Youth Conductors

Dr. Jason Powell earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education in classical guitar with a minor in percussion from the University of Redlands in 2007, his Master's Degree from Boston University in Music Education in 2011, and his Doctorate in Educational Justice and Leadership from the University of Redlands in 2015. Jason has completed graduate course work at Florida State, Ohio State, Harmony College, and Chapman University, as well as, specialty studies in string pedagogy, Kodaly Methods, and the California credentialing to teach Music A.P. Theory. As the Director of Strings at Palm Springs High School, Jason has re-established the PSHS Symphonic Orchestra after a 25-year hiatus and has built the Classical Guitar Ensembles and Orchestral Strings Programs, which is the only high school in the district to have these incredible programs. Dr. Powell has not only been nominated for the Grammy® School's 2017 "Music Educator Award", but has advanced to the quarterfinals (top 290). He was also nominated for "Outstanding Musical Director" by the DTL (Desert Theater League) for his work in the PSHS 2016 production of "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown". He also performs with the Coachella Valley Symphony as (violin II).

Cynthia Brogan, violinist/violist, graduated with honors and received degrees in Instrumental Music Performance from College of the Desert and from the California State University, Northridge. Ms. Brogan maintains a busy schedule freelancing throughout Southern California and has performed with a variety of contemporary artists including Tony Bennett, Diahann Carroll, Ray Charles, il Divo, Olivia Newton-John, Smokey Robinson, and Dionne Warwick. A native of the Coachella Valley, she is a member of the Coachella Valley Symphony, a private string instructor and the Applied Violin Instructor at College of the Desert. Cynthia is a member of the American Federation of Musicians and Recording Musicians of America.