Get to know our Teaching Artists For Session A.

At Cazadero Performing Arts Family Camp, our amazing teaching artists are the beating heart of our regular program and our Kid City program! These talented individuals bring a sprinkle of magic to every class, infusing each session with creativity, passion, and joy. Whether it’s exploring the nuances of theater, dancing to the rhythm of their imaginations, or creating masterpieces in art, our artists guide campers of all ages with enthusiasm and expert knowledge.

Session A | Kid City Team

As legacy and tribute to our late leader, Rosemarie Richie, our youngest campers are enveloped in a world of creativity and exploration, guided by nurturing and experienced teachers. In the vibrant realm of Kid City, these caretakers cultivate a magical environment where imagination reigns supreme. Through playful activities, engaging stories, and hands-on experiences, our dedicated team, under the direction of Iris Deserio, works to make every child feels seen, heard, and cherished in their own little world under the redwoods.

Iris Deserio

  • Iris was born and raised in Berkeley, California, and grew up attending Caz Family Camp with her family. She is a musician, athlete, and environmentalist. She attended Berkeley Public Schools and played competitive soccer, softball, and field hockey. Iris studied cello under the late Mille Rosner and played in various ensembles and quartets with the Oakland Youth Orchestra (OYO) Young Musician’s Program and UC Berkeley, and San Domenico High School’s’ Virtuoso Program. After graduating UC Santa Cruz with a dual-degree in Earth Sciences and Environmental Studies, Iris taught gardening at Willard Middle School in Berkeley and at Hunter’s Point Boy’s & Girl’s Club in San Francisco each for two years. In 2023, she completed a three month internship at Greenstring Farms in Petaluma, CA where she later served as a Teaching Assistant. Iris finished up her two yers of teaching 4th/5th grade as a member of the Bay Area Teacher Training Institute (BATTI), and taught in Senegal during the summer of 2012. In BATTI, Iris earned both her California Teaching Credential as well as a MA in Curriculum and Instruction from University of the Pacific in Stockton.

  • Kid City, led by Iris, is a place for our youngest campers ages 2.5 to 5 (0 to 2.5 with a parent) to create. Our programming is available alongside our regular programming and transition time. Kid City was created by our late, much-missed leader Rosemary Richie.

    Kid City is centrally located in the shady redwood grove right across from the dining hall. Teaching Artists comes to teach classes in music and dance, adult classes come to perform and present throughout the week-- the camp comes to us at Kid City. Parents are always welcome to join in, and are especially invited to share a quiet moment in the book corner before signing their children in to Kid City.

Nate Yates

  • Nate Yates is a Cazadero Kid City alum (first year ’84?) with over twenty years experience in education.  He studied vocal music at School of the Arts in San Francisco, received a B.A. in Film and Digital Media from UC Santa Cruz, and earned his Master’s and teaching credential in Special Education from San Francisco State. He currently serves as Director of Education for United Cerebral Palsy of the North Bay, supporting Cypress Schools in Petaluma for students with autism and other developmental disabilities and the BOOST program in San Rafael for students with Orthopedic Impairments.  He studies banjo with Evie Ladin.  He is the father of Luka 19, Corina 17, and Eliza 8, spouse of Bridget, and son of Kerry.

  • You can find Nate in Kid City, helping Iris take care of our youngest campers throughout the day.

Session A | Teaching Artists

Get ready to unleash your creativity with our amazing teaching artists! These talented individuals are not just masters of their crafts; they’re also passionate guides ready to inspire campers ages 6 and up. Whether you’re venturing into the dazzling world of dance, the vibrant hues of visual arts, or the magical realm of theater, our artists bring a playful spirit to each class. They encourage exploration and self-expression, helping every camper discover their unique voice.

Melanie Green

Also teaching at Session B

  • Melanie, a longtime queer yoga/meditation/wellness guide, creates a space in her classes that welcomes students of all levels. While encouraging students to drop into the present moment with breath and sensations, she also teaches her students to deepen their practice as they understand their bodies. Yoga, at its roots, is a means for liberation. Melanie values the spiritual aspects of yoga integrated with the asanas as a way to become better humans and to create a more just world. She is dedicated to social equity in her teaching and life. Melanie has been practicing and teaching for over 25 years. Her yoga background includes Ashtanga, Iyengar, Pre/Postnatal and Vipassna Meditation.

    For nearly two decades Melanie has volunteered her time teaching yoga to children, teens, and young adults. The spiritual path of yoga informs her guidance in wellness, nutrition, spiritual embodiment, meditation, private instruction, and workshops.

  • Treat yourself to a yoga class with slow flow style movements and yummy stretches. This class is a great complement to your day at Caz. You will love it. We begin each class with a few minutes of meditation and finish with savasana. Each class we will build on the previous class. Throughout the week and we will get to all parts of the body. All levels of yoga practitioners are welcome. Bring your own yoga mat if you can. AGES 10 AND UP (under 10 can join if accompanied by a care-giver)

  • Come try a vigorous vinyasa yoga practice linking breath with movement. This practice works on purifying the body and mind through strong postures and yogic breath that move at a rhythmic tempo. This class is most suitable for students with prior yoga experience. If you are completely new to yoga, I’d suggest morning stretch or slow flow and stretch. AGES 14 AND UP

  • Come join a class before your day begins at Caz. We will spend most of the class time in seated poses and stretches for the hips, shoulders, hamstrings, neck, back, and chest. AGES: 7 AND UP (under 10 with a care-giver)

  • Join for meditation (at the family grove deck) for the first 20 minutes of mindfulness time each day. This meditation time will help you transition into a rejuvenating mindfulness time with a guided meditation followed by silence. Each day we will focus on a different anchor for our meditation.

April Scott

  • April, founder of Artist & The DJ Collective, is a multidisciplinary mix media artist. April's goal is to bring joy and peace to the world through her art. Currently, she travels all over California to teach camp/group workshops and private classes in locations such as Orange County, Los Angeles, Long Beach, San Diego, Oakland, Carmel and Sonoma while also developing a traveling workshop to work with more communities in the U.S. and abroad. Aprils’s work through Artistry Park has for 20+ years, been a multidisciplinary mix media artist combining techniques such as wood burning, painting, drawing, carving and sketching. Her goal is to create a permanent space for her local community and provide free workshops for young people. The most important thing at Artistry Park is for people to have a safe place for healing and expression through creativity. The community, especially the youth, deserve to be exposed to creative enrichment. It shows them that they have choices and can be anything they want to be. 

  • Grab your brushes and step outside for a one-of-a-kind art experience! In this fun and hands-on class, we’ll explore the beauty of nature while learning to paint vibrant images right from our surroundings. As we immerse ourselves in the great outdoors, you’ll discover how to use the 7 elements of art—line, shape, color, texture, space, form, and value—to bring your nature-inspired masterpiece to life. I will help you gain the skills and confidence to create your very own camp painting. By the end of the class, you will have a beautiful work of art to take home, along with a new appreciation for the natural world and your creative potential! AGES: 12 and up

Cathy Shapiro

Also teaching at Session B

  • Cathy’s biggest passion is the joy and connection that singing in community brings. When you sing together in harmony it changes brain chemistry lowering cortisol, calming the nervous system, releasing endorphins and Oxytocin and besides all of that science, it is SO MUCH FUN!!! Singing knits communities together and is an amazing way to start your day at camp!!!

    Cathy has sung for as long as she can remember. She is the director of Not Your Mama’s Choir, a non-auditioned community singing group in Los Angeles and part of the Ubuntu Community Choir Network. She is the music director of her local Threshold Choir Chapter, hosts a monthly vocal improv workshop, has developed and run her early childhood music program, Little Movers and Shakers for over 15 years and at any given moment sings with a minimum of 4 choirs! Cathy believes whole-heartedly that singing is for everyone, no matter their training or background.

  • We will sing beautiful easy-to-learn songs so we can get to juicy payoff of hearing our harmonies together! Most songs will be taught aurally. Everyone is welcome, just bring your open heart and your willingness to play! AGES: 6 AND UP

Cory Reisbord

  • Cory has been teaching at Caz since her kids were little. Her hands are busy pretty much all the time and at Caz she teaches many different arts and crafts including knitting, book arts and textile arts.

  • What are artists really doing? How do you think like an artist? Why are art and science best friends? Why does it matter? If you think you’re not good at art (most people do think this!), this might be the perfect class for you. We will make art, and we will look at art, but more than anything we will unpick the idea of what art is and who gets to do it. This class is intended for the littlest campers, 5/6/7/8 years old, but adventurous adults will get their minds blown too! Real art for real kids. (Note: this will be a repeat of last year's class, not a continuation of it!) AGES: 6 AND UP

  • If you think Cory is just a nice cheerful foolish crafty lady, then take this class to see her other side! Bookbinding is technical and demanding and bookbinding is a lot of what she does professionally when she’s not at Caz. We will fold, punch and sew two text blocks and make them into beautiful hardcover books. You don’t need prior experience in bookbinding to flourish in this class, but you should probably be a person who likes tricky projects: baking bread, sewing, woodworking; the kind of thing where if you don’t do it right the bread doesn’t rise, the pants don’t fit, the chair falls apart when you sit on it. I will still be nice and cheerful, no fear, and we will make excellent, attractive handbound books, too. AGES 14 AND UP

  • It’s a powerful tool! Much like music theory in that many successful artists get by without knowing anything about it, color theory is a way of analyzing and sorting color that greatly enriches your understanding of what you’re doing when you work with color. You’re making decisions about color all the time: when you design a website, when you make a quilt, when you paint your bedroom, when you pick out a tie; color theory is incredibly useful for expanding your choices in all these situations. Often it’s taught in a pretty dry, vocabulary-dense way, but not at Caz! We’ll play games and conduct experiments to open our eyes and emerge with a deeper and more precise understanding of what we see and how we can use color with intention and pleasure. AGES 10 AND UP

Geechi Taylor

  • Geechi Taylor, premiere trumpeter, entertainer and educator, commands respect from his peers in all of his areas of concentration. He is known mostly for his work as a sideman for top bands playing music that ranges from Jazz to Hip-Hop. Playing music with meaning and purpose has provided Geechi the opportunity to travel the world helping to spread positive messages through every song. For the last two years he has been polishing his Entertainment skills as a band leader and lead vocalsit. Performing for major corporate events, historic clubs and high profile weddings. Over the years Geechi could be seen performing on shows with musical Greats- Patrice Rushen, Ndugu Chancler, Rodney Whitaker, and Herlin Riley; also touring with Lauryn Hill (Miss Hill), Jackie Payne and many others. Geechi has been helping to push the music forward and keep it alive through his abilities as a multi-instrumentalist and instructor.

  • This class will play music composed or arranged by the late great icon of American music who passed away last year. AGES: 15 AND UP (This is a two period class)

    Co-taught with Lorca Hart.

Les Ogilby

Also teaching at Session B

  • Les was an elementary school teacher for 38 fabulous years. and every year he would teach all of his students to play harmonica. Les played blues harp with the Blues Street Band in the Southern California area. He is a big fan of harp players Sonny Terry, Bob Dylan, Annie Raines. and Sonny Boy Williamson II.

  • Find out how fun and easy it is to play this amazing little and powerful instrument! Join me in a class designed to teach beginners to play tunes on their own by the end of the first lesson!  This is a great class for the whole family! You’ll learn to play several songs and you will experience accompanying a guitar and playing along with cool recorded music. All you need to bring is a harmonica in the key of C made by Lee Oskar, Suzuki, East Top, or Hohner (avoid a Hohner product called the BluesBand). After I get the class roster, I will email you detailed info about the many excellent harmonicas to choose from in a wide range of prices. If you don’t bring a harmonica, I will have some inexpensive, and quality, Suzuki Folkmaster harmonicas available for purchase. AGES 10 AND UP (Kids younger than 10 years old are welcome if accompanied by a parent!)

  • Are you itching to go to the next level with your harmonica playing? If you can already play a few simple tunes on your harmonica, then you are ready for this course. We will be learning to warble, bend notes, and other fun harp techniques. You’ll have the opportunity to accompany the guitar and play along with blues, folk, and rock recordings. You’ll also learn a few famous solos by artists such as Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Elmore James, Bruce Springsteen, and Jimmy Reed. IMPORTANT: In addition to the C harp you already own, you will need to bring three more harmonicas in the keys of G, D, and A. After I get the class roster, I will email you detailed info about the many excellent harmonicas to choose from in a wide range of prices. AGES: 12 AND UP

Jennifer Jolly

  • Jennifer Jolly is a keyboardist and multi-instrumentalist, composer, bandleader, and educator. She teaches keyboard classes and ensembles (including Caribbean, African, New Orleans, minimalist, and improv) at the California Jazz Conservatory, Cazadero Family Camp and other camps, workshops, and her private studio. She currently performs on keyboards, melodica, guitar, percussion, and vocals with Jennifer Jolly & Friends, Pamela Rose’s show “Blues is a Woman,” Jean Fineberg’s JAZZphoria, Jean Fineberg’s The Party Monsters, Big B & His Snake Oil Saviors, and other Bay Area groups. Jennifer guest-performs with Tom Rigney & Flambeau, Chelle! & Friends, Creekside Community Church Worship Band, and others. Previous credits include Zulu Spear, Kotoja, Phil Lesh, The Jolly Gibsons, Barbara Dane, and Hot Links.

  • Learn to play and sing some great classic tunes from the country and honky-tonk songbook! Hank Williams, Bob Wills, Patsy Cline, Buck Owens, Merle Haggard, Charlie Pride, Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson and the like are all fair game. We'll perform our favorite tune at the final concert. Open to all instruments and singers; intermediate level with ability to read charts and notation. AGES: 13 AND UP

  • Learn the piano parts to some fun, familiar rock and pop tunes! You'll expand your knowledge of the keyboard, learn a little theory that you can apply to other songs at home, and gain skills for making up parts of your own. We might jump in at open mic or play as a group at the concert at the end of the week. Familiarity with major and minor chords and ability to read basic keyboard notation helpful. AGES: 10 AND UP

  • This very groovy ensemble features the deep rhythms of Jamaica, Trinidad, Haiti, Cuba, Martinique, or other Caribbean countries. Styles may include reggae, ska, calypso/soca, son, cumbia, zouk, and others. You'll learn the cultural context, interlocking rhythms, and lyrics of each tune. Emphasis is on the groove and on listening and playing together as a group. We'll perform a tune at the final concert. Open to all instruments and singers; intermediate level with ability to read charts and notation. AGES 14 AND UP.

Brenna Dickson

  • Brenna Dickson is an accomplished composer, arranger, and educator from San Jose, California. She spent the last eight years working as a private clarinet and music theory teacher and freelance composer for a variety of ensemble groups and short films. Brenna has had works performed by Chamber Music Silicon Valley, San Jose Chamber Orchestra, and the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, including an award-winning chamber orchestra piece The Night Lark in 2019. As a teacher, she has helped students successfully audition into San Jose Youth Symphony, California Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, and the California Band Directors Association bands.

    Brenna has been running the music program at Stratford Preparatory School in San Jose for the last three years where she is currently responsible for full orchestra, choir, chamber ensembles, Band Club, and directing music for the musical theater program. Brenna continues to create arrangements and play clarinet while running Stratford Preparatory's HS chamber ensemble. She holds a Bachelor's of Music in Composition from San Jose State University.


    Brenna has also worked with Living Jazz’s music camp Jam Camp West for over ten years as a counselor and musician mentor. Early in her career, she also worked for two years as a production assistant for Clark W Fobes Clarinet and Saxophone Products in San Francisco, helping make student debut clarinet and saxophone mouthpieces and clarinet barrels.

    Brenna is excited to join the community of Caz to share her passion for all forms of music and to witness the next generation of music grow together as musicians, individuals, and a community.

  • Open to woodwinds (flute, clarinet, saxophone), brass (trumpet, trombone), and orchestral strings (violin and cello), we'll learn to play and perform arrangements from favorite pop songs and film music. Campers should already have prior experience of at least 1-2 years of playing their select instrument.

  • Open to woodwinds (flute, clarinet, saxophone), brass (trumpet, trombone), and orchestral strings (violin and cello), we'll learn to play and perform a variety of classical-style pieces. Campers should already have prior experience of at least 1-2 years of playing their select instrument.

Maiz Connolly

  • Maiz Connolly (she/her, pronounced “maze”) spent countless of her childhood hours exploring the fields, foothills, and tidepools in Southern California, and she has loved art and natural history for as long as she can remember. She is a freelance photographer and Research Associate at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles, where she worked as a Community Science Coordinator for six years, helping people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds to

    connect with science and the natural world. She especially enjoys the intersections of art, play, and nature, and incorporates skills that she has acquired as a field researcher, world traveler, professional photographer, anti-racist, science educator, children's book author, and urban parent into her work. Maiz’s iPhone nature photography and videos can be seen on her

    Instagram account @maizconnolly, and YouTube channel, “Distractible by Nature”.

  • Nature is truly EVERYWHERE. In this class, we will explore our beautiful campus together, looking for signs of nature and wildlife, and taking time to reflect on how we observe and feel about the wildlife around us. You will learn some new techniques for safely finding and observing wildlife, even in unlikely places. Be prepared to say, “WOW!” when you look through a magnifier at some of the wild wildlife that we will find together. People of all ages, physical abilities, and comfort with nature are welcome, and some aspects of the class will be adapted to meet the needs of the students who enroll. AGES 6 AND UP

  • Did you know that your phone is capable of taking high-quality nature photos that can be used for art and science? In this class, we will spend some time exploring and connecting with the natural world around camp by slowing down and looking closer than we usually do at our surroundings. You will learn new techniques for safely finding and observing wildlife, even in unlikely places–techniques that you can use anywhere from the deep woods to busy city sidewalks. Using your own phone, a clip-on macro lens (provided during class), and the free iNaturalist app, you will learn how to identify wildlife, and make and share nature observations that can be used by science. You will also learn techniques that take your phone photography skills to the next level, creating art and images that tell visual stories. AGES 6 AND UP

  • Swoops and swooshes and beautiful handwriting? Yes, please! Join Maiz as she shows you a series of warm-ups and exercises that loosen your hand and arm and help you to write in beautiful cursive or calligraphy. Beginners are welcome as we learn to write cursive letters and different hand fonts using brushes, chalk, and pencils. In this class, we won’t have rigid drills like you may have experienced in school, but instead we’ll let go of tension and embrace experimentation and mistakes! Through playful movement, your handwriting and drawing will become more relaxed and expressive. AGES 8 AND UP

Murs

  • Long time rapper first time camper. Father of 4 husband of one. Began telling stories through rhyme and rhythm at 12 years old and hasn’t stopped since. Touring the world since 1996. He has rapped on every inhabited continent. In 2017 Murs set the Guiness World Record for Rap Marathon by rapping for over 24hrs straight on Twitch. He has put 18 out albums with various labels including Warner Bros. Music. His music has appeared in numerous video games and commercials. A ghost writer for Porky Pig in Space Jam 2, he has also made songs with Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar and Mac Miller to name a few. Currently he is promoting his final album and running a national open mic and mentorship program Groundwaves.

  • Any humans over the age of 5 are welcome to join! We will be working on a clean camper version of the Beastie Boys classic “Paul Revere”. The goal to be able to perfom the piece in unison by the end of the week. AGES: 6 AND UP

  • Whether you’ve memorized a rap song and tried to make your own you’ve been working on writing your own rhymes. I’ll be offering my OG advice and helping to refine your rhymes. It could be for an upcoming album you plan on releasing or maybe just a cool rap you wanna bust out at the next family gathering. AGES: 12-99

Tiffany Austin

  • Tiffany Austin is a vocalist, educator, entrepreneur and Berkeley Law Juris Doctor. She has toured nationally and internationally, appearing alongside luminaries such as Pharoah Sanders, Roy Ayers, John Handy, Cyrus Chestnut, and Doug Carn.

    She has been guest educator at series sponsored by SFJAZZ, Stanford Jazz Workshop, and local school districts, and has taught at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music's "Roots, Jazz and American Music" program. Austin is currently Musical Director of the Healdsburg Jazz Festival Community Choir and Artistic Director of the Albany, CA Juneteenth Celebration.

    Most recently, she co-launched the new Wyldflowr Arts venue in Oakland, CA, and co-founded "The Diaspora Sessions”: an immersive Black art experience combining music, dance, and visual art in an interactive context. Her vision is to build spaces and opportunities for communities to exchange ideas, connect, and create.

  • Come explore Jazz and its musical roots in a fun and exploratory way! You'll improvise, sharpen your ears, and get more deeply in touch with your vocal instrument. We'll traverse Jazz, the Blues and beyond! AGES 14 AND UP

  • This class will play music composed or arranged by the late great icon of American music who passed away last year.

    Join Tiffany, Geechi, and Lorca to dive into and showcase some of the multiple musical genres that Q was able to touch with his magic! This is a double class period so be ready to do a lot of playing and improvising :) AGES: 15 AND UP (This is a two period class)

Sascha Jacobsen

  • 2022 Latin Grammy Nominee, Sascha Jacobsen was born into a musical family, going as far back as his great, great, great, great-grandfather, who was a bassist for the Moscow Opera.  He completed a Master's degree at the University of Southern California and has served on the faculty at The California Jazz Conservatory, Humboldt State University, Laney College, Golden Gate Bass Camp, and the Sequoia Chamber Music Festival.  
        
    Sascha has performed  with  Kronos Quartet, Rita Moreno, Hugh Jackman, Martin Short, Mandy Patinkin & Patti LuPone, Marc Shaiman, Bonnie Raitt, Randy Newman, Josh Groban, Kristin Chenoweth, Andrew Lippa, Eddie Duran, Dave MacNab, Tim Weed, Tango masters Pablo Estigarribia, Raul Jaurena, Pepe Motta, and Maria Volonte, Flamenco greats Chuscales, Jose Luis Rodriguez, and Juanito Pascual, and many others.  He was a founding member of the Classical Revolution movement, which has spread around the world, has performed with Adam Theis and the Jazz Mafia, and has toured the world with the Argentine Tango group: Trio Garufa.

        He is the founder of the Musical Art Quintet and Los Tangueros del Oeste which perform his original works. Strad Magazine say his music is "...Stylish and Vigorous...beautifully arranged". SF Bay Gaurdian says “composer-bassist Sascha Jacobsen's concoctions hop nimbly through a world of styles while impressing with ear-catching intricacy and handsome technique.”. East Bay Express says “Classical Music is sexy again”.  SF Weekly says: “Classical training and a taste for evocative melodies underpin this sound”.

  • Caz Bass class for all bassists! Electric or Upright is fine. No experience necessary. We will cover the concepts and techniques that make the bass the fundamental instrument of so many musical styles. With an emphasis on groove and musicianship, we will cover many aspects of the how to become a better bassist, and I will tailor the class to meet the needs of the students! AGES 10 AND UP (younger is ok if they already have experience on the bass or show very strong desire to learn.)

  • Caz Orchestra is for all instruments, all levels! No music reading skills are required. Here we will practice and create a symphony of our own making building chords, melodies and rhythms from the ground up. Bring your instrument, passion and creativity as we explore music fundamentals and create a symphony together! AGES: 10 AND UP, with exceptions for skilled younger musicians.

  • In the Caz Latin Ensemble we will explore musical styles from all over the Americas, North, South, and Central. We will decide upon a repertoire together and practice for a high energy performance! We will focus on the stylistic elements of music like Afro-Cuban Son, Bossa Nova, Argentine Tango and more!!! AGES 15 AND UP (with exceptions for highly skilled younger musicians.)

Christie Lewis

  • Christie has been teaching and performing Clown at Cazadero since 1997. When she is not at Caz she is a Drama Therapist , Performance Artist, and Special Education teacher for young Adults with Developmental Disabilities. Christie uses Clown as a way to bring more play into our bodies and into our hearts and minds. Come and play!

  • Did you ever feel that there was a ridiculous character inside of you just dying to get out? Then this is the place for you! Through improvisation and creative play, we will create silly characters and wacky stories to perform at the Cazadero Clown and Circus Extravaganza. This is your big chance to run away and join the circus!!! AGES 6 AND UP

  • Inside of each of us is a ridiculous character just waiting to come out! Join us in discovering and exploring who that might be... Using improv games and Clown exercises, we will uncover and reveal our inner Clowns and play in the land of make believe. There will be a small, Clown/improv showcase at the end. AGES 16 AND UP

  • Christie the Clown brings her bag of tricks to engage and entertain our youngest campers. Clowning, puppetry, scarf dancing, storytelling, magic and more!! AGES: Only for Kid City campers under 5 years old

Sharon Friedman

  • Sharon has been exploring and growing creatively as a CAZ camper with various extended family for years. Following her career in K-12 public education, she now teaches Water Dance Exercise at the City of Berkeley pools. We often get to experience the transcendence of moving to music on the dance floor or the living room. How fun to translate that joy to the water. Sharon is so happy to be able to offer something back to the CAZ community that has given her so much.

  • A fun play list to drive swishing water moves is a set up for a great Caz day. Water dance is movement with resistance. We'll get our bodies and minds all warmed up with different flows and playlists each morning. You don't need to know how to swim, just to feel comfortable in the water with your feet on the pool floor. We won't be putting our heads or faces under. Suitable for ages 12 to 112+. Ideal for anyone dealing with stiffness or injuries or rehab as well as anyone who just wants to dance and move to tunes in the pool.

Kasper Washington

  • Kasper (they/he) is an LA based actor/musician/dramaturg. Most recently, they starred as Ezra in the world premiere of A Transparent Musical (from the writers of the hit Amazon TV Series, dir. Tina Landau) at The Mark Taper Forum. They played the titular role in Amina (prod. Lena Waithe/Hillman Grad) which premiered at Tribeca and screened before Jordan Peele’s Nope in theaters nationwide. They starred in The Fun-Raiser, a feature film from showrunner Karl Gajdusek, and you can hear them voicing Eresha in the Audible scripted podcast Earworms from Broadway producer Arvind Ethan David. In 2019, they played Reza in the musical Once, becoming the first Black actor cast in the history of the show. Other notable credits: Geeked Thoughts (Netflix), The Vicksburg Project (Mabou Mines), Hymns (Getty Villa/Four Larks), Hive Rise (Geffen MOCA/The Industry), Frankenstein (The Wallis/Four Larks), 13th Point (Geffen Playhouse), Recorded in Hollywood (Kirk Douglas Theatre). They have lent their voice to Disney, providing vocals for the animated series The Lion Guard theme song, as well as opening for Grammy Award-winning artists Macy Gray and Verdine White from Earth, Wind & Fire.

  • This musical performance class with focus on staging a 15-minute production of Matilda the Musical. Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl, this Tony Award-winning musical is a captivating story that revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination and the inspiring story of a girl who dreams of a better life. Campers will explore creative ways to build & practice singing, dancing, and collaboration skills. AGES: 6-15

  • I believe that within each of lives a masterful storyteller waiting to emerge, and this class will focus on providing students with the tools to bring those yet untold stories to life. Students will be encouraged to break from traditional ways of theatre-making and embrace the wonder of collective creation. Through the use of music, movement, improvisation, and somatic practices, students will be encouraged to get out of their heads and into their bodies! AGES: 15+

Amy “Catfox” Campion

  • Amy “Catfox” Campion is a dance story-teller and educator who works with Hip-Hop, Breaking and Capoeira. She is a director, choreographer, filmmaker, educator, changemaker, b-girl, capoeirista, and mother with over two decades experience directing a hip-hop dance/theater company, Antics, and Memphis Jookin’ the Show featuring Lil’ Buck. She’s worked with artists such as Marie Poppins, Rennie Harris, Contra-Tiempo, Jacob “Kujo” Lyons, Malcolm Barrett, Open Mic Eagle, Genevieve Goings, Nayer, and the Janoskians. She’s choreographed and performed around the world for companies including Zumiez, Hammit, Shaka Wear, Home Depot, Rock In Rio, and Charles Drew Medical University. She’s a faculty member at California State University Long Beach Dance Department and holds the rank of Contra-Mestre with Capoeira Batuque under Mestre Amen Santo.

    In her classes, Catfox cultivates creativity and community with powerful, funky, rhythmic movement. She’s committed to empowering students of all ages and abilities through an inclusive learning experience within an Antiracist framework. She believes that dancing Hip-Hop and playing Capoeira connects us to a deep source of strength and joyfulness that teaches courage in self-expression and uplifts us through life’s challenges.

  • In Capoeira, two people “play” together in the roda (circle). They uses kicks, escapes, upside down movement, and trickery to play a beautiful “game” to music played on the berimbau (musical bow). This class is designed for complete beginners and is open to students of all abilities, ages 6 and up. Kids younger than 10 years are welcome if accompanied by a parent. Students will learn basic Capoeira movements (including kicks, escapes, handstands and cartwheels) along with some Capoeira songs, music, and strategy. This class will be tailored to the abilities of participating students and will be taught with mindfulness towards safety and care of our bodies. AGES: 6 AND UP

  • Get ready to bust a move at the next house party with hip-hop social dances from the 80's through the 20's! In this beginner-friendly, follow along hip-hop dance class, we'll focus on moving and grooving (no overly complex choreography). From the running man to the moonwalk, the nae nae to the cat daddy, hip-hop social dances are popular dance moves that anyone can do. This is a judgment-free zone where we celebrate self-expression and the joy of moving to the beat while learning foundational dances that have lit up nightclubs, house parties, and TikTok alike. Come with your positive vibes and leave with some fresh moves! Sneakers highly recommended. AGES: 12 AND UP

Becca Nix Tham

  • When you’re looking to hone your authentic comedy voice, Becca Nix Tham is the comedy teacher for you. She has taught workshops at festivals from Grand Rapids to Chicago to Los Angeles, and she is a teacher at the Revival in Chicago. Becca is a comedian who does it all- stand up, improv, and sketch comedy. She was a Second City Chicago Victor Wong Fellow of 2024, and has performed at Laugh Factory, Zanies, Den Theatre, iO Theater, Annoyance Theatre, and more. In her classes, she uses comedy techniques from her education at iO Theater, Annoyance Theatre, and Second City. In her non-comedy time, she crochets, watches 90 Day Fiancé, and is a cat mom. Follow her on Instagram @beccahasokhair to see her hair and her shows!

  • Do you need five minutes of stand up comedy for a wedding speech, graduation toast, or- even scarier- a stand up open mic? Becca has got your back! Learn how to write stand up jokes with Chicago comedian Becca Nix Tham. Becca's teaching style combines her experience with Second City, iO Theater, and Annoyance Theatre. She will guide you through the basics of "finding the funny", what are the elements of comedy (as taught by Second City teacher Anne Libera), and being able to expect the unexpected with your audience. By the end of this class, you will have a five minute set you can perform anywhere! AGES: 14 AND UP

  • Ever seen a sketch comedy bit and thought "I could do that"? Let Becca Nix Tham, a Chicago comedian, help realize your dreams! Becca will guide you through the basics of building beats of a sketch, finding your sketch's game, and how to edit a sketch into a masterpiece of comedy. Becca's teaching style combines her experience with Second City, iO Theater, and Annoyance Theatre. This class will have you pitch a few ideas for sketches, and then through the magic of sketch writing... you will have one delicious sketch by the end- that you can force your friends and family to act out for a Tik Tok or YouTube video. (Access to a device that has the Google Docs app is required.) AGES: 14 AND UP

Michelle Jacques

  • Michelle is the Artistic Director/Founder of CHELLE! Music which features the CHELLE! and Friends NOLA Big Band and CHELLE’S JUKE JOINT A cappella Quintet. Michelle is Vice President of the Governor's Board of The San Francisco/Colorado chapter of the Recording Academy. She is the recipient of the 2021 InterMusic S.F. grant for the 2022/2023 production of “Daughters of the Delta Project”, recipient of the City Of Oakland, Choir Director at Plymouth Church of Jazz and Justice, Individual Artist grant for 2008, winner of the 1992 Contemporary A Cappella Recording Awards (CARA) for “Best Folk/Progressive Song”, “Home Africa”, and soundtrack for the Sundance Film Festival Official Selection 2010 movie “La Mission” with Benjamin Bratt.

  • We’re gonna delve into songs ranging from Leonard Cohen to Prince. I will be putting a call out for soloists! Get ready to have a blast! AGES: Middle to High School

  • Chelle will be providing vocal coaching for the the mighty Motown Band! We’ll cover 2-3 classic songs from the Motown and Soul repertoire, focusing on groove, arrangement, presentation, and very tight ensemble playing. AGES: 14 AND UP

DJ Just-IN

  • For years, DJ Just-IN has brought energy, electricity and one-of-a-kind musical experiences to events throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. Known for orchestrating the perfect crescendos at occasions of all kinds, DJ Just-IN ties together unique musical sounds to create the perfect soundtrack for any event.

    A great DJ is an artist and Justin is skilled in his craft. With deep musical knowledge and a love of all genres, he is able to connect with diverse audiences and match his mixes to what they want to hear. He is a Professional Dance floor Architect.

    Outside of DJing Justin enjoys spending time doing just. about anything outdoors with his beautiful wife, Caitlin and their 2 children Kingston and Brooklyn.

  • Step behind the decks and discover the art of DJing! In this hands-on introductory course, campers will learn the fundamentals of mixing, beatmatching, and scratching while exploring the role of a DJ in creating unforgettable musical experiences.

    Throughout the week, students will:

    Learn the basic functions of DJ equipment, including turntables, controllers, faders, and EQ.
    Understand how to organize and cue music for seamless transitions.
    Practice beatmatching, phrasing, and creative mixing techniques.
    Develop audience awareness and the skills to keep a crowd moving.
    Explore scratching techniques and performance elements.
    The class culminates in a DJ Showcase, where students will perform their own short sets, applying the skills they’ve learned in a real-world setting. Whether you're a complete beginner or a music enthusiast looking to dive into the world of DJing, this class is designed to get you mixing with confidence! AGES: 10 AND UP

  • Take your DJ skills to the next level in this advanced course designed for experienced DJs who have already mastered the fundamentals. Whether you’ve completed DJ 101 or have at least a year of hands-on experience, this class will deepen your understanding of mixing, performance techniques, and creative expression behind the decks.

    In this immersive course, students will:

    Refine their beatmatching, phrasing, and harmonic mixing for seamless transitions.
    Master advanced techniques such as EQ blending, FX manipulation, and live remixing.
    Explore intricate scratching methods, including transforms, chirps, and beat juggling.
    Develop storytelling through set construction and crowd engagement strategies.
    Learn to prepare and perform a dynamic DJ set with confidence and originality.
    The week culminates in a Live DJ Showcase, where students will craft and perform a multi-song set, demonstrating their ability to mix, scratch, and control the energy of the crowd like a professional.

    If you’re ready to push your DJ skills beyond the basics and develop your unique style, this course is for you! AGES 14 AND UP

Gerry Doot

  • Gerry is an LA based musician who has toured the US and UK and recorded in some of the most respected studios in the world. Most of his time is spent teaching drums to students ranging in age from 4-73. He also plays fronts a band called Serious Face. The rest of his time is spent with his wonderful family.

  • Gerry and co-teacher Kyle Blaze will take kids of various ages and skill levels and teach them how to work together as a group. Playing through various songs ranging through the history of rock the kids will learn how unity and cooperation can create something special. AGES: 7 AND UP

  • Using items such as buckets and trash cans, students will learn to work together to create complex rhythms and compose music using every day items. AGES: 7 AND UP

Andrea Fuchilieri

  • Hola! Andrea Fuchilieri here, I am so happy to be at Caz with you!! I have been dancing all my life, starting with Ballet at 6, then Flamenco, Modern dance, Contact Improvisation, Swing, Salsa, Bachata, "Latin Rhythms" and Argentine Tango.
    I am a proud mother of two teenagers Leo and Luna, (whom you will probably meet in Caz), an avid seeker of knowledge of our human form as the most wonderful instrument of communication with itself and others through movements and stillness.
    I am certified instructor in Animal Flow, technique based in quadrupedal mobility, and MELT METHOD (Myofacial Energetic Length Technique) with focus on the fascia as it works with our internal fluids to gently rehydrate and heal the body. Studied somatics and body mind explorations with renowned coaches Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen, Liz Koch, Gil Hedley.
    When pandemia closed all milongas and dance venues, I began dancing underwater, a world that has open my senses to so much information. The healing power of water, reminds us of our origins in the womb of our mother, I got so much into water that I completed FLOAT THERAPY certification, a body-mind-soul relaxation technique in warm water with Omer Shenar. And because you can't always have it warm (or I like extremes) I am a continuing exploring BREATHWORK and COLD WATER therapy following the Wim Hof Method. Currently I am a student of Kinesiology and Physiotherapy at Maza University, Argentina. ​Grateful to be here now.

  • As all of life moves in rhythms, in this class we will explore, find and play with our own body rhythms first, we will learn how to do the Cha-Cha-Cha, have fun with Cumbia steps and spice it up a bit with Salsa dancing. AGES 13 AND UP

  • This class will be a introduction to Breathwork in preparation to experience gradually the Cold Water effect in body and mind. The objective of the practice is to improve immune system, help reducing inflammation reduce stress and anxiety, increasing willpower and focus, and many more benefits. AGES 16 AND UP

  • MELT stands for Myofacial Energetic Length Technique, is a gentle fascia mobilizing technique. Fascia is the connective tissue that surrounds and holds every organ, blood vessel, bone, nerve fiber and muscles in place. This is a very gentle class on the body with an inward focus using breath presence and observation of self.

    All melt equipment like a ball, foam roll and bands will be provided. AGES 16 AND UP

Ami Molinelli

  • Ami believes the arts are an "endangered" and the depest expression of our cultural values, community and expression. She co-founded and is the current Executive Director of Music Is First! Music Is First! brings music to early education classrooms in urban neighborhoods with music and literacy integration. More information can be found at: www.amimo.com

  • SAMBA SCHOOL IS IN SESSION

    (There are parts for everyone!) Parade style drumming from Rio de Janeiro! We will be learning samba school rhythms on traditional Brazilian instruments. Learning includes call* response patterns and all the Brazilian “second-line” known as the “bateria!” (Caixas, Surdos, Tamborims, Agogo bells, and more!) This class will participate in a camp-wide parade! Bring your drum or use mine! **(End of the week includes instrument making). (We will learn about the Rio style form of Samba Drumming but also funk it up with some contemporary breaks, calls and arrangements borrowing from the globalization of music and our very own cultural exprssion of Carnaval, Mardi Gras.) AGES 12 AND UP

  • In the Caz Latin Ensemble we will explore musical styles from all over the Americas, North, South, and Central. We will decide upon a repertoire together and practice for a high energy performance! We will focus on the stylistic elements of music like Afro-Cuban Son, Bossa Nova, Argentine Tango and more!!! AGES 15 AND UP 15 (with exceptions for highly skilled younger musicians.)

  • Pandeiro: The Brazilian instrument - it's part tambourine, part frame drum, part shaker and it's magical! Beg-Int-Adv.
    Brazilian rhythms such as bossa nova, samba, choro, baiao, etc. etc. and beyond!!!! We will also bring in other Brazilian percussion instruments (tamborims and ganzás (shakers). A large part of this class focuses on the technique of the instrument and this year we will be listening as well as playing to music that influenced the evolution of the instrument. I will have extra pandeiros and other percussion for those who don’t have a drum. AGES 10 AND UP

Phil Worman

  • Phil Worman grew up in the woods of Northern Vermont, making and inventing from an early age, and has built everything from traditional mortise-and-tenon doors to a prototypical fiberglass and balsa core house to a gyroscope-powered model car. He was a founding member of the “Wiulld Nachur Club” (age 7), and went on to attend Harvard, become a master carpenter, and pursue lifelong interests in art, architecture, music, and theater. His whistling can be heard on the album “The Whistleaires: 101 Christmas Favorites, Volume 1,” and in the shower. He is currently working on a series of collaborations with artist Maya Kabat as part of the creative team “Pi”, and teaches set building at the Bay School of San Francisco.

  • The creek is our canvas, inspiration, and co-creator as we incorporate things that move—waterwheels, windmills, leaf-boats, and the like—with roads, bridges, buildings, and other sculptural creations. As we create a miniature city—Aquatopia—we will also discover the rich history of the Aquatopians—Stewards of the Stream. Budding and master artists, artisans, architects, adventurers, and Aquatopian city planners of all sizes are welcome! AGES: 6 AND UP

  • Come join us as we search for the Cazaderian descendants of the Icelandic “Huldufólk” or “Hidden People”. They are small and secretive, but they do often leave clues as to their whereabouts—you just have to know where to look. If (when?) we find their secret hideaway, we will gather natural materials to construct miniature summer houses for them—known to bring them happiness. Along the way we will discover known and newly unearthed Huldufólk history and stories. In the spirit of the Huldufólk, Eclectic Experimentation will be encouraged; Insane Ideas will be welcomed; and Freewheeling. AGES: 6 AND UP

  • In this class we will make instruments with both recycled and traditional natural materials and designs, relying heavily on the humble gourd as our muse and portal to a long, rich history. Gourds have been used for thousands of years to produce instruments of all kinds: idiophones (rattles, shekeres, guiros, mbiras, xylophones, and the like), membranophones (drums), chordophones (anything with plucked or bowed strings), and aerophones (horns, flutes, recorders, aeolian instruments powered by the wind, and more). Come join us at any level, from beginner to skilled craftsperson, and return home with a musical creation at once rooted in tradition and uniquely your own. AGES 10 AND UP

  • The Cazadero Whistling Choir: Enjoy the happiest sound in the world as we whistle our way through a simple classic—no prior performance-whistling experience required! ALL AGES

Kyle Blaze

Also teaching at Session B

  • Kyle Blaze is an accomplished multi-instrumentalist, singer, and educator with over 30 years of musical experience. Known for his soothing baritone voice, dynamic ukulele skills, and comedic stage presence, Blaze has captivated audiences at renowned venues like The Mountain Winery, Yoshi's, and Belly Up.
    Blaze earned his Bachelor’s degree in Music from San Francisco State University in 1999. His journey began with writing music, earning praise from mentors like Igor Korneitchouk, which solidified his decision to pursue music full-time. After graduating, he performed and toured in France with the Acid Jazz Orchestra "Buzart" as a guitarist, flutist, and vocalist.
    Blaze discovered the ukulele in 2010, captivated by its simplicity and versatility. Drawing on his Hawaiian and European heritage, he developed a unique style using chordal clusters and melodic techniques. He credits his studies with jazz guitar master Tru Born as pivotal to his growth as both a guitarist and ukulele player.
    Blaze also holds a Master’s degree in Education (2010) and a Multi-Subject Teaching Credential (2018). As a passionate educator, he divides his time between teaching and performing, emphasizing the importance of music, community, and family as the foundation of a meaningful life.

  • Gerry and co-teacher Kyle Blaze will take kids of various ages and skill levels and teach them how to work together as a group. Playing through various songs ranging through the history of rock the kids will learn how unity and cooperation can create something special. AGES 10 AND UP

  • In this hands-on ukulele course, students will focus on traditional chord progressions, vamps, and turnarounds while exploring the rich history and legends surrounding the ukulele. Several tunes will be introduced, with the goal of mastering at least one by the end of the term. Emphasizing maximum playing time, this course minimizes lectures to keep students actively engaged. Transpositions and additional challenges will be available for advanced players seeking to push their skills further. The ultimate goal is to equip each student with the tools and confidence to continue their ukulele journey independently. AGES 10 AND UP

Aleysha Wise-Hernandez

  • ALYESHA WISE is an award-winning poet and writer from Camden, N.J., who found poetry when watching a movie called "Poetic Justice." Currently residing in LA, she is the co-founder of Spoken Literature Art Movement and the Director of Programming for Street Poets, Inc., an organization mostly serving juvenile injustice-involved youth with mentorship and arts programming. Alyesha has been featured on platforms and in publications such as OWN TV, BET, LA Times, Bustle, Afropunk, PBS, Buzzfeed and more. Other collabs include the ACLU, The Shabazz Center, The Nantucket Project, Brave New Films and the Google Interstellar Project. Ron Howard once wrote about Alyesha's work, "Very Powerful."cription text goes here

  • For "What's your Purpose Poet" Students will be pushed to answer the questions why do we write and who or what do we write for? We'll explore classic and contemporary poets and how their work shapeds themselves and the world around them. Students can expect to study many forms of poetry including Exprastic, Contrapuntals and After poems. If you've been writing for years and want to sharpen your skills as a communicator on the page and stage this is the workshop for you. AGES 13 AND UP

  • We invite our youngest poetic voices to take part with family and friends alike. Poetry is all about being honest: "What's your favorite food?" "What's a moment you made yourself laugh out loud?" In this class there is no trivial place to write from. Students will explore the spaces where poetry may not always be the first to come to mind. With exercises in drawing, movement and of course writing, join this class meant for all ages and family and find out how poetry is everywhere and for everyone! AGES 6 AND UP

Kimberly Dooley

  • Kimberly Dooley has been directing, choreographing, teaching theater and working in arts producing and administration in the Bay Area for over 20 years, and is extremely passionate about music, dance and storytelling. She is a graduate of NYU's Tisch School of the Arts in the Experimental Theatre Wing. She is currently the Artistic Director at the Berkeley Playhouse, where she has directed and choreographed Once On This Island, Seussical, Mary Poppins, The Wiz, Lucky Duck, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Addams Family, Beauty and the Beast, Billy Elliot, Pippin, Grease, and Rent as well as several KidStage and TeenStage productions.

  • Work on musical theater solos and duets as you dive into your favorite characters from the music theater canon. We'll weave together a Cabaret style performance to be performed on Thursday night.

    We'll be working on character development, vocal technique, performance style and storytelling. All levels welcome. AGES: 13 AND UP

Jason Samuels Smith

  • Jason Samuels Smith is a rhythmic icon with accolades as Choreographer, Performer and Humanitarian. Recipient of an Emmy Award, Dance Magazine Award, American Choreography Award, Gregory Hines Humanitarian Award and an annual day in his honor. Credits include Outkast’s “Idlewild”; “Black Nativity”; Hit Series Psych; CBS’s Secret Talents of the Stars (MYA); “SYTYCD”; Dancing with The Stars; Dean Hargrove’s “Tap Heat” (co-star with Arthur Duncan); and Debbie Allen’s “Cool Women”. Stage Credits include Broadway’s Bring in Da’Noise, Bring in Da’Funk (principal/lead); Debbie Allen’s Soul Possessed (lead); andImagine Tap! (lead). Critically acclaimed collaboration spanning more than a decade with a Kathak Master was immortalized in the film “Upaj: Improvise”. Aside from his own projects, Smith has appeared as special guest with Grammy award artists Lalah Hathaway and Jennifer Halladay, in an internationally televised documentary on Fred Astaire and was featured in a spread with model Michelle Buswell in RED magazine (UK).

    Jason utilizes his art form as a vehicle for growth and impactful change. He directed and curated Tap programming for over 30 years including the L.A. Tap Festival, Tap Family Reunion, National Museum of Dance. His work has benefitted Dancers Responding to Aids, Tied to Greatness, Career Transitions for Dancers, Groove with Me, and Move The World among others. He designed and developed professional tap shoes and other products with BLOCH. Jason aims to promote respect for tap dance, creating opportunities for upcoming generations as he continues to travel as an ambassador for tap around the world.

  • When you Tap Dance, you can create a range of Sounds, and tones with your feet transforming your entire body into a musical instrument. In this class we will explore a range of Tap steps and vocabulary, listen and dance to various Jazz and Blues and explore our creative expression with improvisation circles.

  • If you can sing it you can dance it.
    In this class we will explore the idea of "Phrasing" learning about time steps and jazz standards. We will also introduce tap anthems like the Shim Sham shimmy and the B.S. chorus and of course we will improvise and start to develop our voice in the dance.

Jeremy Steinkoler

  • Jeremy has been playing drums professionally for over 30 years. He performs regularly with a wide range of musical projects, including his award-winning saxes & drums trio Mo’Fone (featured multiple times at the Monterey & SFJAZZ Festivals), Jean Fineberg & JAZZphoria, the Erika Oba Trio, Jennifer Jolly & Friends, the Bonafides, Sam Rudin, and various jazz players and singer/songwriters. He has recorded and performed with members of the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Dave Ellis, Kirk Joseph, Clarence Bucaro, Jenna Mammina, Mamadou Sidibe, Chelle & Friends, Flyover States, Featprints, Hot Links, Phatlip, Jenna & the Charmers, Guru Garage, Rachel Efron, Kevin Beadles, and many other artists. In addition to his busy performing schedule, Jeremy has been teaching a full roster of private students since 1993 and is the Founder/Director of the East Bay Drum School. Along with Steve Gibson, he is the Co-Founder/Co-Director of BandWorks, a rock band program for musicians of all ages serving over 1,200 students each year in the Bay Area. He is the author of Finding the Groove (Hudson Music), a critically acclaimed collection of essays on drumming, teaching and performing, and is a Co-Founder of the Drummers' Education Connection podcast.

  • The mighty Motown Band returns! This band is geared toward more advanced players looking for a more intensive ensemble experience. We’ll cover 2-3 classic songs from the Motown and Soul repertoire, focusing on groove, arrangement, presentation, and very tight ensemble playing. Horn players (trumpet, sax, trombone) strongly encouraged! Bring your instruments and amps. AGES: 14 AND UP

  • Always wanted to learn to play the drums? Curious to see if you can keep a beat? You can do both in Beginning Drum Set! We'll focus on a range of basic skills necessary to play the drums in a band setting, including 4-way coordination, fills, grooves, time, dynamics and much more. Class will work on practice pads and take turns on two drum kits. Each student will choose a groove or simple song to perform at the final concert with a backup band of Caz professionals. No experience necessary! Practice pads and sticks will be provided but bring your own if you want to practice outside of class. AGES: 13 AND UP

Brooke Wetzel

  • Lead Floral Designer and Founder of The Plum Dahlia Floral Studio in Los Angeles, Brooke Wetzel has been playing with flowers since she was a teenager. An accomplished professional photographer as a young teen, her natural talent and for composition and color theory made for a logical evolution to floral design. With a focus on seasonality and sustainability, Brooke is passionate about designing trend-forward, beautiful and thoughtful floral arrangements with the best of what is growing locally. Brooke's clients have included some of the most exciting creatives and public figures in Los Angeles including Courtney Love, makeup artist Sarah Tanno, Mayor Eric Garcetti and First Lady Amy Wakeland, Robbie Williams and at the 2024 Oscars Scientific and Technical Awards.

  • Using scavenged, dried and fresh botanicals, we will learn the basic elements of Floral Design - Balance, Flow, Form and Composition- to create a floral arrangements and fun floral wearables with a focus on skills that can be replicated away from camp. Perfect for first time designers! AGES: 12 AND UP

  • We will be creating a take home wreath from scavenged botanicals like twigs, moss, stones and branches with class provided dried botanicals. The class will build on the Elements of Floral Design with an added focus on wire work and creating "baubles" from our found and dried pieces. AGES: 16 AND UP

Jules Leyhe

  • Jules Leyhe is one of today’s great slide guitarists on the blues guitar scene. Leyhe has performed/ recorded alongside some of the industry’s heavyweights including Buddy Guy, Jimmie Vaughan, Chris Cain, Charlie Musselwhite, Fantastic Negrito and wyatt flores. Premier Guitar goes so far as to say “Leyhe plays the best blues slide licks since Derek Trucks, maybe even Duane Allman”. leyhe has worked with some of the biggest names in the business including the san francisco giants, oakland athletics, monster jam, pickup music, guitar player magazine, premier guitar magazine, vintage guitar magazine, sf jazz, bottlerock napa, blue note, salesforce, south by southwest and more. Leyhe is dedicated to carrying the blues torch passed to him from mentors like Buddy Guy and is always working to push the limits of what slide guitar and the blues has to offer.

  • This class will teach students how to play different styles of Blues guitar ranging from the Delta blues, Chicago blues, Texas Blues and more contemporary blues. AGES: 6 AND UP

  • Always wanted to learn to play the drums? Curious to see if you can keep a beat? You can do both in Beginning Drum Set! We'll focus on a range of basic skills necessary to play the drums in a band setting, including 4-way coordination, fills, grooves, time, dynamics and much more. Class will work on practice pads and take turns on two drum kits. Each student will choose a groove or simple song to perform at the final concert with a backup band of Caz professionals. No experience necessary! Practice pads and sticks will be provided but bring your own if you want to practice outside of class. AGES: 13 AND UP

Ella Weiss

Also teaching at Session B

  • Ella stumbled into technical theater on a dark stormy night many years ago.... In the past 4 years she has worked in a variety of backstage positions on 13 different shows while studying in the SRJC Theater dept and working in the scene shop building a variety of wacky sets. As you are reading this she will have earned an Associates in Theater Arts, a Certificate in Stage Management, Certificate in Stagecraft and will be transferring to finish a bachelor in her actual major.... Psychology. She is so excited to be the stage manager for camp this year as well as teach her first ever course and introduce others to the wonder of technical theater and the world of backstage.

  • Welcome to the wonderful world of backstage and technical theater! This class will be taught by the camps Stage Manager and will serve as both a introduction to Technical theater as a whole (there is very little I have not done) as well as hands on experience as we pull from this class to crew the variety of lovely entertainment that goes on through the week. If you desire to be onstage during any of the events, fear not! I highly encourage it and we will only pull class members who are available for each event. I am also hoping this class will be a resource to those who have prop or scenic needs and we can operate as low level stagecraft for anyone needing ideas or extra hands to help fully flesh out their theatrical skits. Stage Blacks are required for this class. All that means is you will need black clothing to wear backstage, preferably a long sleeved top/jacket and pants. I recommend whatever light layers you have so we don't have you overheating backstage. AGES: 14 AND UP

Lorca Hart

  • Lorca’s vision is to provide deepening creative musical experiences for himself and others. His career as both a performer and a teacher has been dedicated to the craft of drumming, Jazz tradition and history, and ensemble collaboration.

    Mr. Hart received his BFA from California Institute of the Arts in 1996. He was deeply inspired by teacher/mentors including Albert “Tootie” Heath, Joe La Barbera, Charlie Haden, Wadada Leo Smith, and many others. Lorca continues to be inspired by music education now as a faculty member for numerous musical education venues including Stanford Jazz Workshop, Mt. San Antonio College, SF Jazz and many other musical clinics and workshops. Lorca has performed in a vast array of musical situations, working with many of the West Coast’s (and beyond) finest artists including : Bobby Hutcherson, Ralph Moore, Carmen Lundy, Freddie Hubbard, Stanley Jordan, Craig Handy, Bennie Maupin, Azar Lawrence, Julian Lage, Hugh Masekela, Meklit, actor/musicians Jeff Goldblum and Peter Weller, Kyle Eastwood, Red Holloway, Plas Johnson, John Heard, Danny Grissett, Justo Almario, Phil Ranelin, Dave Pike, Don Menza, and many more.

  • This class will play music composed or arranged by the late great icon of American music who passed away last year.

    Geechi and I are excited to dive into and showcase some of the multiple musical genres that Q was able to touch with his magic! This is a double class period so be ready to do a lot of playing and improvising :) AGES: 15 AND UP (This is a two period class)

Jill Fjeldheim

  • Jill Fjeldheim has performed mime, clowning, and circus arts with the American Mime Theatre in NYC, Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus National Tour, her solo show in Nagasaki, Japan, and several seasons with her husband at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival’s Green Show. Jill also clowns in the disguise of a kindergarten teacher in the Oregon Public Schools. She is thrilled to return to Caz to hoop, stilt, and don the baggy pants!

  • Did you ever feel that there was a ridiculous character inside of you just dying to get out? Then this is the place for you! Through improvisation and creative play, we will create silly characters and wacky stories to perform at the Cazadero Clown and Circus Extravaganza. This is your big chance to run away and join the circus!!! AGES: 6 AND UP

  • Inside of each of us is a ridiculous character just waiting to come out! Join us in discovering and exploring who that might be... Using improv games and Clown exercises, we will uncover and reveal our inner Clowns and play in the land of make believe. There will be a small, Clown/improv showcase at the end. AGES: 16 AND UP

  • This is a class for all levels, though especially good for beginners. Students will learn to ground deeply, improve core confidence, spatial awareness and practice integration of body/mind through very fun circus activities such as juggling, plate-spinning, stilts, rolling globe, ribbons and more. Students collaborate and develop acts for the final evening's Circus Extravaganza! AGES: 6 AND UP

Matthew Hernandez

  • Matthew “Cuban” Hernandez is a poet, emcee, speaker, actor, and performance coach from Jacksonville, Florida. He has toured as far as Abu Dhabi and nearly every major city in the United States and Europe, performing, teaching and coaching poetry. A teaching artist for over 15 years, Matthew has spent the last ten years working in youth detention centers across Los Angeles County, currently serving as the Director of Camp Programming for Street Poets, Inc. In addition, he is a current Lead Teacher and Co-Founder of Spoken Literature Art Movement. Cuban has opened for artists such as Wu-Tang, performed for platforms such as BuzzFeed and NPR and even appeared on the award-winning television show, Better Things. Matthew is also a three time Southern Fried poetry slam champion and an award-winning poetry coach. Cuban’s favorite activity is making people feel great; sometimes he does this through hip hop and poetry.

  • For "The Art of getting to know yourself" students will gain a brief understanding of contemporary poetry and how to use their art to better understand and shape who they are becoming. Students can expect to write poetry using forms like Hip-hop, Odes and other methods to strengthen their vocabulary and love for poetry. If you're just finding your footing or want to improve your current understanding of your craft and voice, we can't wait to work with you! AGES: 10 AND UP

  • We invite our youngest poetic voices to take part with family and friends alike. Poetry is all about being honest: "What's your favorite food?" "What's a moment you made yourself laugh out loud?" In this class there is no trivial place to write from. Students will explore the spaces where poetry may not always be the first to come to mind. With exercises in drawing, movement and of course writing, join this class meant for all ages and family and find out how poetry is everywhere and for everyone! AGES 6 AND UP

Mims

  • Mims is an artist, abolitionist, and facilitator based in Los Angeles, CA. Her work spans across the disciplines of dance, advocacy, facilitation, curation, and direction. She experiences the body as a site of liberation and uses that information as a guide. In her ever evolving exploration of what it means to be in relationship with ourselves, each other, the land, and other species; her body is her first place of inquiry and practice. She is fascinated by questioning as a space of collective grappling and nuance, the work of interpersonal relationships as the foundation for healthy communities, the richness and sacredness of cultures around the world, and all the lessons and beauty of the non- human world.

  • Marooning Bodies is a card game that brings players together to build liberatory communities. The game facilitates players in collectively imagining decision- making processes, resource distribution, responses to harm, and community rituals and practices.

    In this dance workshop, participants will engage in movement-based game prompts designed to foster deeper connections with one another and expand their imagination for a shared future. AGES 12 AND UP

  • This class is designed to prepare dancers for a modern jazz dance showcase, blending elements of vernacular jazz dance, Dunham technique, and Horton technique. Throughout the course, students will build their skills in intricate footwork, dynamic isolations, and strong, grounded movements. The class emphasizes rhythm, expression, and athleticism while exploring the rich cultural roots of jazz dance. By the end of the session, dancers will work together to refine choreography, showcasing their technical abilities and creativity in a performance that celebrates the evolution of jazz dance.

Jennifer Altman

  • Jen Miriam Altman has spent the last 30 years working as a teacher, artist, puppeteer, and musician.  She has brought joy to kids and adults with her puppet shows, music classes, and community events. She has toured throughout California and Oregon performing puppetry and music with various bands including Octopretzel, Kid Kaleidoscope and the Sippy Cups.   And now she is bringing Joy to community celebrations as a DJ (after taking the DJ course at Cazadero!) . She also has a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology.  

  • In this class all ages are welcome for a deep dive into puppet making and performing.  Students will have the chance to make their own puppet, develop their character, learn puppeteering skills, interact with other puppets in the class with improv skits and then create an original show. ALL AGES.

  • In this Adults only puppet class, we will delve into the depths of our psyches to reveal the hidden voices within ourselves that are longing to emerge.  We will use various techniques of personal inquiry to uncover hidden parts of ourselves that would like to be heard and seen through the medium of puppetry.  Students will have the chance to make their own puppet and perform with them within the context of the group's safe space. This class is for ages 16 and up. 10 people maximum.