School of Music

Dr. Tony Spano
Executive Director, Creative Director of Music
tonyspano@ccusd.org
[Room 94]

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AVPA Music for 2025-2026

We are gearing up for the 2025-2026 school year! Fill out both forms linked here and stay tuned for more information this summer!

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 2025-2026

AVPA Pink Elephant Music Company Presidents

Leo Marcus (Band), Vivian Menthe (Orchestra), Pablo McMahon (Jazz)

AVPA Pink Elephant Music Company Vice Presidents  

Jasper Garner, Mariko Ash

AVPA Pink Elephant Music Company Sophomore Representatives

Cordelia Mullin, Alondra Prieto

AVPA Orchestra Managers  

Vivian Menthe & Payton Lin, Barina Mirza (assistant)

AVPA Jazz Managers  

Pablo McMahon & Elliot Rosenberg, Cadence Washington (assistant)

Music Department Communications Managers (social media, etc.)  

Miles Hoover & Payton Lin

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Centaur Marching Band Leadership - Fall 2025

Centaur Band Drum Majors     Leo Marcus & Indie Carbo

Centaur Band Assistant Drum Majors   Miles Hoover & Henry Jamrok

Centaur Band Drumline Co-Captains   Ethan Knopf & Elliot Rosenberg, 

Kyu Makinoda (assistant)

Centaur Band Brass Captains   Zander Galloway, Jorge Ramirez, Ari Cosato

Centaur Band Woodwind Captains   Pablo McMahon, Spike Schoffman

Centaur Band Color Guard Captains   Lupita Cruz & Ella Ou

Music Team Leaders

Music Librarians: Miles Hoover, Cordelia Mullin, Alondra Prieto

Equipment/Uniform Managers: Pablo McMahon, Indie Carbo, Mariko Ash, 

Casey Breton, Abigail Lang, Zander Galloway

Music Library/Uniform/Equipment Assistants: Lana Lee, Daniel Miguel Hernandez, 

Kevin Lopez, Cadence Washington 

Centaur Band Section Leaders

Flute – Indie Carbo, Lana Lee

Clarinet –Pablo McMahon, Kevin Lopez

Low Woodwinds – Spike Schoffman

Trumpet - Leo Marcus, Jorge Ramirez

Horn - Henry Jamrok

Low Brass – Ari Cosato

Percussion – Octavio Villela, Mariko Ash

CCHS & AVPA Music Calendar for 2024-2025