Woodwinds

Susanne Mentzer

I have been an international opera singer for over 30 years, having spend 20 years at the Metropolitan Opera. My specialty ranges from Mozart and Strauss to chamber music and recitals.
Additionally I taught 6 years at Shepherd School Rice University, and 6 years at DePaul University. I also was on faculty at Aspen Music Festival and School for 5 years. I give master classes around the country and have guest taught at the Sf Opera Merola program and Castleton Festival.

Leslie Chin

I was born in SF, grew up in Santa Cruz, and feel very fortunate to have a career in the Bay Area, playing and teaching flute. I perform with ensembles of all sizes: orchestras such as Oakland East Bay Symphony, Fremont Symphony, Marin Symphony, Pacific Chamber Symphony, SF Ballet, SF Opera; also for large choral groups like SF Choral Society and SF Gay Men's Chorus. I am a member of the Bellavente Wind Quintet, which released the CD "Frogs and Friends, Music and Stories for Children," in 2011, winning the Parent's Choice Approved Award.

Alan Shearer

I have played professionally and taught in the Bay Area and New York (1980 to 1990) over a period of 35 years. I also taught instrumental music in the West Contra Costa School District until I retired in 2010.
I would describe my approach as individualized. That is to say it is geared to the specific individual that I'm working with at any given time. I take into account the person's

Jeremy Flanagan

Members of my studio are always at the top of their game. With a mix of
challenging material, effective practice techniques, and a great deal of
fun, I push my students to help create their own musical paths. For
beginners, I equally emphasize fundamental pedagogy, music theory, and
artistry, in a variety of musical styles. They learn correct breath
control, posture, and sound production to facilitate good habits to last
a life time. After 6 months, my students have always improved 10-fold,

Ginger Rombach-Adams

A graduate of Stanford University with a degree in music, Ginger Rombach-Adams has performed and taught in the Bay Area for over 35 years. She is a member of the Monterey Bay Symphony and has been a member of the Ohlone Wind Orchestra, San Jose Municipal Band, Fremont Symphony, Western Symphony and numerous other groups, but her first love is chamber music. She has performed several solo recitals with her favorite accompanist, Steve Lightburn, and in 1997 she won the Palo Alto Philharmonic Solo Competition.

Jill Cohn

Singer, songwriter, instructor, pianist and guitarist Jill Cohn has been a full-time musician and touring songwriter since 1996, independently releasing 8 critically acclaimed CDs. She has opened for Dave Matthews, JEWEL and was a top-five finalist in the nation-wide Lilith Fair Talent search.

Tod Brody

I am both friendly and serious, and my flute lessons are both fun and
serious. I love working with students who are self-motivated, whether
the motivation comes from a simple desire to improve flute skills for
the pure enjoyment of music, or from career aspirations. I work best
with students who enjoy getting below the surface of how things work,
both musically and technically. The rigor that I apply to teaching is on
a sliding scale, depending on the goals of the student, and is highly

Flock of Flutes

Join the Flock and soar with the East Bay's only flute choir. Enhance your performing opportunities and become a better flutist. Prerequisite: 3 years playing experience, good rhythm, tone and sight reading skills. Midyear enrollment is possible. Please call for space availability. Conductor is Monica Williams. Note: Please call 943-5842 for audition to be scheduled by appointment only.

Youth Orchestras of the Diablo Valley

A suite of successively more advanced orchestral experiences now culminates with the teen level Diablo Regional Youth Orchestra They will perform challenging music and accompany renown guest artists. By invitation only, Orchestra Leadership Ensembles of select advanced DRYO members will participate in a minimum of one rehearsal a month and assist with sectionals and performances.

Youth Orchestras of the Diablo Valley

A suite of successively more advanced orchestral experiences now culminates with the teen level Diablo Regional Youth Orchestra They will perform challenging music and accompany renown guest artists. By invitation only, Orchestra Leadership Ensembles of select advanced DRYO members will participate in a minimum of one rehearsal a month and assist with sectionals and performances.