In addition to regular class/ensemble rehearsals with Mr. Grable, Dana Middle School is fortunate to provide individual instrumental group instruction to our music students on a weekly basis. We have a staff of highly skilled, experienced professional instrumentalists/educators that meet with students in small groups once a week, and work on skills and music specific to the individual instrument. This is akin to private instruction, with a small group.
Jessica Catalan - French Horn
Jessica Catalan has her Masters in French Horn Performance from USC Thornton School of Music and Bachelors in Music Horn Performance from Azusa Pacific University. She has extensive teaching experience with young musicians on horn, brass and musicianship, fostering a strong foundation of fundamentals and building skills to be an engaged listener and performer. Jessica regularly performs throughout Southern California with several orchestral and chamber group ensembles. In addition to teaching and performing, Jessica is currently Director of Programs & External Relations at the Greater LA Education Foundation where she provides critical support in developing, managing, and supporting diverse issue areas facing families, educators and schools in Los Angeles County. Most importantly, Jessica is a proud AUSD parent!
Craig Durst was born in Michigan. He graduated from Interlochen Arts Academy in High School. He then studied classical at the University of Michigan and then included jazz studies at Azusa Pacific University. He studied with LA’s legend jazz educator Charlie Shoemake which launched him into the jazz world as a highly acclaimed saxophonist. Craig is also a studio audio engineer and not only has produced 100’s of music projects but he has engineered audio for television shows such as Good Housekeeping series and voice over works with artists such as Isaiah Washington (Grey’s Anatomy) and William Sanderson (Deadwood). He has taught music for over 34 years including a residency teaching saxophone ensemble at Mt San Antonio College. Craig performed with The Temptations last summer and currently performs weekly with the 2AZZ1 band and other artists. www.2AZZ1.com
As a bassoonist in Los Angeles, Lieza Hansen Kallin has performed in a variety of settings, demonstrating both versatility as a performer and a pedagogue. She regularly performs with multiple orchestras across Southern California and along the Pacific Coast from San Diego up to Juneau, Alaska. Lieza is active in the Hollywood studios, having recorded music for a variety of media. As a teacher, Lieza’s focus is not only on mastering musical ideas through the bassoon, but also cultivating lifelong skills that go beyond the instrument. Lieza has given group masterclasses at a number of schools and music programs in the Los Angeles area as well as in her home state of Iowa while maintaining a private studio in Glendale, CA. Also a skilled reedmaker, Lieza recently taught bassoon reed making classes at the University of Southern California and provides reeds to numerous students and professionals throughout Southern California. Lieza holds degrees from the University of Iowa and the University of Southern California.
Anne is a scholarship recipient from the University of Texas at Arlington where she received a BM in Cello Performance. As an active and sought after performer, Anne has been principal cellist with the Claremont Symphony for the past 25 years.Anne has maintained a private music studio for the past 30 years. While teaching students of all ages, lessons are tailored to each student’s goals and needs. Anne coaches cello at Arcadia High School, Arcadia Music Camp, Dana Middle School and the Pasadena Youth Symphony. She has had students in the Claremont and Pasadena Youth Symphonies and LA School of the Arts. Some of her students have gone on to have successful music careers of their own. For more information, or private instruction: annesherrillcellolessons.com
Leo Nobre was born in Rio de Janeiro, and attended the American School of Rio de Janeiro, where he performed with bands and explored many different instruments. He attended the University of Miami School of Music where he studied double bass with Dr. Lucas Drew. After his time at the University of Miami from 1989 until 1994, he began a performance career, touring, performing, and recording. Leo then moved to Los Angeles and was a faculty member at L.A. College of Music for 20 years, 2002 to 2022. He teaches privately since he moved to the greater Los Angeles area, and enjoys a reputation of a highly respected and recognized bass player, with two Latin Grammy certificates, as well as a Grammy nomination in 2023.
Cynthia Pueblos - Oboe
Cynthia Pueblos is an active freelance musician based in Southern California, performing with ensembles such as the Irvine Symphony Orchestra, La Mirada Symphony, Synesthesia Sinfonietta, Bellflower Symphony, St. Luke Chamber Orchestra, and Dana Point Symphony. In addition to her orchestral work, she has also performed as a soloist for various local churches. Mrs. Pueblos studied both Psychology and Oboe Performance at Azusa Pacific University. Dedicated to music education, Mrs. Pueblos is a teaching artist and conductor with the Harmony Project, a non-profit organization that provides music education to underserved students. She currently teaches and mentors students in the Paramount, Pasadena, Glendale, Arcadia, and Los Angeles Unified School Districts. A native of Southern California, she currently resides in La Mirada.