School of Music
Dr. Tony Spano
Executive Director, Creative Director of Music
tonyspano@ccusd.org
[Room 94]
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AVPA MUSIC 2024-2025
The Academy of Visual and Performing Arts School of Music has been active in a variety of ways since 1998. From supporting the traditional program during the regular school day to creative opportunities with the Academy after school, students receive many benefits while involved in the program.
Like many school music programs, the Culver City High School music department offers classes in: CTE Music Technology, Orchestra, and Band (Marching and Concert). These classes meet during the regular school day and are taught by Dr. Tony Spano and Jack Aron. The Marching Band performs at all CCHS football games. Music ensembles perform at least 3 concerts per year, with additional performances at festivals, fundraising events, and school activities.
After school, the Academy’s music classes include Vocal Ensemble, Music Theory, Media Music (Composition, Film Scoring, Sound Recording), Orchestra, Drumline and Percussion Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble and Combos, and more. Students can receive individual instruction and ensemble experience through these classes. The Pink Elephant Music Company gives music students a broad range of opportunities to learn, as well as preparing for a variety of productions. Collaborations with Theatre, Visual Art, Film, and Dance are also part of the program’s offerings. Additional professional teaching artists teach many of the AVPA classes as well.
With a knowledgeable staff of trained musicians, the music program is constantly expanding. These classes help prepare students for various productions throughout the year, as well as helping to improve their individual skills.
AVPA Music Ensembles
AVPA Orchestra rehearses on Wednesdays, 3:30-5:30pm.
AVPA Jazz Ensemble rehearses on Thursdays, 3:45-5pm
AVPA Jazz Combos rehearse on Wednesdays, 2:15-3:20pm.
AVPA Chamber Ensembles rehearse as scheduled.
The Last Repair Shop - September 26, 2024
AVPA Music Leadership Council 2024-2025
AVPA Pink Elephant Music Company Co-Presidents
Gianna Wong & Leo Marcus
AVPA Pink Elephant Music Company Co-Vice Presidents
Vivian Menthe & Pablo McMahon
AVPA Pink Elephant Music Company Sophomore Representative
Spike Schoffman
AVPA Orchestra Manager
Vivian Menthe
Music Department Communications Managers (Band Instagram)
Miles Hoover & Naielle Smith
Centaur Marching Band Leadership
Centaur Band Drum Majors
Naielle Smith & Daniel Hasegawa
Centaur Band Assistant Drum Majors
Leo Marcus & Indie Carbo
Centaur Band Drumline Co-Captains
Ethan Knopf & Elliot Rosenberg
Centaur Band Brass Captain
Leo Marcus
Centaur Band Woodwind Captains
Norman Sasamori & Pablo McMahon
Music Team Leaders
Music Librarians
Gianna Wong & Daniel Hasegawa
Equipment/Uniform Managers
Pablo McMahon, Katie Davis, Indie Carbo
Music Library/Uniform/Equipment Assistants
Mariko Ash, Miles Hoover
Centaur Band Section Leaders
Flute
Indie Carbo, Katie Davis, Gianna Wong
Clarinet - Pablo McMahon
Low Woodwinds
Norman Sasamori, Spike Schoffman (assistant)
Trumpet - Leo Marcus
Trombone - Robin Akemann
Low Brass – Daniel Hasegawa, Zander Galloway (assistant)
Percussion – Naielle Smith, Octavio Villela (assistant)
CCHS & AVPA Music Calendar for 2024-2025