CVHS

Laryssa Sadoway has been the Choir Teacher at Castro Valley High School since the fall of 2012.  She began her training at the University of Massachusetts, and received her Bachelor of Arts in Voice at North Park University in Chicago.  In 2008 she received a Master of Music in Vocal Performance at San Francisco Conservatory of Music, where she studied with Catherine Cook.  Ms. Sadoway’s mentors include Dr. E. Wayne Abercrombie, Dr. Rollo Dilworth, Ken Rawdon, and Janet Steidel. 

Prior to her tenure at CVHS, Ms. Sadoway was Associate Director for Contra Costa Children’s Chorus, and Elementary General Music Instructor for the Antioch Unified School District.  In 2010-2011 Ms. Sadoway assisted with the distinguished choral music programs at Mount Eden High School in Hayward and Canyon Middle School in Castro Valley.  Her previous music education experience includes work in liturgical settings, with community-based choirs, and in after-school music programs.

An active performer, Ms. Sadoway has sung roles and concerts with a number of Bay Area organizations – Berkeley Opera, Concerts at the Presidio, San Francisco Cabaret Opera, and Bay Area Summer Opera Theatre.   She also served as featured soloist and assistant director with Saint Mary Magdalene Church in Berkeley, and most recently as Interim Choir Director at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Oakland.

Ms. Sadoway resides in San Leandro with her husband, Chris, and son, Isaiah.  

Allier Manahan has served as accompanist to the Castro Valley public schools since 2002.  Mr. Manahan earned his Bachelor of Music Degree in piano performance from the University of the Philippines where he studied under the tutelage of the renowned pianist Jose Ma. Contreras, and continued his education in the U.S. where he received his Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from California College of the Arts.  Mr. Manahan is a regular accompanist for local voice studios, playing for voice recitals, auditions, and competitions sponsored by the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS).  Prior to his current position, he was accompanist for the Pacific Boychoir Academy in Oakland.  He has served as organist at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Oakland and at St. Edward Catholic Church, Newark.  He currently serves as accompanist to the choral programs at both Castro Valley High School and Canyon Middle School.  Mr. Manahan maintains an active piano studio in Hayward and has many students throughout the Bay Area.