The Global Filipino Magazine reported that Dr. Michael Jhun Padua Paceño, a 33‑year‑old Filipino music educator, appeared as a baritone in the East Coast premiere of W. Aaron Rice’s *Train, Stopping* at Carnegie Hall on June 14, 2026, and is now teaching elementary students in the Arizona desert.
Before moving to the United States, Dr. Paceño spent nine years at Liceo de Cagayan University’s Conservatory of Music, where he served as an assistant professor, academic chairman of the undergraduate music program, chair of two master’s tracks and director of the university glee choir. He coached vocalists who won national contests such as *The Voice of the Philippines* and the National Music Competition for Young Artists, and was named Outstanding Music Educator of the Year by the Asia Pacific Luminaire Awards in 2021.
In 2023 he began his U.S. career as band and choir director at Lee Williams High School, leading the marching band to the Arizona State Finals and guiding choir students to regional performances. After securing a Rotary Club micro‑grant, he created the Desert Willow Elementary Music Keyboard Program, the first of its kind in the Kingman Unified School District, and was honored as the district’s Rookie of the Year in 2025.
Dr. Paceño says his goal is to inspire students, expand music education opportunities and continue advancing his own studies with a second doctorate in music education.
For more information, visit theglobalfilipinomagazine.com.