His passion for jazz took shape in school through jazz band and musical theater, where he discovered both the discipline and joy of collaborative music-making. Dillon went on to earn his Bachelor of Music from Mercyhurst University, where he continued to grow as both a performer and musician. In college, Dillon co-founded a jazz combo, The Monk’s Brew, performing in local coffee shops and community spaces, along with weddings and private events. While those early audiences were intimate, the impact was meaningful—playing over 100 shows, bringing people together through music and creating a sense of connection that continues to define his work today.

Dillon furthered his studies by earning a Master of Music from the University of Akron, deepening his understanding of jazz as both an art form and a shared experience. During this time, he expanded into festival and club performances, opportunities that helped shape his belief that music is most powerful when it fosters communication, creativity, and community.

Now based in Goodyear, Arizona, Dillon recorded his debut album, 1960, as a tribute to his roots and a dedication to his mother. The project reflects his commitment to storytelling through music and his appreciation for the rich legacy of Black American Music.

Today, Dillon brings that same spirit into his teaching. As a vocal jazz educator, he is passionate about helping students develop their voices, build confidence, and explore their own artistic identities. His approach emphasizes creativity, collaboration, and a deep respect for the history of jazz, while creating an inclusive and encouraging environment for young artists to grow.

For Dillon, music is more than performance—it’s a way to connect, to communicate, and to inspire.

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Joo has been teaching for over 25 years and currently holds faculty positions at ����ֱ�� (IAA) and the ����ֱ�� Program, as well as at Malibu High and Middle Schools. In the summers, she also joins the Montecito Music Festival in Thousand Oaks. She has been invited to give masterclasses in various cities and to serve as a judge for numerous competitions, including SYMF and ASTA. In her free time, Joo enjoys visiting national parks, hiking, and running. She received honors at Juilliard Preparatory, a BM from the New England Conservatory, and an MM from the University of Southern California. A proud alumna of IAA and the ����ֱ�� Program, Joo values the foundation they gave her as a young artist. Joo currently lives in South Pasadena with her family.

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As an educator, Hallie is passionate about helping young artists discover their creative voice, build confidence in their performance, and understand the balance between emotional truth and technical craft. She believes songwriting is both a deeply personal and profoundly communal act – one that connects people across backgrounds, cultures, and generations. Returning to ����ֱ�� more than a decade after graduating, Hallie now leads the Songwriting Program with the same sense of wonder and gratitude she once felt as a student – committed to ensuring that today’s young songwriters experience the same magic of belonging, discovery, and creative freedom that once changed her life.

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When not performing in musicals Leslie’s love of the intimacy of Cabaret has led her to develop several different Cabaret shows incorporating a unique blend and perspective of the music, the story, the artist and/or composer.

Leslie has been a private voice teacher for over 25 years sharing her knowledge, vocal technique, love and passion for Musical Theatre. She is also on faculty with Musical Theatre University at Rancho Mirage High School.

Biggest highlights in her life are husband Bryon, children Kellie and Zak and stepdaughter Tori

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