony and second flute with the Long Beach Symphony. Performers she has worked with include John Williams, Tony Bennett, Stevie Wonder, Dianne Reeves, Jerry Goldsmith, Terence Blanchard, Kelsey Grammer, John Lithgow, Quincy Jones, and Herbie Hancock. Jenni also teaches flute at Citrus College and Music Appreciation at Pasadena City College. She is also an accomplished soloist, and has performed concertos with the California State University Stanislaus Symphony, the Modesto State Theater Orchestra, the Henry Mancini Institute Orchestra, The University of Southern California Wind Ensemble, and the Westchester Symphony.

BOBBY SEXTON

Mr. Sexton began studying music when he was eight years old. He spent three years as a classical piano major at the University of Iowa before relocating to Los Angeles. He was a signed recording artist with GNP Crescendo Records where he was the composer, lead vocalist, pianist and synthesist producing the CD ‘Facing Destiny. He completed four successful United States tours before returning to school to finish his studies (degrees) and become a music educator.
Mr. Sexton received an Associate in Arts degree (Music) at L.A.C.C. in 1992, a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies degree (Piano) at U.S.C. in 1996, a California Single Subject Teaching Credential (Music) at CSULA in 2005, and is currently finishing a Masters of Music in Jazz Studies degree (Piano) at U.S.C. He also passed the California CBEST exam in 1997, and the California CSET Single Subject (Music) exam in 2005. Mr. Sexton has taught classical, jazz, and popular piano styles at Pasadena City College, and has worked at Santa Monica College, California State University at Los Angeles, and the Los Angeles County High School for the Performing Arts. He has been on the Adjunct Faculty at Citrus College as an Applied Music Instructor (Piano) since 2001, and is completing his latest jazz CD while performing at Los Angeles finest jazz clubs.

JOHN STEINMETZ

John Steinmetz, bassoonist, composer, and writer, is the principal bassoonist for Los Angeles Opera and the Los Angeles Master Chorale, and a member of the chamber groups XTET and Camerata Pacifica.

Recent compositions include a Concerto  for bassoon and orchestra, commissioned and premiered by the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, the Keene (NH) Chamber Orchestra, and the Santa Rosa Symphony. His One and Many joined the Apple Hill Chamber Players with children and guest instrumentalists for performances in Harlem, Providence, Boston, Keene, Los Angeles, London, and on the Chamber Players' annual "Playing for Peace" tour of Middle East countries. Simple Pleasures  celebrated the 40th anniversary of the South Bay Chamber Series. War Scrap  and Mixed Blessings  were commissioned by the innovative Los Angeles series Pacific Serenades. His compositions have been released on CDs from Albany, Helicon, and Crystal records.

John helped to design new concert formats for the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, XTET, the Oregon Bach Festival, and Pacific Classical Winds.  As an education consultant to computer and record companies, he has written about old and new technologies for learning and expression.  "Change and Creativity," co-authored with fellow researchers at Apple Computer's Learning Concepts Group, considers a new approach to learning. His article "Resuscitating Art Music" has been widely reprinted. Naxos Records published his booklet "How to Enjoy a Live Concert."

John has been a keynote speaker at the National Conference on Piano Pedagogy and the annual conference of Americans for the Arts, and a featured speaker for Chamber Music America. His University of Oklahoma residency was titled "Enlivening Live Music," and at Miami University of Ohio he spoke on "Music and Peacemaking." As artist-in-residence at the Pasadena Conservatory of Music, he helped to explore and expand the organization's potential. He has facilitated several annual conferences for the Network of Music Career Officers.

John lives in Altadena, California, with his violist wife, Kazi Pitelka, and their two children. More information, articles, and essays are available on his web site, http://www.johnsteinmetzmusic.com.

MICHAEL SUSHEL

Michael Sushel is a graduate of the Juilliard School of Music in New York City and has earned a reputation as an extremely versatile musician, having played and recorded with almost every conceivable type of musical ensemble from classical, jazz, and rock groups to film and records.  He has performed in concert with singer B.J. Ward at Carnegie Hall in New York, played for film and TV shows such as the Emmy Awards, appeared in concert with rock groups such as Ambrosia, and recorded for artists as diverse as R&B singer Rick James and composer Daniel Lentz, the latter with whom he toured Japan in 1991.  In the spring of 2003, he traveled to China to meet with piano faculty and teach young pianists at the Beijing and Shanghai Conservatories. In addition to his performing engagements and private teaching, Michael is currently Professor of Piano at Citrus College.

LYNN VARTAN

Percussionist Lynn Vartan is an active performer and educator who is an advocate for diversity in music. As a new music percussionist Lynn has worked with Michael Colgrass, Donald Crockett, Vinny Golia, Arthur Jarvinen, Ursula Oppens, Joan Tower, Glen Velez, Xtet, the Hilliard Ensemble, Tambuco, and Grammy Award-winning Southwest Chamber Music, and is known for her dynamic athleticism and exciting energy on stage. She has commissioned and/or performed new music for percussion by composers such as Donald Crockett, Steve Hoey, Veronika Krausas, Erica Muhl, Arthur Jarvinen, Jeff Holmes and Shaun Naidoo. As a soloist, Lynn has been featured on the Los Angeles Philharmonic Green Umbrella Series, the Different Trains Series, at Montana State University, Cornell University and with the USC Contemporary and Percussion Ensembles. As a recording artist, Lynn has appeared on the ECM New Series for Stephen Hartke's Tituli, on the Cambria label with Southwest Chamber Music, and is featured as a soloist on an album of music by Erica Muhl on Albany records. Lynn is currently producing an album of Armenian music for marimba for release later this year.

A devoted ensemble musician, Lynn is the Director and percussionist for the Los Angeles-based Ensemble Green, and also performs regularly with 61/4, the violin/percussion duo she began with Shalini Vijayan. She received her Master's and Doctorate degrees with special honors and recognition from the University of Southern California. Lynn is currently the head of Percussion at the Pasadena Conservatory of Music and at Citrus College, as well as the percussionist for Southwest Chamber Music. Lynn is endorsed by the Paiste Corporation, Remo Inc., Innovative Percussion and Marimba One.

ALAN WADDINGTON

Alan Waddington has performed in many varied settings. He has played percussion or produced music from punk rock to classical and about anything between those categories.

Alan got his “first break” in the US with the rock band “The Unforgiven” which was the subject of a record setting bidding war in the music industry. This led to appearances on MTV, radio airplay, and major touring. This also led to his involvement with Bon Jovi, Vince Neal, Joe Walsh, and Willie Nelson.

In 1995 Alan was on tour in Seoul with the musical “A Chorus Line”. This led to his ongoing association and friendship with Mr. Ha and “The Seoul Pops Orchestra”. This is also where he met his beautiful wife Seung Ah. Recently he drummed with Gwen Stefani on the song “Rich Girl” on “The Grammies” world wide television production. He is also responsible for the drum line that performs with Gwen on her number 1 song “Hollaback Girl”. Alan is active with placement of students professionally and academically during and after their tenure at Citrus College.
He has helped develop the music program at Citrus College since 1987 primarily with the award winning jazz, pop and rock groups