Toby Ahrens

Toby Ahrens was inspired in his early years to play guitar and piano and then later realized that pounding on drums was more fun.  Toby received his Bachelors Degree in Music and his teaching credential from San Diego State University. He taught music in the public schools for two years, and is currently a private percussion instructor at  Canyon Crest Academy, Toby’s studio in La Mesa, and at The Music Playce in Escondido.  He performs with many local artists and has played with Peter Sprague, Bill Shreeve, Allison Adams Tucker, NOVA, Karl Denson, and others.  For more information please go to www.tobyahrens.com.

Mike Bogart

click here to learn about Mike Bogart, Trumpet player with TOWER OF POWER.

He is working with Envision students to create a jazz supergroup this year. Stay tuned for more information!

Alan Lechusza

Native scholar, performer, composer Alan Lechusza (Luiseno/Maidu) is quickly becoming one of the countries top advocates for Native American studies and scholarship.  Alan Lechusza is the first Executive Committee Native representative for the National Associate of Independent Schools (NAIS) in addition to sitting on many Advisory Boards for Native youth.  Alan Lechusza's interdisciplinary research has been received around the globe and was recently featured in Salt Lake City, Utah at the American Technology and Music Instruction (ATMI) conference hosted by the College Music Society.  His groundbreaking work on Native Hip Hop has been followed up by numerous publications and guest lectures at universities/colleges throughout Canada and the U.S.  Alan Lechusza is an active performer/composer who can be heard on such major recording labels as Tzadik, 9Winds, pFmentum Lira Productions, Ars Nova.  More information can be found about Alan Lechusza at:
http://web.mac.com/blackphonerecords

Andrew Elstob

Andrew Elstob, trumpet, is a native of Monterey, California. He has performed broadway shows for the Old Globe, Lyceum Theater and Civic Theater. Classically, Andrew has performed with Pavarotti, Classics for Kids, the Orchestra de Baja California, San Diego Chamber Orchestra and San Diego Symphony. His jazz experience is extensive, currently performing with the Brad Steinwehe Jazz Orchestra. He received his Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from San Diego State University.

Bill Jones

Bill Jones has been performing and teaching guitar in the San Diego area for 15 years and has tutored college level students in music theory, ear training, and beginning piano. He is currently completing a Bachelor of Music degree at SDSU with a specialization in Classical Guitar Performance. In 2005 Mr. Jones composed and recorded music for television commercials aired on A&E and Spike T.V. He has performed with the Presidio Guitar Quartet and Fred Benedetti at the East County Performing Arts Center in San Diego and currently studies privately with Maestro Celin Romero. Email Mr. Jones

Tim Saeger

Tim Saeger, is a native of San Diego, California. He is a member of the San Diego Local 325 Musicians Association working as a freelance trumpeter. Being a versatile musician he can be found playing classical weddings, big band jazz, and every genre in between. He has played with The San Diego Chamber Orchestra, Classics for Kids Orchestra, La Jolla Playhouse, Old Globe Theater, Star Light Theater, and The Baja Symphony. Other small ensembles he performs with include, Joyful Spirits Wedding Ensemble, Seaside Brass Quintet, Select Brass Quintet, Coastal Cities Community Big Band, La Jolla Country Day Broadway Show Ensemble and Cox Kids Theatre Ensemble. While attending San Diego State University he has held principal and lead trumpet positions in their Wind Ensemble, Orchestra and Jazz Bands. Tim also maintains a private instructional studio catering to beginning through advanced students.

Mark Weed

Mark Weed is a trumpeter born and raised in San Diego. He graduated from Point Loma Nazarene University in 1997 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Theory/Composition. Mark has been teaching band/brass for 12 years in the San Diego area, as well as performing throughout the county. Jazz Band and Concert Ensemble are his areas of expertise. Email Mark