About Us

We are an organization dedicated to empowering the youth and kids of Watsonville and Pajaro Valley by providing them with the keys to unlock their musical heritage and the tools to construct their creative and social legacies through music education.

Meet the Team

  • Orchestra Music Director

    Originally from Colombia, Amalia is an alumna of the Orchestra of the Americas and a former conductor at Batuta, the world's second-largest El Sistema program. Amalia brings her expertise from Colombia to Watsonville as the conductor of the Watsonville Youth Orchestra. Her accomplishments include leading various musical groups with a focus on empowering young musicians and fostering a deep appreciation for cultural diversity through music.

  • Camilo, certified at Level 3 by the San Francisco International Orff Course, is recognized for his exceptional talent in guitar, earning awards and performing at prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall in 2022. As the Founding Pre-Orchestra Music Director, he combines his musical talents with a passion for teaching, emphasizing teamwork, self-confidence, and musical exploration among young learners.

  • Holding a Bachelor of Music from the National University of Colombia and a Flute Performance degree from Texas Christian University, Juan is a seasoned flutist and percussionist. As the Wind Lead, he contributes his extensive performance experience and creativity, notably through his original compositions and performances with his band "Olemano," to inspire and develop the wind section of the youth orchestra.

  • With a degree in music education from Willamette University and a Level III Orff certification, Miran has over a decade of experience in El Sistema-inspired programs. As Orff Lead, she applies her comprehensive teaching experience, from kindergarten to conducting high school symphony orchestras, to foster a holistic and immersive musical education for students.

  • Isabelle, holding a JD from Université de Droit, d’Economie et des Sciences d’Aix-Marseille, France, and a MA in Commercial Diplomacy from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, has served as the volunteer executive director for eight years. Her leadership has been instrumental in bridging connections between teaching artists, local music partners, and educational leaders, driving the mission of El Sistema in Santa Cruz County to empower youth through music education.

  • Adam's education includes studying with the St. Lawrence String Quartet and Bonnie Hampton, enriching his expertise in violin across a wide range of musical genres. As the String Lead, he shares his passion for chamber music, Latin, and jazz by performing with top musicians in the region, including appearances with Mariachi California and the Santa Cruz Symphony, enhancing the string ensemble's versatility and depth.

  • Born and raised in Watsonville, CA, Sharon pursued her education at Sacramento State and San Jose State, earning her Bachelor's, teaching credential, and Masters in Education. As a Kindergarten Bilingual Teacher and PV Youth Orchestra Music Director's Assistant, her early experience with the clarinet and the financial barriers she faced inspired her commitment to El Sistema. Sharon values being part of a program that offers free instruments and classes, fostering student involvement, confidence, and life skills. She has been integral to the PV Youth Orchestra since its inception.

  • Samuel began his musical journey at age 5, studying recorder, then percussion and drums in Beaune, France. His passion for guitar emerged at 14, leading him to the “Music Academy International” in Nancy, France, where he graduated in 1998. Samuel has been a member of various bands, notably the Kansas City jazz ensemble “The Grand Marquis” from 2003–2008, and currently collaborates with El Sistema teacher Juan Ospina in "Olemano,” in addition to teaching private lessons.

  • A 2022 graduate from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelor’s in Environmental Science, Momo interned with El Sistema’s pre-orchestra teacher training program in 2023. She teaches music at El Sistema and Pied Piper Music Academy and coordinates the Montage Health Foundation Community Music Program as a performing violinist. Momo also enjoys playing the Irish fiddle at farmers markets around Monterey Bay.

  • Student teacher

    With over 17 years of experience in drumming and percussion, Sal Alamillo is a versatile musician skilled in performing and teaching various styles, including pop, jazz, rock, Latin, and musical theater. He holds a Master of Music in Jazz Studies from San Jose State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Music Recording and Technology (Cum Laude) from California State University, Monterey Bay. Sal is an experienced instructor, currently teaching at SJG School of Music, and has served as a drum tech for the San Jose Jazz Festival since 2017. Formerly, he was a teaching artist at the Youth Orchestra of Salinas, where he taught students in grades 1–12.

  • A Watsonville native and Pajaro Valley High School alumna, Jenniffer has dedicated over ten years to the PVUSD Afterschool Program, working with diverse age groups. At El Sistema, she teaches music to first graders, focusing on their musical and kinetic development. Jenniffer is also pursuing a career as a kindergarten teacher within PVUSD and teaches Baile Folklorico to children, enriching their cultural and artistic awareness.

  • With over three decades of experience in administrative assistance within the public education sector, Ebby is a staunch advocate for music education programs in schools. She believes in the transformative power of music in child development and its ability to unleash individual potential. Her enthusiasm for integrating music instruction in education stems from her conviction of its essential role in personal and communal growth.