NOTE: Sectional Coaches are available for private lessons - please contact them directly

Sectional Coaches

Flute

Isabella Grimes

https://isabellagrimes.mymusicstaff.com/

grimesisabella@gmail.com

Isabella received a Bachelor of Music degree in Flute Performance from Sonoma State University, where she was the winner of the 2021 Sonoma State University Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition. While there, she served as the principal flutist of both the Symphonic Winds Ensemble and the Symphony Orchestra. Isabella is currently pursuing her Masters in Music in Flute Performance at San Jose State University under the tutelage of Dr. Ray Furuta. Her current engagements include residency as principal flutist in San Jose State University’s Wind Ensemble and Symphony Orchestra.

In addition, Isabella is a graduate teaching associate at SJSU where she teaches Woodwind Fundamentals as well as Music Appreciation, a job through which she is able to channel her passion for education. In addition to teaching on campus, she is an active flute teacher off campus in the San Jose area and maintains a growing private flute studio. She is a proud active member in the Music Teacher's Association of California. 

Part of the music making process is having a sense of joy and pride, and Isabella understands the importance of this for development in all ages. As such, her goal for her students is not only to make sure that they are well-rounded musicians in a technical sense, but also that they continue to develop a love for music as well, which is one of her favorite things to help students mature.

Percussion

Niles Flynn

nilesflynn@gmail.com

Niles Flynn graduated Cum Laude from San Jose State University, College of Music and Dance with a degree in Music Education and Percussion Performance. He has been a fellow at the Colorado College Summer Music Festival for two consecutive years alongside John Kinzie and Aiyun Huang. Niles has work with many great music educators: Jake Nissly (San Francisco Symphony), Galen Lemmon (Symphony San Jose), and Bryce Leafman (San Francisco Symphony). Niles has performed regularly with many groups around the Bay Area such as Cambrian Symphony, Children’s Music Theatre, Blue Devils Entertainment, Mission Chamber Orchestra, Master Sinfonia Chamber Orchestra, and many others. Niles teaches privately and with percussion groups and after school ensembles. Niles aims to continue to build a career performing and educating while inspiring those around him to seek out the beauty, truth, and joy in music.

Trombone

Miguel Ledezma

ledezmamiguel88@gmail.com

Miguel Ledezma is a dedicated music educator and accomplished trombonist with deep roots in public music education. He began his musical studies in 2006 at Castillero Middle School in San Jose, California, where he first picked up the trombone - a passion that continues to define his career. Throughout his formative years, Miguel regularly represented his schools in honor bands, earning recognition for his musicianship and leadership.

He holds an Associate of Arts in Music and an Associate of Arts for Transfer in Music from West Valley College. Miguel went on to earn both a Bachelor of Music Education with an emphasis in instrumental music and a Master of Arts in Teaching in Music Education from the University of Puget Sound.

During his time at Puget Sound, he served as principal trombonist for the University Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, Trombone Choir, and Jazz Band. Beyond campus, he held principal positions with the Seattle Philharmonic and Philharmonia Northwest, performed in the premiere of Winghaven Park on Vashon Island, served as assistant conductor with the Rainier Symphony, and worked as the trombone coach for the Bellevue Youth Symphony.

After completing his graduate studies, Miguel returned to San Jose to begin his teaching career as Director of Bands at LeyVa Middle School. In addition to his work in education, he remains an active performer throughout the Bay Area. He currently serves as principal trombonist and assistant conductor of the South Valley Symphony, principal trombonist of the Pacific Brass Band, and performs with numerous regional ensembles, including the Cambrian Symphony, Mission Chamber Orchestra, San Francisco Brass Band, Woodside Village Band, and Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra. He is also a frequent performer with local theater companies such as West Valley Light Opera, Sunnyvale Community Players, Palo Alto Players, South Bay Musical Theatre, Lyric Theatre, and South Valley Civic Theatre.

While Miguel is widely recognized for his performance career, his true passion lies in music education. His philosophy centers on community-building, collaboration, and the transformative power of music in students’ lives. He is committed to fostering inclusive, supportive environments where young musicians not only develop their technical skills but also form lasting friendships and a strong sense of belonging. By integrating a broad range of musical genres and cultural influences into his teaching, Miguel prepares students to thrive in an increasingly diverse and dynamic musical landscape.