Music Faculty

Director - McLaughlin Theatre Community Orchestra & Musical Director for McLaughlin Theatre Company

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. Currently, he and his wife, Nancie, own and operate McLaughlin Studios. Greg currently teaches the McLaughlin Theatre Community Orchestra at McLaughlin Studios, in addition to serving as Musical Director for McLaughlin Theatre Company, and serves as the Sierra Arts Music Festival executive producer. Greg also has been an active woodwind performer, freelancing throughout the Sacramento region for the past thirty-five years. Versed in both classical and popular styles, McLaughlin has performed with many diverse ensembles. A brief sampling of his performing credentials include associations with Sierra Nevada Winds, Foothill Theater Company Orchestra; Nevada County Concert Band; Sacramento Master Singers Orchestra; Camellia Symphony Orchestra; Briefcase Blues Band; Christine Bonner, Ivan Najera, and Swing City!

Violin & Viola

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. She understands the importance of creating an engaging and enjoyable learning environment for students. Each week, Amanda is committed to making music education a fulfilling journey, incorporating elements of fun and challenge to keep students inspired and motivated. Amanda is excited about the prospect of sharing her expertise with your student. Her approach to teaching not only focuses on technical skills but also aims to foster a deep appreciation for the beauty of music. Your student can expect a supportive and enriching learning experience under Amanda's guidance, where the joy of learning and the love for music go hand in hand.

Director - Voice, Beginning Piano, Trumpet, French Horn, Bariton, Tuba

With over a decade of experience in both performance and education, Natalie is a passionate and dedicated music instructor specializing in French horn, piano, and vocal training. Holding a Bachelor's degree in Music from the University of Kansas with an emphasis on French horn performance, Natalie combines a solid academic foundation with practical experience to offer a well-rounded and enriching learning experience.

Having played the French horn for more than ten years and pursued extensive piano lessons for eight, Natalie brings a diverse musical background to their teaching practice. In addition to vocal direction for musicals and a decade of vocal training, Natalie integrates a deep understanding of music therapy into their lessons. This unique blend of skills and knowledge allows Natalie to create a therapeutic and supportive learning environment that fosters connection, comfort, and growth through music. 

Natalie is dedicated to using therapeutic techniques to enhance students' musical experiences, helping them build confidence, express themselves, and connect with the joy of music in a meaningful way. Whether you're looking to master an instrument, develop your vocal abilities, or explore the therapeutic benefits of music, Natalie offers personalized and compassionate instruction tailored to each student's needs and goals and hopes to help them find their voice (literally) or through their instruments. 

Drums, Percussion

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.

Clarinet, Saxophone, Recorder, Piano

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 n 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.

Cello

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

Guitar, Ukelele, Bass, Piano

Tyler has completed his A.A. in Music at Sierra College and his B.A. in Music at California State University, Sacramento. As a self taught musician, he appreciates the importance of education and lessons to enable students of all levels reach their goals. Tyler is kind, patient and enthusiastic with all of his students, and greets everyone he meets with a huge smile. He is quickly becoming a McLaughlin Studio favorite!

Trumpet, Flute, Saxophone

Hector Lange-Sanchez was born in Managua, Nicaragua and moved to Southern California in 2003 where he was raised. He began playing the trumpet in the 6th grade, and has dedicated most of his playing career to bettering his skills in trumpet, audition and winning positions in several local and regional honor bands as well as community orchestras, jazz bands, and concert bands.
Because of his education he was able to play across the country, most notably in Carnegie Hall with the University of the Pacific Symphonic Wind Ensemble. He was also able to travel to 7 countries in Europe, touring and performing around western Europe with the Southern California Ambassadors of Music. He was a part of the “Redlands Jazz Kids” organization for over 10 years where he learned to play jazz and even performed in a major competition in Disneyland, winning Sweepstakes with the group.
Now he is living in Northern California, starting out his career as a music educator and private music educator. He hopes to make a difference in students’ lives through the power of music which has given him so much.

Voice, Piano, Ukelele Music & Movement, Dance, Theatre

Hannah has loved music ever since she could speak. Ever since she stepped into the choir room in elementary school, she knew what she wanted to do with her life. She is a graduate from vocal performance and Music education at CSU Chico 2023 . Before transferring to Chico State in 2020, she studied music at Sierra college. She is part of the graduate program CSU Chico for Music, with over five years of classically training under her belt. She has also been acting and preforming since she was five years old starting at Rocklin community theare and doing it through her school years.  She also completed a minor of theatre at CSU Chico. Her favorite genres of music are broadway musicals, pop and classic rock. She loves to hangout with friends as well dancing, singing, acting  and performing during her free time.