Sara Acevedo: Creative Design - Stage and Lobby Presentation

A creative stage and lobby designer. Retired research scientist with SETI Institute; Executive Director of an international professional scientific society. Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry, Santa Clara Univ. and Masters in Chemistry, San Jose State University. Bassoonist since 1968.

Awarded 2005 MVP by the Association of California Symphony Orchestras.

Graduated Westport School of Music, B.S. Geology University of Rochester, M.S. Geology San Jose State University, M.S., Ph.D. Geophysics Stanford University. Emeritus Geophysicist: U.S. Geological Survey (34 years). Consulting Professor: Stanford University Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences. Specialty: Marine geology and geophysics of continental margins and adjacent ocean basins of Antarctica, Bering Sea, Gulf of Mexico, California, and Solomon Islands. Head of Antarctic Seismic Data Library System for Cooperative Research. Editor of 4 books and author of more than 200 scientific publications. Performs with Fiume di Musica (Principal), Left Bank, the San Andreas Trio and the famous Duckweed String Band.

Mr. Vic Befera: Public Relations

Vic Befera graduated from Michigan State University in Journalism and took his first job with the Palo Alto Times. In 1953, Vic joined the San Francisco Chronicle to handle restaurant and entertainment news and advertising. Among his lasting contributions was the "Nevada Scene" column in the sunday Datebook section, which Vic originated and wrote weekly, reporting on the hottest nightlife in Reno and Vegas.

In 1966, Vic founded Vic Befera & Associates, one of the region's busiest public relations firms, specializing in entertainment, with clients ranging from Bimbo's 365 Club to the Oakland Coliseum.

Mr. Fred Hines: Program Advertising Sales

Fred Hines is a California native who studied and played French Horn while in middle and high schools in Southern California. He graduated from Stanford University with a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, and worked at
Lockheed Missiles and Space Company in Sunnyvale for 35 years. He supported the Fleet Ballistic Missile Program in thermodynamics test and analysis, systems analysis and missile test engineering, where he held various management
and senior staff positions.

After he retired, Fred reclaimed his French Horn from his son, who also played in his school years. Fred now plays in four musical groups when he is not traveling, hiking or visiting grandchildren. His wife, Leelane, plays the viola with the San Jose State Orchestra and the Meridian Band, a Middle Eastern music ensemble.

Mr. Bob Runnels: Music Arranger

Pops primary arranger, lead trumpet and flugelhorn soloist. A graduate from the University of the Pacific Conservatory of Music. Bob is not your typical orchestra arranger. He has a rare gene that adds unexpected fun to every piece he touches. That gene expresses itself in an "anything goes" attitude that, along with his consumate skills, throws orchestras into gales of laughter as they play. Bob is not only principal trumpet with the Pops, but also a recording artist and professional performer with the Black Tie Jazz Orchestra heard throughout the Bay Area.

Dottie Goldbeck, Ruth Spangenberg and Margery Morse

Dottie Goldbeck: Volunteer Recruiter and Manager.
Volunteer staff recruiter, trainer and manager for ushers, ticket takers, lobby hosts, will-call and group reserved seating hosts.

Ms. Pam Jajko: Member Coordinator.
Currently assists the Pops by organizing and coordinating members.

Margery Morse: Pops House Manager
Responsible for managing all activities in the Theater including box office ticket sales, lobby, will call, emergency needs, customer service and relations.

Diane Ryan: Development Team

Mr. Brian Ogonowski: Stage Manager
Implements and manages a team handling all on-stage concert activities.

Brian has been playing clarinet in the PPO since 1989. A patent attorney, with a BSEE from Villanova University (1977) and a law degree from Suffolk University (1983). He looks forward to rehearsals to relieve his stress and is a proud parent of an 8-year-old girl violinist who loves to come up on stage after each performance.

Nancy Powell: PPO's legal advisor.
Ms. Powell earned her Music Degree in Performance from Oberlin University and her Law Degree from the University of Connecticut. She is the former Deputy District Attorney for Santa Clara County and is currently in private practice. Nancy resides in Portola Valley and performs with several Bay Area music and theater groups.

Ms. Sarah Pribble: Music Librarian Assistant.
Assists with instrument folder preparations, cataloging and helps the marketing team. Joined the Pops in 1990 and is a retired analytical chemist.

Norma Street - Executive Office Assistant

Alicia Wilmunder: Managing talent recruiting, the music librarian, graphics and Web-site.
A CPP Accountant and business professional. Graduate from UOP. Attended the UOP Conservatory of Music. Primary recruiter of talented musicians.

Supporting Angels
TJEF- The John Ernest Foundation
The Palo Alto Weekly team: Amy Reynolds, Rebecca Wallace and April for sponsoring advertising.
Jean Cunningham, Musicology- Research,
Sam Hui & Toby Williams- Photographers
Ruth Spangenberg
Joe Marchi
Marte Thompson, Web Coach: www.design48.com
Shirley Sachs- Palo Alto School District: Spangenberg Theatre Manager

For more information, Email manager@californiapopsorchestra.com, Alicia Wilmunder, Executive Director or call (650)856-8432

(Back to Top)