South Bay Singers
for Gilroy, Morgan Hill and Hollister
Sandi Lien - Accompanist Extraordiaire
Sandi Lien has over 60 years of experience as an accompanist, starting with playing for church and choirs and individuals in grade school through high school. She developed a passion for musical theatre and was involved in directing and assistant directing Community Theatre broadway musicals for 12 years.
She has accompanied many professional groups and individuals over the years, and while her children were in school, accompanied many musicals, jazz choirs, church choirs, contatas, etc. She has recorded music with her son and daughter, who are also musicians. Most recently this spring she was the accompanist for the South Bay Singers concert “Messiah”.
Her goal through the years has been to be the best accompanist she can be and believes that the goal of an accompanist is to support and showcase the artist in the best possible way you can.
California native Jonathan Souza received his undergraduate training at Humboldt State University in Arcata, California, completing his BA in Music Education and Vocal Performance. His graduate studies were completed at San Jose State University where he received a MA in Music, Choral Conducting under the mentorship of Dr. Charlene Archibeque.
Now in his 11th year with Gilroy Unified School District and 22 years as a music educator, Mr. Souza brings a wealth of experience to lead the South Bay Singers.
Prior to teaching in Gilroy, Mr. Souza spent two years living and teaching music in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico where he directed all levels of general and vocal music at the American School of Puerto Vallarta. Over the past 20 years, Mr. Souza has been recognized for his teaching excellence including the 2022 Arts Leadership Award from the Santa Clara Office of Education, California Music Educators Association’s 2008 Outstanding Music Educator of the Year for Humboldt and Del Norte Counties, the Fortuna Union High School District Principal’s Award in 2008 for his outstanding service to his students at Fortuna High School, the 2010 Wells Fargo Stagecoach Teaching Excellence Award and was recognized by the Gilroy Unified School District for his excellence in teaching.