LOS ALAMITOS HIGH SCHOOL
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
DIRECTORS
Mr. Justin Padilla
Director
Instrumental Music Director Justin Padilla has contributed to the Los Alamitos music community for 20 years by building and sustaining excellence in music through the middle and high school levels and providing top-tier training through the professional jazz and orchestra staff at Los Alamitos High School.
As a locally respected saxophonist, clinician, and educator, Justin has dedicated his life to nurturing the next generation of musicians. With a Bachelor of Music in Music Education and Saxophone Performance, along with graduate studies in Instrumental Conducting from California State University, Long Beach, Justin seeks to inspire his students and embody the fusion of passion and expertise.
Mr. Padilla is a three-time Orange County Music and Arts Administrators award recipient, Los Alamitos Unified Teacher of the Year, and Oak Middle School Teacher of the Year. He has taught at the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music, Orange County School of the Arts, Oak Middle School, Mary Butler Performing Arts Magnet, and St. Anthony’s High School. He has received saxophone instruction from Leo Potts, Eric Marienthal, Gary Foster, Kenny Garrett, Rusty Higgins, Katisse Buckingham, Bruce Babad, Ernie Del Fante, and Charlie Deremo. Currently, he directs Jazz I, Jazz II, Chamber Orchestra, and Symphonic Band at Los Alamitos High School.
Mr. Jacob Buchen
Director
Jacob Buchen is a passionate music educator and tubist from Southern California. He attended the University of Arizona where he served as the Drum Major for the Pride of Arizona Marching Band and principal tubist for the Wind Ensemble where he studied under Dr. Chad Nicholson. He began his career at Walden Grove High School where he directed the marching band, jazz band, concert bands, string orchestra and pit orchestra for musicals. As a first year teacher in LAUSD, Jacob is committed to creating an inclusive and elite instrumental music program. He is the director of the Griffin Marching Band, Wind Symphony, Jazz III, and String Orchestra as well as teaching the AP Music Theory course.