(2025). Born and raised in San Francisco, Cy is a percussionist whose playing is shaped by diverse musical styles and cultures from around the world, primarily focusing on styles from Brazil and Cuba. His music-making blends traditional rhythms with drum set techniques, creating exciting and meaningful music that connects different cultures and time periods. Cy is a member of Batería Batuki, a San Francisco–based group featuring Brazilian percussion, dance, electronic melodic instruments, and vocals, performing a fusion of Latin music ranging from such backgrounds as Samba-Reggae, Afro-Caribbean, Hip Hop, and Funk. The band values creativity, community, and fun—something Cy brings into every performance and into the classroom. He also plays with Changuisónico, a San Francisco band blending traditional rhythms and repertoire of celebratory folk music from Guantánamo, Cuba, known as Changüí. As a teacher, Cy loves helping students explore rhythm, creativity, and self-expression through drumming. Whether exploring traditional rhythms or creating something totally new, Cy values music as something students can learn from, share, and carry with them.

Also speaks Spanish.