Meet Our Music Educators

AIDAN ALBANO-BACHTELL - Bubbling Wells Elementary, Desert Hot Springs, CA

Aidan Albano-Bachtell’s musical journey began somewhat serendipitously when he was initially reluctant to join his school band. However, with his mother’s clarinet in hand, he soon developed a profound appreciation for ensemble performance. This burgeoning passion for music and education led him to pursue a career as a music teacher.

Aidan earned his Bachelor of Music Education from VanderCook College of Music, where he mastered over twenty instruments. He began his teaching career at John L. Marsh Elementary School on the southeast side of Chicago, where he taught for two years before relocating to California.

Since joining Bubbling Wells Elementary in Desert Hot Springs, Aidan has been dedicated to the philosophy that music is a language and should be taught as such. Over his eight years at Bubbling Wells, he has significantly expanded the music program to include a range of rock band instruments and various after-school programs.

In recognition of his contributions, Aidan was honored with the 2024-2025 Bubbling Wells Teacher of the Year award. He is thrilled and privileged to be a part of the Adopt the Arts program.

ALAN PERREGO - Agua Caliente Elementary School, Cathedral City, CA

Originally from Pennsylvania, Alan pursued his musical education with dedication, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from Mansfield University and a Master of Music degree from the Manhattan School of Music. In 1998, Alan relocated to California to join the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band, where he had the privilege of performing internationally, further honing his skills, and expanding his musical horizons.

Following his service in the Marines, Alan transitioned to a career in education, dedicating twelve years to teaching middle school music in Long Beach. His commitment to music education and passion for inspiring young musicians led him to the Coachella Valley, where he currently teaches at Agua Caliente Elementary School.

Outside of his professional responsibilities, Alan enjoys a fulfilling personal life. He cherishes time spent with his two children, Samantha and Ryan. Additionally, Alan is an active participant in the local music community, performing on the horn with various musical groups and engaging in mountain biking. His diverse interests and experiences enrich both his teaching and personal life, reflecting his dedication to both music and community.

DANA ZAHLER - Della S. Lindley Elementary School, Thousand Palms, CA

Dana Zahler began her musical journey at the age of three, performing in choirs and developing a passion for Choral Music Education. Driven by a desire for greater rigor and vision in choral instruction, she pursued a career in this field, earning her BA from Whitworth University and her MA from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota. During her time in the Twin Cities, Dana had the unique opportunity to observe Prince rehearse and perform at Paisley Park Studios over 30 times.

With a distinguished 25-year career as a middle and high school choir director across Washington, Minnesota, and Hawaii, Dana transitioned to teaching elementary music at Della Lindley Elementary in the Coachella Valley in 2018. Over the past six years, she has dedicated herself to creating enriching musical experiences for her students, offering both in-class instruction and extracurricular opportunities, including choir, drums, and piano groups.

Dana was honored as Della Lindley Teacher of the Year for the 2024-2025 academic year and was recognized as Palm Springs District Teacher of the Year for the 2021-2022 school year. She is enthusiastic about her involvement with the Adopt the Arts program and looks forward to further contributing to the community.

MICHAEL FERGON, Vista Del Monte Elementary School, Palm Springs, CA

Michael Fergon, a dedicated educator with 33 years of experience in music education, considers himself a “Desert Rat” and is proud to have made significant contributions to the Palm Springs Unified School District over the course of his career. His musical journey began at the College of the Desert, where he was inspired by his piano teacher to pursue higher education in music. Following this encouragement, Michael earned a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the University of Redlands and a Master’s degree from Cal State San Bernardino.

Mr. Fergon is deeply appreciative of the opportunity to pass on his passion for music, a legacy he received from his own piano teacher. In his classroom, he fosters a dynamic and engaging environment through a variety of activities, including fast-paced music exercises, singing, musical games, and interactive instruments. His innovative approach also includes positive reinforcement strategies, such as prizes, limbo, and hot potato, to create an enjoyable and motivating learning atmosphere.

Among his many accomplishments, Mr. Fergon has written two original school musicals, organized numerous winter and talent shows, and even chaperoned a group of one hundred first graders to see “The Phantom of the Opera.” Beyond his professional life, he enjoys playing piano, exercising, listening to 80s music, and producing videos for the Vista del Monte Morning Show. Mr. Fergon’s extensive experience and enthusiasm for music continue to inspire and enrich the lives of his students.

Michael has been recognized as “Teacher of the Year” in 1994, 2008 and 2021 and was honored as the District Teacher of the Year in 2010 for PSUSD.

MOLLY SHELBY - Rosewood STEM Magnet Elementary School, Los Angeles, CA

Molly Shelby grew up in a musical family, with music being a central part of her life from a young age. She began playing the piano at five years old and was actively involved in musical theatre during her middle and high school years. Thanks to school-based music programs, she had the opportunity to sing at Carnegie Hall. Her high school music teacher encouraged her to pursue further studies at Berklee College of Music in Boston, where she majored in vocal performance.

Teaching music to children is Ms. Molly’s greatest passion, and through Adopt the Arts, she has found her true calling in music education and has played an integral role in developing the foundation’s curriculum. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, who is also a musician and handles sound production for her Adopt the Arts school concerts.

JERRY R. SORIA-FROST

Jerry R. Soria-Foust is a professional music educator and arts leader, with a career spanning 30 years. His passions include inspiring people of all ages to love the performing arts, creating access to life-changing performing arts opportunities for children of all backgrounds, and exploring how the arts can answer some of today’s most difficult challenges.

In addition to working in the schools, Jerry is a professional choral conductor and theatre director/producer. He has produced/directed over four dozen musicals, and brought the magic of musical theatre to thousands and thousands of children and teens as the Artistic Director of Windy City Performs and before that, Managing Director of Berkeley Playhouse/Julia Morgan Center for the Arts. He is now entering his fifth season as conductor of the Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus.

Jerry has collaborated with luminaries like Tony-nominated Sharon McNight, Grammy-nominated Broadway star Frenchie Davis, recording artist Kristine W, Olympic gold-medalist Greg Louganis, and legend of stage and screen Sir Ian McKellan. His groups have performed with the San Diego Chamber Orchestra, Grammy-nominated Westwind Brass, the San Diego Women’s Drum Circle, and more.

In 2005-2006, Jerry was awarded the Classroom of the Future Foundation’s Innovate Award for the use of technology in the music classroom in San Diego County.

Jerry is a graduate of Butler University, the American College of Education and San Diego State University. He serves on the Education & Membership Committee of GALA Choruses and is a member of the American Choral Directors’ Association.

Isabella Beltran-Cathedral City Elementary School

Isabella Beltran is a passionate music educator who believes every child deserves access to the life-changing power of music. Her journey began with after-school piano lessons as a young child, and truly took flight when her uncle gave her a saxophone in middle school. From that moment on, she immersed herself in music—performing in concert ensembles throughout high school and ultimately choosing to dedicate her career to music education.

Isabella earned her Bachelor of Music in Saxophone Performance from California State University, Fullerton (CSUF), where she gained a deep understanding of ensemble performance, instrumental pedagogy, and the role of music in building cultural connection and community. As a student teacher, she had the opportunity to work under four accomplished band directors across Anaheim, Hacienda La Puente, and Palm Springs—experiences that helped shape her inclusive, student-centered approach.

Now in her second year teaching at Cathedral City Elementary School, Isabella is already making a powerful impact. She led a joyful all-school Winter Concert, launched student-led performance opportunities, and brought live music to school and community events. Her classroom is a creative hub where students are encouraged to explore, express, and grow through music.

Isabella is proud to be part of the Adopt the Arts family, and excited to continue building a strong foundation of music, creativity, and confidence for her students and community.

Our Partners

FRIENDS AND AMBASSADORS

SCHOOLS

ADOPT THE ARTS 2025 – 2026
Rosewood STEM Magnet
Agua Caliente Elementary
Bubbling Wells
Della S. Lindley
Vista Del Monte
Cabot Yerxa Elementary
Cathedral City Elementary