The long-sustained notes of A, D and G hung in the air, casting a hush over a theater scattered with 70 people.
A silence not of emptiness, but one filled with the weight of music.
A piano solo played by Dan Marschak, Las Positas Music Department Co-Coordinator, opened for his own original piece, “Waltz for Alice.”
Entering with the bass tunes of a cello, played by Cindy Browne Rosefield, Director of Instrumental Studies.
A drum cymbal, brushed by Andreas Preponis, Director of Choral and Vocal Studies.
Three instruments and three people in their own elements, blending together in harmony.
For a moment, the music flowed harmonically, masking the fact that it was our own professors — the same ones that we see updating our grades on Canvas — behind this performance.
On Sept. 19, 2025, the LPC Performing Arts Department hosted its fall annual Welcome Back Faculty Showcase on the Main Stage Theater in the Mertes Center for the Arts. With the event open to the public, professors from the Music Department were given the opportunity to present their pieces, not just to showcase the instructors’ talents, but as a demonstration of the variety, depth and breadth of what this department has to offer for students.
These professors often fall into the common stigma of “those who can’t do, teach.” But for them, that’s no insult — it’s a privilege.
Kloe Situ, a psychology major at LPC, elaborated on her thoughts about the old-fashioned statement of “those who can’t do, teach.”
“Teaching might even be better because you’re passing on that art to other people,” Situ said. “I wouldn’t say that they can’t do it; they’re taking their passion in a different direction.”
Before this tonic at LPC, a musical homebase, music was never an intended destination; it served as a cadenza, a side quest.
Rosefield picked up the cello for the first time in the sixth grade and instantly fell in love. Though she pursued music throughout high school, she never imagined bringing it to college.
“I was going to be a sports person, play volleyball and such,” Rosefield said. “But my mom asked, ‘do you think you can make money playing music or playing sports?’”
She found opportunities to teach music at summer camps, and since then has found joy in not only pursuing music but also educating others in it.
For this event’s Masters of the Ceremonies, Tim Heisler, who originally trained to be a firefighter, and Jim Dobson, who was an aspiring actor, their lives had other plans — a surprising detour became a blessing in disguise: both Heisler and Dobson are now communication professors at LPC.
“I don’t think that students really think about school the way that teachers hope they do,” Dobson said. “You’re not just here to get a degree, but you’re getting taught by people that are in the industry … this event is a chance for students to see this honor in that light.”
With years of experience and training, these professionals have opportunities to perform in professional settings, be touring musicians or even compose an album. However, they find one of their most rewarding experiences in sharing their joy of the arts with students through education.
Our next-door professors have the capability to “make their big break.” Some might even have had their time in the spotlight. But their motive is to keep the culture in music alive from one musician to another.
Through each performance, with every note and every tempo, these instructors lead with passion — a direction meant to inspire students, spark growth and rekindle their love for music.
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TOP PHOTO: Jim Dobson (left), Francesca Preponis (center) and Andreas Preponis (right) gathered around a table during the showcase. In spirit, Mike Ditka, the former head coach of the Chicago Bears, the demigod to those present at the table. (Photo credit Jaxyn Good/The Express)
Kiarra Bautista is a staff writer for The Express. Follow her on Instagram @KiarraFaithh.
