About

History

The Hillside Instrumental Music Program has existed for close to four decades under the original direction of Mr. Craig Spurrier, now Mr. Brenden Yee (as of January 2022). The program has housed multiple musical programs spanning piano instruction, Elementary outreach, and a fully-realized Band and Orchestra program. The HMS Winterguard was established during the 2022-2023 school year and have since gone on to compete and represent Hillside across Southern California receiving numerous accolades.

As of 2025, Hillside Instrumental Music is now the proud recipients of multiple WGASC medals, superior distinctions in SCSBOA Festival, and has represented California in Orchestral Performance. Our program currently consists of Beginning Band/Strings, Concert Band/Strings, Hillside Jazz Orcehstra, Hillside Winterguard, Hillside Symphony Ensemble (run by HMS alumni/SSHS students), and the Hillside Symphony Orchestra.

Staff

Brenden Yee

Instrumental Music Director

Hannah Stefureak

Low Brass/Tuba Private Instructor

Delana Mack

Winterguard Coach

Meagan Provenzano

Winterguard Coach

Lucas Helfman

Double Bass Instructor/Rhythm Section Coach

Jeff Ludlow

https://www.jeffludlowpercussion.com/

Jeff Ludlow is a percussionist based in Los Angeles, California, whose work explores the versatility, expression, and collaborative nature of percussion performance. He earned dual Bachelor’s degrees in Percussion Performance and Music Education from Central Washington University in 2026, where he studied with Professor Joshua Gianola, and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Percussion Performance at California State University, Northridge. As (http://northridge.as/) a performer, Jeff is a member of the Mid-Columbia Symphony and was the winner of the 2025 Central Washington University Concerto Competition, performing Ney Rosauro’s Marimba Concerto No. 1. In 2026, he co-founded Shared Sky Duo with Faye Lu, an ensemble dedicated to creating meaningful musical experiences regardless of physical distance.

In addition to his performance career, Jeff has been an active percussion educator since 2018, working with organizations including the Columbians Drum and Bugle Corps, the Central Washington University Marching Band, and the West Valley High School (Yakima) Marching Band.

Jeff proudly endorses Artifact Percussion.

2026

Concert Orchestra - 2 Superiors, Grade 3+ music, SCSBOA Festival Rancho Campana
Concert Band - Unanimous Excellent, Grade 3+ music, SCSBOA Festival Rancho Campana
Hillside Winterguard TOP 5 in WGASC JHAA Competition
Jazz Orchestra - Debuts and competes in Westlake HS Advanced Division

2025

Concert Strings - Superior Rating at SCSBOA Festival, Rancho Campana
Concert Band - Superior Rating at SCSBOA Festival, Rancho Campana
Jazz Orchestra - Westlake HS Novice Division Champions
Hillside Winterguard Bronze Medalists in WGASC JHAA Competition

2024

Concert Strings - Unanimous Superior Rating at SCSBOA Festival, Rancho Campana
Hillside Winterguard Bronze Medalists in WGASC JHAA Competition

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