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Rachelle Berthelsen Davis, D.M.A. - Chair
Professor of Music, Strings Director
Rachelle Berthelsen-Davis, D.M.A., specializes in violin performance and violin pedagogy. She has taught at Columbia Union College; been the assistant director and concertmaster of the New England Symphonic Ensemble and assistant director of the New England Youth Ensemble; directed a middle school orchestra program; toured Europe, the Middle East, South Africa, China, Southeast Asia, the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean as a soloist and orchestral and chamber musician; and continues to participate in local chamber music and solo recitals. She is currently fascinated with alternative musical styles (non-classical music) and how to translate them to violin. She enjoys jamming with any group of instruments, reading, having interesting, meaningful conversations, and raising two young boys.
Degrees
- B.S., Pacific Union College
- M.M., Indiana University, Bloomington
- D.M.A., University of Texas, Austin
Faculty Since 2005
Kristian Leukert, M.F.A.
Assistant Professor of Music
Kristian Leukert is in his first year of teaching at Pacific Union College and his 20th year of teaching overall. He graduated from La Sierra University in 2000 with degrees in Music Education and Trumpet Performance and went on to pursue graduate studies at the University of California, Irvine, where he obtained a Masters degree in Vocal Performance. While in college and graduate school, Mr. Leukert enjoyed performing and touring with many different ensembles, including Men in Black and the LSU Wind Ensemble, Sinfonia, Jazz Ensemble & Brass Quintet. Mr. Leukert has taught music at Newbury Park Academy, Monterey Bay Academy, Loma Linda Academy, and was Pastor for Worship and Music at Loma Linda SDA Church. His education and experiences as educator, worship pastor, instrumentalist, and vocalist have provided a rich background and foundation for his present work with the students at Pacific Union College.
Degrees
- Masters of Fine Arts - Vocal Performance, University of California, Irvine
- Bachelors of Music - Music Education, La Sierra University
- Bachelors of Music - Trumpet Performance, La Sierra University
Faculty Since 2025
Email: rzanella@puc.edu
Ronnie Zanella,
Assistant Professor of Music, Choral Director
Adjunct Faculty
Elena Casanova
Adjunct Professor of Piano
Email: rfermin@puc.edu
Ramon Fermin,
Adjunct Professor of Guitar
Email: kstachnik@puc.edu
Kyle Stachnik,
Adjunct Professor of Cello
Email: ewilkes@puc.edu