Quin Herron playing tin whistle with school children watching.

Quin Herron: Bringing People Together with Irish Music

in , /by

Originally from Plano, Texas, and raised in La Mesa, California, Quin Herron was drawn to traditional Irish music after being captivated by the sounds of James Galway and The Chieftains. Today, he serves as chair of the San Diego chapter of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (Irish Gaelic: “Gathering of Musicians of Ireland”), an international organization dedicated to promoting Irish music, dance, language, and culture. Whenever he has the chance, Quin travels to Ireland to deepen his connection to the music and culture.

Portrait of Quin HerronAs a high school junior, Quin spent a year in Belgium as a Rotary exchange student. Later, while studying creative writing and music at the University of San Francisco, he completed a junior year abroad at Trinity College Dublin. This experience allowed him to travel extensively across Europe and especially in Ireland.

A skilled musician, Quin plays both the Irish tin whistle—a keyless, end-blown flute ideal for beginners—and the Irish flute, typically crafted from wood and based on the classical flute design of the 19th century. Known for its rhythmic, percussive, and expressive qualities, the Irish flute perfectly suits Ireland’s vibrant dance music. Quin honed his flute skills by studying with some of Ireland’s top musicians and playing in traditional music sessions across the country.

In addition to his instrumental work, Quin is an accomplished vocalist, performing Irish songs in the unaccompanied Sean-nós (old style) tradition. He also lends his voice as a tenor with the San Diego Master Chorale and serves as a cantor at Santa Sophia Catholic Church.

In his role with CWM’s World Music in the Schools program, Quin introduces students to Irish melodies on the tin whistle and teaches them traditional Irish songs. A tin whistle is available for each student thanks to donations from the community collected by Comhaltas.

If there’s traditional Irish music happening in San Diego, you’re likely to find Quin there. He’s a regular on Tuesdays at The Ould Sod in Normal Heights and on Saturdays at The Pub in Bay Park. His band, Gallowglass, is also preparing to release a new album.

Videos for Further Exploration

Gallowglass, with Quin on flute, performing “Over the Moor to Maggie”:


And a short clip with Quin on vocal:

Yale Strom: Bringing Klezmer Music to San Diego Schools

in , /by

Yale Strom is a San Diego-based violinist and leading authority on klezmer traditions of the Jewish and Roma communities of Central and Eastern Europe and the Balkans. A versatile and prolific artist, Strom’s expertise spans roles as a musician, composer, ethnographer, filmmaker, educator, playwright, and more. He regularly performs in San Diego, New York, and internationally, with a broad portfolio of creative work, as detailed on his Wikipedia page.

Born in Detroit in 1957, Strom’s journey with the violin began at the age of eight, sparked by free music lessons offered in his primary school. Growing up in a musically rich family—his mother a pianist, his father an avid music lover—he was naturally drawn to the world of music. In 1982, he formed his first band, Hot Pstromi, a project that has been central to his artistic life. Based in both San Diego and New York, Strom continues to compose and perform with the group, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to his craft.

Through the CWM’s World Music in the Schools Assemblies program, Strom and his now-renowned band introduce students to the diverse sounds of klezmer, blending Khasidic nigunim (vocal music) with Romani, jazz, classical, Balkan, and Sephardic elements. Whether in school programs or the CWM’s Access to the Arts for Seniors, Strom enriches performances with storytelling, helping audiences—whether familiar with klezmer music or not—discover the depth and history of this vibrant musical tradition.

For more on Strom’s extensive achievements, visit his website at www.yalestrom.com.

For Further Exploration

Enjoy Yale Strom performing with Hot Pstromi at the historic Museum at Eldridge Street, New York City:


And Yale and Hot Pstromi at UCSD’s Park & Market in San Diego:


Image of Ali Paris LA benefit concert for Save a Child's Heart Fund

Ali Paris: Master of the Middle Eastern Qanun

in , /by

An internationally acclaimed musician and one of the foremost qanun players of his generation, Ali Paris is celebrated for his exceptional mastery and innovative artistry on his 14th-century traditional instrument. Blending the rich traditions of Middle Eastern music with elements of Western styles, Ali has captivated audiences around the world. He has been described as an “unrivaled, unique artist” by the legendary Quincy Jones and “one of the most eclectic and diverse artists” by Grammy-winning musician Paul Simon, who attended many of Ali’s concerts at Lincoln Center in New York.

Born in Morocco, Ali began his musical education at the age of five. By the age of nine, he was discovered by Simon Shaheen, a master performer and educator of traditional Arabic music. Recognizing Ali’s potential, Shaheen mentored him as a protégé. Soon, Ali was performing in prestigious concert halls, and by eleven, he had embarked on his first European tour.

Since then, Ali has garnered numerous international accolades, including the prestigious Marcel Khalife Best Artist of the Year award, which he won for four consecutive years. His career has expanded exponentially, earning him a degree from Boston’s renowned Berklee College of Music on a full scholarship. Throughout his journey, he has collaborated with an illustrious list of world-renowned artists, including the late Paco De Lucia, Buika, Alicia Keys, Bobby McFerrin, and Javier Limón.

Ali has performed at many of the world’s most esteemed venues, from the White House and the Newport and Montreux jazz festivals to the Royal Palace in Jordan, where he gave a solo performance for Queen Rania of Jordan. He has also performed as a soloist with the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Michigan Philharmonic and was featured in the Grammy-winning Spanish documentary Entre2aguas, as well as the Hollywood film Noah.

Ali’s performances are distinguished by his exploration of fertile ground between Eastern and Western musical traditions, creating a powerful dialog between cultures and genres.  His dedication to humanitarian causes has seen him collaborate with numerous world-class artists to support initiatives such as Doctors Without Borders, Save a Child’s Heart, and Keep A Child Alive. His work with Alejandro Sanz has also helped fund vital humanitarian projects in Africa and the Middle East.

Ali Paris on stage for school assembly

If students walked away from one of my assemblies with one profound lesson, it would be the realization that music is not just a series of notes and rhythms but a powerful, universal language that bridges cultures, nurtures empathy, and celebrates diversity

Through the vibrant sounds of Arabic music, the unique textures of traditional instruments, and the joy of shared songs and dances, I want each child to understand that while we may come from different corners of the world, our hearts beat to the same rhythm. This rhythm, rooted in our collective human experience, reminds us that we are all connected.

—Ali Paris

In June 2023, Ali was featured in the CWM series Music on the Move at Mingei International Museum. He is deeply committed to education through his involvement with the CWM’s World Music in the Schools program, regularly visiting school partners to conduct dynamic workshops and assemblies. Through these programs, he shares the beauty and depth of Middle Eastern music and culture, providing students with an engaging introduction to Arabic music and traditions.

 

For Further Exploration

Watch Ali Paris performing with the Detroit-based National Arab Orchestra:


Ali Paris on stage at the Newport Jazz Festival:

James Stanley: Teaching Hawaiian Ukulele, Movement, and Culture

in , /by

James Stanley is a San Diego native who was raised embracing, embodying, and sharing Hawaiian culture and arts. He is the eldest son of Kumu (Hula Teacher) Kathy Heali’i Gore Stanley, the founder of San Diego’s Heali’i’s Polynesian Revue. As such, James was immersed in Polynesian arts and began performing dance and playing the ukulele at a very young age. His love of dance and movement eventually inspired him to earn a BA in kinesiology from CSU Northridge in 2018.

Image of James Stanley performing traditional Hawaiian dance

James Stanley performing traditional Hawaiian dance

James has performed with many of Hawai’i’s music legends, including HAPA, Na Leo Pilimehana, Amy Hānaiali’i, Makaha Sons, and Kalani Pe’a. Today, James is an alakaʻi (co-leader) and kāne director (men’s director) for Heali’i’s Polynesian Revue. He pours his aloha into nurturing his family’s hālau (Hawaiian dance school) through music, dancing, and traditional practices.

We are proud to have James as a teaching artist for the CWM’s youth education program, World Music in the Schools. James engages over 900 San Diego County school children a week with Hawaiian language and traditions, ukulele, and dancing.

Image of James Stanley in a World Music in the Schools classroom

James Stanley in a World Music in the Schools classroom

James’ brother, Anthony Kauka Stanley is also a teaching artist for the School’s program. Learn more about Anthony from his profile on our website.

For Further Exploration

Watch James Stanley on stage performing Hawaiian dance to the music of the Mākaha Sons.

Silvio Diaz: Empowering Students through Latin Rhythms

in , /by

Born in Mexico City, Silvio Diaz grew up in Ensenada and Tijuana in an artistic household. His family produced educational performances for children, featuring puppetry, theater, and music. At a young age, Silvio played various musical instruments, including the clarinet, guitar, and drum set, along with other forms of percussion. Additionally, he participated in his family’s puppetry, theater, and music productions, performing in Mexico, Spain, and the United States.

While performing with his family, Silvio pursued his interest in visual arts and Latin percussion. He attended an arts high school in Mexico City before earning a bachelor’s degree in music composition from the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico. His journey as a musician involved playing in several bands, each specializing in different genres—including reggae, rock, and Latin music—while pursuing his own musical goals.

In 2018, Silvio relocated to San Diego to join his father and brother in their percussion ensemble Drummers Without Borders. Since its formation, Drummers Without Borders has been dedicated to providing music education to underserved communities, schools, correctional facilities, and the general public. The group uses rhythm as a fundamental tool to engage students and help them feel a sense of accomplishment. Their programs sometimes end with a parade with large puppets and rows of children marching with drums.

Drummers Without Borders has performed for the Center for World Music in two recent series: “Music on the Move: Border Stories” at The Front Arte Cultura Gallery and “Sound of the Border | Sonido de la Frontera” at Mingei International Museum.As a teaching artist with the CWM’s World Music in the Schools program, Silvio introduces students to the percussive rhythms of Latin America. He encourages his pupils to start simple, try new things, collaborate, and express themselves. His goal is to inspire confidence and teamwork.

Thanks to a partnership between the CWM, San Diego Unified’s Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) Department, the VAPA Foundation, and the California Arts Council, Silvio participated in a program at Balboa Elementary highlighting the music and rhythms of Spanish-speaking countries in Latin America.

San Diego’s KUSI News featured this class for bringing culturally relevant music programming into schools:

Silvio teaches for organizations such as the San Diego Guild of Puppetry, Arts Education Connection San Diego, The House of Music, and Bocón Arts. He also enjoys playing music at home with his daughter. His ultimate dream is for everyone to recognize the power of art in education and human development.

Kaylie Kirby: Continuing a Legacy of Indonesian Arts

in , /by

Sharing her love of Indonesian arts through the CWM’s World Music in the Schools program, Kaylie Kirby is patient, passionate, and playful as a teaching artist.

Kaylie is no stranger to Balinese gamelan angklung (metallophone ensemble) in the K–8 classroom. She began her journey with Indonesian music and dance when she was in 5th grade at Museum School, the school in which she now teaches young students. There she studied Balinese gamelan and dance with master teachers I Nyoman Sumandhi and Ni Putu Sutiati, who were CWM distinguished visiting artists in San Diego back in the early 2000s. You can learn more about her full-circle performing arts journey from this feature story on our website.

After her first exposure to Indonesian arts as a 5th grader, Kaylie continued her studies, attending after-school classes in Balinese dance. Later, she joined Puspa Warsa, an ensemble of advanced students organized by former CWM teaching artists Alex Khalil and Kaori Okado. With that group, Kaylie performed all over Southern California for numerous universities and festivals, and on television.

Kaylie with daughter

She later studied under other Balinese masters, including I Nyoman Wenten, renowned Balinese musician and dancer, at CalArts and UCLA. In 2018–19, she was a member of the Balinese gamelan angklung ensemble Gunung Mas at the University of San Diego, directed by Dr. David Harnish.

Today Kaylie finds joy in sharing her passion for Indonesian music and culture, especially as her own children are now enrolled in the program at Museum School in San Diego’s Bankers Hill neighborhood.

Meghan Hynson: Sharing the Music and Culture of Indonesia

in , /by
Image of Meghan Hynson in Bali Holding an Angklung

Meghan Hynson with angklung in Java

Meghan Hynson was first exposed to Balinese gamelan (gong ensemble) while studying for her undergraduate degree in music education and oboe performance at Boston University. Intrigued by the sound of the gamelan, she soon began studying Indonesian ensemble music, took private lessons on Balinese gendèr wayang (metallophone duo or quartet), and was awarded a scholarship to travel to Bali to follow her passion for Indonesian music and culture.

She eventually earned her MA and PhD in ethnomusicology at UCLA, writing her dissertation on Balinese shadow puppet theater. Having taught at Duquesne University, the University of Pittsburgh, and Monmouth University, Dr. Hynson is currently adjunct assistant professor of ethnomusicology at the University of San Diego, where she directs the Balinese gamelan ensemble and teaches courses in global music.

Fluent in Bahasa Indonesia, the national language of that multi-cultured nation, Dr. Hynson has spent over a decade living and studying in Southeast Asia. In 2019, Dr. Hynson toured internationally as a vocalist for the Indonesian pop band, the Dangdut Cowboys, under the invitation of the U.S. State Department. She typically spends several months each year at her second home in Mas Village, Bali, doing research and furthering her study of the island’s rich traditions.

Image of Meghan Hynson in Classroom

Meghan Hynson in San Diego classroom

During her career, Dr. Hynson has developed world music curricula and outreach programs for K-12 schools, worked with major museums and international world music festivals, and spoken out for global diversity through music via campus and community activities.

As a teaching artist with the CWM’s World Music in the Schools program, Dr. Hynson teaches Balinese gamelan angklung and Indonesian angklung rattles.

See Dr. Hynson Performing

Meghan Hynson Plays Gendèr Wayang in Bali

Meghan Playing Sundanese Gamelan Degung

Leading the University of San Diego’s Gamelan Gunung Mas

Photo of Luisa Corredor and Ignacio Arango

Luisa Corredor and Ignacio Arango: Sharing Cuban Music in Partnership

in , /by

Luisa Corredor, a singer and teacher native to San Diego, and Ignacio Arango, a guitarist and bassist from Cuba, are each talented musicians and educators in their own right. Together, they pack a punch in our World Music in the Schools program, working as a duo in the classroom, sharing songs in Spanish and English, and providing musical accompaniment for the students.

Luisa Corredor and Ignacio Arango

Luisa Corredor and Ignacio Arango

Coming from a musical family, Luisa Corredor was exposed to the arts at a young age and has committed much of her life to the performing arts as a singer, actor, teacher, and producer. She is a force of nature on stage and in the classroom, touching audiences and inspiring students with her powerful, soulful voice. She has studied and performed musical traditions from cultures worldwide. Her repertoire includes English folk songs from the Renaissance era, Flamenco, Middle Eastern, Greek, and Irish songs, as well as Cuban, Mexican, Brazilian, and other traditional music from South America.

Luisa has experience teaching as a private voice instructor and for the Encinitas Union School District as an instructional assistant for bilingual and special education classrooms. She also taught Spanish as a second language at Paul Ecke Central Elementary School.

Ignacio Arango

While growing up in Havana, Ignacio Arango was surrounded by Afro-Cuban polyrhythms and the improvisational craft of the native rumberos and soneros (rumba and salsa artists). His deep musical roots shine through in his rhythmic, tasteful, and skillful playing. When he was 12, Ignacio enrolled in the Guillermo Tomas music conservatory in Guanabacoa (featured recently on NPR) where he studied for 5 years with a focus on guitar. His musical career began during his military service, playing euphonium in La Banda Música del Estado Mayor.

Upon demobilizing, Ignacio’s musical career blossomed. He was the bassist for “Show Tropicana” in Cuba for ten years, with which he toured Italy, Mexico, and Monaco. Ignacio has played guitar and bass with a number of diverse bands and artists, including Fusión 4, La Orquesta de Radio y Televisión, Kokopelli Latin Jazz Ensemble, Gilbert Castellanos’ La Conciencia, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Carlos Washington & Giant People, and many others.

Since 2006, Ignacio has dedicated his attention to performing folklore jazz with his family band, Los Hermanos Arango, with whom he continues to perform.

Rogelle Zamora Celebrates Philippine Musical Heritage

in , /by

Rogelle Zamora is a musician and educator based in Southern California. As a second-generation Filipino American, he is passionate about providing opportunities for community members to learn about the musical cultures and practices of the diverse peoples of the Philippine Islands.

Rogelle’s journey into Philippine music began in 2018 when he met Bernard Ellorin, Ph.D., a leading Southern California expert in Philippine music and musical director of the Samahan Filipino American Performing Arts & Education Center in San Diego. Building upon his experience playing violin with Mariachi Los Broncos, the premiere mariachi ensemble of Cal Poly Pomona, Rogelle developed a strong desire to learn about the musical practices of his own cultural heritage. After graduating with his B.A. in music education from Cal Poly, he moved to San Diego to study with Dr. Ellorin and pursue this interest.

In 2021, he received the Apprenticeship Program Award from the Alliance for California Traditional Arts in support of his study with Dr. Ellorin of Tagunggu’ gong ensemble music, unique to the cultures of the Sulu Archipelago. With this funding, he was also able to supplement his studies with Dr. Ellorin through participation in the 2023 edition of Tribu Tur, a cultural immersion trip in the Philippines organized by KULARTS, San Francisco.

Today, Rogelle performs regularly with the rondalla (string ensemble) of Samahan and the Pakaraguian Kulintang Ensemble. When opportunities arise, he also teaches private lessons and performs for weddings, anniversaries, and other special events. He most recently joined the Palomar Symphony Orchestra, maintaining connections with his Western classical upbringing as a violist. As an educator, he teaches students of all ages, serving as an instructional staff member with various school music programs and independent organizations across Southern California such as the Filipino Cultural School, Rancho Bernardo High School Royal Regiment, and Pulse Percussion Inc.

Rogelle is excited to further the CWM’s mission to foster intercultural awareness as a teaching artist for World Music in the Schools.

Kourosh Taghavi: Excellence in Persian Classical Music

in , /by

Kourosh Taghavi is a master of the Iranian setar, a prolific composer, and a teacher of Persian classical music. Based in San Diego since 1984, he has studied under the tutelage of world-renowned virtuosi Mohammad Reza Lotfi and Hossein Alizadeh. These studies have been the source of his unique approach to the art of Iranian music. Taghavi’s passionate and melodic approach to music is the foundation of his many collaborations and recordings with numerous artists, performing both traditional and modern forms of Iranian music. His collaborative projects with master musicians and international and local cultural organizations help fulfill his lifelong commitment to raising awareness of the importance of music in people’s lives.

Kourosh teaches setar and voice throughout California, as well as lecturing, composing original music for plays and pieces based on contemporary Iranian poetry, holding music workshops, and recording. These and numerous other endeavors are expressions of his passionate quest to promote Persian classical music.

Kourosh is a founding member of Namaad Ensemble, with which he has toured throughout the US, Europe, and Asia. His collaborations with renowned master artists such as Hossein Omoumi, poets Robert Bly and Coleman Barks, and prestigious cultural organizations such as the Konya Mystic Music Festival (Turkey), the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the San Diego Museum of Art, and the Carlsbad and Del Mar Music festivals are a few highlights of his efforts to introduce Persian classical music and poetry to a broad audience.

As a San Diego State University faculty member, Kourosh taught a course in Persian classical music and oversaw a related thesis.

Kourosh Taghavi at Poway

Kourosh Taghavi teaches the Persian setar. UT hoto by Don Boomer

His ongoing collaboration with the Center for World Music as a teaching artist in residence brings Persian music to schools across San Diego through weekly classes and occasional performances. Kourosh’s curricula provide children with high-quality instruction in Persian classical music and singing. Through age-appropriate lessons, Mr. Taghavi introduces the world of music and rhythm through hands-on music-making in a fun, harmonious environment where children thrive musically and socially.

A parent of two children, Kourosh recognizes the significance of music in early childhood education. Fatherhood inspired Kourosh to explore and compose music for the youngest of audiences, as captured in the album Epiphany by the Namaad Ensemble.

For Further Reading and Viewing

The San Diego Participant Observer spotlights Persian Classical Musician, Kourosh Taghavi

The San Diego Union-Tribune reports on how Kouresh helps Poway Students Encounter a World of Music

Our friends at the Persian Cultural Center of San Diego have published a nice article about Kouresh’s work as CWM teaching artist at King-Chavez Academies in San Diego.

Kourosh’s lecture and performance at the 2012 Baraka Retreat in Santa Barbara.