Worldwide Locations Map

Meet the Faculty

Faculty Biographies:
Select the instruments below to see a full list of faculty members and biographies.

Piano
Harpsichord
Voice
Violin
Viola
Cello
Bass
Suzuki Strings
Guitar
Flute
Clarinet
Oboe/English Horn/Oboe d'amore

Bassoon/Contrabassoon
Saxophone
Horn
Trumpet
Trombone/Baritone/Euphonium/Tuba
Percussion
Theory
Composition
Jazz Improvisation
Kindermusik/Young Years
Conductors

*Indicates Special Arrangement teachers.

Piano Faculty

Maryse Carlin, piano, harpsichord*
Master of Music, University of Paris; Licence de Piano, École Normale de Musique; first prize in piano, solfege and chamber music, Bordeaux Conservatory; studied piano with Jules Gentil; studied harpsichord with Ruth Nurmi and Sylvia Marlowe; performed extensively in recital at Carnegie Recital Hall, Boston Museum of Fine Arts, Whitney Museum, and Harvard University. Appeared several times as soloist with the St. Louis Symphony and in the "Great Performers at Lincoln Center" Mozart marathon in Tully Hall, April 1992; recitals in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and on French television; guest artist at the Marlboro Festival and the Blue Hill Festival; former faculty member, New England Conservatory, Phillipps-Exeter Academy, and École Normale de Musique; faculty, Washington University and Innsbrook Music Institute; recordings, Titanic Records and Naiad Records; director of the Kingsbury Ensemble, a group performing Baroque music on historical instruments.

Seth Carlin, piano*
M.S. Piano, Juilliard School of Music; B.A. Music (cum laude), Harvard College; Licence de Concert, premier nommé a l'unanimité, École Normale de Musique de Paris. Piano with Rosina Lhevinne and Jules Gentil; prizewinner, International Busoni Competition, French government scholarship winner, Solo Recitalist Grant, and National Endowment for the Arts; soloist, St. Louis Symphony, San Francisco Philharmonic Baroque, Toronto Tafelmusic, Boston "Pops," Great Performers at Lincoln Center Mozart Marathon, complete Schubert sonata cycle (Merkin Hall, New York), Spoleto Festival of Two Worlds, Marlboro Music Festival, Newport Music Festival, and French, Swedish, German, and mainland Chinese radio and television; recent concerts in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland; Professor of Music and head of piano program, Washington University.

Phil Dunlap, piano (Jazz)
Bachelor's degree, jazz performance/music theory/composition, and Master's degree, jazz performance, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville. Adjunct Professor, University of Missouri-St. Louis. Has performed with Terell Stafford, Houston Person, Jimmy Cobb, and Christine Brewer. Recipient, St. Louis Suburban Music Educators Association Certificate of Merit, and the ST. LOUIS BUSINESS JOURNAL's "30 under 30."

Nina Ferrigno, piano*
New England Conservatory of Music, Boston, MA - M.M. with Distinction in Performance, 1994, B.M. with Distinction in Performance, 1991; described by the St. Louis-Dispatch as "a magnificent pianist"; has appeared in major concert venues throughout North America; has performed with the St. Louis Symphony, Boston Symphony, Boston Pops, and the Boston Modern Orchestra Project (BMOP); experience includes teaching in Massachusetts at Brandeis University, Walnut Hill School for the Performing Arts, Winchester Community Music School, and The Dana Hall School; long-time member-director of the AUROS Group for New Music and founding member of the Boston-based Calyx Piano Trio; committed to bringing classical music to new audiences and strives to commission and perform new works in a variety of settings. Co-founder of the Missouri Chamber Music Festival.

Sofia Friedman, piano
M.A., Leningrad Conservatory of Music; B.A., Leningrad Music College; member, Music Teachers National Association, Missouri Music Teachers Association.

Daniel Fry, piano
Doctoral Candidate in Vocal Coaching & Accompanying, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC); M.S. Choral Music Education and B.S. Music Education, UIUC; Choir Director, First United Methodist Church of St. Charles; Choral Accompanist, O'Fallon Twp. HS, O'Fallon, IL; Staff Accompanist, UMSL; frequent chamber musician, collaborator and accompanist throughout the Midwest, often serving as a choral and instrumental accompanist at festivals and music camps; former organist, choir director, and music director at several churches; former accompanist for Illinois Symphony Chorus (Springfield, IL); former staff accompanist and faculty member Conservatory of Central Illinois (Champaign, IL), with students of all ages.

Sandra Geary, piano
Bachelor of Music, Saint Louis Conservatory of Music; diplomas, Royal Schools of Music, Trinity College, London and Cork School of Music, Ireland; teachers include Joseph Kalichstein, Saint Louis Conservatory of Music, and John O'Conor, Ireland; accompanist for the Washington University Opera Program and Chamber Chorus, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, and Bach Society of St. Louis; piano faculty member, Washington University; former accompanist, Saint Louis Conservatory of Music.

Antonina Gerassimova, piano
M.M. in Piano Performance and Music Education, Academy of Music, Sofia, Bulgaria; B.M in Piano Performance and Music Education, College of Music and Arts, Rousse, Bulgaria; faculty member, Townsend Music School; former piano, ear training, and music theory teacher, Chesterfield Day School, and College of Music and Arts (Rousse, Bulgaria); former conductor, College of Music and Arts; accompanist for Townsend Music School, University of Missouri – Kansas City, Webster University, Academy of Music (Sofia, Bulgaria) and College of Music and Arts (Rousse, Bulgaria); guest recitals at University of Missouri-Kansas City, Webster University, Basel Academy of Music (Basel, Switzerland), Academy of Music (Sofia, Bulgaria), Festival of Music for Young Talents (Berjeraque, France), and the Rousse State Orchestra (Rousse, Bulgaria); accompanist, National Society of Arts and Letters- St. Louis Chapter's Career Opportunity Vocal Competition, March 2008.

Douglas Gilliland, piano
M.M. in Sacred Music & organ, harpsichord, choral conducting, University of Florida; B.M. Piano Performance, Southern Illinois University; teachers included Willis Bodine, Jane Allen, Ruth Slenczynska, Marion Lampe and Daniel Fletcher; continuo and keyboard, Bismarck Symphony; co-founder, River Bend Conservatory, River Bend Piano Trio, and Chosen Stone Band; classical and jazz improvisation CD "Markers"; teacher, BSC and LIFE-Pacific College; present and past member of Music Teachers National Association, AGO and CIDA; freelance accompanist.

Valentina Gurevich, piano
M.A., Byelorussia Academy of Music, Minsk; B.A., Georgia State Musical College; former faculty member and accompanist, Minsk Special Music School; member, Music Teachers National Association and Missouri Music Teachers Association.

Chelle Habecker, piano
Master of Arts, Music (ethnomusicology), University of Hawaii. Bachelor of Arts, Music, and Associate of Arts, piano pedagogy (teaching), Spring Arbor University. Accompanist for CHARIS (St. Louis Women's Chorus) and local competitions. Member, Music Teachers National Association.

Zena Ilyashov, piano*
M.A., Byelorussian Academy of Music; B.A., Minsk Special Music School; former faculty member, Minsk Special Music School for Gifted Children; member, Music Teachers National Association and Missouri Music Teachers Association; among her students are international, national, regional, and state competition winners who have performed as soloists with orchestras and live on radio, including Classic 99 and "From the Top" on National Public Radio.

Soyeon Kim, piano
M.M. Piano Performance, University of Hartford, Performer's Certificate, University of Connecticut, B.M. Piano Performance, Seoul National University; Associate faculty member and staff accompanist, McKendree University; former teaching assistant, Korean National University of the Arts; awards include Miami String Quartet Competition, Paranove Concerto Competition at the HARTT School, HanKook Newspaper Music Competition, Little Angels Music Competition, Yookyoung Music Competition, Korean Music Association Competition in South Korea; solo recitals in Jane Allen Recital Hall, St. Louis, MO, Hettenhausen Center for the Arts, McKendree University, IL; 2008-2009 Concert Series of First Presbyterian Church of Edwardsville, IL; 2009 Friday Concert Series of Youngsan Grace Hall, Seoul, South Korea and Chamber Music Night Concert, Korean Presbyterian Church of St. Louis, MO, 2009 the Shepley Concert Program of Christ Church Cathedral, St.Louis, MO; member of Music Teachers National Association, Missouri Music Teachers Association.

Amanda Kirkpatrick, piano
M.M. Piano Performance and B.M. Piano Performance (magna cum laude), University of Missouri-Columbia; studied with Jane Allen; soloist with University of Missouri Philharmonic, Samara Philharmonic, and Manistee Civic Orchestra; Artist Presentation Society Award, 1992; toured Russia, 1993; former member of Synchronia; member, Music Teachers National Association and Royal American Conservatory; founding member of Trinity Piano Trio; faculty member, Washington University.

Karl Koesterer, piano
M.M. Piano Performance and Pedagogy, Webster University; B.M. Piano Performance, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale; studied under Dr. Gail Delente and as a scholarship student of Dr. W. Kent Werner; piano department faculty coordinator, Saint Louis Symphony Community Music School; adjunct faculty, Webster University; member, Music Teachers National Association.

Ron McGowan, piano
B.A. Music History and Piano Performance (cum laude), Pomona College (Claremont, CA); independent study with Stephen Sondheim; private studies with Peter Hewitt and Alan Boehmer; resident pianist/accompanist, Musical Theater West, Fullerton Civic Light Opera, Hillside Repertory Theater, South Coast Repertory Theater, MUNY St. Louis, and Stages, St. Louis; Musical Director/Associate Director for Cal State University, Los Angeles, Occidental College, and University of California, Irvine; extensive professional accompaniment experience throughout greater Los Angeles and St. Louis, including among many others Dale Kristien (Christine in Broadway and Los Angeles productions of Phantom of the Opera), Joanna Gleason, John Raitt, Seth Riggs Vocal Studio, and UCLA- Studio Sessions for Film Scoring; private piano instructor and vocal coach in South St. Louis county.

Allison Nalesnik, piano, theory, organ
Master of Music, Washington University; M.S. Organic Chemistry, University of Delaware; B.A., Oberlin College; organist and handbell director for 20 years, St. John's United Church of Christ, Manchester; chemical translator, Hercules Chemical Company; member, Music Teachers National Association, Missouri Music Teachers Association and American Guild of Organists.

Susan Pankratz, piano
M.M. Piano and B.M. Theory, Webster University; former instructor and Theory Coordinator, Saint Louis Conservatory and Schools for the Arts; former Teaching Assistant, Webster University; judged on numerous festivals and competitions; Saint Louis Music Teachers Association board member for several years; freelance accompanist.

Vera Parkin, piano, Preparatory Program Artistic Director
B.M and M.M. Piano Performance with chamber music certificate, Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville; undergraduate studies at Northwestern University; doctoral work at Washington University; teachers include Gui Mombaerts, Ruth Slenczynska, and Seth and Maryse Carlin; keyboardist, St. Louis Symphony since 1987; adjunct professor of piano, Webster University; staff accompanist, Webster University, UMSL, and Community Music School of Webster University; former Artist Presentation Society winner; Director of Student Life and teaching artist, Innsbrook Institute. St. Louis Symphony's Music Educator of the Year, 2011.

Mary Pentecost, piano
Master of Music in Piano Pedagogy and Performance Studies, University of Idaho; Bachelor of Music (Magna cum Laude) in Piano Performance, Bradley University; teachers include Daniel Schene (Webster University), Jay Mauchley (University of Idaho) and Ed Kaizer (Bradley University); Instructor of Class Piano and Private Lessons at UIdaho; President of UIdaho MTNA Student Chapter 2008-2010; Recipient of MTNA StAR Award; Winner of 2009-2010 University of Idaho Concerto-Aria Competition; Winner of 2007-2008 Bradley University Concerto-Aria Competition; 2nd place winner of Musicfest Northwest's Young Artist Division in 2009 and 2010; member and adjudicator, National Federation of Music Clubs (Missouri Chapter); member, Missouri Teachers National Association (MTNA); music director, St. Martin of Tours Parish.

Ruth Stith, piano
Master of Music, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville; B.M. (magna cum laude and Class Marshall), Vanderbilt University; former adjunct artist teacher of piano and theory, Vanderbilt University; faculty instructor, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville; performances with Nashville Symphony (2002), 1994 New Orleans Jazz Festival, Vanderbilt Orchestra (1998) and Vanderbilt New Music Ensemble (1997); member, St. Louis Brass Band. Adjudicator for 2004 MTNA auditions, 2002 – 2004 Blair School of Music Technique Olympics, juries and pre-college scholarship auditions. Awards include 2nd place in 2005 Southern Illinois Young Artist Competition; 2004 Competitive Graduate Award; 1st place, 1994 New Orleans LFMC Annual Piano Tournament; member, Pi Kappa Lambda, Phi Kappa Phi, and Music Teachers National Association.

Marschnee Strong, piano
M.A. Piano Performance, Webster University; teachers include Peter Henderson (Maryville University), Daniel Schene (Webster University), and Groff Bittner (Lindenwood University); member, Music Teachers National Association and National Federation of Music Clubs; Chair of Keyboard Merit, Missouri Federation of Music Clubs, District IV-B; adjudicator of numerous music festivals and competitions.

Sharon Tash, piano
Graduate studies, piano and early music emphasis, Washington University; B.A. in Music (cum laude), University of Missouri-St. Louis; undergraduate studies, Indiana University-Bloomington; preparatory studies, St. Louis Institute of Music; student of Robert Wallenborn, Evelyn Mitchell, Abbey Simon and Lyndon Croxford; staff accompanist, Washington University and Community Music School of Webster University; former accompanist, University of Missouri-St. Louis and St. Louis Children's Choirs; former piano instructor, University of Missouri Extension Division and Columbia College community music program; member, Friends of Scott Joplin.

Jane Thomas, piano
M.A. and B.A. in Music, Webster University; taught numerous courses as adjunct faculty, Webster University; private instructor of piano and flute students; studied in England with William Bennett of the London Symphony Orchestra as a masterclass performer; Concerto Competition Winner (2003), Webster University Symphony Orchestra; composer of music with World Premiere at Webster University Faculty Composers' Concert; commissioned composer/arranger; member, National and Missouri Federation of Music Clubs, National Guild of Piano Teachers, Music Teachers' National Association, Missouri Music Teachers' Association, National Flute Association, St. Louis Flute Society; performances with Webster Symphony Orchestra, and as freelance solo and chamber musician.

Richard Zelle, piano (Jazz)
Pursued music education degree, University of Missouri-St. Louis; teachers included Richard (Dick) Zelle Sr., Seth Greiner Jr., Seth Greiner Sr., and Jane Allen; former member, St. Louis Jazz Quartet, Gateway Jazz Ensemble and 40 West Band; performed for Six Flags auditions, rehearsals and shows; performed on many radio and TV commercials; recordings include solo CD "I've Got The World On A String," May 2002.

Harpsichord Faculty

Voice Faculty

Jill Hartzog, voice
M.M. Vocal Performance and work towards a D.M. Vocal Performance and Literature, Indiana University; B.M. Vocal Performance, North Carolina School of the Arts; teachers include Patricia Havranek, Marilyn Taylor, Brian Horne, and Costanza Cuccaro; performances include Diana in Orpheus in the Underworld, Adele in Die Fledermaus, and Sister Valentine in Dialogues of the Carmelites -- Indiana University Opera Theater; frequent soloist, Windsor Theatre Group, Opera Promenade with the Midwest Lyric Opera; performances with Union Avenue Opera Chorus and Saint Louis Symphony Chorus.

Jeffrey Heyl, voice
D.M.A., University of Iowa; Master of Music, University of Hartford (Hartt Talent Scholarship recipient); B.M.E., Eastman School of Music. Director of Worship Arts, Green Trails Methodist Church; Adjunct Faculty, Lindenwood University, Missouri Baptist University, and Covenant Theological Seminary; frequent soloist and recitalist; member, National Association of Teachers of Singing, American Choral Directors Association, and St. Louis Symphony Chorus.

Melissa Peterson, voice
M.M. Vocal Performance, University of Missouri in Columbia; B.M. Vocal Performance, cum laude, Millikin University; teachers include Jo Ella Todd, Lois YaDeau; notable opera roles Giannetta in Donizetti’s L’Elisir D’Amore, Alison in Gustav Holst’s The Wandering Scholar, Ida in Johann Strauss’ Die Fledermaus, Laetita in Menotti’s The Old Maid and the Theif and Bastienne in Mozart’s Bastien and Bastienne; recent concert performance includes Villa-Lobos' Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5 with internationally acclaimed cellist Andres Diaz, Innsbrook Institute; member, National Association of Teachers of Singing; former Assistant Executive Director, Innsbrook Institute; Adjunct Faculty, Maryville University; Community Relations Coordinator, Community Music School of Webster University.

Muriel Petrovics, voice
B.M.E., Montclair State College; graduate studies, Washington University; former soloist, Mississippi Valley Opera Company, August Opera Festival, St. Louis Opera Theatre, Mid-West Chamber Ensemble, Maplewood-Richmond Heights Orchestra, Third Baptist Church, Webster Groves Presbyterian Church, B'nai El and United Hebrew Temples; former faculty member of Missouri Baptist College, Meramec Community College, and St. Louis College of Pharmacy; charter member and section leader for 12 years, Saint Louis Symphony Chorus; former director of music for 14 years, St. John United Church of Christ, Manchester; member, Ladies Friday Musicale.

Kourtney Strade, voice
M.A. Voice, University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music (UMKC); B.S.Ed. Vocal Music Education, Northwest Missouri State University; additional graduate studies in Speech-Language Pathology and a Certificate of Vocology, University of Iowa; Teachers include Rebecca Folsom, Un Chong Christopher, and Elizabeth Vrenios; Performances include Rosina in Il Barbiere di Siviglia, Dorabella in Le Nozze di Figaro–Crittenden Opera Workshop; Clorinda in La Cenerentola, Joan in Jehanne de Lorraine — UMKC; member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing; owner of Heartland Healthy Voices.

Violin Faculty

William Bauer, violin, viola, chamber music
B.M. Performance, University of Texas; Artistic Director of the (Dallas area) McKinney Kammergild and the St. Louis Baroque Festival and Academy; active member of Atlanta's New Trinity Baroque, Chicago's The Comic Intermezzo and Ars Antigua, Milwaukee's Ensemble Musical Offering; recent member of the Chicago Baroque Band, Indianapolis Baroque Orchestra, and the New York State Baroque; soloist at the Spoleto Festival in Charleston, S.C., in Mexico at the Journadas de Musica Antigua in Gunanajuato, the Festival de Musica Barocca in San Miguel De Allende, the Iraklion International Festival (Crete), and the Lisbon and Vancouver Early Music festivals; has programmed and led concerts for special exhibits at The Art Institute of Chicago, The National Museum of Women in the Arts, The Saint Louis Art Museum and the Detroit Institute of Arts; recordings can be found on the Deutsche Grammophon, Polydor, Naxos, First Edition, Nannerl and Studio 115 labels.

Kerry Goodwin, viola and violin
B.A. Music, Olivet College (MI); graduate studies, Central Michigan University, University of Iowa and National String Workshop; viola teacher and conductor, Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp; string teacher, Jackson Mount Pleasant Public Schools; middle and high school orchestra director, Clinton Public Schools (IA); orchestra director, Davenport North and West High Schools; principal violist with the Blue Lake Festival Orchestra, Alma Symphony, CMU Symphony, Quad City Mozart Festival, the Friends of Chamber Music, and the Clinton Symphony; violist with the Jackson, Midland, Saginaw Symphony, and Quad City Symphonies, and the Webster University Symphony Orchestra.

Mark Gurevich, violin and viola
M.A., Byelorussia Academy of Music; B.A., Minsk Special Music College; former conductor, Minsk Special Music School String Orchestra; former faculty member and chamber music coach, Minsk Special School; former member, Webster University Symphony Orchestra; member, Music Teachers National Association and Missouri Music Teachers Association.

Eliana Haig, viola and violin
Artist Diploma, Purchase College SUNY; M.M., Eastman School of Music; B.M., cum laude, Lawrence University; primary teachers include Ira Weller, George Taylor, and Matthew Michelic, Suzuki pedagogy with Carrie Reuning-Hummel. Former Violin and Viola Faculty, Kanack School of Music, School No. 19 "Strings for Success" Program, Amadeus Conservatory; former section member, Erie Philharmonic, Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra; former substitute, Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra; current substitute, Civic Orchestra of Chicago; summer festivals include the National Repertory Orchestra, Chautauqua Festival, and National Orchestral Institute. For more information, visit elianahaig.weebly.com

Margret Heyl, violin
Bachelor of Music, Marywood University; Master of Music, Ithaca College; Artists Diploma, Hartt School of Music. Former faculty member, Hartt School of Music, Preucil School of Music (Iowa), and St. Charles Community College. Performed as a member of the Eastern Connecticut Symphony, Meridan Symphony, Cedar Rapids Symphony, Alton Symphony, Binghamton Pops, Roanoke Symphony, and Bach Society of St. Louis, as well as a free lance musician.

Melissa Horine, violin
M.M. violin pedagogy, Bachelor of Music, violin performance, Missouri State University; teachers include Susan Doering, David Hays, and fiddler Bob Holt; member St. Louis Philharmonic; former member Springfield Symphony Orchestra (also librarian), Springfield Regional Opera Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra of the Ozarks, Fort Smith Symphony; performed with the Gateway Festival Orchestra, Trans Siberian Orchestra, Paragon Ragtime Orchestra, and numerous regional rock and country bands; chamber music coach, Missouri State University Summer String Fling; current director and instructor, First String Violin Academy.

Yuly Ilyashov, violin

Lindsey Jones, violin
Master of Music, violin performance, University of Florida-Gainesville; Bachelor of Music, violin performance, University of Missouri-Columbia; continuing graduate studies, University of Missouri-St. Louis. Former concert master, St. Louis Philharmonic, University of Florida Philharmonic, Columbia Civic Orchestra, and University of Missouri Philharmonic; former first violin, Buder Quartet; violin section, Fox Theatre Orchestra, Union Avenue Opera, Saint Louis Chamber Orchestra, Gainesville Symphony Orchestra, Missouri Symphony, and Orlando Philharmonic; performed with Stanley Drucker; member, Ambrosio Graduate Piano Trio, Bartok Trio, Xavier Quartet, and Chaplin Quartet; MOASTA senior division solo competition winner, 1997; adjudicator, 2001 Youth MTNA Festival; member, American String Teachers Association and Sigma Alpha Iota.

Manuela Kaymakanova, violin
M.M. Performance, University of Missouri-Kansas City; Bachelor of Music, Webster University-St. Louis; studied with Benny Kim and Yuly Ilyashov; substitute with Kansas City Symphony Orchestra; performs with Illinois Symphony Orchestra and Webster University Symphony Orchestra; former member, graduate string quartet of University of Missouri — Kansas City; member, Trinity Piano Trio.

Marilyn Park-Ellington, violin
Master of Music and Bachelor of Music, both with distinction, Indiana University. Merit scholar at the Eastman School of Music and the St. Louis Conservatory of Music. Teachers include Henryk Kowalski, Josef Gingold, Rostislav Dubinsky, Jaime Laredo, and Masao Kawasaki. Former acting assistant principal and section violin, St. Louis Symphony. Solo recitalist and soloist with the Alton Symphony Orchestra and New World Symphony.

Manuel Ramos, violin*
Violinist Manuel Ramos has been associated with the St. Louis Symphony since 1976. He has also served as Assistant Concertmaster of the Pittsburgh and San Diego symphonies and as Concertmaster of the Mexico City Philharmonic. Manuel Ramos has established himself as one of the most active Mexican musicians of his generation. His varied repertoire includes all the standard works for violin from Bach to Stravinsky and he has a special affinity for the music of his own country. His love of music from Mexico has roots in the popular music he played as a child with his father and brothers. At the age of 14 he entered the national Conservatory of Music in Mexico City, and later continued his studies at Indiana University. An avid chamber musician, Mr. Ramos frequently performs in chamber music festivals in the United States and Mexico, and has toured South America, performing in Brazil, Chile, Argentina, and Paraguay. In addition, he has given recitals in Carnegie Hall in New York, and the Organization of American States in Washington, D.C. Several of his solo appearances with Mexican orchestras have been televised throughout Mexico and Latin America.

Laura Reycraft, viola and violin
Master of Music, University of Maryland; Bachelor of Music, The Cleveland Institute of Music; teachers included Jeffrey Irvine, Lynne Ramsey, Daniel Foster, and Michael Tree; studied Suzuki violin pedagogy with Ronda Cole; participated in several music festivals including Tanglewood Music Center, Spoleto Festival USA, Sarasota Music Festival, Aspen Music Festival and School, and the New York String Orchestra Seminar; former substitute, National Symphony Orchestra; regular substitute, St. Louis Symphony; active freelancer in St. Louis; Suzuki violin faculty member, City Academy.

Angie Smart, violin*
Angie Smart has been a First Violinist with the St. Louis Symphony since 1998. Originally from England, she began violin lessons at the age of six and won a scholarship to study at Chetham's School of Music at the age of 13. She continued her studies in the U.S. in 1990 where she attended the University of Miami, Lamar University in Texas, and completed her masters degree at Rice University in Houston. Ms. Smart has performed extensively in Europe and the U.S. with representation by Encore Concerts, and has appeared as soloist with the St. Louis Symphony, Alhambra Chamber Orchestra, Gorton Philharmonic, Lamar Chamber Orchestra, and both Chethams' Chamber and Classical Orchestras. Her television appearances have included masterclasses with Yehudi Menuhin and as the subject of a documentary profiling "A Day in the Life of a Young Musician at Chetham's School of Music." Among other masterclasses, she has played for Midori and Zachar Bron. Ms. Smart has competed in the 10th International Tchaikovsky Competition and the Yehudi Menuhin Competition, and has been a prizewinner in many other competitions, including the British Violin Recital Prize, Elizabeth Harper Vaughn Concerto Competition, and the William C. Byrd Young Artists Competition.

Marc Thayer, violin
B.M. and M.M. Violin Performance, Eastman School of Music; teachers included William Preucil and Zvi Zeitlin; Director of Education and Strings Faculty with the Association of American Voices in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Thailand, and Burma; Director of the St. Louis University String Orchestra and String Faculty member; former Vice President for Education and Community Partnerships, St. Louis Symphony; performs with Kingsbury Baroque Ensemble in St. Louis; Former Artistic Producer, Music at the Whim Estate Concert Series, St. Croix (US Virgin Islands); faculty member and performer, Guadalquivir Festival in Tarija, Bolivia; Violinist with New World Symphony, Miami Beach, FL from 1995-1998; performed with chamber/opera orchestra of the 1998-1999 Festival International d'Aix-en-Provence, France; founder and president of New World Symphony Russian Instrument Fund; founding member and 2001-2002 concertmaster, Ars Flores Chamber Orchestra in Ft. Lauderdale, FL; performed with San Diego, Syracuse, and Youngstown Symphony Orchestras; former concertmaster, Schlossfest Opera Orchestra in Heidelberg, Germany; served on the teaching faculties of the Summer Music Institute (Ft. Lauderdale, FL), New World School of the Arts (Miami, FL), and the Encore/Coda Summer Music Camp in Maine; Arts and Education Council Board Member.

Kaoru Wada, violin
Master of Music, Webster University; Graduate Diploma in Performance, St. Louis Conservatory of Music; Bachelor of Music, Musashino Academia Musicae; performed with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, National Orchestral Institute and National Repertory Orchestra; performed with Tokyo, Illinois, and Saint Louis Symphony Orchestras as a substitute; performed in the Spoleto Festival (U.S.A. and Italy) and Corsi Estivi Internazionali Di Musica (Italy); former faculty member, Saint Louis Symphony Community Music School, St. Charles Community College; member, American Kantorei Orchestra; soloist, 2005-2006 Bach at the Sem.

Adrian Walker, violin
B.M. in Performance, Eastman School of Music; Graduate Courses in Performance, Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville; fifth grade strings instructor, Webster Groves School District; former orchestra conductor, Kirkwood School District, Cameron Youth Chamber Orchestra; former violin instructor, Interlochen Arts Camp, Suzuki Strings Program of Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, Ferguson-Florissant School District, Strings in the Mountains Music Festival; guest conductor, Webster University Symphony Orchestra, Parkway All-District Middle School Orchestra, All-Suburban Middle School Honors Orchestra; former replacement violinist for twenty years, St. Louis Symphony; soloist in 2001, St. Louis Symphony; former concertmaster, Belleville Philharmonic, University City Symphony, Gateway Festival Orchestra, St. Louis Philharmonic; concertmaster, Fox Theatre Orchestra.

Viola Faculty

Mark Gurevich, violin
M.A., Byelorussia Academy of Music; B.A., Minsk Special Music College; former conductor, Minsk Special Music School String Orchestra; former faculty member and chamber music coach, Minsk Special School; former member, Webster University Symphony Orchestra; member, Music Teachers National Association and Missouri Music Teachers Association.

Cello Faculty

Tracy Andreotti, cello
B.A., Brandeis University, Master of Music, St Louis Conservatory of Music; principal teachers Savely Schuster, Yuan Tung, Peter Spurbeck and Rhonda Rider; additional studies with George Niekrug and Ronald Thomas; chamber music coaching with Joseph Kalechstein, Leslie Parnas, Michael Tree, and members of the Lydian Quartet; former principal cello and soloist with St. Louis Philharmonic, New City Chamber Orchestra, U City Symphony, Gateway Festival Orchestra, Opera Memphis; former member of the Illinois Symphony, Illinois Chamber Orchestra, South Bend Symphony, Memphis Symphony; present principal cellist with Union Avenue Opera; eclectic chamber music experience includes 6 years with the award winning contemporary music group Synchronia, the Native American band Autumn's Child, founding member of Operation Tango, Tango Tango, Kierkegaard Youth, Wittgenstein Youth, and Trinity Piano Trio; an avid improviser, Tracy has collaborated extensively on original works with local and national dancers, and has performed and recorded with many new music improvisers, including Andre Vida, Michael Schumacher, and Tom Sutter.

April Dannelly, cello
M.M. in Cello Performance and M.A. in Music Theory, University of Wisconsin-Madison; B.M. in Cello Performance with Music Theory Minor, Oberlin Conservatory of Music; teachers include Uri Vardi, Amir Eldan, Hans Jorgen Jensen, Peter Rejto, and Elizabeth Beilman; performed on recording "Air" with Yolanda Kondonassis and Joshua Smith; former member, Dorian String Quartet, Pierrot Lunaire Ensemble, Oberlin Conservatory's Symphony Orchestra in Carnegie Hall performance; awarded Dean's Scholarship at Oberlin Conservatory; performed at the Kennedy Center with Dorian Quartet; semi-finalist, Plowman Competition with Dorian Quartet; honorable mention, Ohio String Teacher's Association Chamber Competition; former adjunct professor of cello and bass, Ripon College; former music theory teaching assistant, Oberlin Conservatory of Music, University of Wisconsin-Madison; active freelancer; private cello teacher; substitute member, Illinois Symphony; former substitute member, Dubuque Symphony, Madison Symphony Orchestra, Mansfield Symphony; member, Peoria Symphony Orchestra.

Patricia Ruiloba Gitto, cello
M.M. in Performance, Texas State University-San Marcos; Cellist, National Symphony Orchestra of Panama, Laredo Philharmonic Orchestra, Texas State Chamber Orchestra, Instrumenta Oaxaca México; Principal Cellist, Texas State Symphony Orchestra; Performed with Cronus, Oxus Quartet, Sforzato Quartet, Musik String Studio Ensemble, Orquesta Juvenil de Panamá, Orquesta Juvenil Istmeña; Former faculty, Conservatory of Panama, Alamo City Strings, After School String Program in San Antonio, Texas, Musical Summer Camp of the Concerts National Association; Former Member, Texas Music Educators Association; Member, Musicians Association of St. Louis, Suzuki Association of the Americas.

Julia Hornberger, cello
B.M. Cello Performance, University of Missouri, St. Louis and The St. Louis Conservatory; teachers included John Sant' Ambrogio and Yuan Tung, both former SLSO members; accepted to the Chicago Civic Orchestra and offered a full scholarship for the Masters program in Cello Performance at the University of Depaul, in Chicago; performed as principal and section cellist in the Illinois Symphony, Fort Wayne Philharmonic in Indiana, Kenosha and Racine Symphony Orchestras, in Wisconsin; performed in numerous European summer music festivals, including the AIMS festival, in Austria; performed in the String Divas Violin/Cello Duet while residing in Wisconsin, private cello teacher and cello coach for students in the midwest.

Gary Lee, cello
M.M. in Cello Performance, St. Louis Conservatory of Music; B.M. in Cello Performance (cum laude), Illinois Wesleyan University; teachers include Yuan Tung, Robert Luke, Gordon Robson, and Karl Lear. Active as a freelance musician in both Missouri and Illinois; former principal cellist, Town & Country Symphony; former associate principal cellist, University City Symphony; substitute cellist for the Landolfi String Quartet, Gateway Festival Orchestra, and other area ensembles; former member, St. Louis Philharmonic, Webster Symphony, and Bloomington-Normal (IL) Symphony; substitute, Illinois Symphony Orchestra; member, Musicians Association of St. Louis (AFM Local 2-197); former member, Viola da Gamba Society of America, and former chapter president of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia at Illinois Wesleyan University; involved in work for music publishers for over two decades, including one company formerly concerned with music therapy and problems of performing musicians; studied other instruments including piano and viola da gamba; private cello teacher since 1994.

Catherine Lehr, cello*
Master of Music, Indiana School of Music; Bachelor of Music, Eastman School of Music; Assistant Principal Cello, St. Louis Symphony; soloist, Rochester Philharmonic, State of Mexico Symphony, Hamilton (Ontario) Philharmonic, and the Saint Louis Symphony; collaborated with conductors Leonard Slatkin, Gerhardt Zimmermann, and Sidney Harth; former principal cellist, Xalapa (Mexico) Symphony, and San Diego Symphony; named 2008 Missouri Chapter of the American String Teachers Association (MoASTA) Artist Teacher of the Year; faculty member, Rocky Mountain Summer Conservatory; Suzuki registration, books 1-10; recorded a work written for her by Chuck Mangione on the Mercury record label; recorded string trios by Reger and Taneyev on the Laurel record label; regularly appeared at the Park City International Music Festival in Utah and at many other chamber music venues throughout the Midwest.

Double Bass Faculty

Anita M. Hagerman, double bass
Ph.D., English Literature, Washington University in St. Louis; M.A. Humanities, University of Chicago; B.M. and B.A. Music Performance/ History (magna cum laude), Ball State University; member, International Society of Bassists; member, Viola da Gamba Society of America; recent principal bassist positions include Chamber Orchestra of the Ozarks, Fort Smith Symphony, and Springfield Regional Opera; teachers include Philip Albright, Rolf Erdahl, Lou Fischer, and Hans Sturm; freelance bassist and music educator.

Jeremy Pfeffer, double bass and electric bass
BA Music Performance (traditional) Iowa State University; MM Jazz Studies Webster University; primary instructors George Work, Dick McCoy, Diana Gannett, Carolyn White (of SLSO); performed and taught across the country and abroad in the US Air Force Band program before returning to St. Louis; has performed with the Sessions Big Band, Steve Schankman Orchestra, Phat Noize Blues Band, for the REP, and Touhill as well as with his own group, The Pfeffer Trio featuring Debby Lennon; a highly sought after performer/clinician in many genres; enjoys teaching all ages and skill levels from the beginning 5th grade student to the 20 year veteran bass player.

Suzuki Strings Faculty

Nancy Daby, Suzuki violin; Conductor, String Ensemble
Master of Music, Converse College, Spartanburg, S.C.; A.S. String Instrument Technology, Indiana University; B.A., New York State University at Albany; former faculty member, Converse College Pre-college Division, Suzuki String Program — University of Tennessee at Knoxville, and Cincinnati Public Schools; member, American String Teachers Association and Suzuki Association of the Americas.

Mary Lou Gotman, Suzuki cello; Conductor, String Orchestra
B.A., Bowling Green University; member, Chamber Music America, Suzuki Association of the Americas, cellist and founding member of Quartet Seraphin; former director of junior division, Rocky Mountain Summer Conservatory; former faculty, Richmond (VA) Public Schools and Ladue School District; guest conductor, Central Regional Orchestra, Richmond (VA).

Joanne Keefe, Suzuki violin; Director, Suzuki Ensemble
M.M. Performance and Pedagogy, University of Colorado-Boulder; B.M. Violin Performance (cum laude), Lawrence University Conservatory; long-term Suzuki teacher training with William Starr; former faculty and String Coordinator at Lawrence Academy of Music (WI); former elementary strings specialist at Ladue and Webster Groves School Districts; frequent clinician at workshops and institutes; member, Suzuki Association of the Americas.

David Liu, violin and Suzuki violin; Education Coordinator of Suzuki Program
M.M. Violin Performance and Pedagogy, Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville; Suzuki teacher training with John Kendall and Carol Smith; former assistant director, Suzuki Academy, Houston, Texas; former violin instructor, String Development Program at Southern Illinois University- Edwardsville; former staff, Fujen University, Taiwan; former Music Director, Taipei City Radio Station; member, American String Teachers Association and Suzuki Association of the Americas.

Rose Martin, Suzuki violin
M.A., University of Pennsylvania; Bachelor of Music, Temple University; violin and chamber music studies with Edgar Ortenberg (member of Budapest Quartet); member, Suzuki Association of the Americas and International Suzuki Association; former director, Suzuki program, Stetson University; former coordinator, CASA Suzuki program and bi-annual Suzuki Weekend, Symphony Music School; studies with Shinichi Suzuki in Matsumoto, Japan; violinist with Quartet Seraphin since 1983; performances through Quartet Seraphin's "Meet the Composer" series; American String Teachers Association — Missouri 200 Teacher/Artist of the Year; frequent clinician at Suzuki workshops.

Susan McDonald, Suzuki violin, Coordinator of Suzuki Program
M.A., Western Illinois University (WIU); B.M.E. (cum laude), Lawrence University Conservatory; faculty member, Colorado Suzuki Institute; awarded Byron Hester Award for Excellence in Teaching; frequent workshop guest clinician; former faculty, University City Public Schools, WIU Suzuki Program, Knox/Galesburg Suzuki Program, and Lawrence University Preparatory Program; studies with Almita Vamos, John Kendall, Francesca Koscielny and Karen Clarke; member, Suzuki Association of the Americas and American String Teachers Association.

Guitar Faculty

William Ash, classical guitar
M.A., University of Missouri at Columbia; Bachelor of Music, Saint Louis Conservatory of Music; President, St. Louis Classical Guitar Society; formerly on faculty at Saint Louis University, Washington University; former guitar instructor, OASIS music program; music panelist, M.A.M.A.; member, Guitar Foundation of America; frequent performer in St. Louis area.

Tom Byrne, jazz guitar M.M. and B.M., in Jazz Performance from Webster University; studied with John Scofield, Lenny Breau, Gene Bertoncini and Mick Goodrick; adjunct Jazz faculty, Webster University; performed with St.Louis Symphony, the MUNY orchestra, Tom Byrne Trio; recording credits include the Tom Byrne Trio, the Yule Vibe Trio, Reggie & Mardra Thomas, and the Kim Portnoy Jazz Orchestra. Performs throughout St. Louis with his duos and trios, his group Have U Heard and as a solo guitarist.

John McClellan, classical guitar
M.M. Guitar Performance, St. Louis Conservatory of Music; postgraduate work, Yale University; Head of Classical guitar studies at Webster University; former director of the Guitar for the Young, St. Louis Symphony Community Music Schools: concerts in Europe, South America and Australia; featured artist on several Guitar Foundation of America International festivals; director of the 1996 GFA; Board of Directors, Mel Bay Publication Inc.; frequent appearances in concerto with major orchestras, St. Louis Symphony; performed with Luciano Pavarotti, Jorge Morel, Vince Gill; one-half of the renowned Hanser-McClellan Guitar duo; best selling author, Chet Atkins in Three Dimensions, Volumes 1 and 2, The Magnificent Guitar of Jorge Morel - A Life of Music, and the popular instructional DVD, Chet Licks; writes a regular column for Fingerstyle Guitar magazine.

Patrick Rafferty, classical guitar
Holds graduate degrees from the Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University and a bachelors degree from Southeast Missouri State University. He has won top prizes in the St. Louis Artist Presentation Society Auditions, the Missouri Music Teachers Association and the Southeast Missouri State University Concerto Competition. At Peabody, Patrick gave numerous performances, most notably in the classes of Manuel Barrueco and as a featured performer in the Thursday Noon Concert Series. In May 2008, Patrick was voted the top graduate performer by his peers at Peabody. He currently teaches Classical Guitar and directs the Guitar Ensemble as Adjunct Music Faculty at Southeast Missouri State University. To learn more about Patrick visit: www.patrickraffertyguitar.com

Flute Faculty

Carolyn Hoyer, flute
B.M.E., University of Tulsa; former adjunct faculty member, Lindenwood University; attended flute pedagogy workshop at the University of North Texas, June 2010 & 2012; flute pedagogy workshops in 2000-2008; recipient, St. Louis Suburban Music Education Association Merit Award in recognition of contributions for advancement of music education, February, 2001; studied with Mary Karen Clardy; Alexander Method class with Nora Lee Garcia of The University of Central Florida; published article in the British Flute Society periodical "Pan"; former director of bands, Salem Lutheran School, Community School, Ritenour Schools and Tulsa Public Schools; member, Gateway Festival Orchestra, National Flute Association, Flute Society of St. Louis, Missouri Federation of Music Clubs; board member, Gateway Festival Orchestra; former board member, Flute Society of St. Louis; Hoyer Studio booking service; CMS summer flute camp director.

Jennifer Mazzoni, flute
M.M. Flute, Indiana University; B.M. Flute Performance, cum Laude, Departmental Honors, Webster University; principal teachers Thomas Robertello, Jan Gippo, Mark Sparks and Dr. Werner Tripp; winner of Concerto Competitions at Webster University and Indiana University; former adjunct professor for Murray State University, private teacher with home studio, conducts master classes and clinics; former member St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra, Webster Symphony, Indiana University Philharmonic Orchestra, current member St. Louis Philharmonic; participation in Innsbruck Music Festival and Masterworks Festival; founding member, The Humours, an experimental musical ensemble and member Elegant Ensembles; sacred music experience includes guest solos and performances with church choirs and orchestras; member National Flute Association.

Clara Richter, flute
M.M., Northwestern State University in Louisiana; B.M. with a concentration in performance, Eastern Illinois University; teachers include Diane Boyd-Schultz, Brian Luce, and Dennette McDermott; Former free-lance flutist and instructor of a large studio in Ft. Worth, TX; Former faculty and co-founder, Summer Flute Camp, Ft. Worth, TX; Former adjunct faculty, Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts; Member and Festival Co-Chair of Texas Flute Society 2005-2009; Performed with Rapides Symphony in Alexandria, LA; current member of the St. Louis Wind Symphony and the St. Louis Civic Orchestra.

Clarinet Faculty

Audrey Denny, clarinet
B.M. in Clarinet Performance, DePaul University. Experience playing in the clarinet sections of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Elgin, Northbrook, and South Bend Symphonies, as well as the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra. A member of the Barossa Quintet, which performed and taught at the Ravinia Festival and the Dame Myra Hess Concert Series.

Dana Hotle, clarinet
M.M. Clarinet Performance, Manhattan School of Music; B.M. Clarinet Performance, University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana; studies with David Krakauer, David Harris, Tina Ward, Diana Haskell; performs as Principal Clarinet Illinois Symphony Orchestra, the Equinox Chamber Players, and is a founding member and clarinetist of Chamber Project St. Louis; also performed with The St. Louis Symphony, Opera Theater St. Louis and The Cedar Rapids Orchestra; recorded with Sinfonia da Camera; member of The American Federation of Musicians; faculty at Composer's Intensive Camp at CMS; adjunct faculty member, Maryville University.

Katherine Myler, clarinet
M.M. Performance, University of New Mexico; B.M. Education, Miami University; principal clarinetist, Clayton Symphony Orchestra; clarinet instructor, McKendree College; performed with St. Louis Wind Symphony and Chamber Winds; various solo performances; former member, Missouri Arts Council — Music Panel; member, International Clarinet Association and Delta Omicron International Music Fraternity.

Tina Ward, clarinet
B.M. in clarinet and B.M.E. Oberlin College Conservatory; M.A. in Music History, Case Western Reserve University; principal teachers include Robert Marcellus, Anthony Gigliotti, and George Waln; member of the St. Louis Symphony, 1970 to present; Principal Clarinet, Santa Fe Opera Orchestra, 1972 – 1984, 1991; has appeared frequently as a chamber music performer including the St. Louis Symphony's Discovery Series and Chamber Music Saint Louis, Young Audiences and "From the Garden, Live!"; formerly served as adjunct faculty at Washington University, University of Missouri at Saint Louis, and Webster University; has presented master classes at Indiana University, University of Michigan and University of Missouri; current member of the Board of Directors of the League of American Orchestras and a 1999 graduate of the League of American Orchestras Orchestra Management Program; has co-authored articles in Harmony and Symphony magazines on artistic leadership in orchestra.

Jeanine York-Garesché, clarinet
M.M., St. Louis Conservatory of Music; B.M, University of Nebraska; studied with George Silfies, Robert Coleman, and Tina Ward; performed and recorded with St. Louis Symphony as replacement player since 1980; member, Equinox Chamber Players, St. Louis Ballet Orchestra, Union Avenue Opera Theatre; performed with Opera Theatre–St. Louis, Illinois Symphony Orchestra, and Fort Wayne Philharmonic, Synchronia contemporary chamber music group; performed at Tidewater, Kneisel Hall, and Johannesen International Music Festivals; member, International Clarinet Association and Mu Phi Epsilon Fraternity; faculty member, Webster University, University of Missouri–St. Louis.

Oboe/English Horn/Oboe d'Amore Faculty

Ann Homann, oboe, English horn, oboe d'amore
M.M. Oboe Performance, Saint Louis Conservatory; B.M. Oboe Performance, Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University; teachers included Joseph Turner, Peter Bowman, Marc Gordon, Thomas Parkes, and John Ferrillo; former co-principal oboist, Baltimore Chamber Orchestra; substitute/replacement player, St. Louis Symphony; member, Illinois Symphony Orchestra and Illinois Chamber Orchestra; principal oboist, Webster University, Saint Louis Philharmonic, Union Avenue Opera; solo oboist, American Kantorei, a choral and instrumental ensemble that specializes in the music of J.S. Bach; adjunct faculty member, University of Missouri-St. Louis, Principia College, Webster University and Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville; active chamber music performer and founding member of the Equinox Chamber Players.

Cathy Woelbling-Paul, oboe
Master of Music, Northern Illinois University; B.M.E., Lindenwood University; teachers included Richard Woodhams, Carl Sonic, Gladys Elliot and Marc Gordon; former principal oboe and soloist, Haydn Festival Orchestra (Eisenstadt, Austria); former member, American Wind Symphony (Pittsburgh, PA), Rockford Symphony (IL), Illinois Chamber Orchestra (Chicago, IL); former substitute, Saint Louis Symphony and Illinois Symphony (Springfield, IL) Orchestras; member, Mighty Mississippi Concert Band of St. Louis, St. Louis Wind Symphony, Webster University Symphony, Bach Society of St. Louis, American Kantorei-Bach at Concordia Seminary, Union Avenue Opera Orchestra, Fox and MUNY Orchestras, Ballet Orchestra of St. Louis and Gateway Festival Orchestra; founder and director, Washington University Double Reed Ensemble; adjunct music faculty, Lindenwood University; member, Metro Piano Trio; member, Gateway Symphony Board of Directors and current President, Mu Phi Epsilon (professional music fraternity) St. Louis Alumni Chapter.

Bassoon/Contrabassoon Faculty

Donita Bauer, bassoon and contrabassoon
Master of Music, St. Louis Conservatory of Music; Bachelor of Music, Concordia University, Seward, Nebraska; studied with George Berry and Robert Wisneskey; Extra Player with Saint Louis Symphony and Opera Theater St. Louis; Principal Bassoonist, Union Avenue Opera, Bach Society, Masterworks Chorale, St Louis Philharmonic Orchestra, St. Louis Basilica Orchestra, Metropolitan Orchestra; bassoonist, Equinox Chamber Players, A Perfect Fifth Woodwind Quintet, St. Louis Ballet Orchestra; Interim Director of Music, Eden Seminary, Webster Groves; Instructor, OASIS Small Wind Ensemble; Bassoon Instructor, Lindenwood University; Private Music Instructor.
Saxophone.

Saxophone Faculty

Chris Hubbard, saxophone B.M. Jazz Studies with emphasis in Saxophone Performance, Webster University; performed with Dr. Michael Parkinson, Paul DeMarinis, Kim Portnoy, Carolbeth True, Willem von Hombracht, Gary Wittner, Jeremy Clemmons, Zachary Danner, Jeff Collins, Willie Akins, Jim Martin, and the Webster University Symphony Orchestra; faculty assistant, 2002 and 2003 International Summer Jazz Academy (Krakow, Poland), working with Hugh Jones, Bret Spainhour, Joachim Mencel, Gerald Trottman, Jacek Niedziela, Harry Tancheck, and Gzregorsz Motyka.

Jessica Knopf, saxophone
M.M. in performance, summa cum laude, University of Missouri; B.M. in performance, summa cum laude, Bowling Green State University; World Saxophone Congress in St. Andrews, Scotland; St. Louis Tour with Domingo Saxophone Quartet, Music at the Manor House Concert Series, Midwest Tour with H3O Saxophone Quartet, Lourdes College Music Festival; Guest Clinician, Maumee Middle School; Teaching Assistant, University of Missouri. 1st Place, Graduate Woodwind Division at Missouri Music Teachers Association, Music Teachers National Association Competition State Winner with H3O Saxophone Quartet, 1st Place, Bowling State University Chamber Music Competition with H3O Saxophone Quartet; Honorable Mention, Music Teachers National Association State Competition with Domingo Saxophone Quartet.

Angela Kraft, saxophone
B.M.Ed., Webster University, St. Louis, MO; post-graduate study, Webster University, St. Louis, MO.; studied under Paul DeMarinis of Webster University, Jerry Greene, Mike Shannon, and Rick Castor; conducted various student ensembles, including jazz combos, Big Bands, and concert bands; taught saxophone master classes to various student groups, including CMS Band Camp: Music Unleashed!; freelance performer in the St. Louis area.

Horn Faculty

John Thomas, horn, theory, and composition
M.M. Horn and Music Theory, University of Missouri–Columbia; B.A. Music Education, University of Missouri–St. Louis, principal horn, St. Louis Philharmonic; solo tenor horn, St. Louis Brass Band; member, Clarion Brass Quintet, Webster University, and Gateway Festival Orchestra; soloist, Kirkwood Symphony and Musical Diversion Society; published works include pieces for horn octet, woodwind quintet, brass quintet, and wind ensemble; Symphony No. 1 premiered April 2000 by University City Symphony; orchestrations and arrangements performed by St. Louis Philharmonic and St. Louis Brass Band.

Trumpet Faculty

Spencer Dunlap, trumpet
B.M. Trumpet Performance, University of Iowa; M.M. Trumpet Performance, Indiana University; performs with Downtime Productions; performed with Bloomington Camerata Orchestra, Urbana Pops Orchestra, Cornell Wind Ensemble, Mason City Municipal Band, Quad Cities Symphony Orchestra; Principal Trumpet, Iowa City Community Theatre, Metropolitan Orchestra Festival; Associate member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago (2011); first place ensemble division (2011), Chicago Brass Festival; third place ensemble division (2011), National Trumpet Competition; scholarship winner (2008), International Trumpet Guild Conference; Artistic Excellence fellowship, Indiana University; led the Indiana University Trumpet Ensemble; coached chamber music groups at West Liberty High School; performed educational programs with brass quintets at schools in the Iowa City Metro Area.

Mark Hyams, trumpet
M.M. in Performance, Northwestern University, studied with Barbara Butler; B.M. in Performance, University of Colorado at Boulder; Principal Trumpet, Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra; Second Trumpet, New Mexico Philharmonic; frequent performances with the St. Louis Symphony, including tours to Carnegie Hall and California; Former Principal Trumpet, Boulder Philharmonic; Recordings with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra; Performances with Gateway Brass Quintet, Winter Opera, St. Louis Symphony Brass Ensemble, Webster University Wind Ensemble, Washington University Wind Ensemble and Orchestra; Former faculty, University of Missouri St. Louis.

Ilya Litvin, trumpet
Master of Trumpet Performance, Gnessin Academy of Music (Moscow, Russia); Bachelor of Trumpet Peformance degree, Gnessin Music College (Moscow, Russia); teachers included Vladimir Shlepakov and Timofey Dokshitzer; former member, St. Louis Brass Band; worked with several operas in Russia, including the Gnessin Academy of Music Opera Studio, Moscow Brass Band, and the Ukrainian Army Choir and Orchestra; band director, Blossom Wood Day School; brass instruments instructor, St. Charles Community College and Band Instrument Service Company.

Robert Souza, trumpet
B.M. (summa cum laude), Unversity of Missouri - St. Louis; Curtis Institute of Music, Philadelphia; performed with Gateway Festival Orchestra, Mighty Mississippi Concert Band, St.Louis Brass Band, Webster Symphony Orchestra, Washington University Orchestra, and University City Smphony ; current principal trumpet, Union Avenue Opera Theatre; member, American Kantorei Orchestra, Metropolitan Orchestra of St. Louis, Winter Opera St. Louis, Masterworks Chorale and Orchestra, Compton Heights Concert Band and Los Compadres Mariachi Band; staff musician, Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis; founding member, Gateway Brass Quintet; leader, Jim Dandys Dixieland Band; soloist, Community Music School of Webster University Faculty Recitals, Gateway Festival Orchestra, University City Symphony, and University City Community Concert Band; performances on Christ Church Cathedral Shepley Concert Series with Gateway Brass; occasional appearances, St. Louis Symphony.

Low Brass: Trombone/Baritone/Euphonium/Tuba Faculty

Matt Frederickson, low brass
PhD, Music Education with emphasis in low brass pedagogy and performance practice and Ed-Specialist in Music Education, University of Missouri –Columbia; M.S. in Education Administration, Southwest Baptist University; B.S. in Education and Diploma in Trombone, Missouri State University; teachers included Roger Oyster, Nathaniel Brickens, and Bill Hartman; instrumental music teacher and site program manager for the Center of Creative Arts' arts enrichment program, 2003-present; visiting assistant instructor of low brass, Ouachita Baptist University, 2001-2003; former associate director of bands and director of jazz studies, Gasconade County Schools; frequent workshop presenter, and presenter at Missouri Music Educators Association state conferences; current Fine Arts Coordinator, Rockwood School District; adjunct faculty member, Lindenwood University and St. Charles Community College; former adjunct faculty member, East Central College, Saint Louis Symphony Community Music School, and The Midwestern Music Camp (University of Kansas); member, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, MENC, MMEA, MTNA, IAJE, MBA, ITA, and Hugh O'Brien Youth Leadership Foundation; freelance musician with several area orchestras and bands; multiple winner of Who's Who Among America's Teachers.

Marquita Reef, low brass

Percussion Faculty

Erin Elstner, Percussion; Conductor, Percussion Ensemble
B.M. in Percussion Performance at Mannes College of Music in New York.Bio: Began her teaching career at the St. Louis Symphony Community Music School and later taught at New York's Third Street Music Settlement and Carnegie Hall, and the Taichung School of Arts and Music in Taiwan; performance achievements include playing percussion at the International Women's Brass Conference in 1996, an American tour led by Susan Slaughter and Principal Orchestral Players and 'The True Heart', a ceremony and performance with Glen Velez in 1998; also played in a Brazilian Band for 'De La Guarda Argentinian Dance Troupe' at the 2003 VH-1 Fashion Awards, vibraphone and percussion in the Pop Music performing group 'Champale', and drumset/percussion for the Asian tour of Broadway Revue 'Bright Lights! Broadway!'; has recorded numerous albums and has played with rock, blues and pop bands, including the back-up band for Peter Cetera of Chicago; has taught for 15 years and is currently a freelance performer in the St. Louis area.

Alan Schilling, percussion
Bachelor of Music, St. Louis Conservatory of Music, (studied with St. Louis Symphony percussionists John Kasica, Thomas Stubbs, Rich O'Donnell and Richard Holmes). Charter member of the St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra under conductor Leonard Slatkin. Program administrator of the Music, Dance and Missouri Touring programs of the Missouri Arts Council. Music Director of Webster University's Department of Dance. Frequent free-lance percussionist with the Fox Theatre Orchestra, the Muny Orchestra, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, Opera Theatre of St. Louis, The New Opera, the Poor People of Paris, and his own percussion duo, Bare Bars. He can be heard on various recordings by the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra including the Nonesuch recording of "Ogoun Badagris".

Martin Weir, percussion

Theory Faculty

Composition Faculty

Jazz Improvisation Faculty

Christopher Braig, jazz improvisation
M.M. Jazz Saxophone Performance Webster University; B.M.E Webster University; University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music Jazz Performance Major; one of 13 top saxophone players from five countries to participate in the 2010 Dave Liebman Master Class. 25 years of professional performance experience including Disney and Carnival Cruise Lines. Has performed on three continents, over a dozen countries with musicians such as The Shirelles, Doc Severinson, and Artuo Sanduval. Currently serves as Combo Director at Webster University and Jazz Improv instructor at St. Louis University and Forest Park Community College. For more information about Christopher visit: www.christopherbraig.com.

Kindermusik and Young Years Faculty

Maureen Bolain, Kindermusik & Young Years
Obtained her B.A. in Christian Education summa cum laude with strong emphasis in child development, music and piano performance from John Brown University where she won the Biblical Studies Faculty and Outstanding Cathedral Choir Member Awards. She taught at her own Kindermusik music studio in South Bend, Indiana from 1998 – 2001, joining Kindermusik Academy of St. Louis in 2001. She has taught and developed curriculum for preschool and elementary choirs and is also an experienced piano teacher. Maureen is currently the accompanist for Grace Presbyterian Church and the St. Charles County Youth Choirs. In the summer of 2011 the touring choir of SCCYC traveled to Williamsburg, VA and Washington, DC where they were invited to perform at the historic Bruton Parish (home congregation of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson) and First Baptist Church (attended by President Carter). They were also invited to be the clinic choir for Master Classes taught by Dr. Henry Leck, world renowned conductor of children's choirs. She has a 16-year-old daughter, Hannah, who is a graduate of Kindermusik and continues to nurture a love for all genres of music.

Nancy Love, Kindermusik & Young Years
Earned a B.A. in Behavioral Studies from Lycoming College in Williamsport, PA. As a French Horn player, she participated as first horn in the New York State All-State Orchestra, and has extensive instrumental, choral and modern dance training and experience. In addition to teaching Kindermusik classes, Nancy is a teacher-trainer for Kindermusik International, conducting training workshops in St. Louis and other cities. She led the music program at Countryside Montessori Preschool for three years, before becoming a Kindermusik educator in 1999. Nancy has decided Kindermusik is her "calling," and devotes all of her energies and love of children and music to Kindermusik now. Nancy and her husband Steven have two musically talented daughters, Victoria age 17 and Louise, 20. They have been extremely involved in Irish Dance, performing and competing in other U.S. cities as well as in Ireland -- you might be treated to a dance, concertina or violin performance when they come to visit Mrs. Love's classes.

Jeanne Magee, Kindermusik
Extensive experience in vocal performance, and strong group-leading skills from bible school and church-related music teaching. She holds a B.A. degree in Communication with a minor in Psychology from the University of Missouri, and joined the Kindermusik Academy staff in 2003. She uses her vocal talents as a cantor, soloist, and choir member for her church, and sings for weddings as well. In the recent past, Jeanne had the honor of singing the National Anthem as a duet at Busch Stadium. As an advocate of the life-enriching power of music, Jeanne was inspired by the joy and educational advantages of Kindermusik since her two daughters Kathleen and Mary were enrolled in Kindermusik from birth to age 6, in each level of Kindermusik. These Kindermusik graduates, Kathleen, age 14, currently sings in her parish's Children's Choir and is involved with choral roles in musical theater, and Mary, age 16, also involved in musical theater and her freshman chorus. Jeanne is now sharing her love of music and the Kindermusik experience with others.

Melissa Overton, Kindermusik
Completed her Masters in Elementary Education (December 2010) from Grand Canyon University. She obtained a B.A. in Music with emphasis in both vocal performance and fine arts administration from the University of Dayton in 2003. She has directed musicals and taught classes for the Omaha Theatre Company for Young People and had performed in various musical productions and with choirs, including the Dayton opera Chorus, for over 15 years. Inspired by her participation in Kindermusik classes as a nanny to a one-year old in 2006, she completed the Kindermusik training courses, and is now in her sixth year bringing her talents, leadership, energy and love of both music and children to the classes of Kindermusik Academy. Also, she is currently executive administrator for Little Guppy Child Development Center in O'Fallon Missouri. Melissa’s husband, Brian is a vocalist, and had attended his wife's Kindermusik classes with their now-6-year-old daughter Maria almost since her birth!

Conductors

David Commanday, Conductor, Young People's Symphonic Orchestra
A.B. Harvard University. M.M., University of Vienna. Artistic Director/Conductor of the Heartland Festival Orchestra and Artist in Residence, Eureka College. The Heartland Festival Orchestra and Commanday were named Illinois Professional Orchestra and Conductor of the Year 2011 by the Illinois Council of Orchestras. Extensive national & international guest-conducting. Earlier professional posts: Music Director, Boston Ballet; Associate Conductor, New Jersey Symphony Orchestra; Music Director, Peoria Symphony Orchestra. With young musicians: Artistic Director of the NJ Youth Symphony, Music Director of the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras (acclaimed for world premieres, prize-winning recordings, international tours, and 3 ASCAP awards). Faculty positions: Harvard University, Boston University, MIT, and Montclair State and Virginia Commonwealth Universities. Performing and teaching cellist.

Patrick Jackson, Conductor, Young People's Concert Orchestra
B.M.E., Jackson State University; Master of Music, Double Bass performance, St. Louis Conservatory of Music. Recipient, Missouri American String Teachers Association's "Secondary String Educator of the Year" award, Who's Who Among America's High School Teachers,2003-04 Kirkwood School District Teacher of the Year, 2003 Emerson "Excellence in Teaching" award, and ST. LOUIS AMERICAN "Excellence in Education" honors. Member of the MSHSAA Music Advisory Committee, American String Teachers Association, M.M.E.A., M.E.N.C. and past Vice-President of High School Orchestra for the St. Louis All-Suburban Music Educators Association. Recently named a 2011 Distinguished Music Educator by the Yale School of Music.

Robert Waggoner, Conductor, Jazz Ensemble
B.M.E., St. Louis Institute of Music; attended University of North Texas; graduate work, Southern Illinois-Edwardsville; studied bass with Henry Lowe; faculty member from 1964-1978 in the Parkway School District; faculty member, Meramec Community College from 1975-2005, current faculty member, Webster University, Jim Widner Summer Jazz Camps, and Saint Louis University High Jazz Camp; jazz clinician, adjudicator, and conductor throughout the Midwest; awards include St. Louis Suburban Music Certificate of Merit, Hall of Fame, MBA Outstanding Jazz Educator, and MOIAJE Jess Cole Jazz Educator Award; director, Genesis Jazz Project; president/owner of St. Ann Music Publications.