2023–24
Pasadena Conservatory of Music
What a remarkable 40th anniversary year this is!
Due to your generosity, we raised more money than ever before in PCM’s history, completing the Common Ground campaign. The value proposition—in a time when so much divides us, music provides common ground—was made physical as the Learning Center sprang out of the ground. In spring 2025, acoustically-designed spaces will host new and innovative programs, and the casual amphitheater will serve as a gathering place for snacks between lessons and performances.
PCM was recognized again as an exemplary community music school and re-accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Precollegiate Arts Schools. And you have likely seen our students and faculty deeply integrated into our communities through regular collaborations with the Pasadena Playhouse, The Gamble House, The Huntington, and Vroman’s, in addition to hundreds of on-campus performances.
We celebrate the Conservatory’s remarkable trajectory from modest beginnings to its status as a nationally recognized leader in music education.
Now we prepare for the next chapter of this vigorous organization. With the retirement of our beloved Stephen McCurry at the end of August 2025, we look back to celebrate the Conservatory’s remarkable trajectory from modest beginnings to its status as a nationally recognized leader in music education. Stephen hired talented and dedicated faculty and staff to support his vision, and was blessed with generous donors, students, and attendees like you. Thanks to his brilliant leadership, PCM stands ready for more exciting accomplishments.
The Board has taken on the challenge of identifying our next Executive Director, forming a transition committee and hiring a search firm. Our colleagues in the executive search business have assured us that PCM will be in high demand—candidates like to come to places that are financially stable, programmatically rich, and culturally and emotionally healthy— all of which we are! We have so much to offer—outstanding faculty and staff, new facilities with huge potential, and a loyal donor base.
On behalf of the Board, we thank you for your support of this wonderful organization, and look forward to stepping across the next threshold with you.
Laurie Sowd Chair of the Board
In August we presented our annual alumni concert. Hearing our former students perform, while remembering some of them as toddlers in our Young Musicians program, was a vivid and joyful testament of growth—musical and personal.
PCM offers many paths for growth, nurturing everyone from preschoolers to confident young professionals. It's a place for empty-nesters seizing long-awaited musical opportunities and retired professionals embracing the challenges and rewards of lifelong learning.
In this endeavor, PCM itself has grown, from a modest bungalow to a wonderful campus in the heart of the city. From a neighborhood start-up to a nationally regarded community music school. This coming year PCM will debut its dramatic campus expansion, embarking on a new chapter of growth and possibilities.
As we enter this new phase, it feels like the right time to transition to a new generation of leadership with the vision and passion to build on PCM’s outstanding history.
As we enter this phase, it feels like the right time to transition to a new generation of leadership with the vision and passion to build on PCM’s outstanding history. I will retire at the end of August 2025. It has been the honor of my career to be a part of this story while serving as the executive director for the past 34 years.
Looking back over the years, we—our exceptional faculty, staff, board, students, families, and donors—have accomplished so much together. This annual report provides a snapshot of the past year. This is our way of saying thank you to you, our extraordinary and generous supporters.
Sincerely,
Stephen McCurry Executive Director
Achieving Common Ground
On October 31, 2024, PCM successfully closed out our capital campaign to raise $11M for the campus development project, Common Ground. We crossed the finish line thanks to a $500,000 matching challenge from June and Simon Li, Jerry and Terri Kohl, and Karen Hillenburg, as well as many generous donations from our community that helped us meet their match.
“Terri and I are thrilled to help PCM close out their Common Ground campaign,” said Jerry Kohl. “They provide so many wonderful opportunities to bring people together through music. This new Learning Center and amphitheater will completely transform the campus, help serve even more people, and have a truly amazing impact on our community. We are proud to be part of this challenge!”
Thanks to our generous community, this transformational project introduces an outdoor amphitheater, a renovated administrative wing, and a music Learning Center with new classrooms and performance spaces that will:
• Expand multicultural programming
• Expand programming in Adult Studies, Young Musicians, and Music Production
• Help develop intergenerational programming for the youngest and oldest in our community
Building Common Ground
Demolition for the Learning Center and amphitheater began in December 2023—we now are more than two thirds through the project. With these new, purpose-built spaces really taking shape, you can imagine them teeming with Young Musicians classes, adult ensembles, music production classes, and world music classes. Completion of the Learning Center and amphitheater is scheduled for spring 2025, with programs beginning as soon as summer 2025.
Meanwhile, a major transformation has been underway in the administration wing of the main building. The floorplan has been reconfigured to create a more open and welcoming reception area, and new passageways have been created to facilitate harmonious integration and easy access between the main building and the music Learning Center. We are putting on the finishing touches now and expect the new wing to open in early 2025.
Supporters of Common Ground
$1,500,000
Helen and Will Webster Foundation
$1,000,000 – $1,499,999
Anonymous
The Ahmanson Foundation
$500,000 – $999,999
The Atwood Family
Heather and Paul Haaga
Jane Kaczmarek
Judith G. Kelly
Terri and Jerry M. Kohl
June and Simon Li
The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation
$250,000 – $499,999
Anonymous
The Fitzberg Foundation
Karen and Clay Hillenburg
W. M. Keck Foundation
Harvey and Ellen Knell
Wendy Munger and Leonard L. Gumport
Perenchio Foundation
$100,000 – $249,999
Anonymous
The Ayrshire Foundation
Ann Dobson Barrett
Linda Gates Moore
Jay Lusche
The Rooke Family
Ronus Foundation
$50,000 – $99,999
Sara and George Abdo
Janis Frame and Sanford Zisman
Marlene R. Konnar and John D. Baldeschwieler
Pasadena Community Foundation
Ann and Steven Sunshine
$25,000 – $49,999
Kathleen and Jerrold Eberhardt
Doris Anne Hendin
Ann Horton
Bonnie and Richard Keating
Gregory Pieschala and Dorothy Shubin
Dr. Ming Shih Levine
Barbara Mann Steinwedell
Laurie Sowd
Hope Tschopik Schneider
$10,000 – $24,999
Brownie Allen
Amanda Barrett
Carolyn Barrett
Bill and Claire Bogaard
V. Shannon and Pamela Clyne
Mary Crotty O’Reilly
Katy Crowe
Sandra Esserman and Stephen McCurry
Janette Hardin Morton
Alison and Charles Lifland
Gretl and Arnold Mulder
Janet J. Rose
Julia Stewart and Tim Ortman
Mary Ann Sturgeon
$5,000 – $9,999
Janet Alberti and Frederick
Schneider
Marilyn and George Brumder
Frederica Culick
Melissa Froehlich and Mario Ortega
Brenda Galloway
Maria Grant
Thomas and Stephanie Kiddé
Ann and Donald G. Larson
Eric and Suzie Lee
Norah Morley and Anthony G. Koerner MD
Roger and Gloria V. Mullendore
Steve NyBlom and Betsy
Greenberg
Dr. Lawrence Rubenstein and Dr. Susan Auyang
The SahanDaywi Foundation
Kerry and Karen Vahala
Tim Whalen
Ian and Barbara White-Thomson
$2,500 - $4,999
Anonymous
David M. Davis
Mary and Henry Eversole
Peggy C. Spear
$1,000 - $2,499
Elizabeth and Jim Babor
Ruth and Peter Dutton
As of November 11, 2024
Anne Garee
Celia Hunt
Julia and John Itamura
Jason Kogan
Gina Loyonnet and Colin Watanabe
Craig Matsuda
Dorothy Matthiessen
Gordon J. Pashgian
Dr. Hank Schlinger and Ms. Julie Riggott
Janet and Bill Wells
UP TO $999
Anonymous (2)
Architectural Resources Group
Catherine Berman
Jane and Lance Bird
Stephen Cook and Lawrence Ruiz
Rosa Cumare
Ginny C. Cushman
Jim and Peggy Galbraith
Nadine Hall
Sharon Harman
Holly and Mark Inaba
Roman Jaster
Priscilla Jourden
Tong and Shan Lee
Jennifer Lewis and Albert Meymarian
Sam and Celine Lin
Vatché and Arpy Mankerian
Amelia Morris and Matthew Bookman
Danielle Ondarza and Justin Smith
Elizabeth Pomeroy
Maricruz Prado and James Woodruff
Patrick Rosalez
Rhoda Shen and Tony Qian
Marjorie Skotheim
Alison Sowden and Richard Kipling
Kim and Ken Sutantyo
Erika Walczak
Please accept our sincere apologies for any mistakes or omissions. If you note an error, please contact Melissa Froehlich, Director of Development, at 626.683.3355 or mfroehlich@ pasadenaconservatory.org.
2023-24 Highlights
Partnerships
If you’ve been seeing more of PCM— students, faculty members, and staff—out in the community this past year, it wasn’t by accident! PCM unveiled a number of new partnerships with local institutions and even created a new community liaison position to help facilitate all of these new relationships, events, and performances.
At places like Pasadena Playhouse, Vroman’s Bookstore, The Huntington Rose Garden, The Gamble House, Pasadena Village Park, Octavia’s Bookshelf, MonteCedro, and Hollenbeck Palms we presented 35 new classes, concerts, and events, featuring over 100 artists (most of whom were PCM students and faculty members) and nearly 11,000 attendees!
Día de los Muertos
We were thrilled to present our first official celebration of Día de los Muertos last year with the help of our amazing, intergenerational ensemble Mariachi Pasadena!
In addition to live music, guests enjoyed food from El Portal, face painting, and ofrendas – where guests were invited to share gifts and messages for their loved ones.
Honors Recital
As part of our efforts to develop poised, confident, and knowledgeable performers, we offer our students a wide range of frequent performance opportunities. This includes everything from open mics to studio recitals, department recitals, school-wide recitals, masterclasses, juries, faculty concerts, and everything
in between. This year, we announced a new, annual tradition: The Honors Recital.
The Honors Recital includes a competitive audition process, with the goal of curating an intermediate-to-advanced level sampler showcasing all performance-based departments.
When asked about her experience participating in the Honors Recital, violin student Maria Kuznetsova shared that she’s “…so grateful that I got the opportunity to perform! The audition process was exciting. The day of the recital also went really well—I met a lot of new people. Performing was truly a wonderful experience. I hope that I will get to perform in more events like these in the future!”
String and Chamber Music Department Chair Aimée Kreston added: “I couldn’t be more proud of the students, the teachers, and the staff at PCM after our inaugural Honors Recital. The performances were stellar, and it was a thrill to be able to see the amazing work that our teachers and students are doing. The concert had tremendous variety, not only from all of the different departments, but also in terms of repertoire and the students’ ages! I look forward to this being an annual tradition at PCM!”
The following students performed in PCM’s first annual Honors Recital:
Aaron Chang piano
Maria Kuznetsova violin
Florence Lau violin
Michaela Lau soprano
Nathan Park guitar
Haydn Schlinger piano
Lillian Walker French horn
Ethan Yule jazz piano
Amber String Quartet
Eliana Andrea viola
Paulina Salazar cello
Danielle Tsai violin
Bai Xue violin
Summer Programs
As always, summer was a busy time on campus. In addition to all of the normal lessons, Young Musicians classes, and adult ensembles, we offered a wide range of camps and workshops, including:
CHAMBER MUSIC INTENSIVE
During this summer’s Chamber Music Intensive, led by PCM’s String and Chamber Music Department Chair Aimée Kreston, students were immersed in rigorous daily coachings, and rehearsals. The program also consisted of masterclasses with Jonathan Moerschel and Roberto Cani for the seven ensembles playing string quartets by Beethoven, Haydn, Mozart, and Mendelssohn.
Ashlee Sung, who has attended the CMI for four years in a row, and just began her freshman year at USC’s Thornton School of Music, remarked that, “Thanks to the PCM Chamber Intensive, I feel more prepared for my first year of college now that I have received high-level chamber ensemble training and have experience collaborating with other musicians and overcoming difficulties together.”
“Thanks to the PCM Chamber intensive, I have experience collaborating with other musicians and overcoming difficulties together.”
JAZZ WORKSHOP
This year’s Jazz Workshop was run by PCM faculty members Danny Janklow and Sam Hirsh. Over the course of the two-week program, students came together to gain experience in jazz performance, improvisation, theory, and history, culminating in an end-of-program performance.
The workshop is unique in that it allows students to experiment with different musical techniques and instruments. On the third day, violin player Sarai Woodard was curious about trying the bass and had the opportunity to play it for the first time. When asked about her experience at the end of the program, she said “I play bass now! The bass teacher, Sherry Luchette, came in and taught me the variety of sounds I can make. I want to take lessons now.”
Both years were absolutely transformative. Not just the masterclasses, but also the clarinet choir and chamber music.
This growth mindset—and the bonds that develop as a result—only increased throughout the workshop. Towards the end, Hirsh said, “The kids have been a delight to work with—they’re so hard-working. They all take the music seriously and throw new ideas around, making it a completely collaborative effort. They’ve grown so much over two weeks!”
CLARINET CAMP
A great story from PCM’s Clarinet Camp, led by Laura Stoutenborough and Micah Wright, comes from Amay Pant. Amay, a student at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, traveled from Texas to participate in PCM’s Clarinet Camp.
Amay Pant on attending PCM’s Summer Clarinet Camp for the second year in a row: “I was looking for summer festivals last year when I heard Burt Hara was doing a masterclass at PCM. I didn’t even know where Pasadena was, but I knew that this was the Burt Hara I’d been listening to for the last year and I just had to meet him. So I went to the [clarinet] camp last year and had a lesson and masterclass with him, which was so fun. Then this year, I was already thinking of coming back when I found out Yehuda Gilad would be there—I had to come back. Both years were absolutely transformative. Not just the masterclasses, but also the clarinet choir and chamber music, which not all of us get to do in college.”
Congrats to the Class of 2024
Keilani Bolhuis ―› 1
Instruments: Violin and Piano
Instructors: Amy Rowe, Megan Shung, Dr. Kathryn Eames, Elizabeth Hedman
Years at PCM: 12
College: New England Conservatory of Music
Major: Contemporary Musical Arts program
“I’d like to thank all my teachers, Nadia Cherni, Elizabeth Hedman, Amy Rowe, and Megan Shung, and collaborative pianist
Katelyn Vahala. I’d also like to thank my family and friends, and faculty, staff, and administration at PCM. Thank you all for supporting, encouraging, guiding, and inspiring me through the years.
Asher Elliott ―› 2
Instrument: Cello
Instructors: Andrew Cook
Years at PCM: 11 years
College: Northumbria University in Newcastle, England
Major: Business Management
In Newcastle, Asher will play for i2i Soccer Academy, a prolevel soccer development program.
“Studying with Andrew Cook has been one of the highlights of my academic career. Not only did Mr. Cook care about me as a musician, he also took an interest in developing my character…”
Ari Euredjian ―›3
Instruments: Violin, Viola
Instructors: Brandon Encinas, Megan Shung
Years at PCM: 7
College: Revelle College at UC San Diego
Major: Human Biology
“I would like to thank Brandon for his invaluable instruction and Megan for introducing me to the viola.”
Max Goodman ―› 4
Instruments: Violin
Instructor: Sharon Harman
Years at PCM: 10
College: Northeastern University
Major: International Affairs and History, Music Minor
“I’d like to begin by thanking my violin teacher, Sharon Harman, who has given me unconditional love and support throughout all my years of playing violin. Sharon feels like a family member at this point— she was there for me back when I picked out my first violin and learned how to play the million Twinkle, Twinkle variations, she was my cheerleader throughout years of Suzuki and orchestra repertoire, and (I can’t quite believe it) she helped plan my senior recital. She has always challenged me to do my best work and be the best musician I can be, but even more importantly, she has always made music joyful. Finally, thank you, PCM. You have cared for me for over ten years and made my musical journey so memorable. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without you.”
Daniel Lazzaretto ―› 5
Instruments: Alto and Baritone Saxophone, Flute
Instructors: Danny Janklow, Dr. Ray Briggs
Years at PCM: 6
College: UC Irvine
Major: Jazz Studies
“Dr. Ray Briggs, the former jazz department chair at PCM, had a very large impact on me while I was there. His personality and teaching style had a big contribution to how I experience music and especially jazz today. I would also like to give a special thanks to the Conservatory for giving me the time, resources, and education to put on my senior recital.”
Cooper Norman ―› 6
Instruments: Guitar
Instructor: Dr. Adam Pettit
Years at PCM: 13
College: UC Berkeley
Major: Political Science and Global Studies
“Through the many opportunities offered to me during my time at PCM and with Dr. Adam Pettit’s training, I have been able to work towards becoming a more complete musician– something that I am excited to continue in the future… I deeply appreciate
[Dr. Pettit’s] unwavering assistance, guidance, and mentorship through literally every aspect of my musical career. I am attending UC Berkeley in the fall, and I will bring my guitar and all that Dr. Pettit, PCM, my parents, and these past 13 years have given me.”
Ashlee Sung ―› 7
Instruments: Violin
Instructors: Sharon Harman
Years at PCM: 5
College: USC Thornton School of Music
Major: Violin Performance & Music Composition
“The warm, nurturing community at PCM has helped me flourish as a musician and I am grateful for all the experiences we shared together.”
Sophie Pogossian ―› 8
Instruments: Piano
Instructor: Dr. Kathryn Eames
Years at PCM: 10
College: California State University
Northridge Major: Business Law
“First and foremost, I would like to thank my wonderful teacher Dr. Eames. Thank you for everything that you have done for me; for teaching me, being patient with me, and being a kind and supportive teacher always. Without your guidance, I would not be here where I am today, and for that and the experiences shared together I will forever be grateful. The journey that I have had at PCM will be something that I will cherish and forever be grateful for. My time here has been filled with nothing but happiness, support, kindness, and love, and has impacted my life for the better.”
Sirius Tao ―› 9
Instruments: Violin
Instructor: Megan Shung
Years at PCM: 2 College: Williams College Major: Economics/Philosophy
Danielle Tsai ―› 10
Instruments: Violin and Chamber Music
Instructors: Aimée Kreston, Andrew Cook, Michael Kaufman
Years at PCM: 2
College: Vanderbilt University
Major: Musical Arts in Violin and Biology
Francesca Villarruel ―› 11
Instruments: Piano
Instructors: Dr. Kathryn Eames, Dr. Susan Svrček, Elizabeth Babor
Years at PCM: 7
College: UC Irvine
Major: Music
Joaquin Zikman-Fung ―› 12
Instruments: Clarinet
Instructor: Laura Stoutenborough
Years at PCM: 2
College: Occidental College
Major: Pre-Law
Alumni News
Coleman Bryant ’17 ―›1
Jazz
Instructors: Roy McCurdy, Dr. Ray Briggs
While studying political science and music industry at UCLA, percussionist Coleman Bryant worked as an executive and musician for the artists collective, CMMND. After he graduated in 2021, he began working for the Arts for Healing Justice Network—an interdisciplinary collaborative that provides arts programming in order to transform the juvenile justice system. Coleman also continues to DJ and write his own music.
Kamran Curlin ’18
Jazz
Instructor: Dr. Ray Briggs
Kamran Curlin, jazz string bass, graduated from Oberlin College and Conservatory in 2023 with dual majors in history and bass performance. He currently works at Oberlin as a Conservatory Administrator.
Sudi Feng ’21
Piano
Instructor: Dr. Susan Svrček
Sudi Feng is in her fourth year at USC, studying Neuroscience and Applied Analytics. She is involved in the Badminton Club (President), NeuroTechSC, and the American Marketing Association. She is currently a research assistant at USC’s Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience.
Christopher Goodpasture ’07 ―›2
Piano
Instructors: Dr. Susan Svrček, Polli Chambers-Salazar
Christopher Goodpasture is a lauded pianist who has performed internationally and held residencies at the Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris. He holds graduate degrees from Juilliard and Yale and is completing a Doctorate of Musical Arts from the Peabody Institute. Christopher is now a full-time piano faculty member at the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan. He recently taught a masterclass and performed at PCM in November 2024.
Beatrix Heard ’21 ―›3
Guitar
Instructor: Dr. Adam Pettit
Beatrix Heard is in her final year at USC where she’s concurrently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies and a Master of Urban Planning, Housing and Real Estate Development. She was recently hired as a Junior Research Fellow for GLAFPOL, an organization that conducts mixed-method research and analysis on various themes related to fragility with a focus on Somalia and the Horn of Africa.
Lauren Hoffman ’19 ―›4
Flute
Instructor: Barbara Mullens Geier
Lauren Hoffman graduated from The Master’s University with a Bachelor of Music in Flute Performance. She’s currently pursuing a Master of Music in Flute Performance at Azusa Pacific University while also starting a private flute and piano studio, working as a Lead Music Librarian and Music TA, and joining the Grace Community Church Orchestra. She recently performed in PCM’s 2024 Alumni Concert.
Kellie Hsu ’19
Violin
Instructor: Mary Kelly
Kellie Hsu received her Bachelor’s degree from Occidental College in 2023 and is now a visiting chemistry professor there. As an undergraduate, she played violin in the Occidental Symphony Orchestra.
Eric Lifland ’12 ―›5
Piano and Chamber Music
Instructors: Annie Chen, Andrew Norman, Barbara Mullens Geier, Rebecca Merblum, Patrick Rosalez
Eric Lifland is currently a secondary school music teacher at the Polytechnic School, as well as a director and instructor for the Los Angeles Children’s Chorus. He received certification in the Kodály pedagogy, a methodology that prioritizes student’s needs, from the Kodály Association of Southern California, and ensures that this is integrated into his teaching.
Lissette Lorenzana ’23 ―›6
Piano
Instructor: Dr. Vatché Mankerian
After studying at PCM for 6 years and graduating in 2023, Lissette Lorenza now attends California State University, Fullerton. She just finished her first year and is majoring in art and animation and minoring in music.
Cece McIntyre ’22 ―›7
Violin, Piano, and Chamber Music
Instructors: Elizabeth Hedman, Elizabeth Babor
Cece McIntyre spent eight years at PCM studying violin with Elizabeth Hedman and piano with Elizabeth Babor, and also participated in PCM’s chamber music program. Since graduating from PCM in 2022, she has moved to Chicago and attends DePaul University’s School of Music. She spent the last summer at Meadowmount, a seven-week-long music intensive in upstate New York.
Atticus Mellor-Goldman ’15 ―›8
Cello and Chamber Music
Instructor: Andrew Cook
Atticus Mellor-Goldman studied at the Robert McDuffie Center for Strings, where he received a Bachelor of Music in Cello Performance. He went on to earn his Master’s degree from Yale. Over the years he’s performed on NPR’s “From the Top” and American Public Media’s “Performance Today.” He’s currently a cellist for the Air Force Strings and organizes intimate house concerts with his wife, Minji, who plays piano.
Jazzbird Molina ’20 ―›9
Guitar
Instructor: Dr. Brian Barany
Jazz Molina graduated with honors from Occidental College in the Spring of 2024 with a Bachelor of Jazz Guitar and Group Language. There, he worked with his classmates to expand Occidental’s jazz department. He has directed music groups at Eagle Rock High School and performed live with Enny Owl at the Sled Island Music Festival in Canada. He also served as PCM’s 2024 Education Programs intern and recently performed in PCM’s 2024 Alumni Concert. He will spend the next two years pursuing his Master’s degree in jazz studies at Cal State Northridge. 7
JR Santiago ’20
Flute
Instructor: Jennifer Olson
John Robert (JR) Santiago ’20 recently graduated from UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, receiving his Bachelor’s of Flute Performance. This fall he began his master’s at The Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University. Over the last few years, he performed the world premiere of Thea Musgrave’s Orfeo V for two flutes and orchestra as a soloist with the UCLA Philharmonia at the Hear Now Festival, and was a featured soloist on NPR’s “From The Top”. He recently performed in PCM’s 2024 Alumni Concert.
Purnima Stanek ’15 ―›10 Violin
Instructor: Sharon Harman
Purnima Stanek graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Exercise Science. She was a Tier 3 Coach at Equinox and now works as an Exercise Physiologist at Cedars-Sinai.
Miguel Vidal ’15
Violin
Instructor: Cynthia Fogg
Miguel Vidal graduated from California State University, Northridge, with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Industry Studies and Business Law in 2019. Since then, he has worked as a music producer, sound engineer, and stagehand.
Musical Interludes
Musical Interludes, PCM’s signature concert series, explores connections between music and literature, history, architecture, and culture. The 23/24 season of Musical Interludes, Pedagogues and Protégés, celebrated the musical legacies of three illustrious educators, their students, and contemporaries.
The season began with Antonio Salieri, whose students included Beethoven, Schubert, and even Liszt. The program highlighted how Salieri’s most famous pupils embraced (or rejected) his beliefs about composition and music theory. In addition to featuring faculty and friends, the program welcomed back alums Benjamin Penzner (viola), Aidan Moravec (baritone), and Tomsen Su (cello), who is also on PCM’s string faculty.
The second program showcased the influence of Russian composer Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, highlighting the diverse paths of his pupils. From Glazunov’s lush Rêverie orientale to Stravinsky’s spare Three Pieces for Solo Clarinet, culminating in Prokofiev’s strikingly dissonant “Stalingrad” Piano Sonata, each piece reflected a unique facet of Rimsky-Korsakov’s legacy.
Our season finale celebrated the far-reaching influence of Nadia Boulanger, as well as her distinct approach to teaching that encouraged each of her students to develop and hone their unique compositional style and voice. The program featured a diverse range of works, from Copland’s Nocturne and Gershwin’s Three Preludes, to Ginastera’s Pampeana No. 2, Glass’s “Mishima” String Quartet (IV), and a new arrangement of Bernstein’s West Side Story Suite for one piano, four hands, by Wesley Chu.
All programs were performed by PCM faculty and friends in Barrett Hall. The first two programs were hosted by PCM faculty member Brian Lauritzen and the season finale was hosted by special guest Jennifer Miller Hammel, KUSC host. Each concert included a post-concert reception with fare provided by Julienne Fine Foods.
2023–24 Musical Interludes Sponsors
July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024
Support provided by season sponsors not only ensures the quality and success of PCM’s signature concert series, it helps underwrite scholarships for music study, as well as performances for students, families, and the community to attend free of charge. PCM is pleased to thank the following sponsors for their support of the 23/24 season.
Impresario
The Atwood Family
George and Marilyn Brumder
Pamela and Shannon Clyne
Linda S. Dickason
Ann Dobson Barrett
Georgianna Bray Erskine
Judith G. Kelly
Marlene R. Konnar and John D. Baldeschwieler
June and Simon Li
Jay Lusche
Mei-Lee Ney
The Rooke Family
The SahanDaywi Foundation
Dr. Albert Shen and Family
Karen and Jim Stracka
Elayne G. Techentin
Betsey Tyler
Maestro
Jane and Lance Bird
Sigrid Burton and Max Brennan
Julie Campoy
Felix Cumare
Sandra Esserman and Stephen McCurry
Linda Gates Moore
Jim and Corinne Glassman
Ann Horton
Celia Hunt
Julienne Fine Foods and Celebrations
Bonnie and Richard Keating
Eric and Suzie Lee
Marie-Laure Leglise
Alison and Charles Lifland
Barbara Mann Steinwedell
MonteCedro
Roger and Gloria V. Mullendore
Caroline and Charles* Norman
Janet J. Rose
Annette Sneidmiller and James Ballinger*
Eugene and Marilyn Stein Family Foundation
Ann and Steven Sunshine
Hope Tschopik Schneider
Monica and Sebastian Zacharia
Patron
Sara and George Abdo
Brownie Allen
Catherine Berman
Fran and Dan Biles
Rosa Cumare
Dan and Cheryl Foliart
Margie and Paul Grossman
Mireya and Lawrence Jones
Jean and Jim Keatley
Jennifer Lewis and Albert Meymarian
Sara Lippincott
Christine and Philip Lumb
Marguerite Marsh, Ph.D
Linda Massey
Craig Matsuda
Katherine A. Orth
Maricruz Prado and James Woodruff
Ken and Erika Riley
Mr. and Mrs. J. Michael Rodgers
Judith Schmidt
K.B. Schwarzenbach
D’Arcy and Craig Sloane
Laurie Sowd
Peggy C. Spear
Mary Ann Sturgeon
Suzanne and Jon Torgeson
Robert and Carloyn Volk
Barbara and Ian White-Thomson
*deceased
Please accept our sincere apologies for any mistakes or omissions. If you note an error, please contact Melissa Froehlich, Director of Development, at 626.683.3355 or mfroehlich@ pasadenaconservatory.org.
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Financial Overview
$3,339,000
Financial Aid Departments
$118,006
Awarded in Total Student Recipients
Friends & Benefactors
While tuition covers a portion of instructor fees, support from our Friends and Benefactors enables PCM to expand and deepen the impact of our programs. Their generosity allows us to invest in outstanding faculty, offer financial aid, develop innovative and community-responsive programming, and enrich the opportunities PCM provides to discover joy, excellence, and community through music.
We are honored to thank and recognize the individuals and organizations who made gifts between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024 to the Annual Fund, Musical Interludes, and/or specific programs like financial aid.
Benefactors Circle
Presto
$25,000+
The Atwood Family** California Arts Council Colburn Foundation
The Carl & Roberta Deutsch Foundation
Heather and Paul Haaga
June and Simon Li** Los Angeles County Department of Arts & Culture
Ann Peppers Foundation
Helen and Will Webster Foundation
Vivace
$15,000 to $24,999
The Augustine Foundation
Eric and Alice Clark
Karen Hillenburg
Judith G. Kelly**
‡ Deceased
** 2023–24 Musical Interludes Sponsor
Marlene R. Konnar and John D. Baldeschwieler**
Gladys Li
Jay Lusche**
Jane Moorman
The Rooke Family
Sahm Family Foundation
Allegro
$10,000 to $14,999
Anonymous Adams-Mastrovich Family Foundation
Alice Coulombe‡
Ann Dobson Barrett**
Patricia H. Ketchum
Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts
Robert Ronus
Dr. Lawrence Rubenstein and Dr. Susan Auyang
Moderato
$5,000 to $9,999
Anonymous
Georgianna Bray Erskine**
City of Pasadena, Cultural Affairs Division
Pamela and Shannon Clyne**
Charles Detoy and Henrietta
Johnson Detoy Foundation
The Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation
Janis Frame and Sanford Zisman
Richard and Christine Goetz
Donald and Taylor Hall
Jane Kaczmarek
Thomas and Stephanie Kiddé
Eric and Suzie Lee**
Alison and Charles Lifland**
Craig Matsuda**
John P. Moorman
Roger and Gloria V. Mullendore**
Pasadena Community Foundation
Gregory Pieschala and Dorothy Shubin
RBC Foundation - USA
The SahanDaywi Foundation**
Dorothy L. Saunders
Warren and Katharine Schlinger Foundation
Laurie Sowd**
Karen and Jim Stracka**
Daniel Temianka and Zeinab Dabbah
Andante
$2,500 to $4,999
Sara and George Abdo**
George and Marilyn Brumder**
Linda S. Dickason**
David and Rebecca Ebershoff
Sandy Esserman and Stephen McCurry**
Michael and Sheryl Glowacki
Alexander Moseley
Gretl and Arnold Mulder
Mei-Lee Ney**
Pasadena Unified School District
Kenneth and Cicely Powell
Dr. Albert Shen and Family **
Elayne G. Techentin**
Betsey Tyler**
Kerry and Karen Vahala
William and Nancy Lifland Fund
Jinni Yo and Stephen Shar
Adagio
$1,000 to $2,499
Anonymous (3)
ACMP Foundation
Chris Benter
Jane and Lance Bird**
Sigrid Burton and Max Brennan**
Julie Campoy**
Felix Cumare**
Martha Doerr Toppin
Kathleen and Jerry Eberhardt
The Enersen Foundation Fine Arts Club of Pasadena
Olivia Garfield and Michael Newkirk
Linda Gates Moore**
Jim and Corinne Glassman**
John and Sheri Gray
Susan Grether
Ann Horton**
Celia Hunt**
Marisu Jimenez
Mireya and Lawrence Jones**
Julienne Fine Foods and Celebrations
Bonnie and Richard Keating**
Marie-Laure Leglise**
Barbara Mann Steinwedell**
Karen and Jack Margolis
MonteCedro**
Caroline Norman**
Cynthia Nunes and Barbara Nye**
Pasadena Arts League
Ken and Erika Riley**
Mr. Matthew P. Rimmer
Janet J. Rose**
Annette Sneidmiller and James Ballinger**
Eugene and Marilyn Stein Family Foundation**
The Sung Family
Ann and Steven Sunshine**
Kim and Ken Sutantyo
John Swain and Betty Sargent
Teresa Todaro
Hope Tschopik Schneider**
Linda Weil
Monica and Sebastian Zacharia**
Michelle Zeng and Peter Xiao
Friends Circle
Quartet
$500 to $999
Brownie Allen**
Catherine Berman**
Fran and Dan Biles**
Jeannine Bogaard
Elisa and Eric Callow
Catherine “Tink” Cheney and Barry Jones
Rosa Cumare**
Ginny C. Cushman
Robert and Jane Ettinger
Dr. and Mrs. Ira E. Felman
Dan and Cheryl Foliart**
Melissa Froehlich and Mario Ortega
Margie and Paul Grossman**
Ms. Silvana S. Gutierrez
Kristin Johnson Ceva
Jean and Jim Keatley**
Ani and John Kedeshian
Jennifer Lewis and Albert Meymarian**
Dr. Harry Lieberman
Sara Lippincott** *
Christine and Philip Lumb**
Marguerite Marsh, Ph.D**
Linda Massey**
Dorothy Matthiessen
Ny Sou and Avi Okon
Katherine A. Orth**
Maricruz Prado and James Woodruff **
Elisabeth Richter
Mr. and Mrs. J. Michael Rodgers**
Dr. Henry Schlinger and Ms. Julie Riggott
The Schlueter Family
Judith Schmidt**
K.B. Schwarzenbach**
D’Arcy and Craig Sloane**
Peggy C. Spear**
Mary Ann Sturgeon**
Suzanne and Jon Torgeson**
Robert and Carolyn Volk**
Barbara and Ian White-Thomson**
Trio
$250 to $499
Anonymous
Barbara and Erik Antonsson
Barbara Barrett Byrne
Louise and John Brinsley
Huiqian Chen and Saul Hsu Family
Ramon C. Cortines
Jane Dietrich
Ruth Eliel and Bill Cooney
The Felber-Kwan Family
John Frank and Diann Kim
Google, Inc.
Janelle Hardin Morton
Marina and Shao-Yun Hsieh
Ray and Cinty Kepner
George Larrimore
Tong and Shan Lee
Yunling Lou and Kevin Wheeler
Vatché and Arpy Mankerian
Joan and Patrick McLaughlin
Kenneth Meyer and Bonnie Lund
Shahram and Mouget Parsa
Sheila Pereira and Brian Barany
Hally and Jeff Prater
Peggy Rahn
Mark Saltzman and Walter Hubert
Marjorie Skotheim and Erik Wogstad
Janet Sporleder
James Stout
Polly Sweeney
Jonathan and Sarah Veitch
Duet
$100 to $249
Anonymous
The Honorable Mike and Christine Antonovich
Luis and Rosemarie Ayala
Linda J. Blinkenberg
Ashok and Meera Boghani
Ralph Brekan
Nancy and Martin Chalifour
Theresia Choi-Bae and John Bae
Natalie Cohen
The Cooper Family
Frederica Culick
Jennifer Dooley
Edison International
John Clinton Eisner and Jennifer Dorr White
Jim and Peggy Galbraith
Barbara George
Michael and Gloria Glassick
Marcia Anne Good
Terry and Trudy Hatter
Molly Hawkins
Mae Hiura
Gloria Huitrado
Isaacson Family
Sammie Jafarnia
Marvin Krislov
Nancy Leach
Peter and Brooke Lifland
Monica Lim
Gina Loyonnet and Colin Watanabe
Fred Manaster
Ann Moorman
Gordon J. Pashgian
Elizabeth Pomeroy
Joshua and Dorothy Potter
Don and Alice Roach
Ernest Robles and Linda Curtis
Ellen Rothenberg
Lera and Eric Sauppe
Ann Scheid
Mona and Randy Shulman
Kathryn Smith and
Anthony Iatesta
Richard and Kathleen Spradling
Donna Stein and Henry Korn
Gretel Stephens
Merle Stern
John C. Stoessel
Li-Yu and Wai-Hang Sung
Qing Tao and WenQing Chao
Lee Taylor and David Rosenberg
Robert Terjenian, in memory of Alexandra Eversole
Maria T. Toczek
Debby and Martin Weiss
Xin Wen and Yan Zhou
Dr. and Mrs. Grant R. Willcox
Lauren Ann Wood
Susan Wu
Susan and Rick Yamamoto
Suedabeh Yazdi
James and Cindie Zumberge
Solo
$50 to $99
Anonymous
Camille Ameen
Professor Bernard Beck
Leni Boorstin
Betye Burton
John and Bette Cooper
Sally Cullman
Sandy B. Greenstein
John Grether and Nancy Won
Michele and Bret Hardy
Heather and Allan Labrador
Ilona Linden
Heather Long
Kazue and Rob Roy McGregor
Microsoft
Susan Pratt
Shirley and Don Robertson
David Rosenbloom
Patty Watson-Swan
Rose Woo
Please accept our sincere apologies for any mistakes or omissions. If you note an error, please contact Melissa Froehlich, Director of Development, at 626.683.3355 or mfroehlich@ pasadenaconservatory.org.
For more information about PCM’s Friends and Benefactors circles, please visit pasadenaconservatory.org/donate, or call Melissa Froehlich at 626.683.3355 ext. 107.
Legacy Society
Peggy Spear’s enjoyment of music began as a child, listening to Metropolitan Opera radio broadcasts with her grandmother and attending free symphony concerts in New York City. At Smith College, she sang in the Glee Club, cementing her lifelong love of singing.
Over the years, Peggy raised funds for several area nonprofits in Pasadena, including Pacific Oaks College, where she worked with two key figures in PCM’s growth –
Barbara Martin, PCM’s first Director of Development, and Olin Barrett, a loyal and steadfast supporter. Impressed by PCM’s leadership and the level of student achievement, Peggy joined the advisory board shortly after.
Peggy said, “Students at PCM play music, not just notes, no matter how young they are.” In 2001, she served as a consultant for PCM’s first capital campaign ($3M), helping purchase the two buildings on the south side of campus. “To see the school move from the cottages into this big building was exciting — it was pretty thrilling.” She later served on the board from 2003 until 2010.
Believing in the school’s future, Peggy helped introduce PCM’s Legacy Society, becoming one of its first members. “As a legacy donor, you want to be sure your planned gift is used well and that it isn’t just going to be used to meet a deficit or an emergency building problem. And I’m totally confident that my gift will be invested to ensure the future of the Conservatory.”
Donors like Peggy who remember PCM in their estate plans create a legacy and make a powerful and lasting impact on tomorrow’s musicians, audiences, and patrons.
For more information about how you can include PCM in your estate plans, contact Melissa Froehlich, Director of Development, at 626.683.3355 or mfroehlich@pasadenaconservatory.org
Anonymous (2)
Olin‡ and Ann Barrett
Stuart and Rebecca Bowne
Carol Curtis Bramhall‡
Lois Brown‡
Julie Campoy
Ken Carmichael‡
Stephen Cook and Lawrence Ruiz
Fred‡ and Fritzie Culick
Virginia Y. Detoy‡
Janelle Hardin Morton
Doris Anne Hendin‡
Stephen A. Kanter, M.D.‡
Mr. and Mrs. David Lifton‡
Karen and Jack Margolis, in memory of Chieko Tada
Ralph F. Miles, Jr.‡
Linda Gates Moore
Priscilla Moorman‡
Roger and Gloria V. Mullendore
Dr. Larry Rubenstein and Dr. Susan Auyang
Beverly Russell
Peggy C. Spear
Yolanda Torres‡
‡ Deceased
If you have included PCM in your estate plans, but do not see your name listed below, please let us know so we can recognize your legacy gift and thank you.
Matt DeVoll, George and Sara Abdo, Peggy Spear, and Jennifer DeVoll
PCM Faculty 2024–25
Adult Studies
Rachael Denny
Department Chair
Noel Ayala-Loera
Sarkis Baltaian
Clarice Cast
Kathryn Eames
Bryan Fasola
Nic Gerpe
Renee Gilormini
Oliver Greene
Stevie Ray Hernandez
Crystal Jasso
Brian Lauritzen
Sherry Luchette
Vatché Mankerian
Barbara Mullens Geier
Erika Walczak
Chamber Music
Aimée Kreston
Department Chair
Andrew Cook
Kathryn Eames
Elizabeth Hedman
Patrick Rosalez
Tereza Stanislav
Tomsen Su
Simone Vitucci
Erika Walczak
Guitar
Brian Barany
Department Chair
Scott Tennant
Artist-Teacher
Bryan Fasola
Adam Pettit
Juri Yun
Jazz
Amy Rowe
Department Chair, piano
Gary Fukushima piano
Sam Hirsh piano
Toby Holmes low brass
Aaron Janik trumpet
Danny Janklow saxophone
Sherry Luchette bass
Roy McCurdy percussion
Jarret Myers guitar
Megan Shung violin
Music Production, Theory & Composition
Alexander Zhu
Department Chair
Kathryn Eames
Nic Gerpe
Renee Gilormini
Vatché Mankerian
Ruby Wang
Piano
Stephen Cook
Department Chair
Andrew Park
Artist-Teacher
Elizabeth Babor
Annie Chen
Kathryn Eames
Nic Gerpe
Renee Gilormini
Hyoung Kim
Yi-Ju Lai
Erica Lee
Hsin-Tai Liu
Vatché Mankerian
Joshua Tan
Mariné Ter-Kazaryan
Katelyn Vahala
Ruby Wang
Micah Wright
Lauren Yoon
Esther Yune
Elizabeth Zacharias
Alexander Zhu
String
Aimée Kreston
Department Chair and Artist-Teacher, violin
Andrew Cook
Artist-Teacher, cello
Andrew Picken
Artist-Teacher, viola
Brandon Encinas
Suzuki Violin and Viola Program
Coordinator, violin/viola
Niklas Bertani cello
Natalie Brejcha violin/viola
Ismael Ariel Guerrero Bombut cello
Nadine Hall cello
Sharon Harman violin
Elizabeth Hedman violin
Trina Carey Hodgson cello
Dorthy Kwon violin/viola
Sherry Luchette bass
Patrick Rosalez violin/viola
Andrea Sanderson violin
Megan Shung violin/viola
Teresa Stanislav violin
Tomsen Su cello
Hester Taylor violin
Simone Vitucci cello
Erika Walczak violin/viola
Vocal Arts
Mariné Ter-Kazaryan
Department Chair
Meleeah Abkarian
Tamara Bevard
Jennifer Weiss
Woodwinds, Brass & Percussion
Danielle Ondarza
Department Chair, horn
Johanna Borenstein flute
Blake Cooper low brass
Jennifer Johnson Cullinan oboe
Melissa Frey bassoon
Toby Holmes low brass
Yuri Inoo percussion
Barbara Mullens Geier flute
Laura Stoutenborough clarinet
Kevin Truong trombone
Cameron Wilkins trumpet
Micah Wright clarinet
Mike Zonshine trumpet
Michele Zukovsky clarinet
World Music
Megan Shung
Department Chair
Noel Ayala-Loera
Mariachi Pasadena!
Clarice Cast percussion
Stevie Ray Hernandez percussion
Sharon Weed accordion
Young Musicians
Rachael Denny
Department Chair
Mary Alonso
Natalie Brejcha
Stephen Cook
Renee Gilormini
Sherry Luchette
Jeff Silverman
Sharon Weed
2024–25
Staff
Stephen McCurry
Executive Director
Matthew Bookman
Director of Marketing and Communications
Michael Croomes
Facilities Manager
Courtney Davies
Accounting Manager
Toni Foster
Payroll and HR Manager
Melissa Froehlich
Director of Development
Leslie Grkinich
Event Coordinator
Claire Howard
Student Services Coordinator
Jack Lathrop
Data Administrator
Cindy Lewis Director of Programs
Denise Statland
Development Assistant
Wendy Vazquez
Marketing Manager
Katherine Ella Wood
Community Liaison
Board of Directors
Laurie Sowd Chair
Eric Lee Treasurer
Alison Lifland Secretary
Ann Dobson Barrett
Rich Goetz
Jane Kaczmarek
Bonnie Khang-Keating
Thomas Kiddé
Craig Matsuda
Roger Mullendore
Gregory Pieschala
Andrew Rooke
Advisory Council
Sara Campbell Abdo
Rebecca Bowne
Brian P. Brooks
Elisa Callow
Julie Campoy
Rachel Fine
Silvana Gutierrez
Karen Hillenburg
Shahram Parsa
Dorothy McCay Scully
Alison Sowden
Ann Sunshine
Hope Tschopik Schneider
Ian White-Thomson
Emeritus Board
Olin Barrett*†
Stuart Bowne
Carol Bramhall†
Marilyn Brumder*
Shannon Clyne*
Clyde Congdon*
Norma Cowles
Barbara Dahn†
Linda S. Dickason*
Henry O. Eversole*
Cecilia Gutierrez
Stephen A. Kanter, M.D.†
Judith Kelly
Peter Knell
June Li
Penny Lusche*†
Gretl Mulder
Betty Sandford†
Peggy Spear
Karen Stracka
* Served as Board Chair † In memoriam
Credits
