Performing Arts Teachers
Our award-winning Theatre Arts and Dance faculty
Linda Bon - Theatre Arts
“From ensemble drama to comic improv, from slam poems to pro audition technique, we imagine, we create, we perform!
At Poly, the powerful synergy between top music, dance, and stage tech departments boosts our ability to produce top-tier Musical Theatre. Theatre experience can heal the heart, forge fast friendships, and boost your chances of success in ANY career.”
B.A. in Theatre Arts - BYU
M.F.A. in Acting - UC San Diego
Cynthia Negrete - Dance
“I love to learn from what my students bring me. Getting to know my kids is the most important part, and I like the diversity of the student population at Poly.”
B.F.A. in Dance - Long Beach State
B.A. in History - CSU Dominguez Hills
Music Directors of our Six-Time Grammy Signature Music Department
Brian Dokko - Choral & Vocal Ensembles, Music Production
“I love teaching at Poly because of the quality of students that come to Poly. The main reason our music programs are so successful is because they are so highly motivated, talented, and intelligent. Teaching our Poly students hardly feels like work, and I am incredibly blessed to be a part of such a great team at Poly.
I look forward to the honor of serving as a musical mentor during your time at Poly, but no matter where you choose to attend high school, keep singing!”
B.A. in Music Education - Herb Albert School of Music, UCLA
M.M. in Choral Conducting - Bob Cole Conservatory of Music, CSULB
Chris Stevens - Jazz Bands, Marching Unit, AP Music Theory
"Coming to Long Beach Poly HS to teach 25 years ago was the smartest professional move of my life. I have experienced so much joy, fulfillment, and camaraderie through all the musical adventures over the years and have so many former students who are now dear friends and colleagues. Tom Terrell returning! I can't wait to get going on our next chapter of Poly Music. We have such a strong and committed team ready to educate, nurture, and inspire those who choose to be a part of this incredible school. Let's go!"
B.A. in Psychology - CSU Fullerton
Certifications include Praxis and SSAT in Music, Professional Clear Teaching Credential in Music
Tom Terrell - Orchestras, Wind Bands
“I made lifelong friendships while at Poly. I’ve rallied with professionals who were my former classmates (the group of musicians I traveled the world with many times over with rapper Nas and a Broadway show, are all Jackrabbits...we began as an after school jazz combo!).
Poly has given so much to my life, and returning to teach at my alma mater has been a dream of mine. I am beyond thrilled for this next chapter and to begin working with such knowledgeable staff, dedicated parents, and most important, you, the passionate and creative young musicians of this school.”
B.A. in Trumpet Performance - Herb Alpert School of Music, UCLA
Mr. Osman at the AOPAC Naming Ceremony, June 23, 2019
Mr. Osman, with his daughter, Erin, and wife, Maureen
A Legacy.
The following words are including in a display case in the lobby of the Andrew Osman Performing Arts Center, honoring the legacy of Mr. Andrew Osman.
After 36 years as the Director of Orchestras and Wind Bands at Long Beach Polytechnic High School, Andrew “Andy” Osman’s wide influence persists. Many of his former students are carrying out his legacy, now as music educators themselves.
A graduate of California High School (CalHi) in Whittier, Andy went on to receive his Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education and teaching credential from UCLA in 1983, where he also studied clarinet performance. He began his tenure at Poly that same year, and since then, he has continued to be an outspoken advocate of student success and achievement. Andy also served as the District Music Curriculum Leader for the Long Beach Unified School District from 1995-2006, while simultaneously directing orchestras and bands at Poly.
We owe many achievements and traditions to his hard work, including our 2004 Grammy Gold Signature School status, a distinction given by the Grammy Foundation to the top seven high school music programs in the nation. Additionally, Andy has greatly expanded the breadth of our music program during his 36 years of teaching music at Poly. In Mr. Osman’s first year at Poly (1983-84), there were less than 100 students in just three instrumental and two choral ensembles. We now have over 600 students in 25 performance ensembles.
Despite being uncompromising and demanding, he sought to see his students enjoy the process of creating quality musical experiences. He consistently encouraged his students to pursue musical excellence through dedication, commitment, and hard work, yet in the moment of performance, he stressed two words-- “have fun.”
Authorized and approved by the Long Beach Unified Board of Education on May 14, 2019, The Andrew Osman Performing Arts Center is now named in honor of the educator who helped establish Long Beach Poly High School as home to one of the premier high school music programs in Southern California. We are proud to have his name adorn this building so future generations of Jackrabbits may know who gave us the motto, “Home of Champions, Scholars, and Musicians.”
Andrew Osman : Sep 9, 1960 - Sep 4, 2020