Cassandra Tarantino has established a four-decade career that reflects a rare blend of artistry, leadership, and human connection. As founder and director of the Cuesta Concord Chorus, she has created more than an ensemble; she has built a musical family grounded in inclusivity and shared purpose. The chorus stands as a living expression of her belief that collective music-making strengthens both voices and relationships. Each week, singers from diverse backgrounds gather under her direction to rehearse, learn, and celebrate the joy of harmony. New members are welcomed with the song “Set Me as a Seal Upon Your Heart,” a cherished tradition that symbolizes belonging and unity.
Building on a strong academic foundation, Ms. Tarantino earned a master’s degree in choral conducting from San Jose State University and a Master of Music in performance flute from California State University, Northridge. Her studies included a music sabbatical in Northern Ireland, where she worked with Colin, a student of renowned flutist James Galway, an experience that deepened her understanding of interpretation and inspired her shift from performance to conducting. She holds bachelor’s degrees in church music and English literature from Westmont College and is certified as a level 3 sommelier, reflecting her appreciation for culture and sensory experience.
Under Ms. Tarantino’s leadership, the Cuesta Concord Chorus has grown into a dynamic force that extends beyond local performances. Through international and domestic tours, she has given singers opportunities to connect music with history and heritage. In Ireland and Northern Ireland, the ensemble performed for audiences abroad, while a later East Coast tour immersed members in American culture.
Ms. Tarantino also initiated collaborations with a music therapist from Atascadero Men’s Hospital, allowing her choir to perform for veterans in West Virginia, Washington, D.C. and Massachusetts. These experiences left a profound impact on both the performers and their audiences. To this day, the chorus honors veterans through Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies, including appearances at Normandy and the American Cemetery in Florence. For her dedication, she received the Alpha Bravo Zulu award, an honor rarely given to civilians.
In addition to her work with the chorus, Ms. Tarantino serves as music director at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in San Luis Obispo, where she enriches worship and community life through sacred music. At Cuesta College, she teaches voice, flute, and music theory, inspiring students to grow in skill and confidence. Her approach to teaching emphasizes that music thrives in connection, encouraging collaboration over competition.
Beyond her academic and choral commitments, Ms. Tarantino has shaped the regional arts landscape through her leadership in multiple organizations. She co-founded and worked as chorus master for Central Coast Gilbert & Sullivan, contributed to Opera San Luis Obispo, and worked with the Central Coast Children’s Chorus and the Atascadero Community Band. Earlier roles in Santa Barbara public schools and children’s choirs helped her develop programs that continue to serve young musicians today.
Ms. Tarantino has described herself as “scrappy,” guided by resourcefulness and joy in every endeavor. A study she conducted with a music therapist confirmed what she had long believed, that singing together enhances well-being and fosters unity. Looking ahead, she hopes to film immersive lectures in historic European churches and curate concert series that unite music, food, and wine, celebrating the shared beauty of art and culture.