Leigh Performing Arts Directors

Director of Instrumental Music

Alex Christensen

Alex Christensen serves as Director of Music and as Performing Arts Department Chair at Leigh High School in San Jose, California, where he is in his 10th year teaching Instrumental Music. Mr. Christensen directs Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensembles, Marching Band, Winter Percussion, and Winter Guard, at Leigh High School.

In summer of 2013, Mr. Christensen served on brass staff for the Santa Clara Vanguard Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps. In summer of 2015, Vanguard Cadets won Drum Corps International’s Open Class Championship as well as the High Brass Title, with Mr. Christensen as Brass Caption Head.

Mr. Christensen completed his Undergraduate Studies in Music Education Northern Arizona University, in Flagstaff, Arizona. His professors of greatest influence have included Dr. Nicholas Ross, Dr. Edith Copley, Mr. Joel DiBartolo, Mr. David Vining. Mr. Christensen recently completed his Masters Degree in Music Education with the American Band College and Central Washington University.

Director of Theater

Jonathan Yani

Jonathan Yani is a graduate of San Jose State University with a Bachelor of the Arts in Technical Theater, and a Minor in English Literature.

He has been passionate about theater (especially the tech aspects) from a young age. After working as an extra-curricular coach he decided to pursue his credential to be able to work with the passionate youth at Leigh. He is looking forward to continue to develop the department that has given him so much. 

In the past he’s appeared as Moises Kaufman in “The Laramie Project”, and Thurio in “The Two Gentleman Of Verona.” He draws on his love of theatre history (dramaturgy) to allow students to explore the many different styles that originated with the Greeks and continues to evolve through the modern age.

While he enjoys acting he found himself drawn to the dark side of theater. He’s passionate about set design, and costuming, and is proud of his students that have decided to pursue theater post-graduation from Leigh.

Choir Director and Guitar Teacher

Karen Duran

Karen is extremely excited to be working at Leigh High School, and is looking forward to learning more about the community and other’s experiences from the students, parents, and other school staff! She received her Associates in Music from West Valley College and her Bachelors degree in Music Education with a focus in Vocal Pedagogy and Teaching Credential from San Jose State University. Karen Duran is passionate about education and strives to keep a growth mind-set and to keep learning from those around her. She is dedicated to making the classroom a safe and representative environment for all students.