Music Department Faculty
Dr. Walter Carr, D.M.A., Ethnomusicology (Jazz, Rock, Folk) / Woodwinds / Distance Learning
Cherise Da Cunha, M.M., Piano
Dana Green, M.S.T., Aural Skills / Music Theory
Julianne R. Johnson-Weiss, B.F.A. , Choral Director (Sylvania), Voice , Jazz History, Jazz Studies
Judy Cervetto Hedberg, M.A., Music Appreciation, Rock, Fundamentals, Music History Distance Learning
Joelle Schaal, M.M., Aural Skills / Music Theory
- Cherise Ann da Cunha, NCTM
Cherise Ann da Cunha received a Bachelor of Music degree with a major in Piano Performance, and a Master of Music degree with a major in Piano Pedagogy from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth. Miss da Cunha began her piano studies in Bombay, India, following the curriculum of the Trinity College of Music, London, under the instruction of Mrs. Ivy Fernandes. Upon her immigration to the United States she continued her piano instruction with Mr. John Owings, first at Indiana University at South Bend (IUSB) and subsequently at Texas Christian University (TCU). Miss da Cunha completed her Masters degree in Piano Pedagogy under the instruction Mrs. Leanne Kirkham. Her graduate assistantship duties included teaching and assisting in Class Piano for college music majors as well as Functional Piano for college piano majors.
Miss da Cunha has performed frequently at IUSB as well as TCU. In addition she has collaborated with other artists here in the US and Canada, as well as in India and England. She has been a prizewinner in TCU Gary Martin Piano Competition and winner of the IUSB Concerto Competition. A Nationally Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM), Miss da Cunha is a member of Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), Oregon Music Teachers Association (OMTA), and Early Childhood Music and Movement Association (ECMMA).
Besides her teaching positions in Texas and Indiana, Miss da Cunha served on the piano faculty at North Central College and William Rainey Harper College in Illinois, and was local facilitator for Chicagoland SPELLS, a non-profit piano advocacy organization. Most recently Miss da Cunha served on the piano faculty at Pacific University in Forest Grove for five years. She is an adjudicator for OMTA Syllabus Examinations, and also serves on the OMTA Syllabus Committee at both State and Local levels. In addition to maintaining a full home teaching studio Miss da Cunha has been the Class Piano professor at Portland Community College’s Sylvania Campus since 2002.
- Robert Izzett, M.M., Symphonic Band Director
- Robert Izzett begins his fourth year as conductor of the PCC Symphonic Band. Mr. Izzett also teaches band full time in Vernonia School District. He received his Bachelor of Music Education from Warner Pacific College in Portland, Oregon, and his Masters of Music in Conducting from the American Band College of Southern Oregon University in Ashland, Oregon. Mr. Izzett has also served as featured trombonist and section leader in the 234th Army Band in Portland, Oregon, and now is a member of the 204th Army Band in Vancouver, Washington where he serves as the enlisted rehearsal conductor.
- John Mery, M.M., Program Director
- Music Theory / Guitar Studies
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John Mery was born in Santiago, Chile, grew up in the U.S. and has lived and studied music in Spain, Italy and France. John began playing the guitar at an early age and, like most guitar players, was originally interested in rock and other popular styles. He discovered the classical guitar after his family moved to Spain when he was eleven; it greatly inspired him. Upon returning to the U.S. he dedicated himself to the study of classical guitar; he became completely absorbed in pushing the boundaries of his abilities in music. His skills earned him a scholarship to the prestigious guitar program at the University of Arizona where he went on to receive a master’s degree in guitar performance. During his time as a student, John was awarded a number of prizes in guitar competitions and was invited to perform in master classes held by some of the world’s top guitarists, including David Russell, Abel Carlevaro, Oscar Ghilia and Christopher Parkening.
John has performed as a soloist and in ensembles across the U.S., in Europe, and in South America. His performances have been featured on television and radio and he has been featured as soloist and ensemble member in numerous recordings produced in the Pacific Northwest including his own 2008 release “John C. Mery – Solo Guitar”.
He moved to Portland, OR in 1999, where he became head of the music program at PCC. Since then, he has become a regular member of the Northwest music scene as he continues to perform in a wide variety of genres and styles. He is also a member of the new tango quintet “Tango Pacifico” which specializes in the music of Astor Piazzolla. John’s other passions include gourmet cooking and traveling (he speaks a number of languages fluently). He also shares his time and talent with his wife and two children.
- Jesse McCann, M.M.
Guitar / Music Appreciation- Jesse McCann is an award-winning classical guitarist based in Portland, Oregon. He made his debut at age 17 on the gulf coast of Mississippi, winning first place in a number of local and regional guitar competitions. He studied with Miroslav Loncar and Natasha Klasinc. Upon receiving his Bachelor of Music, he relocated to Portland in 2002. Soon thereafter, he enrolled at Portland State University where he received a Master of Music under the direction of renowned composer, Bryan Johanson. In addition to being a top prize solo guitarist, he has led two award-winning guitar trios and is currently a member of the Oregon Guitar Quartet. He has also had the privilege of studying with some of the world’s leading guitarists and composers including Dusan Bogdanovic, Denis Azabagic, Jason Vieux, and David Tanenbaum. Jesse is currently on staff for PSU and PCC’s music faculty. He performs and teaches in the region as well.
Peter Zisa, M.M., Guitar Studies / Music Theory