Director – Mr. Steven Acciani
Steven Acciani is the director of instrumental music and the coordinator of the Performing Arts Academy at Diamond Bar High School, in Diamond Bar, California After graduating from California State University, Fullerton with a BA and Teaching Credential in Music Education, he began his career
in the Walnut Valley School District, opening South Pointe Middle School in 1989 with 17 band students. Six years later, he had grown his program to over 600 students, a number that he has maintained in his role as director at Diamond Bar High School. His students consistently receive the highest ratings at music festivals and solo/ensemble competitions setting state records for numbers of students accepted into regional and state honor groups.. Many students who have come through either South Pointe Middle School or Diamond Bar High School have received music scholarships to nationally known Conservatories and Universities and win national and international music competitions. Diamond Bar High School has also been named twice as a Grammy Signature School.
Steven Acciani is the director of instrumental music and the coordinator of the Performing Arts Academy at Diamond Bar High School, in Diamond Bar, California After graduating from California State University, Fullerton with a BA and Teaching Credential in Music Education, he began his career
In 1999, Mr. Acciani was chosen as one of three Teachers of the Year for Los Angeles County, and was a finalist for California State Teacher of the Year. He was honored by NBC with a “Golden Apple” for his work with students, and was invited to participate in “Unsung Heroes Week”. Mr. Acciani is a former Vice President for High School and Junior High School Honor Groups in the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association. He also spent 10 years as the SCSBOA liaison for the California Band Director’s Association, and is an active clinician in the Southern California area. In 2001 he was awarded a Masters Degree in Education Administration from Azusa Pacific University.
Founder/Conductor – Ms. Joanna Lo
Ms. Joanna Lo received her Master of Music from The Royal Academy of Music, in London, U.K., in 1984. She majored in Pipe Organ and Church Music. She completed the requirements for the California Teaching Credential, Pedagogy and Certificate of Music Therapy and Special Music Education from the University of California, Los Angeles in 1988.
Ms. Joanna Lo received her Master of Music from The Royal Academy of Music, in London, U.K., in 1984. She majored in Pipe Organ and Church Music. She completed the requirements for the California Teaching Credential, Pedagogy and Certificate of Music Therapy and Special Music Education from the University of California, Los Angeles in 1988.
Ms. Lo’s professional affiliations include: The American Music Therapist Association, Handbell Musicians of America, American College of Musicians (Hall of Fame), National Guild of Organ/Piano Teacher, Music Teacher Association of California, Diamond Bar Performing Arts Competition, California Music Educators Association, and National Education Association.