Mr. Paredes earned his Bachelor of Music from San Diego State University in Music Education in 1998. After graduating from SDSU, he attended National University, where he earned his Master of Education in Cross-Cultural Teaching and his B-CLAD Teaching Credential. Mr. Paredes has been a music educator in the San Diego Unified School District since 1999 when started his teaching career teaching band, orchestra, and guitar at an elementary school. Aside from being an elementary music teacher, he also started teaching string instruments at La Jolla Music Society’s Community Music Center, where he has been the director for the past eighteen years. Since 2012, Mr. Paredes has been the mariachi director at the University of San Diego. Currently, he is working at developing the music program at Logan Memorial Educational Campus.

Xiomara Pastenes has been a part of the La Jolla Music Society’s Community Music Center for about six years as an Administrative Assistant. She also teaches the string section of our LJMS Ensemble. She is currently working to finish her degree in Marketing Communications.

Mr. Blocker earned his Bachelor in Music Education from San Diego State University, a Reading and Literacy Credential from the University of California San Diego, a Master’s degree in Best-Practices (Education) and Administrative Services Credential from National University. Mr. Blocker has taught in the San Diego Unified School District for many years teaching band, marching band, orchestra, and percussion ensembles. He is currently teaching in the Chula Vista Elementary School District as a music teacher (grades K-6). Mr. Blocker is a percussionist and has performed in various percussion ensembles. He is new to CMC and excited to work with our students.

Ms. Carrazana is of Cuban origin (musician and performer). She is a teacher and vocalist of Latin musical genres with African influences (Bolero, Chachacha, Salsa, Rumba, Afro, Latin Jazz, and jazz improvisation). As a music professional, she visited Germany, Martinique, Japan, San Martín, Brazil, and Mexico. She teaches courses and musical workshops for vocal improvisation. She is currently studying Music and Acting at Grossmont College San Diego to transfer to the University of San Diego.

Sra. Carrazana es de origen cubano (Música e Intérprete). Es profesora y vocalista de géneros musicales latinos con influencias africanas (Bolero, Chachachá, Salsa, Rumba, Afro, Latin Jazz e improvisación de jazz). Como profesional de la música, visitó Alemania, Martinica, Japón, San Martín, Brasil y México. Imparte cursos y talleres musicales de improvisación vocal. En diciembre de 2014; se mudó a San Diego. Actualmente estudia Música y Actuación en Grossmont College San Diego para transferirse a la Universidad de San Diego.

Music Teacher/Performer

Self-taught in guitar, bass, keyboard, drums, and more since 1963. Mr. Hernandez performed in Germany and Vietnam while in the U.S. Army 1969-1971. He studied music at San Diego State University and graduated with a multicultural-bilingual teaching credential. He completed his Master of Arts in Education from Azusa Pacific University along with other certificates, including California Community College in Guitar 1 & 2, Music Appreciation, Gifted and Talented Education, Visual and Performing Arts. Lastly, Mr. Hernandez is very proud to state that he is the only CMC instructor that has been an active member since its very beginning. VIVA CMC!

Ms. Maynard has been playing saxophone throughout San Diego and the rest of the world for over 15 years. She is an endorsing artist for Bari Woodwinds and is passionate about helping young people achieve their goals through music. She currently plays and teaches saxophone, clarinet, flute, bass, voice, and piano and looks forward to sharing her skills with others.

Eduardo Ruiz has been the brass instructor of La Jolla Music Society’s Community Music Center since 2015. Born and raised in San Diego, he has worked hard to bring music to San Diego and its surrounding areas for over 10 years and is currently pursuing a degree in Music Education. He plays trumpet and enjoys composing and arranging.

Rebeca Tamez has been working as the violin instructor with the La Jolla Music Society Community Music Center (CMC) since 2016. Ms. Tamez has a Bachelor of Arts in Music with an emphasis in music theory from the University of San Diego. She is currently working on her Master of Science in educational counseling. Ms. Tamez enjoys working with and teaching the CMC string students.