Faculty Biographies
Sun Hye (Sunny) Chung, piano
MM in Piano Performance and Collaborative Piano, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville(SIUE);
Piano Performance Certificate, Judson University(JU); MA in Church Music and BA in
Piano Performance, Seoul Theological University(STU). Staff pianist, SIUE; Worship
Accompanist, New Bethel United Methodist Church; Director, Youth Ambassadors Orchestra
of Korean-American Association of St. Louis; Private Instructor, Glen Carbon, IL.
Former positions: Collaborative Pianist/Accompanist, String Orchestra Camp of Webster
University Community Music School; Adjunct Instructor, STU; Private/Academy Instructor,
South Korea; Choir Accompanist, SIUE, JU, STU, various churches. Awards/Scholarships:
2nd Prize, 2022 Baroque Music Competition by Charleston Intl Music Competition; Dr.
Linda Perry Piano Performance Scholarship, Dr. Warren L. Brown Memorial Graduate Student
Music Award, Ernest A. Karandjeff Music Award, Graduate Assistant Scholarship, SIUE(2020-2022).
Performances: French Embassy Invitational Performance, Paris American Church(2018);
Piano Concerto with Phil Con Spirito Orchestra, Vienna(2018); Various solo, chamber,
ensemble, orchestra, choir, musical, and opera performances.
Nina Ferrigno, piano*
MA - MM with Distinction in Performance, New England Conservatory of Music, Boston;
BM with Distinction in Performance, New England Conservatory of Music, Boston; described
by the St. Louis-Dispatch as "a magnificent pianist;" has appeared in major concert
venues throughout North America; has performed with the Chicago Symphony, 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. Current faculty of Webster University and Washington
University; pianist 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-director of the Missouri Chamber Music Festival.
S. Diane Fukunaga, piano
PhD, University of Kansas, Music Theory; MM Michigan State University, Clarinet Performance; BA
and BME, University of Kansas, Spanish and Music Education; Instructor of various
music theory, history, and music education classes at Aquinas College of Grand Rapids,
MI, Grand Rapids Community College, and Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Former
elementary band, elementary strings, and high school Spanish teacher, and high school
choir accompanist. Accompanist for Solo and Ensemble Festival.
Antonina Gerassimova, piano
MM in Piano Performance and Music Education, Academy of Music, Sofia, Bulgaria; BM
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
D. Th -dissertation in progress “A Theological Construct of the Music of Aimee Semple McPherson”; M.M. Sacred Music (Organ) – University of Florida (scholarship student), B. M. Piano Performance – Southern Illinois University; Graduate Assistant Keyboard Development SIUE; Former teacher Bismarck State College, Life Pacific University, Angelus Bible Institute, Former Keyboardist Bismarck-Mandan Symphony, Former Accompanist SLSO School of Music; Recitals and recording with Soprano Youngmi Kim; Piano and Voice students have won scholarships and placed/won competitions such as the National Fine Arts Festival; Competition adjudicator; performances in Belgium, Hungary, Moldova, and the Republic of Georgia. Teachers – Jane Allen, Ruth Slenczynska, Willis Bodine, Kathleen Thomerson, and Holly Hughes. Minister of Music Angelus Temple (Dream Center), Calvary Temple, Winnipeg. Former Pianist Riverbend Piano Trio.
Valentina Gurevich, piano
MA, Byelorussia Academy of Music, Minsk; BA, 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
MA in Music (ethnomusicology), University of Hawaii; BA in Music and Associate of
Arts in piano pedagogy (teaching), Spring Arbor University; accompanist for children's
and youth choirs at Peace UCC and accompanist for soloists at various festivals; former
accompanist for CHARIS (St. Louis Women's Chorus); her students have taken and passed
the exams for the Achievement Program by the Royal Conservatory.
Zena Ilyashov, piano*
MA, Byelorussian Academy of Music; BA, 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, the Radio Arts Foundation and
"From the Top" on National Public Radio.
Inessa Kaplan, piano
BA in piano, music theory and music literature, State Music College of Gomel, Belarus;
piano teacher and accompanist, Gomel School of Music, private studio; member, MTNA.
Soo Kyung Kim, piano
DMA in piano performance, University of Georgia; MM piano performance, New England
Conservatory of Music; BM piano performance, Seoul National University; private piano
instructor, private studio, Eugene Lee Music & Art School, Roma Academy; accompanist,
Korean Martyrs Catholic Church; former accompanist, Seoul National University Choir;
awarded first place, Convention Recitalist at GMTA Spring Audition, UGA Concerto Competition,
Worlgan Music Piano Competition; soloist, Ludwig Symphony Orchestra, University of
Georgia Symphony Orchestra, New Atlanta Philharmonic Orchestra; has performed all
over the world on numerous solo and chamber music recitals including the 17th Benefit
Concert for the KASF. www.sookyungkimpiano.com
Becky Lee, piano
MM piano performance, University of Nevada Las Vegas; BM piano performance, Yonsei
University, South Korea; private piano teacher, private accompanist; teachers include
Timothy Hoft, Keum-Bong Kim, Young-Bang Cho and Mari Kwon; winner of numerous competitions
internationally; recitals and chamber concerts at such festivals as SMC Music Festival,
J&R Music Festival, Las Vegas Baroque Festival and University of Florida Music Festival;
currently serves as a program chair and a Master Class chair in Saint Louis Area Music
Teachers Association (SLAMTA) and a district audition chair in Missouri Music Teachers
Association (MMTA).
Mihyun Lee, piano
DMA piano performance, Ohio State University; MM piano performance, Cleveland Institute of Music; BM piano performance, Sook-Myung Women’s University; former faculty member, Baek-Seok Arts University and Sook-Myung Women’s University; former piano instructor; Ohio State University (GTA); former staff accompanist, Hobart and William Smith Colleges; current faculty of St. Charles Community College. Performances with Russia Pacific Symphony Orchestra, Vienna CMS Orchestra, Romania Oltenia Craiova Philharmonic Orchestra, Janacek Concert Chamber Orchestra and Sae- Jong Symphony Orchestra; guest performance at Triumph Music Festival-Gala Concert (Philadelphia); first prize of International Young Artist Piano Competition, Asia International Music Competition, Korean World Arts Association Piano Competition, Music Education Newspaper Piano Competition and recipient of American Protégé Competition; winners concert at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. and Carnegie Weill Hall in New York; broadcast on WOSU TV and Classical 101, Columbus; actively performing in US (New York, Philadelphia, Washington D.C, Ohio, Indiana), Europe (Italy, Czech) and Asia including solo recital in Seoul Arts Center in Korea.
Matt Pankratz, piano
MM in Piano Performance, Louisiana State University; BM in Piano Performance (summa cum laude), Webster University. Current adjunct faculty member Webster University and Community Music School of Webster University; past instructor Louisiana State, Performing Arts Academy of Louisiana, and Jackson Pianos; current lead accompanist for CMS Suzuki Strings program and co-director of the Chamber Music Encounter; former accompanist positions include choirs, strings and woodwinds at Louisiana State, Masterwork’s Chorale of Belleville, Illinois; studied under Daniel Schene (Webster University), Sheila Paige (Dorothy Taubman Institute), Gregory Sioles and Michael Gurt (Louisiana State), Karl Koesterer (CMS), Gail Delante, Michael Chertok, Norman Krieger; winner of numerous performance scholarships, including the Buder Foundation and Jack Guerry Foundation; winner of Webster University Concerto Competition; recent performances include soloist with the Forte Chamber Orchestra, guest recital and masterclass at the Webster University Piano Camp. A native of St. Louis, Pankratz began his studies at the Community Music School of Webster University studying with Karl Koesterer. Pankratz focuses on a healthy piano technique, using the body’s natural physiology to dictate movements at the keyboard, applying years of experience studying the Taubman Method.
Susan Pankratz, piano
MM Piano and BM 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*
B.M and MM Piano Performance with chamber music certificate, Southern Illinois University
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; former Artist Presentation Society winner;
former Director of Student Life and teaching artist, Innsbrook Institute. Staff accompanist
for 30 years at many area institutions; teach in Beirut, Lebanon through the cultural
diplomacy agency American Voices and American-Lebanese Suzuki Talent Education Program;
St. Louis Symphony Music Educator of the Year, 2011. Founding artistic director of
the Preparatory Program 1998-2020.
Pam Roussin, piano
MM Southern Illinois University Edwardsville; BM University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana;
studied with Soulima Stravinsky (son of Igor Stravinsky) Menahem Pressler, and Ronald
Arnatt; played with St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, Portland Symphony Orchestra, Huntsville
Symphony Orchestra; former member of piano faculty at Portland State University, St.
Louis University, St. Louis Community College, and former teacher for Ritenour School
District; current accompanist at St. Charles Community College.
Jane Thomas, piano
MA and BA 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.
Carolbeth True, piano (Jazz)
Carolbeth True has been a very active member of the St. Louis musical community for
many years. She is adjunct faculty at Webster University—teaching jazz and classical
piano, accompanying Webster Jazz Singers; maintaining an extensive private student
roster. She performs with Two Times True with son Dave True on drums, Larry Johnson
on saxophones, Glen Smith on bass; The Carolbeth Group; The Randy Holmes Quintet;
The Oikos Ensemble led by Reverend Cliff Aerie--saxophones; and Wind of the Spirit
Praise Band at Webster Groves Christian Church. Carolbeth and Randy Holmes are original
cast members of "The Jazz Story", a 1-hour overview of jazz history at the Sheldon,
now in its 22nd season. Carolbeth has been the pianist for the MCDA All State Jazz
Vocal ensemble for 7 years; and rehearsal and orchestra pianist for Variety Children’s
Theatre’s world-class fall musical production for 9 years. Carolbeth received the
Excellence in the Arts Award from the Arts and Education Council; the Riverfront Times
and St. Louis Magazine’s Best Jazz Artist Award; and the Citizen of the Year Award
for Rock Hill, her home community. Carolbeth is heard on several cds: “True”, “Two
Times True”, Larry Johnson’s “Circles” and “I’m Just Sayin’ and “I’m All Smiles” with
vocalist Debby Lennon. A new Christmas jazz cd will be out in late November.
Richard Zelle, piano (Jazz and Traditional)
Pursued music education degree, University of Missouri-St. Louis; teachers included
Richard (Dick) Zelle Sr., Seth Greiner Jr., Seth Greiner Sr. and Jane Allen; currently
performs with international traveling jazz group Cornet Chop Suey and several other
local groups including The Sappingtons; 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.
Grace McKinnon Cutchin, voice
MM, Vocal Performance and Pedagogy, University of North Carolina at Greensboro; BM
in Music Education and Vocal Performance, Appalachian State University; teachers include
Matt Hoch, Clara O’Brien, Marilyn Taylor, and Julia Pedigo; notable opera roles include
Florence Pike Albert Herring, with Halifax Summer Opera Program, Vera Boronel, The Consul, and Sister Antoinette, Dialogues of the Carmelites, with UNCG Opera, Dame Hannah, Ruddigore, with Greensboro Light Opera and Song, Lauretta, and Despina (cover), Cosi fan tutte; teaching experience includes high school chorus teacher in Gaston County, NC for
three years, private studio lessons for ten years; currently works as a singing voice
specialist in the speech pathology field rehabilitating professional voice users.
Kristin Edmonds, adapted voice lessons and traditional*
Edmonds is offering voice lessons adapted for the needs of students with autism spectrum
disorder who are high-functioning. Typical adaptations include visual supports and
cues for total body communication.
MM in Vocal Performance, New England Conservatory of Music; MA in Speech Pathology
and Audiology, University of Connecticut; BM in Vocal Performance, University of Missouri;
studied voice with Helen Hodam, Virginia Pyle and Carole Gaspar; soloist with Opera
Theatre of St. Louis, American Kantorei and in the Poulenc Festival at Christ Church
Cathedral with Dalton Baldwin and Gail Hintz; toured with guitarist/musicologist Jeffrey
Noonan; cabaret performances at Royal George Theater, Chicago and the Algonquin Club,
Boston. Won or placed at numerous vocal competitions including Midwest Regional NATS
Auditions and St. Louis Symphony Young Artist Competition; formerly the pediatric
voice therapy specialist at Braintree Rehabilitation Hospital in Massachusetts; consulted
with Whole Vibes Music Therapy which partners with Palm Beach Opera and Els Foundation
to manage the Interability Chorus; currently runs voice therapy practice and voice
studio; taught voice at New England Conservatory of Music, Webster University and
Maryville University, vocal pedagogy at University of Connecticut. Ms. Edmonds has
raised a musical child with developmental disabilities.
Jeffrey Heyl, voice
DMA, University of Iowa; Master of Music, University of Hartford (Hartt Talent Scholarship
recipient); BME., 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.
Jill O'Brien, voice
MM Vocal Performance and work towards a DM Vocal Performance and Literature, Indiana
University; BM 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.
Nathan Ruggles, voice
MM Vocal Performance, Washington University, BM (cum laude), Washington University;
Principal Singer, St. Louis Symphony Chorus. Roles include Senator Pompe in a world
premiere production of Shell of a Troll (Sussman), and Prince Charming in Cendrillon (Viardot) with Gateway Opera, Blanche in The Stranger the Better (Wade) with St. Louis Opera Collective, Mandarin in Turandot, Imperial Commissioner in Madame Butterfly, Prison Guard and Anthony DeRocher in Dead Man Walking with Union Avenue Opera, Lakai in Ariadne auf Naxos with Winter Opera, Bunthorne in Patience with Franklin Opera, and The Pirate King (Pirates of Penzance) and Priest/Armored Man in The Magic Flute with OperaFest! Of New Hampshire. Chorus credits include Carmen with Opera Theatre of St. Louis. Cover artist for Carmina Burana, Missa Solemnis,
LindberghFleug (Weill) and Sinfonia Espansiva (Nielsen) with St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.
Previous teaching experience includes Washington University, Saint Louis University
and Southeast Missouri State University.
William Bauer, violin, viola, chamber music
BM 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.
Brad Besand, violin/viola
BM, University of Missouri-St. Louis; Every Child Can and Violin Book 1, Chicago Suzuki
Institute; Studied with David Gillham, John McGrosso and Julia Sakharova; 2nd Violinist,
Landolfi String Quartet and Ensemble; Section Violinist, Gateway Festival Orchestra;
Suzuki Strings Instructor, Ferguson-Florissant School District; Summer Strings Conductor,
Community Music School of Webster University; Former Assistant Concertmaster, Alton
Symphony Orchestra, Former Section Violinist, St. Louis Philharmonic; Former Section
Violinist, St. Louis Civic Orchestra; Former Violin/Viola Instructor, Mozingo Music;
Former students have gone on to study music at UMC, Lawrence University, Belmont University
and Jacobs School of Music; Former students have played in Vienna, Berlin and the
Eastern Music Festival in North Carolina.
Rebecca Chung Hamilton, violin
MM Violin Performance, The Juilliard School; BM Violin Performance and BA Psychology,
Northwestern University; studied with Naoko Tanaka, Almita and Roland Vamos, and Yuan-Qing
Yu; member of Santa Barbara Symphony Orchestra, Santa Barbara Chamber Orchestra and
New West Symphony; former substitute of Pasadena Symphony and Los Angeles Chamber
Orchestra; has performed with artists such as Sarah McLachlan, Barry Manilow and Ariana
Grande; has performed on many tv and film scores such as "Ferdinand", "Onward" and
"House of Cards." For more information, visit Rebecca Chungs personal website.
Joo Kim Czyzewski, violin*
BM, MM, Juilliard School; first violinist, St. Louis Symphony; former concertmaster,
SpoletoUSA Orchestra in Charleston, South Carolina, the Pacific Music Festival Orchestra
in Japan; former principal second violin, Jerusalem International Symphony Orchestra
in Israel; toured with the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra; solo and chamber music, Encore,
Aspen, Sun Valley, Taos and Zephyr music festivals; performed as a soloist, St. Louis
Symphony, SpoletoUSA Orchestra, New World School of the Arts Orchestra in Miami, Florida,
the Sebastian Chamber Ensemble in Korea; teachers include Naoko Tanaka, Dorothy DeLay,
Todd Phillips, Felicia Moye and Ivan Chan.
Nancy Daby, violin; Conductor, String Orchestra
MM, Converse College, Spartanburg, S.C.; AS in String Instrument Technology, Indiana
University; BA, New York State University at Albany; former faculty member, Converse
College Pre-college Division, Suzuki String Program at University of Tennessee at
Knoxville and Cincinnati Public Schools; member, American String Teachers Association
and Suzuki Association of the Americas.
Melissa Hayes, violin
MM violin pedagogy, BM, violin performance, Missouri State University; teachers include
Susan Doering, David Hays and fiddler Bob Holt; former member St. Louis Philharmonic,
Springfield Symphony Orchestra, Springfield Regional Opera Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra
of the Ozarks, Fort Smith Symphony; performed with the Alton Symphony, Gateway Festival
Orchestra, Trans Siberian Orchestra, Paragon Ragtime Orchestra; toured with Trans
Siberian Orchestra tribute band, The Prophecy; former chamber music coach, Missouri
State University Summer String Fling; active freelancer with local rock, country and
Mariachi bands; manager and first violinist of the wedding ensemble the Dragon Duo;
violinist with Apropos Entertainment; current director and instructor, South City
Strings.
Pavel Ilyashov, violin and viola*
BM violin performance, Curtis Institute of Music; 14-year tenure with Virginia Symphony;
appeared with Tacoma Symphony, the National Philharmonic of Honduras, Chicago Symphony,
Philadelphia Orchestra, Caramoor Festival, Bargemusic and on Performance Today radio
program; chamber collaborations with Yo Yo Ma, Jaime Laredo, Paquito D’rivera and
members of the Emerson String Quartet; recipient of the 2019 Outstanding Music Educator
Award with the Bay Youth Orchestras of Virginia; served on the faculty of the Governor’s
School for the Arts and the Hampton Roads Chamber Players; has taught master classes
throughout the Americas and participated in teaching festivals in New York, Colorado
and Lima, Peru; global ambassador for the Youth Orchestra of the Americas.
Lucy Kaymakanova, violin
BM and MM in Violin Performance and Violin Pedagogy, Academy of Fine Arts, Plovdiv,
Bulgaria; former member, Rousse Opera Orchestra, Usti nad Labem Opera Orchestra, Webster
University Orchestra, St. Louis Chamber Orchestra; member, Gateway Orchestra, St.
Louis Ballet Orchestra, Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra; maintains a private studio
in her Chesterfield home; faculty, Townsend Music School. Many of her students are
past and present members of STYSO, YPCO, YPSO, All-Suburban and All-State Orchestras.
Manuela Kaymakanova, violin
MM Performance, University of Missouri-Kansas City; BM, Webster University-St. Louis;
studied with Benny Kim and Yuly Ilyashov; currently performs with Illinois Symphony
Orchestra, Union Avenue Opera, Winter Opera, Salem Chamber Orchestra and American
Chamber Chorale, Bach Society of St Louis, The Masterworks Chorale, Webster University
Symphony Orchestra and others; In 2018 Manuela was a member of the Fox Orchestra for
Phantom of the Opera and MUNY Orchestra for Jerome Robbins Broadway; member of Perseid
String Quartet; former member, graduate string quartet of University of Missouri —
Kansas City; member, Trinity Piano Trio.
Joanne Keefe, Suzuki violin; Director, Suzuki Ensemble; Conductor, String Ensemble
MM, Performance and Pedagogy, University of Colorado-Boulder; BM, Violin Performance
(cum laude), Lawrence University Conservatory; long-term Suzuki Teacher Training with
William Starr, also studied with John Kendall and Calvin Wiersma; studied chamber
music with members of the Hungarian, Manhattan and Takacs Quartets; former section
violin and Principal Viola, Fox Valley Symphony (WI), section violin, Metropolitan
Orchestra of St. Louis and Simply4 String Quartet; former faculty and String Coordinator
at Lawrence Academy of Music (WI); former elementary strings specialist for Ladue
and Webster Groves School Districts; faculty member, New England Suzuki Institute;
member, Suzuki Association of the Americas; recently published a book with Kevin M.
Mitchell titled Jazz Songs for the Student Violinist.
Grace Ko, violin
B.M. Sung-Shin Women’s University – summa cum laude; post graduate study included
mentorship under James Buswell with New England Conservatory and Frank Spinosa with
Arizona State University, School of Music; Seoul Arts High School; active member of
the Engedi Ensemble and the Aionios Trio; previous 1st Violin and Asst. Concertmaster for Arizona Opera Orchestra, Northbrook Symphony Orchestra,
Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra, Du Page Symphony Orchestra and Rockford Symphony
Orchestra; contracted member with New Seoul Philharmonic, Seoul National Symphony
and Phoenix Symphony Orchestra; tenured member of the Lancaster Summer Music Festival
between 2006 and 2014; related activities include France Flaine Musique Festival,
Indiana University Summer Music Festival, Boston Conservatory Summer Music Festival,
and San Francisco Summer Music Festival.
Susan McDonald, Suzuki violin, Coordinator of Suzuki Program
MA in Violin Performance from Western Illinois University; BME from Lawrence University
Conservatory (cum laude). Registered Teacher Trainer for the Suzuki Association of
the Americas. Has served on the faculties of the Chicago, Colorado, Education for
Happiness, Florida, Los Angeles, Louisville, Peaks to Plains, and American Suzuki
Institutes and numerous Suzuki workshops. Served a three-year term on the Board of
Directors of the Suzuki Association of the Americas (SAA). Received the SAA Certificate
of Achievement and the Byron Hester Award for excellence in teaching. Former faculty,
University City Public Schools, Knox-Galesburg Suzuki Program, WIU Suzuki Program,
and Lawrence University Preparatory Program. Studied with Almita Vamos, John Kendall,
Karen Clarke, and Francesca Koscielny. Has performed with the Metropolitan Orchestra
of St. Louis, Washington University Symphony, the Knox-Galesburg Symphony, the Fox
Valley Symphony, SImply4 String Quartet, The Two Rivers String Quartet and as a soloist
with the Kishwaukee Symphony and the Lawrence University Symphony. Member, Suzuki
Association of the Americas and American String Teachers’ Association.
Amy Meschke, violin/viola
BA Truman State University, MAE. Truman State University, MA Educational Administration
Lindenwood University. Studied violin and viola with Norma Tomlinson, Dr. Eugene Dowdy,
Jorge Richter, Dr. Clifford Panton and Dr. Sam McClure. She attended master classes
with Ani Gregorian Resnick and Ara Gregorian while she was a student at Truman State.
Amy has performed with the St. Louis Community College Meramec orchestra under the
direction of Mr. Gary Gackstatter. She has performed with numerous guest artists with
the Meramec orchestra over the years including Eugene Friesen, Paul Winter, John McCutcheon,
Barbara Higbie, Laura Love and Sam Bush. Amy is an orchestra director in the Mehlville
School District. She coordinates the strings program in Mehlville. Amy has taught
strings to elementary, middle and high school students for over twenty years.
Marilyn Park-Ellington, violin
MM and BM, 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.
Matt Pickart, violin/viola
DMA Candidate Viola Performance, Michigan State University; MM Violin Performance,
Duquesne University; BM Violin Performance, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Director
and Co-founder of Clazz International Music Festival in Arcidosso, Italy; Assistant
Professor of Music at Webster University, teaching violin, viola, improvisation and
music entrepreneurship; performed at both Jazz at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Music
Hall’s Weill Recital Hall; appeared as soloist with orchestras in the USA, Italy and
the Netherlands; performed and recorded in multiple genres internationally; former
violinist and vocalist of the Hot Club of Pittsburgh and featured artist of Jazzstadt
Stuttgart; served on the faculty of Beloit College, Michigan State University Community
Music School, Duquesne University’s City Music Center and University of Wisconsin-Madison’s
Summer Music Clinic among numerous other programs; teachers include Sidney Harth (legendary
American concertmaster); Yuri Gandelsman (former principal violist of Israel Philharmonic
and violist with the Fine Arts Quartet); and Rodney Whitaker (bassist of Jazz at Lincoln
Center Orchestra.)
Jessica Platt, violin
PhD, Violin Performance with minor in Vocal Performance, Ball State University; M.M.
and B.M. Violin Performance, Boston University; current concertmaster of The Gateway
Festival Orchestra and the Edwardsville Symphony; past concertmaster of the University
City Symphony, the Clayton Orchestra, the Saint Louis Civic Orchestra, The Fabulous
Fox Theater Orchestra, the Salem-Chamber Orchestra, and the Saint Louis Philharmonic
Orchestra; performed with the St. Louis Municipal Opera Theater, the Union Avenue
Opera, the St. Louis Bach Society, the Winter Opera, and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra;
founder of and performer for both the Cardinal Quartet (2004) and the Arch String
Project (2018); Suzuki teacher trained instructor registered in all levels, studying
under the tutelage of John Kendall, Donald Becker, Vera McCoy-Sullentic, Winifred
Crock, and Thomas Wermuth; former teacher of individual and group lessons at the Suzuki
Institute of Boston, the String Project at the University of Texas in Austin, Southern
Illinois University Edwardsville and the Kirkwood Academy of Music; currently teaches
strings in the Parkway School District and violin, viola, chamber music, and string
pedagogy at Lindenwood University.
Ingrid Popp, Suzuki viola, viola/violin
MM Viola Performance, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Music Education, University
of North Carolina at Greensboro; BM Performance, summa cum laude, University of Missouri-St.
Louis; primary teachers include: Scott Rawls, Joanna Mendoza, and the Arianna String
Quartet; Suzuki training registered for books 1-8 with Ann Smelser, Kathleen Spring,
Sarah Montzka, and April Losey. Adjunct String Faculty- Missouri Baptist University,
Former violin and viola instructor, Music and Arts, and Midwest Music Conservatory;
Current Principal Viola, Alton Symphony Orchestra, Section viola, Webster University
Orchestra, former section viola, Western Piedmont Symphony, Brevard Music Center Orchestra;
Soloist, Town and Country Symphony 2009, freelance musician.
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 master's degree at Rice University in Houston. 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.
Mc Kayla Talasek, violin/viola
MM Viola Performance, University of Nevada, Reno; BA Violin Performance, University
of the Incarnate Word; Alumni of the CMS orchestra programs, private lessons and PREP
program; Primary Teachers: Yizhak Schotten, Stephanie Sant’Ambrogio, Dustin Budish,
Gerald Schoelzel, Jenny Jones and Richard Kilmer; Section Viola of the Reno Philharmonic,
Section Violin and Viola of the Missouri Symphony Orchestra, Substitute Viola with
Illinois Symphony Orchestra and Heartland Festival Orchestra; Former Violist with
Reno Chamber Orchestra, Susanville Symphony, Flint Michigan Symphony Orchestra, Mid-Texas
Symphony and the Laredo Philharmonic; Former Violinist with the Symphony of the Hills,
Kingsville Symphony Orchestra, Victoria Symphony and Corpus Christi Symphony; Former
member of the Red Tango Quartet, Mango Moon Quartet and the Nightingale String Quartet;
In attendance at the Missouri Symphony Orchestra: Hot Summer Nights Music Festival,
Bear Valley Music Festival, Montecito International Music Festival, Prague Summer
Nights Music Festival, Mozart Festival and Fischoff Chamber Competition; Currently,
teaching with CMS, Suzuki Harmony, Gateway Outreach and Joyner School of Music. For
more information about Mc Kayla’s teaching style and upcoming concerts, please visit
McKayla Talaseks website.
William Bauer, violin, viola, chamber music
BM 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.
Brad Besand, violin/viola
BM, University of Missouri-St. Louis; Every Child Can and Violin Book 1, Chicago Suzuki
Institute; Studied with David Gillham, John McGrosso and Julia Sakharova; 2nd Violinist,
Landolfi String Quartet and Ensemble; Section Violinist, Gateway Festival Orchestra;
Suzuki Strings Instructor, Ferguson-Florissant School District; Summer Strings Conductor,
Community Music School of Webster University; Former Assistant Concertmaster, Alton
Symphony Orchestra, Former Section Violinist, St. Louis Philharmonic; Former Section
Violinist, St. Louis Civic Orchestra; Former Violin/Viola Instructor, Mozingo Music;
Former students have gone on to study music at UMC, Lawrence University, Belmont University
and Jacobs School of Music; Former students have played in Vienna, Berlin and the
Eastern Music Festival in North Carolina.
Amy Meschke, violin/viola
BA Truman State University, MAE. Truman State University, MA Educational Administration
Lindenwood University. Studied Violin and viola with Norma Tomlinson, Dr. Eugene Dowdy,
Jorge Richter, Dr. Clifford Panton and Dr. Sam McClure. She attended master classes
with Ani Gregorian Resnick and Ara Gregorian while she was a student at Truman State.
Amy has performed with the St. Louis Community College Meramec orchestra under the
direction of Mr. Gary Gackstatter. She has performed with numerous guest artists with
the Meramec orchestra over the years including Eugene Friesen, Paul Winter, John McCutcheon,
Barbara Higbie, Laura Love and Sam Bush. Amy is an orchestra director in the Mehlville
School District. She coordinates the strings program in Mehlville. Amy has taught
strings to elementary, middle and high school students for over twenty years.
Matt Pickart, violin/viola
DMA Candidate Viola Performance, Michigan State University; MM Violin Performance,
Duquesne University; BM Violin Performance, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Director
and Co-founder of Clazz International Music Festival in Arcidosso, Italy; Assistant
Professor of Music at Webster University, teaching violin, viola, improvisation and
music entrepreneurship; performed at both Jazz at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Music
Hall’s Weill Recital Hall; appeared as soloist with orchestras in the U.S., Italy
and the Netherlands; performed and recorded in multiple genres internationally; former
violinist and vocalist of the Hot Club of Pittsburgh and featured artist of Jazzstadt
Stuttgart; served on the faculty of Beloit College, Michigan State University Community
Music School, Duquesne University’s City Music Center and University of Wisconsin-Madison’s
Summer Music Clinic among numerous other programs; teachers include Sidney Harth (legendary
American concertmaster); Yuri Gandelsman (former principal violist of Israel Philharmonic
and violist with the Fine Arts Quartet); and Rodney Whitaker (bassist of Jazz at Lincoln
Center Orchestra.)
Ingrid Popp, Suzuki viola, viola/violin
MM Viola Performance, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Music Education, University
of North Carolina at Greensboro; BM Performance, summa cum laude, University of Missouri-St.
Louis; primary teachers include: Scott Rawls, Joanna Mendoza, and the Arianna String
Quartet; Suzuki training registered for books 1-8 with Ann Smelser, Kathleen Spring,
Sarah Montzka, and April Losey. Adjunct String Faculty- Missouri Baptist University,
Former violin and viola instructor, Music and Arts, and Midwest Music Conservatory;
Current Principal Viola, Alton Symphony Orchestra, Section viola, Webster University
Orchestra, former section viola, Western Piedmont Symphony, Brevard Music Center Orchestra;
Soloist, Town and Country Symphony 2009, freelance musician.
Jessica Platt, violin
PhD, Violin Performance with minor in Vocal Performance, Ball State University; M.M.
and B.M. Violin Performance, Boston University; current concertmaster of The Gateway
Festival Orchestra and the Edwardsville Symphony; past concertmaster of the University
City Symphony, the Clayton Orchestra, the Saint Louis Civic Orchestra, The Fabulous
Fox Theater Orchestra, the Salem-Chamber Orchestra, and the Saint Louis Philharmonic
Orchestra; performed with the St. Louis Municipal Opera Theater, the Union Avenue
Opera, the St. Louis Bach Society, the Winter Opera, and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra;
founder of and performer for both the Cardinal Quartet (2004) and the Arch String
Project (2018); Suzuki teacher trained instructor registered in all levels, studying
under the tutelage of John Kendall, Donald Becker, Vera McCoy-Sullentic, Winifred
Crock, and Thomas Wermuth; former teacher of individual and group lessons at the Suzuki
Institute of Boston, the String Project at the University of Texas in Austin, Southern
Illinois University Edwardsville and the Kirkwood Academy of Music; currently teaches
strings in the Parkway School District and violin, viola, chamber music, and string
pedagogy at Lindenwood University.
Louis Privitera, Viola
MM Viola Performance, Peabody Conservatory of Music; BM Viola Performance, Arizona
State University; Primary teachers include Cynthia Dubrow, Nancy Buck, and Victoria
Chiang; Founder and violist of the Tetra String Quartet (2010-2021); Co-Director and
Educational Coordinator of the Arizona Violacademy; Former adjunct chamber music instructor
at Arizona State University; Served as faculty at Arizona School for the Arts, Rosie's
House: A Music Academy for Children, TCMI Summer Workshop, and Saarbug Serenaden International
Music Festival. For more information, visit louisprivitera.com
Mc Kayla Talasek, violin/viola
MM Viola Performance, University of Nevada, Reno; BA Violin Performance, University
of the Incarnate Word; Alumni of the CMS orchestra programs, private lessons and PREP
program; Primary Teachers: Yizhak Schotten, Stephanie Sant’Ambrogio, Dustin Budish,
Gerald Schoelzel, Jenny Jones and Richard Kilmer; Section Viola of the Reno Philharmonic,
Section Violin and Viola of the Missouri Symphony Orchestra, Substitute Viola with
Illinois Symphony Orchestra and Heartland Festival Orchestra; Former Violist with
Reno Chamber Orchestra, Susanville Symphony, Flint Michigan Symphony Orchestra, Mid-Texas
Symphony and the Laredo Philharmonic; Former Violinist with the Symphony of the Hills,
Kingsville Symphony Orchestra, Victoria Symphony and Corpus Christi Symphony; Former
member of the Red Tango Quartet, Mango Moon Quartet and the Nightingale String Quartet;
In attendance at the Missouri Symphony Orchestra: Hot Summer Nights Music Festival,
Bear Valley Music Festival, Montecito International Music Festival, Prague Summer
Nights Music Festival, Mozart Festival and Fischoff Chamber Competition; Currentl,
teaching with CMS, Suzuki Harmony, Gateway Outreach and Joyner School of Music. For
more information about Mc Kayla’s teaching style and upcoming concerts, please visit
Mc Kayla Talasek's website.
James Czyzewski, cello*
Member, St. Louis Symphony; previous co-principal cellist, Civic Orchestra of Chicago;
previous assistant principal cellist, Fairbanks Symphony Orchestra; BM, Northwestern
University; primary teachers include Hans Jorgan-Jensen, Bruno DiCecco, Peggy Swartz;
soloist, Saint Louis Symphony and Fairbanks Symphony Orchestra; first prize, Samuel
and Elinor Thaviu Scholarship Competition; grand finalist, ASTA National competition;
finalist, Sulberg International String Competition; participant, ARD International
Music Competition, Munich, Germany; recipient, multiple full scholarships to Meadowmount
School of Music; solo performance, 2003 National Cello Congress; masterclasses with
Ralph Kirshbaum, Paul Katz, Ronald Leonard, John Sharp.
Patricia Ruiloba Gitto, cello, Suzuki cello
MM 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; After School String Instructor Webster Groves School
District (2012 - 2017); Suzuki registration, books 1-10; performer, founder and administrator for Renacer Latino Orchestra and Tropical Mood
of St. Louis; Former Member, Texas Music Educators Association; Member, Musicians
Association of St. Louis, Suzuki Association of the Americas.
Julia Hornberger, cello
BM 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.
David Kim, cello*
MM and BM, Julliard School; teachers include Harvey Shapiro, Ronald Leonard, Stephen
Geber and David Finckel; current member St. Louis Symphony Orchestra since 1999, named
Assistant Principal Cellist in 2014; also played with Violoncello Society of New York
and served as Principal Cellist of Julliard Orchestra and New York String Orchestra
under Jaime Laredo; recent chamber performances at Pulitzer Foundation, Saint Louis
Art Museum, Insbrook Institute and Sheldon Concert Hall.
Gary Lee, cello
MM in Cello Performance from the St. Louis Conservatory of Music; BM in Cello Performance
(cum laude) from Illinois Wesleyan University; teachers include Yuan Tung, Robert
Luke and Gordon Robson; education includes training in chamber music (coaching under
Leslie Parnas, Yuan Tung and Rico McNeela; master class under Michael Tree and under
gambist Wendy Gillespie), orchestral repertoire with John Sant'Ambrogio and Yuan Tung,
contemporary music ensemble and early music ensemble; received Outstanding Studio
Educator 2016 Award from the American String Teachers Association, Missouri Chapter;
core cellist of Landolfi String Quartet, current principal cellist and librarian of
the Alton Symphony Orchestra, cellist and librarian of Gateway Festival Orchestra,
and a cellist for Matt McCallie Orchestra; additional work with Town & Country Symphony,
Florissant Valley Symphony, Illinois Symphony Orchestra, Masterworks Chorale, Fleur
de Lis Ball, Veiled Prophet Ball and other area ensembles; touring work includes Johnny
Mathis, Classic Albums Live!, Bernadette Peters, Johnny Mathis, Il Divo, Amy Grant
with Michael W. Smith, and Celtic Women; former principal cellist of Town & Country
Symphony, former associate principal cellist of University City Symphony and former
member of the late Richard Wappel Trio, St. Louis Philharmonic, Webster Symphony,
and Bloomington-Normal (IL) Symphony; member of Musicians’ Association of St. Louis
(AFM Local 2-197), Suzuki Association of the Americas, American String Teachers Association,
and Viola da Gamba Society of America. Fun facts: He was a member of Missouri All-State
Orchestra in the first three years of its existence and his best cello was made in
London in 1770.
Catherine Lehr, cello*
DMA, University of Missouri-Kansas City; MM, Indiana School of Music; BM, Eastman
School of Music; Former 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,
Enrique Batiz 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, National Conservatory of
Music, Mexico City and Rocky Mountain Summer Conservatory; Suzuki registration, books
1-10; students have been featured soloists with the St. Louis Symphony and with community
orchestras in the US and Mexico; students have appeared on NPR’s From the Top radio
program; 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; presented at national and international music conferences;
primary teachers include Janos Starker, Ronald Leonard, Carter Enyeart and Peter Howard;
was granted the 2013 Owen Miller Award by the St. Louis Musicians' Union, Local 2-197,
for service, fairness and contributions to the music profession.
Shannon Merciel, cello
MM, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland; BM, University of Missouri-Columbia; Former teachers
include Darry Dolezal, Alison Wells and Edward Arron; Master classes with the Ying
Quartet, David Geringas, Jean-Guihen Queyras, Philharmonia Quartett Berlin and Peter
Wiley; Soloist, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, University of Missouri Philharmonic;
Member, Civic Orchestra of Chicago; Principal cello/former asst. principal, Missouri
Symphony; Former principal cello, TUNDI Productions Opera Orchestra, Mediterranean
Opera Studio and Festival, Columbia Civic Orchestra; Substitute/extra, Saint Louis
Symphony, Illinois Symphony, Royal Scottish National Orchestra; Member, Trio Doyenne,
first prize winner at the Josep Mirabent i Magrans Chamber Music Competition and international
performances given at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Teatro Prado and the historical
landmark El Racó de la Calma, Festival Musique et Patrimoine en Saint-Savin, Prince
Charles’ Dumfries House, the 6th International Eduardo Ocón Festival for Youth in
Málaga and broadcasted on the National Radio of Lithuania; Former teaching assistant,
University of Massachusetts Amherst; Former faculty member, Pattonville Heights Middle
School, The Prindle School (Hadley, MA), Eduardo Ocón International Music Festival
and the University of Missouri’s Community Music Program.
Tara Santiago, Suzuki cello
MM in Cello Performance, BM, New England Conservatory of Music; teachers include Paul
Katz, Natasha Brofsky and Janet Anthony; Suzuki training, American Suzuki Institute,
Chicago Suzuki Institute; soloist, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Fox Valley Symphony
Orchestra, Sheboygan Symphony Orchestra, Oshkosh Symphony Orchestra; former orchestra
member, Florida Grand Opera; summer festival performer, National Orchestral Institute;
member, American String Teachers Association and Suzuki Association of the Americas.
Tara also preforms as a member of the Erin Bode Group.
Dr. Jun Seo, cello
BM, New England Conservatory School; Master of MM and Doctor of Musical Arts in Music
Performance, University of Texas at Austin; current cello faculty member for University
of Illinois in Springfield; former Resident Artist at the Lake George Music Festival
in Lake George, NY; former cello faculty member at Omaha Conservatory of Music Summer
Institute, Chamber Music Encounter, Austin Chamber Music Center, Songbird Rising String
Camp at Austin; Assistant Director at Texas Strings Camp Young Artist Division; registered
Suzuki Cello Teacher Training; studied with Jin-kyung Chee, Hee-song Song, Laura Blustein,
Yeesun-Kim and Bion Tsang; played in Cello masterclasses of Brinton Smith, Laurence
Lesser, Alexander Baillie, Ralph Kirshbaum, Peter Wispelwey, Lynn Harrell and Anner
Bylsma; collaborated with Yehonatan Berick, Lynn Chang, Thomas Landschoot, Sheila
Browne and Christof Huebner; toured with the Cappella Choir of Seoul Theological University
in and the Austin Eurythmy Ensemble; recorded the cello part for “Learning Together:
Sequential Repertoire for Solo Strings or String Ensemble Volume 2" by Laurie Scott,
Winfred Crock and William Dick.
Jun Seo's website
Anita M. Hagerman, double bass
BM, magna cum laude, Ball State University; MA, University of Chicago (Humanities); PhD, Washington University
in St. Louis (English Literature); teachers included Philip Albright, Rolf Erdahl,
Hans Sturm and Lou Fischer; past principal bassist positions include Chamber Orchestra
of the Ozarks, Fort Smith Symphony, Springfield Regional Opera; performs regularly
in St. Louis as a freelance bassist and music educator, including the Bach Society
Orchestra, Metropolitan Orchestra of St. Louis, the Kingsbury Ensemble and others;
member International Society of Bassists; member Viola da Gamba Society of America;
member American String Teachers Association.
Tim Weddle, double bass
Performer’s Diploma in Music Performance, Indiana University; BM in Music Performance,
Southeast Missouri State University; teachers include Erik Harris, Bruce Bransby and
Dr. Sara Edgerton; current principal bass with The Muny Orchestra and Orchestra Iowa,
Section bass with Memphis Symphony, and substitute bass for St. Louis Symphony; other
orchestral experience with Kansas City Symphony, Arkansas Symphony, The New World
Symphony, Owensboro Symphony and Evansville Philharmonic; current lecturer of Double
Bass – Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
Joanne Keefe, Suzuki violin; Director, Suzuki Ensemble
MM, Performance and Pedagogy, University of Colorado-Boulder; BM, Violin Performance
(cum laude), Lawrence University Conservatory. Long-term Suzuki Teacher Training with
William Starr. Studied with John Kendall and Calvin Wiersma, and studied chamber music
with members of the Hungarian, Manhattan and Takacs Quartets. Performed with the Fox
Valley Symphony, Washington University Symphony, Metropolitan Orchestra of St. Louis
and Simply4 String Quartet. Former String Coordinator at Lawrence Community Music
School. Served as elementary strings specialist for Ladue and Webster Groves School
Districts and faculty member of the New England Suzuki Institute. Conducted the Webster
CMS String Ensemble. Co-author of Jazz Songs for the Student Violinist. Member, Suzuki Association of the Americas.
Susan McDonald, Suzuki violin, Coordinator of Suzuki Program
MA in Violin Performance from Western Illinois University; BME from Lawrence University
Conservatory (cum laude). Registered Teacher Trainer for the Suzuki Association of
the Americas. Has served on the faculties of the Chicago, Colorado, Education for
Happiness, Florida, Los Angeles, Louisville, Peaks to Plains, and American Suzuki
Institutes and numerous Suzuki workshops. Served a three-year term on the Board of
Directors of the Suzuki Association of the Americas (SAA). Received the SAA Certificate
of Achievement and the Byron Hester Award for excellence in teaching. Former faculty,
University City Public Schools, Knox-Galesburg Suzuki Program, WIU Suzuki Program,
and Lawrence University Preparatory Program. Studied with Almita Vamos, John Kendall,
Karen Clarke, and Francesca Koscielny. Has performed with the Metropolitan Orchestra
of St. Louis, Washington University Symphony, the Knox-Galesburg Symphony, the Fox
Valley Symphony, SImply4 String Quartet, The Two Rivers String Quartet and as a soloist
with the Kishwaukee Symphony and the Lawrence University Symphony. Member, Suzuki
Association of the Americas and American String Teachers’ Association.
Patricia Ruiloba Gitto, Suzuki cello
MM 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; After School String Instructor Webster Groves School
District (2012 - 2017); Suzuki registration, books 1-10; performer, founder and administrator
for Renacer Latino Orchestra and Tropical Mood of St. Louis; Former Member, Texas
Music Educators Association; Member, Musicians Association of St. Louis, Suzuki Association
of the Americas.
Ingrid Popp, Suzuki viola
MM Viola Performance, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Music Education, University
of North Carolina at Greensboro; BM Performance, summa cum laude, University of Missouri-St.
Louis; primary teachers include: Scott Rawls, Joanna Mendoza, and the Arianna String
Quartet; Suzuki training registered for books 1-8 with Ann Smelser, Kathleen Spring,
Sarah Montzka, and April Losey. Adjunct String Faculty- Missouri Baptist University,
Former violin and viola instructor, Music and Arts, and Midwest Music Conservatory;
Current Principal Viola, Alton Symphony Orchestra, Section viola, Webster University
Orchestra, former section viola, Western Piedmont Symphony, Brevard Music Center Orchestra;
Soloist, Town and Country Symphony 2009, freelance musician.
Tara Santiago, Suzuki cello
MM in Cello Performance, BM, New England Conservatory of Music; teachers include Paul
Katz, Natasha Brofsky and Janet Anthony; Suzuki training, American Suzuki Institute,
Chicago Suzuki Institute; soloist, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Fox Valley Symphony
Orchestra, Sheboygan Symphony Orchestra, Oshkosh Symphony Orchestra; former orchestra
member, Florida Grand Opera; summer festival performer, National Orchestral Institute;
member, American String Teachers Association and Suzuki Association of the Americas.
Tara also preforms as a member of the Erin Bode Group.
Graham Woodland, Suzuki violin; Conductor, String Ensemble
M.M. in Violin Performance with Suzuki Pedagogy Emphasis, The Hartt School; B.M. Violin
Performance, University of Missouri; Long-term Suzuki Association of the Americas
Teacher Training, with Christie Felsing; additional Suzuki Teacher Training with Teri
Einfeldt, Edward Kreitman, and Thomas Wermuth; solo experience with the Missouri Symphony
Orchestra, University of Missouri Philharmonic, Hartt Contemporary Players, and the
MU Chamber Orchestra; currently assistant concertmaster of the Missouri Symphony Orchestra
and substitute with the Illinois Symphony Orchestra; summer festivals include Texas
Music Festival, Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival, Innsbrook Institute Academy
and Festival; Masterclasses with Paul Biss, Pinchas Zukerman, Robert Lipsett, Lawrence
Dutton, and members of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra; previous principal second
violin of the Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra, and assistant concertmaster
of the Keene Chamber Orchestra in New Hampshire; studied under Katie Lansdale, Eva
Szekely, Chin Kim, and Mikhail Lobko.
PhD in Musicology, MA in Musicology, MM in Harp Performance, Washington University; Instructor of Harp, Washington University; Harpist with the St. Louis Philharmonic Orchestra; performs with the Gateway Festival Orchestra and other regional orchestras. Fulbright Scholar in Vienna, Austria; Dean’s Award for Teaching, Washington University.
Tom Byrne, jazz guitar
MM and BM, 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 and 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.
Kevin Ginty, classical guitar
MA, Arts Administration, Florida State University; Bachelor of Music in Guitar Performance,
Florida State University; current Executive Director of St. Louis Classical Guitar;
former instructor of guitar at Mason's School of Music in Tallahassee, Florida. Finalist
in the 2015 Wilson Center Guitar Competition and Concert Prize winner in the 2014
Tallahassee Classical Guitar Society Competition. Speaker for TEDxFSU in 2014 Co-founder
and past president of the Classical Guitar Society at Florida State University.
John McClellan, classical guitar
MM 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
Graduate Performance Diploma, MM, Peabody Institute of the John Hopkins University;
BM in guitar performance, Southeast Missouri State University; studied with Jeffrey
Noonan, Julian Gray; first place in 2011 Artist Presentation Society Auditions; first
place, Southeast Missouri State University Concerto Competition, Missouri Music Teachers
Association; voted top graduate performer at Peabody; regular appearances on NPR affiliate
KRCU, profiled on “Inside Classical Guitar” and "Saint Louis On The Air" radio programs;
appearances with Chamber Project Saint Louis, Double Fret, Early Music St. Louis and
the Southeast Chamber Ensemble. Currently teaching at Southeast Missouri State University,
St. Louis University and the Community Music School of Webster University. Learn
more about Patrick at: patrickraffertyguitar.com
Carolyn Hoyer, flute
BME, emphasis on performance, University of Tulsa, 1968. CMS summer flute camp director
through 2019. Recipient of the 2001 St. Louis Suburban Music Education Association
Merit Award in recognition of contributions for advancement of music education. Her
article "Flute Pedagogy in the Mountains" appeared in the British Flute Society journal
Pan in 2001. In addition to individual instruction, her record of service includes:
Director of Bands, Salem Lutheran School (1992-1997); Community School (1979-1990);
Ritenour Schools and Tulsa Public Schools (1969-1975; 1968-1969); memberships have
included: Gateway Festival Orchestra (1970-2013; board member 1971-2013); Flute Society
of St Louis (1971-2015, including board membership); Missouri Federation of Music
Clubs (1991-present); and the National Flute Association (charter member, 1975-present).
Studied with Mary Karen Clardy (Regents Professor, University of North Texas) and
has attended numerous workshops, including Flute Pedagogy Workshops at the University
of North Texas and an Alexander Method class with Professor Nora Lee Garcia (University
of Central Florida).
Nadine Hur, flute
MM and Professional Studies Certificate, Juilliard School of Music; BM, The Curtis
Institute of Music; performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center for
the Performing Arts and the Library of Congress; past Principal Flutist with the Knoxville
Symphony; performed with the Boston Symphony, Philadelphia Orchestra, Minnesota Orchestra,
ProMusica Chamber Orchestra and St. Louis Symphony; studied under Julius Baker, Jeffrey
Khaner, Jeanne Baxtresser and Keith Underwood.
Clara Richter, flute
MM, Northwestern State University in Louisiana; BM 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;
Piccoloist, St. Louis Civic Orchestra (2010-2014); current member of the St. Louis
Wind Symphony.
Dana Hotle, clarinet
MM Clarinet Performance, Manhattan School of Music; BM Clarinet Performance, University
of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana; studies with David Krakauer, David Harris and Tina
Ward; Principal Clarinet Illinois Symphony Orchestra and Winter Opera St. Louis; Executive
Director and clarinetist with Chamber Project St. Louis; Festival Director and performer
with the Gesher Music Festival; has 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.
Emily Mehigh, clarinet
MM Clarinet Performance, Indiana University in Bloomington; BM Clarinet Performance
and BA Music Education, Truman State University; studied with Eli Eban, Jesse Krebs
and Jeanine York-Garesche; clarinet instructor at Music and Arts; substitute clarinetist
of the St. Louis Philharmonic; bass clarinetist with the St. Louis Wind Symphony;
handbell choir director at Concord Trinity United Methodist Church; has performed
at the College Music Society’s Southwestern Conference in 2020; member of the International
Clarinet Association; CMS alumna.
Katherine Myler, clarinet
MM Performance, University of New Mexico; BM Education, Miami University; studied
with Bob Baumann, Jeanine York-Garesche, Tina Ward, Michele Gingras and Keith Lemmons;
clarinet instructor at Maryville University; clarinetist with A Fifth Above Woodwind
Quintet; has performed with St. Louis Wind Symphony and Chamber Winds, and St. Louis
Civic Orchestra; member of International Clarinet Association, Alpha Delta Pi Sorority
and Delta Omicron International Music Fraternity. Katie studied with Jeanine York-Garesche
in high school through CASA and has been a CMS faculty member since 1999.
Jeanine York Garesché, clarinet
MM, St. Louis Conservatory of Music; BM, University of Nebraska; studied with George
Silfies, Robert Coleman and Tina Ward; plays professionally with Union Avenue Opera,
Winter Opera St. Louis, the Metropolitan Orchestra of St Louis, the Fox Theatre Orchestra,
the Equinox Chamber Players and Trio Bella as well as serving as a replacement player
with the St Louis Symphony and Opera Theatre of St Louis; also currently a substitute
pianist/organist with St. Louis area churches; former professional engagements include
the Fort Wayne Philharmonic (Indiana), the Illinois Symphony (Springfield), Quintessence
Woodwind Quintet and Synchronia contemporary chamber music ensemble; served on the
staff and faculty of Tidewater Music Festival (Maryland), served as clarinetist in
residence for the Kneisel Hall Chamber Music Festival (Maine) and performed at the
2008 International Clarinet Convention; member of the Ladies Friday Musical Club,
ACME (the Artists, Composers, Musicologists and Educators branch of Mu Phi Epsilon)
and received the Owen Miller Award from the Musician’s Association of St Louis in
2014; faculty member at University of Missouri-St. Louis and Webster University.
Ann Homann, oboe, English horn, oboe d'amore
MM Oboe Performance, Saint Louis Conservatory; BM 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, Saint Louis Symphony; member, Illinois Symphony
Orchestra and Illinois Chamber Orchestra; principal oboist, Metropolitan Orchestra
of Saint Louis, Saint Louis Philharmonic, Union Avenue Opera, Masterworks Chorale
and Fox/Muny Orchestras; solo oboist, American Kantorei, a choral and instrumental
ensemble that specializes in the music of J.S. Bach; adjunct faculty member, University
of Missouri-Saint Louis, active chamber music performer with Trio Bella and as a founding
member of the Equinox Chamber Players.
Cathy Woelbling-Paul, oboe
MM Oboe Performance Northern Illinois University; BME. Lindenwood University; teachers
include Richard Woodhams, Carl Sonic, Gladys Elliot and Marc Gordon; former principle
oboe and soloist, Haydn Festival Orchestra (Eisenstadt, Austria); former member American
Wind Symphony (Pittsburgh, PA), Rockford (IL) Symphony; Illinois Chamber Orchestra
(Chicago), former substitute, Saint Louis Symphony and Illinois Symphony (Springfield,
IL) Orchestras; principal oboist with Alton Symphony Orchestra, Mighty Mississippi
Concert Band of St. Louis, St. Louis Wind Symphony, Webster University Symphony, Webster
University Wind Ensemble, Edwardsville (IL) Muny Band, University City Symphony and
member of Gateway Festival Orchestra of St. Louis; former member of Bach Society of
St. Louis, American Kantorei, Union Avenue Opera, Winter Opera, Ballet Orchestra of
St. Louis and Fox/Muny Orchestra; adjunct faculty member, Webster University. Active
chamber music performer with A Fifth Above Woodwind Quintet and Metro Piano Trio.
Member of Gateway Festival Orchestra Board of Directors and Mu Phi Epsilon (Professional
Music Fraternity) St. Louis Alumni Chapter.
Eric Ring, bassoon
DMA Bassoon Performance and Pedagogy, University of Iowa; MA Bassoon Performance,
Western Illinois University; BM Bassoon Performance, University of Iowa; teachers
include Ronald Tyree, Douglas Huff and Benjamin Coelho; current adjunct faculty for
Webster University; other teaching experience at University of Iowa, Luther College,
Grinnell College, Knox College and the West Music Conservatory; currently performs
with Webster Symphony Orchestra, the Maryville Symphony Orchestra and as a substitute
musician with the Illinois Symphony; previously tenured third bassoonist/contrabassoonist
with the Cedar Rapids Symphony; has performed with the Des Moines Metro Opera, the
Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony and the Nova Singers, and is a former member of the
Beaufort Chamber Orchestra and the Parris Island Marine Band.
Chris Hubbard, saxophone
BM Jazz Studies with emphasis in Saxophone Performance, Webster University; studied
under Paul DeMarinis, Michael Karpowicz and Jeff Collins. Recently studied under Adam
Larson (Sax) and Audrey Denny (Clarinet). Performed with Doug Lawrence, Dave Weckl,
Tom Byrne, Lamar Harris, Dawn Weber, Dr. Michael Parkinson, Hugh “Peanuts” Whalum,
Willie Akins, Jim Martin, Joe Meyer, Nick Schlueter, The Genesis Jazz Project, Route
66, Gary Dammer Big Bands, St. Louis Philharmonic, Webster University Symphony Orchestra,
Tropical Mood. Toured with The Air Force Shades of Blue Big Band; Saxophone instructor
at Maryville University; faculty assistant, 2002 and 2003 International Summer Jazz
Academy (Krakow, Poland).
Angela Kraft, saxophone
BMEd, 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 a variety
of musical settings.
John Thomas, horn, theory and composition
MM Horn and Music Theory, University of Missouri–Columbia; BA 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.
Brian Garrison, trumpet
MM Trumpet Performance, University of New Mexico; BA Music, Truman State University;
performs with St. Louis Brass Band; former substitute player, New Mexico Symphony
Orchestra; performed with San Juan Symphony Orchestra, Santa Fe Symphony Orchestra,
Nomads Brass Quintet; trumpet fellow, Hot Springs Music Festival; educational brass
coaching in Albuquerque, NM; occasional performances with St. Louis Philharmonic,
St. Louis Wind Symphony; former instructor, Hummingbird Music Camp; national brass
finalist, Music Teacher’s National Association Solo Competition.
Lemuel Johnson, trumpet
MM Trumpet performance from western Illinois University; BM in music education from Acadia University, performed a trumpet concerto with Acadia University Wind Ensemble, Graduate assistant with the Lamoine Faculty Brass quintet, lead Trumpet player with the WIU Jazz band, principal trumpet with the WIU Symphony Orchestra at Western Illinois University; former 1st trumpet player with the Bahamas National Symphony Orchestra, played with the maritime brass quintet and The King's Chorus in Nova Scotia Canada, performed with Symphony Nova Scotia, the Quincy symphony orchestra in Quincy Illinois, and substituted as principal Trumpet with the Knox-Galesburg Symphony in Galesburg Illinois; Finalists in the Western Illinois university concerto competition 2021 and 2022. High school music teacher at Bahamas Academy Nassau, Bahamas. Private trumpet and music instructor.
Ilya Litvin, trumpet
MM in Trumpet Performance, Gnessin Academy of Music (Moscow, Russia); BM in Trumpet
Performance 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; former band director, Blossom
Wood Day School; former brass instruments instructor, St. Charles Community College;
assistant band director, St. Joseph School; brass instruments instructor, Band Instrument
Service Company; among his students are local and regional award winners of competition
and honors including positions in local and regional orchestras and bands such as
St. Louis Youth Symphony Orchestra, St. Charles Youth Orchestra and Missouri All-State
Honor Band; his students have received music scholarships at distinguished music colleges
and universities such as Cleveland Institute of Music.
Dan Smith, trumpet
BM in Music Education from the University of Missouri at St. Louis; post graduate
work at Indiana University and Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, Illinois.
Adjunct professor at Webster University leading the Jazz Collective and has performed
at The Muny, The Fabulous Fox Theatre and at Riverport Amphitheatre backing artists
including Sammy Davis Jr., Doc Severinsen, Burt Bacharach, Mel Torme, Michel Legrand,
Rosemary Clooney, Amy Grant, Jerry Lewis, Perry Como, The Temptations, The Four Tops,
Manhattan Transfer, Natalie Cole, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Don Rickles, Bob Newhart, Barry
Manilow, The Who to name just a few. He has performed with the St. Louis Symphony,
St. Louis Repertory Theatre, has toured with the Glenn Miller Orchestra and has done
6 tours playing lead trumpet with the 1940's musical revue, In The Mood Live! including
2 tours in Australia. Daniel also plays solo piano around the St. Louis metropolitan
area.
Marquita Reef, low brass
Marquita Reef received her degrees from the University of Denver-Lamont School of
Music and Brooklyn College; music educator at Metro Academic and Classical High School
where she teaches a variety of subjects including Concert Band, Beginning Winds and
Percussion, Music History, Jazz History, Piano and Classical Guitar; recipient of
SLPS’s first Music Educator Award, the Pettus Award for Excellence in Education, Outstanding
Music Educator Award in District #8 and the Musicians’ Union George Smith Diversity
Award; board member of the International Women’s Bracc Conference (IWBC) and the St.
Louis Low Brass Collective.
Bob Settle, low brass
MS in Music Education, University of Illinois; BS in Music Education, Campbell University;
retired band director and taught for 16 years, Valley Park School District; taught
at Kirkwood, Missouri, Duplin County, North Carolina; adjunct professor, Missouri
Baptist University; former private instructor, Mozingo Music; member, St. Louis Wind
Symphony, University City Summer Band, Gateway Festival Orchestra; former member,
Missouri Baptist Symphonic Band, Meramec Symphonic Band, Washington University Orchestra,
University City Orchestra, Webster Symphony; performed with Alton Symphony, Gateway
City Big Band, Original Boneheads, Alton Municipal Band, University of Missouri-St.
Louis Orchestra, St. Louis Philharmonic.
Kyle Spies, low brass
B.M. in Music Education, Southern Illinois University: Edwardsville; M.A. in Music
(brass emphasis), Webster University; studied under Jim Martin (low brass), Ed Jacobs
(trombone and euphonium), Cody Henry (trombone), Tyler Vahldick (trombone), and David
Hardtung (tuba); current member of Whatcha Gonna Do Brass Band; Route 66 Jazz Orchestra;
pit musician around the Saint Louis Area; founding member of the Do Re Migos Brass
Quintet; former member of Saint Louis Brass Band; SIUE Wind Symphony, Orchestra, Concert
Jazz Band, and Steel Band; Edwardsville Muny Band; Edwardsville Symphony; performed
with Saint Louis Big Band, Genesis Jazz Project, Saint Louis Low Brass Collective,
and various groups as a freelance musician; current music educator at Litzsinger School
and band staff at Mascoutah High School; board member of the Missouri Illinois Musical
Arts Consortium.
Tim Crockett, percussion
MM, BM, Indiana University; percussionist and co-founder, sidexside Percussion Duo;
former associate principal timpanist, Chicago Civic Orchestra; former principal timpanist,
American Wind Symphony Orchestra; former percussionist, Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra,
Carmel Symphony Orchestra, Columbus Indiana Philharmonic, Bloomington Camerata Orchestra;
teachers include John Tafoya, Kevin Bobo, John Kasica, Rick Holmes and Steve Houghton;
awarded the Presser Undergraduate Scholar Award; has taught in St. Louis and Tokyo,
Japan.
Michael Faris, percussion; Conductor, Young People's Orchestra Percussion
MM in Percussion, St. Louis Conservatory of Music; BA Music & BA Performance, Central
Washington University. Former faculty Lindenwood University; retired founder/director
of Ladue Percussion. Performance experience includes Carnegie Hall debut with Illinois
Chamber Orchestra, past Principal Percussion with Illinois Symphony Orchestra, past
Principal Substitute Timpanist Seattle Symphony Orchestra, Pacific Northwest Ballet,
St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, The Bach Society of St. Louis, St. Louis Opera Theatre,
St. Louis Ballet, past Principal Percussion Lancaster Festival Orchestra, Fox Theatre
Orchestra, Sophisticated Swing Big Band and Johnny Polzin Orchestras. Recognized for
Outstanding Contributions to Music Education by the St. Louis Suburban Music Educators Association, past president of the Missouri
Percussive Arts Society, and Director of the Strike Institute.
John Thomas, horn, theory and composition
MM Horn and Music Theory, University of Missouri-Columbia; BA 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.
John Thomas, horn, theory and composition
MM Horn and Music Theory, University of Missouri-Columbia; BA 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.
Maureen Bolain, Kindermusik and Music for Little Mozarts, coordinator
Obtained her BA in Christian Education summa cum laude with emphasis in child development,
music and piano performance from John Brown University, where she won the Outstanding
Cathedral Choir Member and Biblical Studies Faculty Awards. She has taught and developed
curriculum for preschool and elementary choirs and is an experienced piano teacher.
She taught at her own Kindermusik studio in South Bend, Indiana from 1998–2001, joining
the Community Music School in 2001 where she has continued to promote the incredible
physical, cognitive and social/emotional benefits of participating in music from a
young age. In addition to her role at CMS, Maureen is also the Music Director at Church
of the Resurrection and accompanist for Francis Howell and Francis Howell Central
High Schools. Maureen and her husband Jerry, also a musician, have an adult daughter,
Hannah, who is a graduate of Kindermusik and continues to nurture a love for all genres
of music.
Crystal Chu-Sharp, Kindermusik
DMA Percussion Performance, University of Oregon; MM Percussion Performance, New York
University; BM Percussion Performance, National University of Singapore; studied with
Pius Cheung, Jonathan Haas and Rodney Dorsey. Worked as Graduate Teaching Fellow for
various music ensembles at the UO as assistant conductor, ensemble coach, band librarian
and coordinator. Former Principal Percussion, Eugene Concert Orchestra (OR). Guest
artist at Space City New Music Festival. Social Media Manager, Beta Percussion International
Institute. Performed at Oregon Bach Festival, Northwest Percussion Festival, soundSCAPE
Festival, SICPP, World Youth Wind Orchestra Project (Austria) and the WASBE Conference.
Originally from Hong Kong, Dr. Chu-Sharp is happy to call St. Louis home with her
husband and daughter. Her research study in interdisciplinary art and creative performance
practice enriches her teaching effectiveness at all levels, and she always aims to
provide an inclusive learning environment for her students. Besides English, she is
fluent in Mandarin and Cantonese.
Aiden Smith, Kindermusik & Music for Little Mozarts
BA Vocal performance, Central Methodist University. He has been teaching early childhood
for 4 years and in 2021 started a music program at Cadence Academy in Chesterfield.
When he is not teaching he serves as a section leader in the choir at First Congregational
Church in Clayton. He also enjoys performing seasonally with the St. Charles festivals
“Legends and Lanterns” and “Christmas Traditions.” Prior to the pandemic, he sang
with the Bach Society of St. Louis for 2 years.
Elizabeth Smith, Music for Little Mozarts
BM Music Therapy, University of Alabama. Piano principal with secondary studies in
violin and voice. Elizabeth is an experienced piano teacher and choir director and
has been teaching early childhood music classes since 2002. She lives in St. Louis
with her husband Brad, and they have two children who benefitted from Kindermusik
classes through CMS. Their son Bradley recently graduated from the PREP program at
CMS and is currently pursuing a violin performance degree.
Nancy Daby, violin; Conductor, String Orchestra
MM, Converse College, Spartanburg, S.C.; A.S. String Instrument Technology, Indiana
University; BA, 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.
Michael Faris, percussion; Director, Young People's Orchestra Percussion
MM in Percussion, St. Louis Conservatory of Music; BA Music and BA Performance, Central
Washington University. Former faculty Lindenwood University; retired founder/director
of Ladue Percussion. Performance experience includes Carnegie Hall debut with Illinois
Chamber Orchestra, past Principal Percussion with Illinois Symphony Orchestra, past
Principal Substitute Timpanist Seattle Symphony Orchestra, Pacific Northwest Ballet,
St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, The Bach Society of St. Louis, St. Louis Opera Theatre,
St. Louis Ballet, past Principal Percussion Lancaster Festival Orchestra, Fox Theatre
Orchestra, Sophisticated Swing Big Band and Johnny Polzin Orchestras. Recognized for
Outstanding Contributions to Music Education by the St. Louis Suburban Music Educators Association, past president of the Missouri
Percussive Arts Society, Director of the Strike Institute and currently Percussion
Specialist for St. Louis University High School.
Patrick Jackson, Conductor, Young People's Symphonic Orchestra
BME., 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, MMEA,
MENC 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.
Sarah Klevorn, Conductor, Young People's Concert Orchestra
MA, Music Education, Eastman School of Music; BME and Certificate in Violin Performance,
Florida State University. Currently serves as Orchestra Director in Kirkwood School
District; students performed at MMEA (2020) and won the Gold Rating and Adjudicator
Award at the National Heritage Festival (2020 and 2016). Former faculty, Winter Park
High School in Orlando, Florida, and Recipient, Winter Park High School Spirit Award
for teaching. WPHS full orchestra ensemble named Orlando Philharmonic’s Orchestra
of Distinction. Conducting study with Dr. Patrick Dunnigan (FSU) and orchestral training
with Corinne Stillwell (FSU) and Juliana Athayde (Concertmaster, Rochester Philharmonic).
Orchestral experience includes Metropolitan Orchestra of St Louis, Cordancia Chamber
Ensemble and the Tallahassee Symphony.
Graham Woodland, Suzuki violin; Conductor, String Ensemble
MM in Violin Performance with Suzuki Pedagogy Emphasis, The Hartt School; BM Violin
Performance, University of Missouri; Suzuki Association of the Americas Teacher Training,
under Christie Felsing; solo experience with the Missouri Symphony Orchestra, University
of Missouri Philharmonic, Hartt Contemporary Players and the MU Chamber Orchestra;
currently Assistant Concertmaster of the Missouri Symphony Orchestra and substitute
with the Illinois Symphony Orchestra; summer festivals include Texas Music Festival,
Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival, Innsbrook Institute Academy and Festival; Masterclasses
with Paul Biss, Pinchas Zukerman, Robert Lipsett, Lawrence Dutton and members of the
Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra; previous Principal Second Violin of the Connecticut
Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra and Assistant Concertmaster of the Keene Chamber Orchestra
in New Hampshire; studied under Katie Lansdale, Eva Szekely, Chin Kim and Mikhail
Lobko.
Davin Rubicz, cello, Preparatory Program Artistic Coordinator
MM in cello performance, Rice University; BM Cleveland Institute of Music; Primary
teachers: Richard Aaron, Norman Fischer. Section member: Saint Louis Symphony (2010-2016),
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (2008-2009), Kansas City Symphony (2005-2008). Teaching
positions include: Mercer University, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, C.I.M.
and Rice University preparatory departments. Professional chamber music festivals:
LaJolla SummerFest, Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival, Missouri Chamber Music Festival,
Pulitzer Arts Foundation series. Student festivals: Aspen Music Festival (multi-year
fellowship), Music Academy of the West, Taos Music Festival, Spoleto Music Festival
(Italy), ENCORE School for Strings, Indiana String Academy.
Nick Savage, High School Jazz Ensemble
MM Jazz Studies, Webster University; BM Percussion Performance, Webster University;
lead singer and drummer for St. Louis band Fresh Heir; percussion and drum kit instrumentalist,
Salem United Methodist Church; Program Director and Lead Instructor for LINC to Music,
LLC; Music Director, Sacred Heart School in Valley Park, Lead Drum Instructor at Kirkwood
Music Institute; drum kit and percussion instructor at De Smet Jesuit College Prep
High School; Lead Consultant for Diamond Empire Band St. Louis; performed with John
Scofield, Joshua Redman, Lou Donaldson, Lonnie Smith, Jeff Coffin, Victor Goines,
Joe Lavano and many more; has played, performed and/or produced on over 100 recordings.
* Special Arrangements teachers. Please call for placement and tuition information.