San Elijo Music Program Staff

Anastasia Homes

Band Director

Anastasia Homes has been teaching at San Elijo Middle school since 2014. She directs Beginning Band, Golden Eagle Band, Wind Symphony, and Gig Jazz Band. In addition to this, Mrs. Homes serves as an instructor to the solo and ensemble groups that perform at the annual San Elijo Solo and Ensemble Festival. Bands under Mrs. Homes perform all over the community and have opportunities to perform at places like Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm and Sea World.
She is a native of San Diego, California and is a product of the San Marcos Unified School District. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Music and credential from California State University Fullerton. She also holds her Master's Degree from California State University San Marcos. While in college, she performed all over the world and participated in various ensembles that have given her insight into many styles of music. Her professional affiliations include the National Association for Music Education and the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association.
Mrs. Homes has been married for 5 years and has 1 son aged 2 years.  Mrs. Homes can be reached by e-mail at: anastasia.homes@smusd.org

Shannon McInnis

Band and Choir Director

Shannon McInnis has been at San Elijo since 2016. She directs Beginning Band, the Concert Band, Beginning Jazz Band, Advanced Golden Eagle Choir and Beginning Choir. A native of San Diego, Mrs. McInnis is a graduate of San Diego State University with a BA in Liberal Studies for Education and Minor in Music Education with a Master of Arts Degree in Teaching and California Teaching Credential in Music from Brandman University (now UMass Global). Her groups have performed all over Southern California including at Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm, Sea World, San Diego Padres Games, and at various band and choral festivals.
She has been playing instruments since she was 4 years old starting with the piano and adding instruments. Clarinet is her main instrument and she has been playing it for over 30 years. She has played and sung in several professional groups over the years and has been teaching music in schools since 2008. She is a life member of Sigma Alpha Iota Music Fraternity and her professional affiliations include the National Association for Music Education, the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association, California Choral Director's Association, and the Southern California Vocal Association.
Mrs. McInnis has been married for over 25 years and has 2 adult sons.
Mrs. McInnis can be reached by e-mail at: shannon.mcinnis@smusd.org

Alberto Calvillo Jr.

Music Assistant

"Beto" Calvillo, Mr. Cal, came to SEMS in 2025. He is a professional percussionist by trade and actively performs in the community. Mr. Cal is a graduate of La Sierra University and worked in several schools in San Bernardino including Loma Linda Academy before coming to San Marcos. He is currently also the percussion coach here at SEMS.
He is an avid car enthusiast, cosplayer, and anime fan. Mr. Cal can be reached at alberto.calvillojr@smusd.org

Anahita Pestonjamasp

Flute Coach

Anahita "Miss Anahita" has played the flute since middle school when she attended SEMS. We are glad to have her back in the capacity of an educator! Anahita holds a Master of Music degree in flute performance from the Mannes School of Music, as well as a Bachelor of Music degree from San Diego State University. She is a sought after coach and performer all over San Diego County and we are so lucky to have her to work with the students at SEMS!

Soren Hershkowitz

High Brass Coach/House Jazz Director

A Graduate of San Marcos High School, Soren "Mr. H" is a product of the San Marcos School District. He started playing trumpet at Discovery Elementary and continued at SEMS and became one of the top trumpet players at San Marcos High School. He was featured in the Knights Regiment Field Shows his Junior and Senior Years and also was a frequent soloist in the Studio Jazz Band. He participated in the prestigious Axiom shows and was an integral part of the leadership program at SMHS. He has performed all over San Diego and Orange Counties. He is currently pursuing his education at Palomar College. In his spare time, he is an avid automobile enthusiast and loves the outdoors. We are so excited to have him back where he started at SEMS!

Riley McInnis

Low Brass & Bassoon Coach

Riley, "Mr. M" is another SEMS alum who also graduated from San Marcos High School where he played in the Wind Symphony, Salsa Band, Studio Jazz Band and Knight Regiment Marching Band. He is currently attending Palomar College majoring in history with transfer plans to SDSU to fulfill his dreams of becoming a teacher whilst also continuing with music. He is also the director of the Lab Jazz Band at SMHS for 2026-2027. In his spare time, Riley is an avid golfer holding a 1.9 handicap and avid bowler with a 165 average. We are so excited to have him at SEMS!

Danny Gonzalez

Saxophone Coach

Danny Gonzalez "Mr. Danny" is a San Diego based professional Saxophonist, specializing in contemporary Jazz and R&B styles. As an artist, Danny has spent his music career in some of San Diego's most prestigious live music venues, such as the Belly Up, Music Box, Soda Bar, Humphreys by the Bay and Lou Lou's Jungle room. In addition to this, Danny has 10+ years of experience teaching in private, classroom, coaching and masterclass teaching under his belt to round out his further developing career.

Terence Cooper

French Horn Coach

Terence has been a local Horn player/ Singer/Composer/Arranger/Teacher/Coach in the San Diego area for the last 27 years. He is a former principal horn in the La Jolla Symphony, has performed and written for performing groups at Sea World, LegoLand and most recently, The Chameleons, which is co-founded at The San Diego Zoo. He has also been a music minister at North Coast Church in Vista for the last 13 years, where he plays piano and sings each weekend in the "Soul Gospel" venue."

Lilith Holtz

Bass Coach

Lilith is a bassist and educator here in San Diego. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Music from San Diego State University. Lilith has experience in a wide range of musical genres such as classical, rock, and jazz. She is the principal bassist of the City Ballet Orchestra, the bassist of a touring metal band by the name of Woods Witch, and a professional freelance jazz musician. As an educator, she currently coaches at multiple schools in the San Marcos Unified School District, coaches at San Diego Youth Symphony, and teaches lessons through Bach to Rock in Rancho Penasquitos. Lilith is grateful to share the gift of music with the wonderful students at SEMS!