Greg McLaughlin is Chair of the Music Department and serves as Director of Instrumental Music Activities at Sierra College. Greg holds degrees in flute performance from CSU-Sacramento (BM, 1983, MA, 1994). He has served on the faculty at Sierra College since 1991, primarily as Director of Jazz and Instrumental Studies. He has instructed many performing groups including the Jazz Ensemble and the award-winning vocal group, the Sierra College Jazz Voices. As a dedicated educator, Greg has been a private instructor in the Sacramento area since 1976.

Elizabeth holds a B.M. in clarinet performance from CSU Northridge and M.M. degrees in clarinet performance. She has performed with Raleigh Symphony, North Carolina Theater, National Opera, Gold Coutry Chamber, California Winds Music in the Mountains, and Apollo Orchestras. She has served on the faculties of North Caroina Wesleyan, Meredith College, and Sierra College. She is currently a member of ClariSonix Quartet, Scramento Choral Society & Orchestra, and InConcert Sierra.

Amanda is a seasoned violinist with a 25-year journey in playing the violin. Her rich musical experience includes being the principal violinist for the McLaughlin Community Orchestra, showcasing her exceptional talent and dedication. Throughout her musical career, Amanda has actively participated in various community orchestras, contributing her passion for music to a broader audience. With a profound belief that music education should be a delightful, challenging, and uplifting experience, Amanda brings a unique perspective to teaching.

Professional musician Phillip DeTore is a reputable drummer in Northern California. He currently balances a busy performing schedule with various jazz projects including trios and big bands while continuing his dedication to music education through private instruction in the Placer County area. For the past five years, Phillip has also taught percussion for both Horizon and Vision Charter Schools.

Norma received her PharmD from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy. She is an accomplished cellist, performing with multiple groups including the Bakersfield Symphony, Musica da Camera Chamber Orchestra, Bakersfield Music Theatre Orchestra, Auburn and Folsom Symphonies and many community groups throughout the years. Norma has several years of experience teaching private lessons in cello performance as well as coaching string ensembles. She loves watching her students succeed and enjoys sharing the joy of music with others

Mike started playing guitar the 4th grade and added trumpet by 6th grade. In high school, Mike played in bands in the Los Angeles music venues circuit  and studio recording for a pop-punk band in the late 80s. Mike completed a BA in Archeology at Sac State, but studied classical guitar and Lute simultaneously. In 2002 he started the Surf Rock Instrumental band and played all over Northern California to through 2004. In addition, Mike played continuo on Baroque Archlute in Sacramento Baroque Soloists from 2010-2012, the Renaissance Lute for Movies and Television parts 2012-2014, and Jazz guitar at Sierra College 2013-2025. He is currently playing in the Sierra College Jazz Combo and the MTCO Orchestra on double bass. He has six years of teaching experience and loves to share the gift of music with his students.

Rich Welker has played the trumpet professionally and in community organizations for over fifty years. He started playing the trumpet in high school. During high school, Rich began working at Bronstein Music in South San Francisco and continued working there through college. He holds a BS degree in biology with an emphasis in environmental physiology from the University of San Francisco. After graduation, he became the manager of Bronstein Music and purchased the business in 1981. Working in the music business has given Rich a multitude of opportunities. He has had the opportunity to work and play professionally with Burt Bacharach, Smokey Robinson, Merv Griffin, Jimmy Buffet, Zak Brown, Kurt Elling, and in innumerable musicals.

After selling the store to a long-time employee, Rich and his wife retired to Auburn. He joined the Sierra College Symphonic and Jazz bands, and continues to perform professionally in a number of local community musicals.

James Budean has been surrounded by music his entire life. He began his music career by sitting at the piano with his eldest sister, making up melodies while she played. He eventually began his own formal entry into music by taking up the euphonium in 5th Grade Band. He continued with euphonium and added the trombone while in high school at Granite Bay, playing in the Emerald Brigade Marching Band, the Concert Band, and the Jazz Ensemble. With Granite Bay High School, he had the opportunity to participate in festivals at Sonoma State University, and the Pacific Basin Music Festival in Hawaii. He now attends Sierra College where he has played in the Jazz Ensemble and continues to play in their Symphonic Band. He also plays for his church orchestra and sings and plays in a variety of choirs and ensembles. James volunteers in an accompaniment orchestra for the Muntean School of Music Orchestra and Trinity Christian School, for their Christmas and Easter musical productions. He also enjoys the opportunity to teach and give lessons to young brass students here at McLaughlin Studios.

Caleb is the Board President and Assistant Choir Director for the Legacy Community Choir in Lincoln. He loves to sing in different choirs as it’s the best way to make new friends and experience music in new ways. He iscurrently in two choirs: the Legacy Community Choir and the Sierra College Vocal Jazz Ensemble. Caleb has been playing piano since he was 10. He plays individually, while occasionally accompanying singers or other instrumentalists. He loves playing his saxophone in the Jazz band at Sierra College. Caleb wishes every musician, young and old, to pursue their passions and remember what makes them enjoy music.

John began his musical journey at the age of five, studying piano through the Yamaha Institute of Music in Fresno, California. At nine, he began private violin lessons with Claudia Shiuh, principal violist of the Fresno Philharmonic. His teaching career started in high school with a part-time position that soon grew into a lasting professional path. John earned his B.A. in Violin Performance from UC Davis, where he also taught violin through the Experimental College. He has since taught at the Young Artists Conservatory of Music, Sacramento School of Music, and Natomas Music Square. As a performer, he has served as concertmaster of the CODA Symphony Orchestra, UC Davis Symphony Orchestra, and UC Davis Summer Symphony, and has also performed as a substitute with the Sacramento Philharmonic. In addition to his music career, John recently completed his Master’s in Elementary Education and currently teaches third grade in the Twin Rivers Unified School District.