Directory

Javier Caballero joined the Rivers community in August 2024 as the inaugural executive director of performing arts. In this new role, Javier is responsible for strategic vision and administrative oversight of The Rivers School Conservatory (RSC) and the Performing Arts Department at The Rivers School, including its signature Conservatory Program. Javier holds graduate degrees in cello performance from the Boston Conservatory and undergraduate degrees in music education and cello performance from the University of South Florida. He is a seasoned performer with a strong professional network throughout New England. Javier recently served as the executive director of the Apple Hill Center for Chamber Music in New Hampshire, where he strove to create a welcoming, inclusive community for chamber music players at all levels and from all backgrounds. Before taking on the Apple Hill role, Javier was artistic director of Project STEP, a string training program for students from communities underrepresented in classical music. He also served as scholarship and recruitment manager for From The Top, the NPR showcase for young classically trained musicians.

Philippe Crettien teaches saxophone and serves as jazz department chair and director of The Rivers School Jazz Program at The Rivers School Conservatory. He holds a BA from Berklee College of Music and honors in philosophy and literature from the French Lycée of London, and an MM in jazz composition from UMass Amherst. In addition to touring in Europe and South America with the Philippe Crettien Quartet featuring John Medeski and Bob Gullotti, he has performed with Andy Jaffe, Bill Baron, Ed Blackwell, Mr. Jelly Belly, and Branford Marsalis. Philippe has released a CD, "November Dusk", featuring RSC jazz faculty Patrick Mottaz, Sean Farias, and Mike Connors. His CD with the Philippe Crettien Nonet, "The North African Suite", was released in September 2021. Philippe also served as director of the Toulon International Jazz Festival workshops in Toulon, France, from 1991-2000.