Gerald Villegas
It was the launch and rise of MTV
(back when they actually played music videos) that inspired Gerald to study the guitar in grade school. He eventually taught himself the bass, drum kit, keyboards, and other sundry instruments and went on to play various instruments in his high school’s jazz ensemble and musical theater orchestra. A graduate of UC Berkeley (GO BEARS!), he was a member and the eventual section leader of the percussion section of the University of California Marching Band. He went on to co-found and play guitar in !Tang, a Bay Area–based, award-winning indie-funk/soul band. He has also composed music for TV commercials.
(back when they actually played music videos) that inspired Gerald to study the guitar in grade school. He eventually taught himself the bass, drum kit, keyboards, and other sundry instruments and went on to play various instruments in his high school’s jazz ensemble and musical theater orchestra. A graduate of UC Berkeley (GO BEARS!), he was a member and the eventual section leader of the percussion section of the University of California Marching Band. He went on to co-found and play guitar in !Tang, a Bay Area–based, award-winning indie-funk/soul band. He has also composed music for TV commercials.As the Music Director at Spark of Creation, Gerald oversees the studio’s live musical performances. Since 2007, he has arranged and directed the music for Te Pura O Te Rahura’a’s popular annual Polynesian Showcase. He also co-wrote, arranged, and directed the music for Te Pura’s award-winning competition entries at Tahiti Fête of San Jose in 2008, 2010, and 2012. Accordingly, he has added ukulele, lap-steel guitar, Tahitian banjo, and various Tahitian drums to his always-growing list of instruments played.
An admitted workaholic at an area biotechnology company by day, Gerald very much looks forward to his night job with Spark of Creation, sharing his passion for all things music with his students, as well as playing out with any of his various bands on the occasional weekend.