MICHAEL SALAS
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
(he/him)
Michael Salas is a professional clarinetist, music administrator, and teacher based out of Los Angeles, California. He is an active performer with experience in orchestral music, chamber music, contemporary classical, opera, and musical theater. Currently, he serves as the Program Manager for The Harmony Project’s Musicianship Program. Michael has also served the LA Phil as a teaching artist, The Whittier Regional Symphony as a general manager and as CalArts’ orchestral manager. He has a true passion for equity in music, and believes that music should be accessible to and celebrated by all. Michael received his BM from the University of Hartford, Hartt School, having studied with Ayako Oshima-Neidich and his MFA from California Institute of the Arts, Herb Alpert School of Music, where he studied with Phil O’Connor and currently attends Claremont Graduate University in pursuit of his DMA with Dr. Margaret Thornhill. In his spare time Michael is an active beach-goer, a Disneyland passholder, and Power Rangers mega-fan. He of course enjoys spending time with his partner, friends, family and his yorkie Rocky.
CHRIS SMITH
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
(he/him)
Now in his 10th season with SCC, Chris Smith has had a broad musical career as a singer, vocal coach, and music director. His nearly 30 years of studying voice began at a young age, performing with the internationally acclaimed All-American Boys Chorus. He has since performed with symphonic and choral groups across Southern California, including the Pacific Symphony, the LA Philharmonic, and the LA Master Chorale. His theatrical performance credits include several roles with local community and regional theaters, as well as LA Opera and Opera Pacific. After graduating from the Cal State Long Beach music program, Chris returned to the All-American Boys Chorus were he served as a vocal coach and associate conductor. Chris continues to be a sought after vocalist and music director in the local community. In addition to his musical endeavors, Chris works in Entertainment for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.
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LUIS MOTA
PRINCIPAL ACCOMPANIST
(he/him)
Luis Mota is a piano accompanist based in Los Angeles, CA. He is currently a piano accompanist at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Hollywood. He studied piano under Andreas Werz at CSU Fresno, receiving a BA degree in music education in 2019 and a MA degree in piano performance in 2021. While in college, Luis was a very active member of the music department. Aside from focusing on classical piano, he dedicated lots of time to playing flute in the Symphony Orchestra, low brass in Marching Band, piano in the Jazz Ensemble, and other ensembles. While in Fresno, he worked as a piano lessons instructor, choral piano accompanist in Fresno Unified School District, and as a freelance pianist/keyboardist involved in Musical Theatre ensembles. Some of his past shows include “RENT”, “La Cage aux Folles”, and others. Luis just recently moved to Los Angeles, and is very excited for this new chapter of his life living in a large city for the first time and growing his career. He is very happy to be actively involved in the LGBTQ community and looking forward to his time with SCC and new opportunities.