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Instrumental Music Director - Ms. Yeon Choi
Instrumental Music Director - Ms. Yeon Choi
Yeon Choi received her Bachelor of Arts in Music from the University of California, Irvine, and her California Teaching Credential from California State University, Fullerton. Her main instrument is flute and piccolo, and she has been a dedicated music educator for over 20 years, teaching at all scholastic levels, including elementary, middle school, and high school. She began her career at Arroyo Vista Middle School, then taught at Niguel Hills Middle School, where she was selected as the 2014 Capistrano Unified School District's Teacher of the Year.
Ms. Choi's groups are known on a local and regional level for their attention to detail and the quality of their musical performances, consistently earning unanimous superior, Gold, and Mastery PLUS ratings at festivals. During the 2021-2022 school year, Ms. Choi performed with her students at the International Band and Orchestra Festival at Carnegie Hall, receiving the highest rating of Gold. During the 2022-2023 school year, the Chamber Orchestra was chosen as the representing ensemble group at the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association Music Educators Conference. Since then, her ensembles have continued their festival travels, performing in San Diego, Hawaii, and San Francisco.
In addition to her work in the classroom, Ms. Choi has also been invited to serve as a clinician for numerous orchestra programs throughout Southern California, sharing her expertise with fellow educators and their students. She maintains professional affiliations with the California Orchestra Directors Association, the American String Teachers Association, and the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association (SCSBOA). Her service to SCSBOA includes roles as All-Southern Honor Group String Orchestra Manager, All-Southern Honor Group Full Orchestra Manager, Middle School Honor Group Audition Panelist, Conference Clinician, Orchestra Music List Committee Member, Vice President of Middle School Education, and Vice President of String Education.
Ms. Choi has also created an extensive student leadership program that gives students firsthand, real-world experience, preparing them with the skills and confidence to succeed beyond the classroom. She believes music education allows students to develop a lifelong appreciation for music and encourages the discipline necessary for achieving musical success. Through their shared work in ensemble, her students learn the value of cooperative effort in accomplishing common goals.
Instrumental Music Director - Miss Natalie Do
Instrumental Music Director - Miss Natalie Do
Email: nndo@capousd.org
Email: nndo@capousd.org
Natalie Do graduated with a double Bachelors of Music in Music Education and Cello Performance in 2019 and teaching credential in 2020 from California State University, Long Beach, followed by a Masters of Arts in Music Education in 2023 from San Jose State University.
Beginning her teaching career during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Miss Do has taught multiple sections and levels of string orchestra, concert band, jazz band, guitar ensemble, music technology, and special education general music in her time as instrumental music director at Vista View Middle School, as part of Ocean View School District in Huntington Beach, CA. At Vista View, Miss Do established a multi-level orchestra, guitar, and band program with over 200 middle school music students by the 2023-24 school year, competing and performing in various festivals and events such as Angels Stadium, Knott’s Berry Farm, and Music in the Parks. Miss Do served as the Visual and Performing Arts lead teacher at Vista View, as well as co-director for the Ocean View Honor Orchestra and Jazz bands.
Prior to her time at Vista View Middle School, Miss Do has coached a number of middle and high schools in both strings and the marching arts across Orange County. She has coached and coordinated with youth ensembles including Orange County Youth Symphony, University of Redlands Cello Camp, and CSULB Honors Festival. Student teaching in Los Alamitos Unified School District, Miss Do also worked extensively with the jazz bands, orchestras, and concert bands at Los Alamitos High School and Oak Middle School.
Outside of school teaching, Miss Do continues to perform and record as a professional cellist in addition to teaching her private studio of piano and cello students. Upon finishing her Masters program at SJSU, Miss Do presented at the California All State Music Educators Conference (CASMEC) on her thesis research, “Establishing Orchestra at the Title I School Site,” in 2023 and at the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association (SCSBOA) Southwest Conference as a part of the “Young Educators Panel,” in 2022.
Miss Do believes that music education helps create an outlet for students to grow into the best versions of themselves. Students not only develop a passion for the arts, but are also given the opportunity to practice leadership, teamwork, and camaraderie through music.
Richard Huang is a performer, educator, and marching percussion battery arranger with over 30 years of experience. He has worked with numerous high schools and drum corps, most notably the 2001 WGI Silver Medalist Fountain Valley HS, the 2009 SCSBOA Gold Medalist Savanna HS, the 2014 ADLA Gold Medalist Anaheim HS, Taipei Yuehfu, The Troopers, and Pacific Crest. Since joining Tesoro High School in 2017, he has been an integral part of the marching percussion program, helping lead the ensemble to a Silver Medal at the 2018 ADLA Finals.Richard is currently an elementary music teacher with the Capistrano Unified School District, continues to arrange and teach at Tesoro High School, and is a musician at the Disneyland Resort.He holds a B.A. in Sociology from California State University, Long Beach, and a teaching credential from California State University, Fullerton.
Jadanne Donis is a front ensemble educator and dedicated performer based in Southern California. She began her music career at Tesoro High School and is currently pursuing a business degree at Irvine Valley College. In addition to her studies, she serves as the front ensemble coach at Edison High School.
Jadanne’s performance experience includes marching with Vessel Drum and Bugle Corps (2024) and Meraki Indoor Percussion (2025).
Beyond performing and teaching, Jadanne is passionate about mentoring students and helping young musicians grow both on and off the field.
Jadanne’s performance experience includes marching with Vessel Drum and Bugle Corps (2024) and Meraki Indoor Percussion (2025).
Beyond performing and teaching, Jadanne is passionate about mentoring students and helping young musicians grow both on and off the field.
Gavin Worch, a former Tesoro High School graduate, is currently pursuing technical theater at Saddleback College. His academic aspirations include transferring to California State University, Fullerton, to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theater Arts with a specialization in Design and Technical Production, along with a minor in Business Administration.
During his high school years, Gavin pursued technical theater, where he was a stage manager overseeing eleven Tesoro Theater Arts productions. Most notable, "Noises Off" by Michael Frayn and "SpongeBob the Musical" by Kyle Jarrow. Upon graduation, Gavin was hired as the technical director for the Tesoro Arts Theater department. Subsequently, he was recognized by the instrumental music department directors for his technical expertise and was appointed as the sound technician for the marching band.
In addition to his high school job experiences, he works as a sound and lighting technician for various corporate events under two production companies, WZ Sound and Reaction AV.
Gabe Rodriguez was born and raised here in Southern California. He has performed across the west coast with various groups in the World, Open, and A Class divisions. This has helped him develop an understanding of what is expected from a performer at all levels. He brings with him variety of knowledge he learned from mentors around the country. Some of the groups he has performed with include Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps, Oregon Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps, Diamante Independent World, and Vox Artium. Gabe has taught and mentored schools across the Southern California region. Some of those school include Taft Charter High School and 2020 Rose Parade participant Rancho Verde High School.
Gabe is currently working on his bachelor’s degree in liberal studies at California Polytechnic University of Pomona. His goal is to inspire students to be the best versions of themselves whether that be in color guard or in the classroom. His end in mind is to work his way from being a teacher and become an administrator at the elementary school level.
Gabe is currently working on his bachelor’s degree in liberal studies at California Polytechnic University of Pomona. His goal is to inspire students to be the best versions of themselves whether that be in color guard or in the classroom. His end in mind is to work his way from being a teacher and become an administrator at the elementary school level.
Jason Ezquerro received both his Bachelor of Music in Instrumental Music Education and California Teaching Credential from California State University, Long Beach. He is currently pursuing his Master of Music in Music Education from the American Band College at Central Washington University. Mr. Ezquerro started his career in 2023 at Las Flores Middle School, where he currently serves as both the Instrumental Music Director and Electives Department Chair. In addition, he has been on the marching band staff as a Visual Tech for Tesoro High School, his alma mater, since 2021. As a former student of Capistrano Unified, Mr. Ezquerro is grateful to remain involved with the new generation of students, families, and staff in the community that he grew up in.
Since returning to Las Flores Middle School as a teacher, Mr. Ezquerro has worked together with his students to grow a new culture for the Instrumental Music program, now having over 170 members involved. In 2025, the Southern California School Band & Orchestra Association (SCSBOA) Board of Directors selected Mr. Ezquerro as a recipient of the Rising Star Award, given to teachers who have made extraordinary contributions to music education in their early years of teaching.
As an educator, Mr. Ezquerro is devoted to sharing the importance of music with his students and believes that the critical thinking skills and ambitious work ethics found in a musical environment create lasting results of success across all aspects of life.
Crystaline Tran is a native of Southern California with a diverse portfolio as a violinist and teacher. She has established a rapidly growing violin studio in Orange County. Her students have earned top chairs in their respective school ensembles in Capistrano Unified School District, Saddleback Unified School District, Irvine Unified School District, and Tustin Unified School District. She is also a violin coach for middle and high schools in these school districts. Ms. Tran most recently joined the staff at Long Beach Harmony Project, which works directly with Long Beach Unified School District to provide access to music education for youths in underserved communities.
In addition to teaching, Ms. Tran freelances in the Orange County and Los Angeles areas. Recent projects have included live performances of original works for major streaming platforms such as Apple TV+, Amazon, CBS, and Paramount+, recording at the Eastwood Scoring Stage at Warner Bros. Studios, and playing in the premiere of Stephen Ferre’s “Postcards from Home.”
Ms. Tran earned a B.M. in String Performance while on full scholarship at the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music (BCCM) at California State University, Long Beach. She is continuing her studies as a graduate student under scholarship at the BCCM and is studying with Moni Simeonov.
Greg Wesley, a Tesoro High School alumni, is thrilled to return to the Titan community as a violin and viola coach. Greg is a recent graduate from California State University, Long Beach, holding a B.A. in Psychology with personal interest in the social sciences and orchestral performances.
Coupled with his previous leadership positions within the orchestras at Tesoro itself, some of Greg’s history in orchestral performances include membership with the Orange County Youth Symphony, rotations with the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music (BCCM) Symphony Orchestra as a music non-major, as well as a nation-wide Scottish tour with the National Youth Orchestras of Scotland during his exchange program in Europe.
Leading an eclectic lifestyle, Greg is beyond excited to return to his roots in music at Tesoro while beginning his San Diego-based pursuit in healthcare. Since rebooting his life in the US during summer 2024, Greg has loved channeling his love for music by teaching private lessons, returning to the BCCM Symphony Orchestra for one last season, and coaching CUSD-based middle school orchestras!
Ethan Dwinell is a fervent teacher, performer, and lifelong student of music. Growing up in Long Beach, Ethan’s love for music began when he was introduced to the cello in an afterschool program in the third grade. What started as curiosity quickly blossomed into a deep passion for musical expression and collaboration. Ethan went on to earn his Bachelor of Music in Cello Performance from the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at California State University, Long Beach, where he is now continuing his studies in pursuit of a Master’s degree in Music under the tutelage of Dr. David Garrett.During his time at the conservatory, Ethan has performed with the Bob Cole Symphony Orchestra and is an active member of the University String Quartet, where he continues to refine his artistry through chamber music and ensemble performance. Beyond his work on campus, Ethan is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of musicians as a private teacher and orchestral strings coach throughout the Los Angeles and Orange County area. His teaching philosophy centers on developing strong technical foundations while fostering creativity, confidence, and a genuine love for music.Whether performing on stage or mentoring young cellists, Ethan strives to bring authenticity, discipline, and joy to every aspect of his musical life.
Chris Hornung is an active performer and dedicated educator based in Orange County, California. He serves as principal bass of both the Dana Point Symphony and the Orchestra Collective of Orange County, while also performing regularly with numerous professional and community ensembles throughout Southern California. His versatility as a bassist has led him to collaborate in a wide variety of settings, ranging from symphonic repertoire to chamber music, contemporary works, and crossover projects.
In addition to his performing career, Chris is a passionate and experienced teacher. He holds faculty positions at Concordia University Irvine, Chaffey College, Coastline College, MiraCosta College, and Orange Coast College, where he works with both music majors and non-majors, helping students build strong fundamentals while also developing their artistry and musicianship. Beyond the collegiate level, Chris is frequently invited to coach bass sections at local high schools and maintains a thriving private studio, teaching students of all ages and levels.
Each summer, Chris serves on the faculty of Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in Michigan, where he works with young bassists from across the country, guiding them through intensive rehearsals, lessons, and performances. Through his teaching and performing, he is committed to fostering a love of music, building technical excellence, and inspiring the next generation of bass players.
Christopher Sterling is a Los Angeles-based bassist from Orange, active across Southern California’s classical music scene. He earned his degree in Music Education and Double Bass Performance from California State University, Long Beach, where he studied under Doug Basye of the Pacific Symphony. Christopher is currently continuing his studies at CSULB with a focus on Orchestral Conducting.He performs regularly with ensembles including the Seacoast Symphony, San Gabriel Valley Symphony, and the Southern California Philharmonic, bringing a thoughtful and expressive approach to each performance.
Brandon Muhawi is an LA-based saxophonist, multi-instrumentalist, composer, and music educator. He is a regular collaborator with independent musicians in the LA area and performs with up-and-coming artists such as DeissMarie and Joey Naz. He can also be heard as a soloist on tracks produced by LoveSoul Productions.
Brandon’s work as a music educator focuses on multicultural learning and social justice through music, utilizing music and pedagogies as a vehicle to teach and exemplify cultural perspectives. An active educator in the LA, Long Beach, and Orange County areas, he can be found teaching instrumental music and jazz in settings ranging from school classrooms to private lessons. He currently works as an instructor at Tesoro High School, where he works primarily with the winds and jazz ensembles.
Born and raised in Fresno, he migrated to Southern California to earn his bachelor’s degrees in both Jazz Performance and Music Education from the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at CSULB, where he studied saxophone with Sal Lozano, as well as his M.M. in Jazz Studies from California State University, Northridge.
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