Ernesto Mazar Kindelan

Art Director

Ernesto Mazar Kindelan is a Grammy Nomimnated Jazz Bassist, Father of two, and teacher. He was born and raised in Santiago de Cuba and studied and later taught at Escuela Nacional de Arte before moving to the United States to begin his career as a US-based artist and teacher. While raising his young family he continues to play with top artists in the Jazz, Funk, and Latin music communities while also studying Pedagogy in the Master's of Music program at Holy Names University. 

JELANI BROWN

Director of Youth Advocacy

Jelani is a San Jose, Ca native that does not shy away from the stage. He was introduced to music by his father and began playing the violin at 12. He wrote his first hip hop song at 13. After taking first place in a local talent show he has gone from the orchestra pit to the stage playing violin in several musicals such as Hello Dolly, Pirates of Penzance, and Peter Pan. He's also performed in several plays such as Othello, The Summer Survivor Improv Show, and Metamorphosis. He was a finalist in the regional Valley's Got Talent competition. Jelani is always looking for a way to give back to the community. With his love for hip-hop and community service, he founded the G.A.M.E program, (Gratitude, Attention, Motivation, and Education) that collaborated with different middle schools and community colleges throughout the central valley and bay area regions. He's also played with local hip-hop group Imprint and alternative-rock band Dim City Lights. Jelani is a recent graduate of The University of the Pacific with his degree in Music Management. While attending he released his solo EP “First Impression” through Pac Ave Records. This was the first hip hop project in the conservatory’s 140-year history. He wants to be an example for anyone who aspires to do hip-hop to speak their truth and be who they are.

DAVID LECHUGA

Teaching Artist/Student Mentor

David Lechuga is a Mexican-American guitarist, multi-instrumentalist,
and educator from San Jose, California. He is an active performer in
the Bay Area, working with renowned artists including Edgar Pantoja,
Jesus Diaz, Thomas Pridgen, Christelle Durandy, and Mario Salomon. He
holds a Bachelors in Music from Sonoma State University, where he was
honored as Distinguished Graduate in Jazz. He is now a MFA candidate
at Mills College, where he holds several teaching assistant positions.
David grew up as a classical pianist, but since switched to guitar. He also teachers for the San Francisco Symphony’s
Adventures in Music program. He has also taught group classes for
Oakland Public Conservatory, and he maintains a roster of private
students in guitar, piano, and music theory. David sees music as a
tool of mental, physical, emotional, and social development for anyone
that practices it, and strives to highlight students’ unique personal
talents. He is bilingual, and comfortable with students of all ages
and socioeconomic backgrounds.