“Music is the shorthand of emotion.” - Leo Tolstoy

Our Conductors

Matthew Sadowski, DMA - Music Director & Conductor

Dr. Matthew Sadowski, originally from Brighton, Michigan, has served as Director of Bands at the University of California, Berkeley since 2018. In this capacity, he directs and conducts the marching band and wind ensemble in addition to serving on the Music Department's undergraduate committee and advising student-conductors and composers. He holds conducting degrees from the University of Georgia (DMA 2018) and Ithaca College (MM 2015) and a music education degree from Michigan State University (BM 2007). His principal conducting teachers include Cynthia Johnston Turner and Stephen Peterson. Sadowski has taught up and down the US West Coast, first directing high school band programs in Newport and Beaverton, Oregon and Federal Way, Washington from 2008-2013 before eventually arriving in California. While living in the Pacific Northwest, Sadowski performed on euphonium with the Southwest Washington Wind Symphony and served as Vice President of the Northwest Association for the Performing Arts. From 2014-2018, he taught conducting and music theory courses at the Ithaca College Summer Music Academy. Sadowski, a Walnut Creek resident, is excited and honored to accept directorship of the Walnut Creek Concert Band following the retirement of longtime director Harvey Benstein.

Edwin Cordoba, M.M.Ed. - Assistant Conductor

Edwin Cordoba is the Director of Instrumental Music at Acalanes High School in Lafayette, CA. He teaches 2 wind ensembles, a full and string orchestra, a jazz ensemble, AP Music Theory, chamber music, and directs the musical pit orchestra. Previously, he taught at Amador Valley High School (Pleasanton, CA) and Americas High School (El Paso, TX). His ensembles have consistently earned top honors at festivals, and many of his students have been selected for TMEA and CBDA All-State groups. He holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Music Education from the University of Texas at El Paso. He is a member of CMEA, NAfME, CBDA, CODA and TMAA.

As a performer, he currently holds the solo tenor horn position with the San Francisco Brass Band and has previously held posts playing tenor trombone with the Juarez Symphony, the El Paso Wind Symphony and a salsa group “Sobredosis Del Sabor.”

Harvey Benstein - Conductor Emeritus

Conducting Bands and Orchestras, Harvey Benstein brings a wealth of experience and artistry to the podium. His musical interpretations and artistic conducting style have won the praises of composers, conductors, musicians and audiences alike. Ensembles under his direction demonstrate a wide range of musical styles, sensitive musicianship, and ensemble clarity, creating innovative and eclectic programs.

Locally Benstein has been the Music Director and Conductor of the Contra Costa Chamber Orchestra and Music Director and Conductor of the Walnut Creek Concert Band. His teaching career spans over 40 years, teaching on the faculties of The Ohio State University (OH), McNeese State University (LA), and Butler University (IN). His secondary school teaching experience began in his home state of Michigan and culminated at Campolindo High School in Moraga, CA. He is in demand as a guest conductor and clinician throughout the United States, working with professional, collegiate, amateur and student ensembles.

Harvey Benstein retired March 2023 after 25 years with the Walnut Creek Concert Band.

Our Band Staff

Jason Davis

Band Manager and Bassoon Section Leader

Jason Davis is a bassoonist and contrabassoonist based in Walnut Creek. He has performed with ensembles in California, New York, and Florida, including the San Francisco Civic Symphony, Brooklyn Wind Symphony, and the Florida Wind Band, and served as Principal Bassoon of the Encore Orchestra at Walt Disney World from 2004 to 2015. His credits include orchestral appearances with The Phantom of the Opera National Tour, Supertramp, Indigo Girls, and Mannheim Steamroller. When not performing or managing the Band, he is Senior Director of Marketing and Integrated Media at the Exploratorium in San Francisco.

Shannon Valdez

Bookkeeper and Trumpet Section Leader

Annette Ventura

Librarian and Flute Player

Music has always been an important part of my life, and playing my flute with the Walnut Creek Concert Band has been a fabulous experience. Like many musicians, I learned to play my instrument at my elementary school. Along life’s path, I played at school, in a 4-H band, in an American Legion band, and with my church choir, before finding WCCB. I studied to be a Chemical Engineer at The Ohio State University, but changed careers after having a family to work in education part-time until retirement in 2025.

Our Board of Directors

On September 1, 1999 the Band became a California public benefit corporation and on April 19, 2000 was determined a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, ID #68-0447227. CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE BAND ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE as provided in Section 170 of the Internal Revenue Code. Your donation is even more valuable if you are eligible for a matching gift program.

Sara C. Stafford

President and Piccolo/Flute Section Leader

Sara has been a musician for 37 years and credits her love of music to her mother and thanks to her for buying that plastic recorder when she was a third-grader. Sara is the Director of Music and Stagecraft at Alhambra High School in Martinez.

Jeremy Jones

Treasurer and Flute Player

Jeremy has been a musician for 24 years starting on alto saxophone and transitioning to flute many years later. His love for music has led him to meet so many amazing people with great stories to share. Throughout the years, music has been a comfort when challenged with the complexities of life, and to share that comfort and joy with others made it all the better. Jeremy is Senior Customer Outreach Specialist with PG&E.

Maura Freiermuth (Headshot Coming Soon)

Secretary and Trumpet Player

Maura has been a member of WCCB trumpet section since spring 2025 and looks forward to many seasons yet to come.

Michele Thompson

Director and Flute Player

Music has been an essential part of my life from my earliest childhood from singing to playing various musical instruments.  After many years as a solo pianist I started playing the flute which allowed me to join the band. It’s been an incredible exposure to a wide range of music and performance venues. Best of all it has allowed me to work with gifted musicians and creating excellent musical experiences for the community I live in.

Loren Kayfetz

Director and Piccolo/Flute Player

When Loren Kayfetz was just 6 years old, like many children, he was sent to take piano lessons. At 11, he started to play flute and eventually piccolo as well. That was over 55 years ago. A graduate of the Interlochen Arts Academy, he has played in many orchestras and bands over the years as an amateur and semiprofessional. He retired as an Investment Advisor after 42 years. Currently, Loren plays with the WCCB and Danville Community Band. Past president of the WCCB Board, he and his wife, Pat Pannell, live in Clayton.

Jan Schmedinghoff

Director and Clarinet Player

My musical journey began thousands of miles away and many, many years ago when I befriended a girl who played clarinet in the school band. When it came time for me to take up an instrument, I wanted to be just like her, so I chose the clarinet too! I’ve played in bands all through my schooling, including college. Even after marriage and children I’ve kept at it, because to me, music is life and I can’t live without it. I’ll always be grateful that I found this lifelong passion playing the clarinet!

Jason Fernandes

Director and Euphonium Player

Jason grew up in Clayton making music for as long as he can remember — starting piano at age 5, picking up trumpet, and finding his home on euphonium. A former CVCHS Drum Major and Cal Band alum, he has performed in venues ranging from the Great Wall of China to Levi’s Stadium Super Bowl halftime show. Jason is grateful to his parents and grandma for supporting his musical journey, and joining the Walnut Creek Concert Band feels like coming full circle, returning to the performances he grew up watching.

Jessica Newcomb (Headshot Coming Soon)

Director and Horn Player

Jessica has been a musician for over 30 years. Starting with the flute and playing the fife in a Fife & Drum Corp for 12 years, she later learned the French horn in high school. She has played in various community ensembles, band and orchestras and is grateful to be a part of the WCCB. Playing music has created wonderful connections and continues to bring joy and inspiration. Jessica works as a nurse anesthetist.