Meet the Performing Arts Team
ANDY VAN HORN
Performing Arts Department Chair
A proud Southern California native, Andy has embraced life in the Bay Area. He holds both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Music Education, along with a Master's degree in Education. Andy began his teaching career at Marin Catholic, where he grew the music program from just 17 students to over 150 talented musicians. While music has always been a defining influence in his life, Andy's passion for helping students inspired him to transition into administration, where he could positively impact the entire school community. Now, he’s excited to return to his roots in the performing arts and looks forward to getting back on stage.
Performing Arts Department Chair
A proud Southern California native, Andy has embraced life in the Bay Area. He holds both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Music Education, along with a Master's degree in Education. Andy began his teaching career at Marin Catholic, where he grew the music program from just 17 students to over 150 talented musicians. While music has always been a defining influence in his life, Andy's passion for helping students inspired him to transition into administration, where he could positively impact the entire school community. Now, he’s excited to return to his roots in the performing arts and looks forward to getting back on stage.
CARMEN DOANE-BARKAN
Director of Dramatics
Carmen Doane-Barkan is a multi-talented performer, Catholic educator and mother of five, who has acted on Hollywood sets, voted in boardrooms, led congregations in song, and taught countless students to open up and express themselves in front of audiences. Though she has a Bachelor's degree in Ethnomusicology (UCLA), and a Master’s degree in Educational Studies (Loyola Marymount University), Carmen believes that the most valuable knowledge comes from life and the process of art-making. In her classes, students are invited to consider their own experiences and beliefs as stories worthy of being crafted and shared, which in turn shapes their experiences and beliefs. A transformative and constructivist teacher, who builds learning through meaningful encounters, Carmen is an inspirational guide for students discovering their artistic vision and voice, and sharing it confidently with others.
Director of Dramatics
Carmen Doane-Barkan is a multi-talented performer, Catholic educator and mother of five, who has acted on Hollywood sets, voted in boardrooms, led congregations in song, and taught countless students to open up and express themselves in front of audiences. Though she has a Bachelor's degree in Ethnomusicology (UCLA), and a Master’s degree in Educational Studies (Loyola Marymount University), Carmen believes that the most valuable knowledge comes from life and the process of art-making. In her classes, students are invited to consider their own experiences and beliefs as stories worthy of being crafted and shared, which in turn shapes their experiences and beliefs. A transformative and constructivist teacher, who builds learning through meaningful encounters, Carmen is an inspirational guide for students discovering their artistic vision and voice, and sharing it confidently with others.
BEN LAUFFER
Performing Arts Coordinator
Ben Lauffer is a multi-faceted musician who embodies a unique blend of artistic talent, educational expertise, spiritual awareness, and family values. With a deep passion for music and a talent for performance, Ben has made a name for himself as a skilled musician and sought-after educator. He approaches music education with a holistic perspective, incorporating mindfulness practices like meditation into his lessons to help students tap into their inner creativity. As a father, Ben values the importance of family and the role it plays in shaping one's life and worldview. Through his music, his teaching, and his personal values, Ben inspires others to live a life that is rich with purpose and fulfillment.
Performing Arts Coordinator
Ben Lauffer is a multi-faceted musician who embodies a unique blend of artistic talent, educational expertise, spiritual awareness, and family values. With a deep passion for music and a talent for performance, Ben has made a name for himself as a skilled musician and sought-after educator. He approaches music education with a holistic perspective, incorporating mindfulness practices like meditation into his lessons to help students tap into their inner creativity. As a father, Ben values the importance of family and the role it plays in shaping one's life and worldview. Through his music, his teaching, and his personal values, Ben inspires others to live a life that is rich with purpose and fulfillment.
JOE PRAMIK
Music Teacher
Joe Pramik is a multi-talented musician and producer with a passion for music and education. A New School graduate, he has toured the world and worked in studios across New York before returning to his home in the Bay Area. He has continued to work as a drummer, producer, and educator, utilizing his vast experience and expertise to inspire and guide students of all ages and skill levels. He has a natural talent for providing a unique and dynamic learning environment, where students can develop their musical skills, creativity, and confidence. As a dedicated educator, he provides the highest quality music education and is beloved and respected in the music community for his contagious enthusiasm and dedication to helping students reach their full potential as musicians and individuals.
Music Teacher
Joe Pramik is a multi-talented musician and producer with a passion for music and education. A New School graduate, he has toured the world and worked in studios across New York before returning to his home in the Bay Area. He has continued to work as a drummer, producer, and educator, utilizing his vast experience and expertise to inspire and guide students of all ages and skill levels. He has a natural talent for providing a unique and dynamic learning environment, where students can develop their musical skills, creativity, and confidence. As a dedicated educator, he provides the highest quality music education and is beloved and respected in the music community for his contagious enthusiasm and dedication to helping students reach their full potential as musicians and individuals.
675 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, Kentfield CA 94904 Phone: 415-464-3898 | Email: admissions@marincatholic.org
