Ron Slabbinck has been a choral and vocal jazz educator, author, clinician, adjudicator, and guest speaker at camps, workshops, and festivals throughout the United States for over 20 years. Prior to teaching, he could be seen singing and dancing on the stages of cruise ships and theme parks, most notably as a tenor with the acclaimed "Voices of Liberty" at Walt Disney World's Epcot Center. With a passion for motivating and inspiring students through the joy of music, his enthusiasm is infectious. Ron received his bachelor's degree in music education from Western Michigan University, and his master's degree in music conducting from California State University, Sacramento. He recently completed his doctorate in educational leadership at St. Mary's College of California, where he received the Dean's Award for Excellence, an award presented to a student whose culminating work reflects academic excellence and is deemed to have potential to advance the profession and/or positively impact the field of educational leadership. His dissertation research focused on finding ways to make music education relevant and meaningful in higher education.
Monica Harle, a graduate of the University of Washington and the Monterey Institute of International Studies is a collaborative pianist and piano instructor. Monica has worked with numerous choral groups, musical theatre, jazz, classical chamber ensembles and played several years at destination luxury resorts in California. Monica has been the Musical Accompanist for the department since 2019.
Eric Seiler grew up in Portola California playing clarinet, singing in show choir and was inspired to pursue music as a career by his teacher John Larrieu. He joined the United States Marine Corps as a musician and played in 27 countries and many US states in his 4 years with the Third Marine Aircraft Wing Band. After the USMC he attended Chico State and earned bachelor's degrees in Music Education and Clarinet Performance and a master's degree in Vocal Performance with a certificate in Vocal Pedagogy. During his studies at CSU, Chico he played with the North State Symphony as a regular member, and was a featured soloist after winning the Young Artists competition – Collegiate division in 2005.
While attending Chico, he joined the California Army National Guard in the 59th Army Band "The Governor's Own" and served until the year 2020, retiring after 23 years combined service. During the time with the Army band he acted in many roles singing and playing instruments, while directing the concert band for the last several years of his enlistment.
Mr. Seiler, since 2012, has been the music and drama teacher at Yreka High School and directs both the Concert and Jazz Bands at COS. He is the founding director of the Siskiyou Community Orchestra which draws musicians from all over Siskiyou County and is affiliated with Pacific Crest Music. He also holds a master of education degree from National University.
For information or questions regarding this or other programs at College of the Siskiyous contact the Academic Affairs.
Email: Academic Affairs
Phone: (530) 938-5201
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