Leo Gravin

Leo Gravin began the string program at SMMC in 2000.  He returned in 2007 and has been with the Camp ever since.  He started his professional music career at age 18 as a cellist with the Sacramento Symphony.  In 1996 he began his alternate career as a public school music teacher, first in the Grant Joint Unified District, then with the Vacaville Unified School District.  He holds an M.A. in cello performance, a California Clear Teaching Credential, an Administrative Services Credential, and an English Language Learners Certificate.  Since 2002 he has taught music full-time with the Folsom-Cordova Unified School District.  Summertime activities when he is not with SMMC include playing principal cello with the Strauss Festival Orchestra and the Music Circus.  He currently plays the cello with the Sacramento Philharmonic, Opera, and Choral Society Orchestras.

Mr. Gravin’s teaching and conducting experience includes a wide range of students from beginning to the very advanced, ages 5 to 85.  He conducted the CMEA all-city Honor Orchestra, directed numerous school district combined elementary honor orchestras, began a highly successful Adult Education Orchestra with the Folsom-Cordova Unified School District, and is a frequent adjudicator or coach for Music Festivals and youth orchestras.  His public school orchestras and private students have consistently received superior ratings at Music Festivals.  Some current and former students either play in the Premier Orchestra of the Sacramento Youth Symphony or have professional careers of their own.  He teaches individual and group lessons at the Sacramento School of Music.