Meet the faculty who work hard to bring arts education to Christian Brothers and help our talented students shine.
Choral
Leah Heine ’96
Instrumental
Ross Hammond ’95
B.A. in Communications Studies, CSU Sacramento
Ross has returned to his alma mater with more than two decades of experience as a professional musician. He is a respected jazz guitarist based in the Sacramento area, though he has brought his talents to many arts scenes including Northern Arizona University (artist residency), a tour of Japan, and Lincoln Center (Jazz educator and Clinician). He leads student musicians in the classroom and beyond, teaching Band, Honors Band, and Guitar classes, and heading the Pep Band, Drumline and the Open Mic House Band.
“I love being back at CB and sharing with the students what I have learned from a lifetime of music”
Check out his Spotify channel! Here
Journalism
Dave Anderson ’07
B.A. in English, UC Davis
Dave joined the CB faculty in 2012. As a member of the Arts department, he teaches Introduction to Writing for Publication/ Writing for Publication II. He is the Chief Media Advisor for the Talon, CB’s student news publication, and is consulting advisor for KBFT, the student broadcasting network. Mr. Anderson is also a member of the English Department, teaching Sophomore Literature and Composition. He serves as PA announcer for select Falcon sporting events. Check out the work of our student journalists at CBTalon.com!
“It is a true honor and thrill to help uphold the strong arts and media tradition that is synonymous with Christian Brothers High School. Our students are exceptional in talent and character.”
Natalia Schorn ’00
Media
Brendan Hogan ’95
B.A. in Communications with a minor in Television, Film, and New Media, San Diego State University, Adobe Creative Suite certified, graduate of the Buttimer Institute of Lasallian Studies
Brendan teaches Video Production 1, Broadcast Journalism (Talon Morning News), Advanced Media Arts, Film Production and Senior Video Production. You can see the work of our media students on YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/KBFT. He is a board member of the NorCal Media Educators and has taken students to the Student Television Network Convention for since 2005. Brendan enjoys life at home with his wife and three children.
“I think media education is more important now than it has ever been. The students are bombarded with media and media messages, and there is a direct correlation between learning how to produce media and understanding its messages. In the media arts classes at CB, we are focused on improving media literacy for all of our students.”
KBFT’s video highlights of the best of CB Arts
Theatre
Michael D. Jackson
Western Stage Theatre Conservatory, B.A. and M.A. in Theatre, CSU, Sacramento
Michael is the Artistic Director of the theatre program, and teaches Theatre Arts and Acting Focus. He moderates the Theatre Society club, directs CB theatrical productions, and supervises the student-written, student-produced One Acts. He also brings his talents as Costume Designer, Props Master and Scenic Painter to the theatre program. He has extensive professional experience with California Musical Theatre (Music Circus) and Music Theatre International (theatrical licensing), and has written and directed productions in Sacramento and New York.
The Tempest Elly Award-winning costume design by Michael D. Jackson“It is a rare privilege to work for a school so devoted to the arts. We have the tools and support to offer students a college-level experience. My favorite aspect of giving students a theatre education is to see them blossom in talent and confidence as they make discoveries about themselves and working with others.”
Heather Christianson ’01
B.A. in Theatre, University of Southern California
In addition to teaching Theatre Arts and Technical Theatre, Heather serves as Technical Director of the George Cunningham ’40 Performing Arts Center and coordinator of the Tech Factor, a student group for technical theatre. She has worked professionally for California Musical Theatre (Music Circus), Sacramento Theatre Company, and LA Women’s Shakespeare.
The Royal Family Scenic and lighting design by Heather Christianson ’01“Theatre requires all talents. That’s what I enjoy most about it. I get such a thrill from the collaboration of a diverse group, and the inclusive community it creates. To be able to foster this environment at my beloved alma mater gives me tremendous joy and satisfaction.”
Visual Arts
Laura Hohlwein
Nicole Martin ’12
Findlay McIntosh
B.A. in History, UC Davis, M.A. in History, CSU, Sacramento
Findlay teaches Introduction to Art at Christian Brothers. He has studied with Wayne Thiebaud and taught bronze casting at the UC Davis Craft Center, and Art History at the California Academy of Art and Design. Findlay enjoys gardening, cross fit, and road trips, and spending time with his wife, Carole, his three children and five grandchildren, and his dog, Sophie.
Findlay discusses art with students at the annual La Salle Art Show“I began teaching art and religion at Christian Brothers in 1998. It has been an exciting journey to be part of the transition at CB going from blackboards to iPads. The one constant has been the quality and kindness of our students.”