Introducing Chantel Hernandez, Program Coordinator and MDYMP Coordinator!
The CMC community is thrilled to welcome Chantel Hernandez, Program Coordinator and MDYMP Coordinator. Chantel joins us fresh from her work in District Nine Supervisor Hillary Ronan’s office. She is deeply invested in her work in the Mission and is also a talented vocalist. In her work as at CMC Program Coordinator and MDYMP Coordinator she is joining two of her passions—the Mission and music.
“What we’re listening to” with Jono Kornfeld: Spotlight on the Guitar
Jono Kornfeld teaches guitar, in addition to piano, composition, and music theory. His playlist is a journey into the guitar in its various and diverse forms. It should be noted that one of the songs on his playlist is from his funk jazz group Hop Sauce. (He neglected to mention it!)
Take a deep dive with faculty at CMC Sessions
Take a deep dive into jazz, Chinese-American, Latin, old-time, gypsy jazz, and genre-crossing styles with CMC faculty from the Cultural Traditions Department. The sessions offer engaging discussions, inspiring demonstrations, and musical tips in a creative format. Participants are invited to interact with the faculty through a Q & A. CMC Sessions are free and open to all levels of music students.
Review: “Spotlight on Repertoire by Black Composers”
At a recent Piano Department seminar on December 11, “Spotlight on Repertoire by Black Composers,” Jennifer Peringer and Jon Jang presented a remarkable presentation on the contribution of Black composers within the classical canon. Peringer and Jang not only acknowledged the existence of Black classical composers, but the unique compositional voice of each writer.
Welcoming Susan Comstock & Michelle Navarrete
As 2020 comes to a close, we wanted to introduce some of our newest staff members. Both Susan Comstock and Michelle Navarrete started working in July. Like many staff members, Susan and Michelle are both artists—Susan is a visual artist and jewelry maker and Michelle is an actor and singer. We are very happy to have these amazing women onboard.
As the Finance Manager, Susan is a key member of the finance team, partnering with the executive team to manage the financial activities of the organization, Michelle is the Older Adult Choir Coordinator and works with the thirteen older adult choirs in partnership with senior centers throughout San Francisco.
What we’re listening to” with Adriana Marrero: Au revoir!
This month we have a staff member curating the playlist. Adriana is the Program Coordinator and is a vocalist. Her playlist comes from an insatiable love and curiosity for music from around the world. You’ll hear music of Puerto Rico (where Adriana is from), plus a slew of other countries that include Brazil, Cuba, Colombia, West Africa, Turkey–plus a lot of great jazz. Listen to Adriana talk about the playlist in the video below and enjoy!
A tribute to Juliet McComas
The Community Music Center family is mourning the loss of one of its shining lights. Juliet McComas, founder of the Annual Keyboard Marathon and an extraordinary piano teacher, died on October 31st, of complications following heart surgery.
Faculty awarded equipment and technology grants
Last month, CMC made 29 grants to faculty members to support their equipment and technology needs for online teaching. CMC faculty and students have been amazingly resilient and learned how to cater their teaching to distance learning during the Covid-19 pandemic, however some teachers have experienced difficulties related to their equipment and technology access. For this reason, CMC sought support to fund faculty needs. Happily, with support from the MOCA Foundation, CMC was able to develop the Faculty Technology Grants program. CMC faculty identified the faculty’s greatest needs– ranging from new laptops, to better cameras and microphones, to software applications to support teaching.
Unlocking the secrets to improvisation at MusicLab workshop
Rosewoman’s MusicLab workshop hosted by CMC on Thursday, November 12 will take participants through a process of unlocking the secrets of improvisation and creative expression through looking at rhythmic concepts rooted in Afro-Cuban music.
“What we’re listening to” with The Curtis Family C-notes: Favorite Songs for CMC
This month’s Spotify playlist called “Twists and Turns” is curated by Michael Mohammed, voice faculty member. As he says about the playlist, “It’s all vocalists, of all different stripes. It’s a little bit of singers behaving badly…legit singers stepping outside their genres…and pop singers who might be sounding a little more legit. I think there’s a lot surprises on this list.”