President's Welcome to MACCC - September 2025
Greetings Music Association of California Community Colleges (MACCC) Colleagues and Friends!
As we celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Music Association of California Community Colleges (MACCC), I am filled with gratitude for each of you—the dedicated faculty, directors, and leaders who make up this vibrant community. For seven decades, MACCC has been sustained by our shared commitment to one another and to the students who entrust us with their musical dreams.
Our theme this year, MACCC at 70: Honoring Tradition, Embracing Innovation, reminds us of the balance we continually strike as educators: preserving the legacies of those who came before us while adapting to the evolving needs of our students and our field. From the earliest days of our organization in 1955 to today’s thriving network of faculty, ensembles, and programs across California, MACCC has stood as a champion for access, advocacy, and excellence in music education.
At the heart of MACCC are the students we serve. Whether preparing for transfer, building careers in music, or simply pursuing the joy of performance, our students find in MACCC a home that values their voices. This year’s conference in Berkeley (November 20–22, 2025) will once again provide life-changing opportunities for students to connect and perform through our intercollegiate choir and band ensembles—a truly unique experience that sets MACCC apart and embodies our mission.
For faculty, our upcoming conference features a rich lineup of sessions that reflect both tradition and innovation in our work: curriculum and policy, new program models, the intersection of neuroscience and performance, recruitment and retention, and the intrinsic value of music teaching in a data-driven era. We are especially excited to welcome Dr. Donny Gruendler as our Yamaha-sponsored keynote speaker, bringing fresh vision and inspiration to our shared calling as 21st-century music educators.
As we move into this milestone year, I invite you to join us in Berkeley to honor our history, to exchange ideas with colleagues, and to celebrate the resilience and creativity of community college music education. Together, we uphold the values of access, artistry, and advocacy that define MACCC—and together, we continue to ensure that California students have the support and opportunities they need to thrive in music.
On behalf of the MACCC Board, thank you for your membership, your leadership, and your daily dedication to your students and your programs. This work is only possible because of you.
With sincere gratitude,
Margaret Worsley
President, Music Association of California Community Colleges
SAVE THE DATE!
Upcoming MACCC Conference: November 20 - 22, 2025
MACCC 2025 Board
President : Margaret Worsley, Riverside City College
President Elect: David Lopez, Fullerton College
Vice President: Vacant
Treasurer: Christine Park, LA City College
Past President: Juliette Singler, Palo Verde College - Emeritus
Northern Section President: Troy Davis, West Valley College
Southern Section President: Vacant
Secretary: Adrienne Geffen
Northern Choral Representative: Jennifer Garrett, Bakersfield College
Southern Choral Representative: Christine Gengaro, LA City College
Northern Instrumental Representative: Bobby Rogers, Woodland Community College
Southern Instrumental Representative: Mathieu Girardet, Irvine Valley College
Industry and Technology Representative: Lee Zarate, East Los Angeles College
Curriculum Representative: Graham Raulerson, East Los Angeles College
Legislative Advocacy Representative: John Gerhold, Bakersfield College
Webmaster: Peter Knapp
Ad hoc Representative: Anthony "Tony" Lupica, East Los Angeles College
