Eric Calderon
Eric Calderon is a rising force in music who began his journey at age 10, when he picked up the saxophone at Bret Harte Preparatory Middle School. A graduate of Alain Leroy Locke High School, Eric’s passion and leadership shone early as he served as the school’s drum major. Now a sophomore at California State University Dominguez Hills, Eric studies classical saxophone under Dr. Chika Inoue while also expanding into Jazz and Contemporary music with mentors Pancho Williams and Dr. Teodross Avery. He is deeply committed to musical excellence both on and off campus through his active involvement with Mu Phi Epsilon’s Gamma Sigma Chapter. A dedicated member since fall 2021, Eric remains actively engaged and has served on the board as chorister, advocating for members to have opportunities to perform on stage. His dedication and artistry were recognized when he received a scholarship in memory of Maria Jaque on May 14, 2022. That award helped support an especially enriching summer: Eric participated in CSU Summer Arts for Classical Saxophone, studying again under Dr. Chika Inoue. During the program, he further honed his skills with esteemed professors Dr. John Hallberg, Dr. Ricardo Martinez, and Dr. Benjamin Boone, and had the privilege of studying with the Capitol Quartet. Beyond academics and performance, Eric extends his influence into the community through the Fernando Pullum Community Art Center, where he builds connections and contributes to the local artistic landscape. Fueled by an unyielding drive and a passion that knows no bounds, Eric Calderon is not just a musician—he is a force poised to leave his mark on the world of music. With the ambitious goal of earning doctorates in music performance, he envisions himself as a guiding light for future generations, inspiring musicians worldwide by sharing his passion and knowledge for years to come.
Nickolas Ortiz
Discover the melodious journey of Nickolas Ortiz, a saxophone virtuoso whose musical path is as inspiring as it is impressive. A proud alumnus of California State University, Dominguez Hills, Nickolas graduated with a shining degree in Music Education, a testament to his dedication and passion for music. From the tender age of his high school years, Nickolas’s saxophone skills were undeniable. His talent caught the attention of Keisha Potter, a distinguished figure from the Fernando Pullum Community Arts Center, during a performance that could only be described as electrifying. This encounter led to an invitation to join the elite Fernando Pullum’s Senior Jazz Orchestra, where Nickolas honed his craft among the elite of the music world. Nickolas’s academic journey at CSUDH was a dual exploration of the vibrant realms of Classical music, under the guidance of the accomplished Dr. Chika Inoue, and the soul-stirring world of Jazz, mentored by the renowned Dr. Teodross Avery. It was in the jazz ensemble where Nickolas found his true calling, deeply influenced by Dr. Avery’s mentorship. Beyond his musical talents, Nickolas Ortiz stands as a pillar of leadership and inspiration. He is passionately committed to mentoring the next generation of musicians, aiming to nurture future legends like Mozart and Coltrane. Join Nickolas on a journey not just of musical excellence, but of discovery, inspiration, and the relentless pursuit of greatness. With Nickolas, music transcends notes and scales; it’s about embarking on an extraordinary journey towards the pinnacle of musical artistry.
Gary Gould
Gary Gould is not just a multi-woodwindist with a passion for music; he is a dedicated teacher committed to making music learning enjoyable and engaging for every student. With a Master’s degree in Music and a rich performing career that spans the United States, Western Europe, Japan, and beyond, Gary brings a world of experience to his teaching. He has graced stages on cruise ships heading to Mexico, Alaska, and the Caribbean Islands and has shared his talents with audiences through educational presentations on various music topics. Born in the bustling city of Detroit, Michigan, and currently residing in sunny Scottsdale, Arizona, Gary’s musical journey began with the drums in elementary school. However, it was the captivating sound of the saxophone, played by his band director, that truly won his heart. This newfound love led him to master not just the saxophone but also the clarinet, flute, and various other woodwind instruments, earning him prestigious awards like the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award during his high school years. Gary’s academic and musical prowess continued to shine at California State University, Fullerton, where he was celebrated as the Most Outstanding Jazz Musician in his final year. His victory in a significant saxophone contest, held by a Los Angeles radio station, marked the beginning of an illustrious music career, backed by some of the most renowned entertainment agencies in LA. With over 15 years of teaching experience, including leading bands and speaking at educational conferences, Gary is committed to sharing his vast knowledge and enthusiasm for music. He has worked with students at prestigious institutions such as the Orange County School of the Arts, Irvine Valley College, and Cal State Fullerton, influencing countless musical journeys. Gary’s teaching philosophy centers on innovation, tailored approaches, and the cultivation of proper habits to achieve musical success. Whether his students aspire to professional musicianship or simply enjoy playing music, he provides a supportive environment that fosters personal growth. His expertise spans a remarkable range of musical styles and instruments, enriching his teaching with a diverse and global perspective. Gary Gould’s biography is a testament to a lifetime dedicated to music—performing, teaching, and continually exploring the vast world of musical expression.
Daniel Torrez
Meet Daniel Torrez, a dedicated musician and educator with a deep-seated passion for music that sparked in middle school. Over the past 7 years, Daniel has honed his skills on the saxophone, enriched by 3 years of valuable teaching experience and a diverse array of performance opportunities. Driven by a belief in the transformative power of music education, Daniel is committed to positively influencing his students’ musical journeys. He supports students with varying aspirations, from those aiming for virtuosity to those exploring their musical talents, guiding them towards achieving their individual goals. As an educator, Daniel values thorough explanations and ensures that every question is addressed. He takes time to understand each student’s unique learning style, tailoring his teaching methods to meet their specific needs, and creating an environment where progress is a constant. Pursuing a degree in music education at CSUDH, Daniel has received exceptional guidance from esteemed musicians. His studies include classical music under Dr. Chika Inoue and contemporary jazz with Dr. Teodross Avery. Besides his proficiency in saxophone, Daniel is skilled in clarinet, flute, and piano. His musical influences encompass jazz, soul, R&B, and reggae, adding a vibrant diversity to his teaching approach. Outside the realm of music, Daniel enjoys cooking and baking, embracing these activities in his leisure time.
