DMA Jazz Studies, University of Colorado-Boulder 2017MA Instrumental Music Performance California State University, Fresno 2012BA Instrumental Jazz Performance, California State University, Fresno 2010Christina Acosta
California native Otto Lee is a
saxophonist, educator, and composer. After completing a bachelor
of arts degree in instrumental jazz performance (2010) and a
master’s degree in music performance (2012) at California State
University Fresno, he began his teaching career at CSU
Fresno as well as Fresno Pacific University where was in charge
of the big band applied lessons. After spending a brief stint as
the director of jazz studies at CSU Fresno, he decided to pursue
a DMA in Jazz Studies from University of Colorado, Boulder
(2017).
D.M.A. Choral Conducting from Indiana University's Jacobs School of Music
Conductor and baritone Caleb Lewis is
Lecturer in Music and Director of Choirs at UC Davis. He has
degrees in choral music from Furman University in Greenville,
South Carolina, and Emory University, in Atlanta. Recently, he
completed coursework for his Doctor of Music degree in Choral
Conducting from Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music.
Caleb has also studied as a classical singer throughout his
musical education (including a doctoral minor in voice).
Brian Rice is a highly acclaimed performer, educator, and
recording artist and one of the most versatile percussionists in
the Bay Area. Though best known as a specialist in Brazilian and
Cuban music, Brian can be heard playing a multitude of styles and
his percussion playing graces over 60 recordings.
After coming to the United States over two decades ago, Rita
Sahai continued her extensive music studies under the world
famous sarod maestro Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, who passed away in
2009. Impressed by her talent and passion towards music,
“Khansahib,” as she affectionately called her guru, gave her the
title Gayan Alankar (Jewel of Music).
Sahai, an acclaimed composer, performer and teacher, tours
throughout the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and India. She is also in
demand at recording studios at home and abroad, where she
graciously lends her voice to many diverse musical projects,
including contributing vocal tracks for Grammy Award-winning
artist Béla Fleck and performing on Alonzo King’s Sacred
Texts, a CD of international music that won the Isadora
Duncan Award for music excellence. She has also collaborated on
several live musical productions with Jennifer Berezan’s “Edge of
Wonder” project.
