Biographies

Ellena graduated from Notre Dame de Namur University in Belmont, CA in 2003 with a BM in Music Piano Performance and a BA in Child Psychology. Ellena began her private piano studies at the age of four, and two years later was admitted to the San Francisco Conservatory of Music Prep Division. Her first public appearance was at the age of nine, when she placed as a finalist at the Grand Piano Young Artists Showcase in Palo Alto. She went on to win second place at the Bela Bartok Piano Competition the following year. From 1991 to 1998, Ellena studied piano performance with internationally renowned pianist Daniel Glover. During this time, she performed in numerous recitals in the Bay Area and for 4 consecutive years in the San Francisco Russian Festival. Ellena's participation in competitions has yielded her several awards including Third Place in the Piano Concerto Division at the 1998 US Open Piano Competition. After graduating from Notre Dame Ellena earned her MA in Music Therapy at the University of Pacific in 2011. Ellena currently holds a Ph.D. in Health Psychology from Walden University.

You may have seen her as Angelina, in the Cabrillo Choral Department's 2018 production of Gilbert & Sullivan's Trial By Jury. One of her passions is singing in choirs. She is a regular in Cantiamo, Cabrillo Chorale, Symphonic Chorus, and PUCC Chamber Choir. Michelle can often be heard as a soprano soloist with these groups. Her other love is teaching young students to sing and to read music. She is continuing her education at the University of the Pacific. 

Art began playing the piano at the age of six and his dedication to music continued as he pursued his Bachelors at San Jose State University. Art has also proudly served in the 159th Army National Guard Band for two decades, during which he performed at the Pedilium in Los Angeles for a USO show and also taught music overseas in West Germany.  For the past six years Art has had the pleasure of teaching at Stockton School of Music. Outside of teaching, Art loves spending quality time with his family. He's been married for 47 years, is blessed with three children, two grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter. Art also enjoys running, traveling, and, of course, playing the piano!

Valeria is a second year bio-engineering major with a minor in music at University of the Pacific. She first started her musical journey at the age of 9 when her mother had forced her to be in concert band in the fourth grade. After learning many different instruments such as the oboe, piano, and violin, Valeria realized she wanted to share her love of music and help people see the beauty in it. Therefore, what better goal to set for herself than to teach students of various ages at Stockton School of Music. 

Jorge has been teaching piano and guitar for 15 years. Currently, he is in the process

of getting his AAT in Music Education from Delta College under the tutelage of Aaron Garner, Dr. Bruce Southard, and Matthew Bear. Jorge's goal is to transfer to a four-year college, preferably University of the Pacific. Jorge is classically trained musician and has performed in recitals from Baroque to 20th/21st century. His favorite classical composer is Chopin.

Christian Alexander is an active performing vocalist and guitarist from San Joaquin county. He has performed in most of Delta's vocal ensembles as well as jazz ensembles,  and received vocal training from Delta College's Dr. Bruce Southard in addition to attending several Estill Voice Training workshops and seminars from other instructors such as Kelly Burge of Saint Mary's College. As a guitarist and bassist he has performed in pit orchestras, and performed in several groups throughout northern California. Christian attends Delta College, where he studies music composition with a focus on choral composition.

Vincent started playing percussion at the age of 13. He received his Bachelor of Music degree from the University of the Pacific in Percussion Performance and Jazz Studies. He has played in the Symphony Orchestra, Symphony Wind Ensemble, and Jazz Combo. During his time at UOP, he was a member of the New Hammer Concert Band under the direction of Eric Hammer. He also studied with Jonathan Latta, Michael Downing, and Robert Hamaker on classical percussion, and with Timothy Metz, and Brian Kendrick for Jazz drumming. Vincent also plays piano and studied with Frank Weins for classical and Randy Sandoli for Jazz piano. Currently, Vincent is studying for his Masters degree at UOP in Music Therapy. In his free time he plays piano and drums at two local churches in Stockton.  

Karina Ibarra is a trained classical pianist and teacher. Mrs. Ibarra holds a B.A. in Psychology and Music from California State University, Stanislaus. Her principal teachers include Dr. Sarah Chan, Dr. Benjamin Boren, and Robin Knutson. She has also had the pleasure of participating in master classes with world-renowned pianists Joel Fan, John Kamitsuka, and Eduardus Halim. Mrs. Ibarra has performed in various large and small ensembles, including the CSU Stanislaus Wind Ensemble, 20th Century Chamber Ensemble, Piano Duet Chamber Ensemble, as well as in other collaborative capacities. Mrs. Ibarra continues to perform as an accompanist and pianist for her local church, where she supports a chamber choir and provides solo music for worship.

Aubrey started playing the violin at age 8 and is currently studying Music Education at Delta College under the tutelage of Dr. Cottin-Rack. Aubrey also participates in Delta’s Concert Choir and Orchestra ensemble and has performed in their last 5 concerts. She has also participated in the San Joaquin County Honors Orchestra throughout middle and high school before graduating a year early and moving on to Delta. Her future plans include  transferring to Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego to further pursue music education. 

Daniel started playing guitar at age 9 and grew up playing in garage bands with his brother and

their friends. Currently Daniel is studying at Sacramento State as a Music Education major.

Before transferring to Sacramento State, Daniel studied classical guitar at Delta College with

Travis Silvers and Guy Powell. While attending Delta College Daniel performed solo and with

the Delta Guitar Ensemble at multiple Guitar Invitational Concerts at Modesto Junior College

and Delta College’s Strings Concerts. Daniel loves playing many styles of guitar music and

enjoys sharing his passion for music through teaching.

Kristy Wells earned her Bachelor of Arts in Music Education and Piano Performance from California State University, Stanislaus, following three years at the University of the Pacific Conservatory of Music, where she studied piano with Frank Wiens. Kristy is a California credentialed music teacher with 10 years classroom experience, and is a member of Delta Kappa Gamma. Currently, she is studying "Education Through Music", which is musical play that is based on current brain research. Kristy is also the former choir director and current organist/pianist for the Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist in Lodi. Kristy’s professional career started early; church organist at 14 and piano teacher at 16. Kristy is a skilled accompanist, church music director, piano and voice teacher, with a great deal of experience directing vocals for musical theater, including Unsung Cole, (5-parts vocal jazz), Godspell with Stockton Civic Theater, and The Fantastik. She also directed the Tracy Community Choir. Kristy performed in two honors recitals at CSUS, is a two time Soroptomist Scholarship award recipient, and earned Command Performance ratings (the highest possible) at California Music Association’s Solo and Ensemble both for her solo piano piece and with a Baroque Chamber Ensemble. Kristy and her husband sang with the Stockton Chorale for a few years and had the privilege of working with director Daniel Hughes. Choral Highlights include Carmina Burana with the Chorale, Beethoven’s 9th Symphony at CSUS. Kristy believes that together, her students can achieve anything! With Kristy, think “music lessons” more than “piano lessons;” expect ear training and occasional listening homework. Practice time includes time to create and play with music, in addition to learning to read and play music in the books. Kristy is thrilled to be at Stockton School of Music and looks forward to sharing her love of music with you and your family.