Conductor/Music Director
Joey Fortino has been the Band Director at Gilroy High School since 1997. During this time he has doubled the size of the band program, established auditioned groups such as the Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band A, and achieved a new level of excellence for the program in statewide competitions as well as the California Music Educators Association events. Mr. Fortino has a B.A. in music from San Jose State University, and has performed with the University’s orchestra and band, the Nova Vista Symphony, the Forte Brass Quintet, and the Central Coast Sax Quartet. He is committed to fostering a larger, more balanced musical community in the South County area. Mr. Fortino may be assisted by guest conductors or sectional coaches as needed during the year.


Strings/Outreach Director
Lori Franke received a B.A. in Elementary Education from Brigham Young University with a double minor in Music and German. She is currently Artist-In-Residence at Antonio del Buono Elementary School in Gilroy, as well as string teacher at Gavilan Hills Academy. She also maintains a private violin studio, the South Valley Suzuki Strings Academy. Ms. Franke has performed with the Disneyland Candlelight Orchestra, the Moonlight Amphitheater Orchestra, the Irvine Symphony, and the South Valley Symphony.



Board of Directors

Robin Ahmadkhani, Director
Cory Bergen, Director
Rosalie Bruning, President
Michael Garber, Treasurer
Kathleen Masner, Director
Rosa McCann, Secretary
Lori Rees, Director


Other Staff

MA Bowe, Bookkeeper
Bill Flodberg, Fund Development Officer