Jessica Valeri has been a member of the San Francisco Symphony since 2008. Prior to her appointment, Ms. Valeri was a member of the Saint Louis Symphony, the Colorado Symphony, and the Grant Park Orchestra. After studying at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Ms. Valeri went on to earn her Graduate degree and Performance Certificate from Northwestern University.

Ms. Valeri has participated in many recording projects including the National Brass Ensemble and a Grammy-nominated recording with the Bay Brass. She is a frequent guest with the Grand Teton Music Festival, Mainly Mozart, the Arizona Music Festival, and the Lakes Area Music Festival. Passionate about education, she is currently on the faculty of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, maintaining a horn studio as well as teaching a class called Wellness for Musicians, in which she delves into the practice of yoga and various intersections with life as a musician. She served as faculty for the SFCM Precollege and horn coach for the San Francisco Youth Symphony. Ms. Valeri enjoys teaching yoga as a certified yoga instructor, practicing sketch comedy, gardening and travel.

Dr. Wenbo Yin is a saxophonist, wind conductor, and musicians' wellness coach noted for his bold, versatile artistry across classical, jazz, contemporary, and beatbox saxophone. He has performed as a soloist at Carnegie Hall, collaborated with Grammy-winning artists, won the Beverly Hills National Auditions, and played principal saxophone with prominent groups such as the CCM Wind Symphony.

As co-founder of the One Heart Institute, a nonprofit organization that integrates music, wellness, and holistic practices, Wenbo is dedicated to supporting the well-being of musicians and individuals alike. He has facilitated music and mindfulness workshops in the U.S., Bhutan, and China, and continues to develop the Tai Chi for Musicians workshop, offered at various universities and institutions. Wenbo is also a certified wellness provider for music industry professionals with Backline Care, teaches Tai Chi at a local athletic club, and supports wellness work with a Parkinson’s group. 

He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Saxophone Performance, Wind Conducting, and Jazz from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM). He also embarked on an extended journey of study in Tai Chi, meditation, and contemplative practice at Dharma Realm Buddhist University in Northern California, deepening the integration between music-making and inner cultivation.

Wellness for Musicians:

• Tai Chi for Musicians: 

San Francisco Conservatory of Music

Sonoma State University

• Music Industry Wellness Provider

Backline Care

Selected Teaching Experiences:

• Faculty, One Heart Institute, 2023, 2024, 2025

• Associate Director, University of Cincinnati Bearcat Jazz Band, 2022

• Undergraduate Saxophone Studio Teaching Assistant, CCM, 2020

• Woodwind Instructor, University of Cincinnati Bearcat Bands, 2021-22

• Lecturer and Saxophone Instructor, University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music Preparatory Department, 2019 - 22

Selected Awards:

• Winner, Beverly Hills National Auditions, 2025

• Laureate, Carnegie Hall Gala Audition, 2024

• First Prize Winner, Advanced Category, Golden Classical Music Awards International Competition, 2022

• Finalist, CBS Celebration of Music Competition, 2018

• Semi-Finalist, North American Saxophone Alliance Quartet Competition, 2016

Professional Affiliations: 

• North American Saxophone Alliance (NASA)

• Music Teachers’ Association of California (MTAC)

• Music Teachers National Association (MTNA)

Kakudō Dillon Balmaceda is an ordained Zen Buddhist priest (2018). He has practiced Zen Buddhism for almost two decades, and continues to practice and study with teachers in the Zen tradition. Kakudō Dillon trained as an interfaith Buddhist chaplain at Sati Center for Buddhist Studies, during which time he worked in hospice settings and prisons. He is currently studying at Dharma Realm Buddhist University and is enrolled in the (CPSP) The College of Pastroal Supervision and Psychotherapy for Chaplaincy, with an expected graduation in fall 2026. 

He is interested in learning about the different Buddhist traditions and how they can develop an integrated person. Kakudō Dillon also holds the role of Chaplain at Dharma Realm Buddhist University.