Faculty Biographies
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Faculty Listing for Individual Lessons
Faculty members teach traditional repertoire unless noted.
Suzuki (S); Traditional (T); Jazz (J)
Faculty Bios
Tracy Andreotti cello
M.M., St. Louis Conservatory of Music; B.A., Brandeis University; teachers include Peter Spurbeck, Yuan Tung, Ronald Thomas, Savely Schuster; Principal cellist, St. Louis Philharmonic and Union Avenue Opera Theatre; member, TangoTango, New Music Circle, and Webster University Symphony; former Principal and soloist, Gateway Festival Orchestra, University City Symphony, New City Chamber Orchestra, and Opera Memphis; former member, Memphis Symphony, Illinois Symphony, Illinois Chamber Orchestra, South Bend (IN) Symphony, and Synchronia.
William Ash classical guitar
M.A., University of Missouri at Columbia; B.M., 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.
Molly Bair, flute
MM, flute performance, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, MM, instrumental conducting, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, BM, instrumental music education, University of Wisconsin-Madison. Teachers included Stephanie Jutt and Robert Goodberg, flute, James Smith and Thomas Dvorak, conducting. Former band director at Omro MS and HS (WI), and Wisconsin Hills Middle School/Brookfield Central High School (WI). Member and Vice President of Flute Society of St. Louis, Adult Flute Choir, National Flute Association, Phi Kappa Phi, substitute member/player in St. Louis Philharmonic Orchestra, various solo performances/recitals, masterclass performances, clinic presentations.
Katy Barker cello
B.A., Webster University; member, Suzuki Association of the Americas; teachers include Suzanne Sims, Eric Reed, Ken Kulosa, Stephen Balderston; teaching positions include Covenant College, Chattanooga School for the Arts, private studio; former member Chattanooga Symphony and Opera and Webster University Symphony Orchestra.
Arthurleigh Bartzen piano and theory
M.M., B.M., St. Louis Institute of Music; former college and preparatory faculty member, St. Louis Institute of Music; member of Music Teachers National Association, Missouri Music Teachers Association, St. Louis Area Music Teachers Association, and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.
Donita Bauer bassoon and contrabassoon
M.M., St. Louis Conservatory of Music; B.M., Concordia Teacher’s College, Seward, Nebraska; studied with George Berry and Robert Wisneskey; extra player with Saint Louis Symphony; principal bassoonist, Webster University Symphony Orchestra, Bach Society, Masterworks Chorale, Union Avenue Opera; member, Equinox Chamber Players, A Perfect Fifth Woodwind Quintet, Quintessence Woodwind Quintet; keyboardist, Neon Cadilac and The Poor People of Paris; Director of Music, Evangelical United Church of Christ, Webster Groves; instructor, OASIS Beginning Band Program; private music instructor.
William Bauer violin and viola
B.M. Performance, University of Texas; Director, Early Music Saint Louis and the Saint Louis Baroque Festival; Principal Viola of Atlantas New Trinity Baroque, Chicago's Ars Antigua, Milwaukee Baroque, and Chicago's Comic Intermezzo; Artistic Director of ARS FEMINA, a music research project and period instrument performance ensemble in residence at Indiana University Southeast, dedicated to the reclamation of music written by women of the Baroque and Classical eras; recorded for Deutsche Grammophon, Polydor, Naxos, First Edition, Nannerl, and Studio 5 recording labels.
Dave Black jazz guitar, jazz improvisation
B.M., Webster University; faculty duties at Webster University include jazz guitar instructor, jazz combo instructor, and instructor of various music history courses; guitar clinician; freelance guitarist; voted “Best Acoustic Guitarist” for 996 and 997 in the Saint Louis Area Music Awards; as jazz performer, has worked with organist Richard “Groove” Holmes, trumpeter Bobby Shew, guitarist Bucky Pizzerelli and more; numerous CD recordings; solo arrangements included in the Mel Bay/Warner Bros. publication Fingerstyle Jazz; author of The Student Companion — Applications For Jazz Guitar.
Maureen Bolain Young Years, Music Makers at the Keyboard, and Music for Little Mozarts
Licensed, Kindermusik International, 1998; member of Kindermusik Educators Association (KEA) of Greater St. Louis since 2003; B.A., John Brown University with emphasis in child development, music, and piano performance; studied piano with Joann Torno and Jane Robichaux; taught pre-school, elementary, junior and senior high school choirs for 15 years; piano accompanist.
Dwayne Bosman clarinet, flute, and saxophone
E.E., Harris Stowe College; undergraduate work, University of Missouri-St. Louis and Florida A&M University; Co-Band Leader and Personnel Manager, The Bosman Twins Jazz Group; concerts/seminars for young people, Southern Illinois University — Edwardsville and St. Louis City Public Schools; faculty member, Marquette Visual and Performing Arts Middle School and Pruitt Military Academy; former faculty member, Northwest High School; winner of many awards, including an Emmy for “Jazz at the Moose,” Young Black Achievers Award, and Salute to Black Men Award.
Dwight Bosman clarinet, flute, and saxophone
B.S., Florida A&M University; post-graduate work in Business Administration, Florida State University, Tallahassee; Co-Band Leader, The Bosman Twins Jazz Groups; faculty member, Saint Louis Public Schools; former member, Gateway Symphony Orchestra; winner of many awards including an Emmy for “Jazz at the Moose,” Young Black Achievers Award, and Salute to Black Men Award.
Chris Braig Jazz Improvisation
B.M.E., Webster University; faculty duties at Webster University include jazz pedagogy instructor and director of “Mini” Big Band; active freelance saxophonist and steel pan player; worked for Carnival Cruise Lines, The Shoji Tabuchi Show, 113th U.S. Army Band, Walt Disney Company and Bahama Breeze Restaurants; performed with Duffy Jackson, Marvin Stamm, Med Flory, Arturo Sandoval, Pete Christlieb, and Jiggs Whigham; member, 1992 Disney All-American College Band and finalist in the National Collegiate Jazz Contest in Boulder, Colorado; currently teaching in the Ft. Zumwalt School District.
Maryse Carlin piano, harpsichord and theory
M.M., 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 Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra 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, Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra, 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.
Brandon Christensen violin
D.M.A., Stony-Brook University in New York; teachers included Mitchell Stern, violin, and Timothy Eddy, Gil Kalish, and Julius Levine, chamber music; Assistant Professor and chamber music program director, Southeast Missouri State University; former visiting professor of violin and viola, Dickinson College; former artist-faculty member, Pennsylvania Academy of Music (Lancaster, PA), and former member, West-End Chamber Ensemble; former chamber music fellow, Banff Summer Festival; maintains vigorous concert schedule throughout the region, as well as in Italy, Finland, and China; founder and Artistic Director, “Chamber Music Sundays at Three" concert series in Cape-Girardeau, MO.
Henry Claude percussion
B.M, Saint Louis Conservatory of Music; adjunct professor of percussion, Webster University; director, Webster University Percussion Ensemble; Music Director, Dance Division, Washington University; master performer and teacher in keyboard mallets, timpani, drum set and hand drums; member, Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra; freelance musician; founder and director, NUCLEAR PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE, devoted to the performance of original compositions and arrangements of percussion music from around the world.
Nancy Daby Suzuki violin and Conductor, String Ensemble
M.M., 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.
Mathew Daniels guitar, theory, and composition
M.M. Composition and M.M. Classical Guitar Performance, Webster University; B.A. Business Administration, University of Texas–Austin; Certificate of Merit in Music History, St. Andrews University (Scotland); 1997 and 1998 Buder Foundation Scholarship for Distinguished Studies; 1998 Webster University Outstanding Academic Achievement Award; published in Soundboard, journal of the Guitar Foundation of America; performed at National Association of Composers-USA Mid-South Chapter, Louisiana Sinfonietta Solo Series, and Society of Composers, Inc.; performances at Sheldon Concert Hall, Christ Church Cathedral, and Parish Church of St. Andrew the Apostle (London).
Tricia Dannenfeldt percussion and Conductor, Percussion Ensembles
B.M.E. and Bachelor of Percussion Performance, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; former percussion instructor, Illinois Summer Youth Music; former director, Engine Room Ensemble of Champaign-Urbana Symphony Guild; former director, I-Pan steel drum ensemble; former percussion instructor/arranger/clinician for numerous high schools throughout Illinois and Iowa; performed with Champaign-Urbana Symphony, and University of Illinois Wind Symphony and Percussion Ensemble; commissioned/premiered works for voice and percussion; currently working at COCA as Summer Camps Manager; awards include 2000 – 2006 Thomas J. Smith Memorial Scholarship, 2004 Senior 100 Honorary (UIUC); member, Music Educators National Conference and Percussive Arts Society.
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; instrumental music teacher, 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.
Aileen Friedel cello
B.M. and graduate work, University of Pennsylvania; studied with Orlando Cole and the Curtis String Quartet; participated in the Tanglewood Music Festival; former faculty member at Parks College (Parkville, MO) and Principia College (Elsah, IL); former cellist, North Carolina Symphony and Kansas City Philharmonic; principal cellist with the Muny Opera Orchestra; adjunct professor of cello, St. Louis University; member, American String Teachers Association, Viola da Gamba Society of America, Early Music America and American Federation of Musicians; cellist/gambist with St. Cecelia Consort, and cellist with Hawthorne Ensemble and St. Louis Trio.
Sofia Friedman piano
M.A., Leningrad Conservatory of Music; B.A., Leningrad Music College; member, Music Teachers National Association, Missouri Music Teachers Association.
Sandra Geary piano
B.M., 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, Bismark 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..
Henry Glass organ
M.A. in Music Education, Washington University; B.A., Harris-Stowe Teachers College; Dean (1998-2000), American Guild of Organists; organ faculty, Webster University; member, Music Educators National Conference and American Choral Directors Association; Teacher of the Year, Parkway West Middle School; Merit Award winner, Saint Louis Suburban Music Association; Director of Music, University City United Methodist Church; 2004 National Award of Distinction for Outstanding Church Music Program.
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.
Mary Lou Gotman Suzuki cello, Conductor, String Orchestra
B.A., Bowling Green University; member, ASTA and Suzuki Association; 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); cellist and founding member, Quartet Seraphin.
Ling Ling Guan violin
Artist Diploma in violin performance, Boston University; studied with Yehudi Menuhin at Menuhin Music Academy, Switzerland; violinist, Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra for 10 years; performed with Boston Symphony Orchestra and Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra; performed as a soloist and with chamber music groups at Powell Symphony Hall and Sheldon Hall with members of the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra; concert tours around the world; twenty years of violin teaching experience.
Mark Gurevich viola and 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 Sym- phony Orchestra; member, Music Teachers National Association and Missouri Music Teachers Association.
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 Associa- tion and Missouri Music Teachers Association.
Anita M. Hagerman double bass
B.M. and B.A. Music Performance/History (magna cum laude), Ball State University; M.A. Humanities, University of Chicago; 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; currently completing a Ph.D. in English Literature at Washington University in St. Louis.
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.
Richard Holmes Conductor, Young People’s Symphonic Orchestra
B.M. and M.S. Music, Juilliard School of Music; studied at Eastman School of Music and San Francisco Conservatory; teachers included Jean Morel, Jorge Mester, Walter Susskind, Alfred Wallenstein, William Kraft, Saul Goodman, Morris Goldenberg, Elden Bailey, and Charles William Johnson; Principal timpanist, Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra; former Music Director and Conductor, New York Youth Symphony; former timpani faculty, Saint Louis Conservatory of Music; performed with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, New York Philharmonic, Aspen Festival Orchestra, and as a regular extra with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra; former percussion and conducting faculty, Aspen Festival; has conducted the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra youth concerts; summer faculty member, Indiana University-Bloomington, School of Music.
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, Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra; member, Illinois Symphony Orchestra and Illinois Chamber Orchestra; principal oboist, Webster University, Saint Louis Philharmonic, Union Avenue Opera Theater; solo oboist, American Kantorei, a choral and instrumental ensemble that specializes in the music of J.S. Bach; faculty member, University of Missouri-St. Louis and Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville; active chamber music performer with Quintessence- St. Louis and as a founding member of the Equinox Chamber Players.
Melissa Horine violin
M.M. Violin Pedagogy, B.M., Violin Performance, Missouri State University; teachers include Susan Doering, David Hays, and fiddler Bob Holt; member, St. Louis Philharmonic; former member, Springfield Symphony Orchestra, Springfield Regional Opera Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra of the Ozarks, and Fort Smith Symphony; former librarian, Springfield Symphony Orchestra; performed with the Gateway Festival Orchestra, Trans Siberian Orchestra, Paragon Ragtime Orchestra, and numerous rock and country bands; chamber music coach, Missouri State University Summer String Fling; former elementary strings instructor, Rockwood and Springfield (MO) Public Schools; member, American String Teachers’ Association.
Dana Hotle clarinet
M.M. Clarinet Performance, Manhattan School of Music; B.M. Clarinet Performance, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; teachers included Christine Ward, David Krakauer, and David Harris; Second Clarinet, Cedar Rapids Symphony Orchestra, 2004-2005; Principal Clarinet, St. Louis Philharmonic, 2001- 2004; substitute/extra player, Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra, Illinois Symphony Orchestra, Sinfonia de Camera, and New World Symphony; clarinet instructor, University City School District music program, 2002-2004; faculty member, Music Alive! Summer Composition Intensive, Community Music School of Webster University; founding member, Chinquapin Trio.
Carolyn Hoyer flute
B.M.E., University of Tulsa; adjunct faculty member, Lindenwood University; recipient, St. Louis Suburban Music Education Association Merit Award in recognition of contributions for advancement of music education, February, 2001; flute pedagogy workshops in 2000-2004 ad 2008; 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.
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.
Jay Hungerford double bass
B.M. Music Education, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale; former faculty member, University of Missouri-St. Louis, Fontbonne College, and Meramec College; jazz faculty member for over 20 years, Webster University; performers at jazz festivals and clinics across the country; acknowledged as “Best Local Bassist” by Riverfront Times.
Yuly Ilyashov violin
M.A., Byelorussian Academy of Music; B.A., Minsk Music College; former concertmaster, Byelorussian State Radio and Television Symphony Orchestra and Minsk Chamber Orchestra; former faculty member, Byelorussian State Conservatory (now Academy of Music) and Webster University; former concertmaster, Webster University Symphony Orchestra; member, Appassionato String Quartet.
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 national, regional, and state competition winners.
Ranya Iqbal cello
Studies at University of Missouri-Columbia and St. Louis; teachers include Kurt Baldwin; principal cellist, 2001 Missouri Music Educators’ Association All-Collegiate Orchestra, the University of Missouri-Columbia Philharmonic, MU Chamber Soloists, Columbia Civic Orchestra, and the University of Missouri- St. Louis Orchestra; former member, Missouri Symphony Society Chamber Orchestra; former orchestra assistant and cello instructor, Missouri Symphony Society Youth Orchestra; former instructor, Missouri String Project; former Artistic Director and Orchestra Manager, MU Chamber Soloists, a self-conducting chamber orchestra; contractor, manager, webmaster, and cellist of Serenade Strings since 1999; performs regularly throughout the Midwest, playing a variety of styles, including classical, jazz, folk, rock, fiddle, gypsy, and flamenco; member, New Directions Cello Association.
Jenny Lind Jones violin
M.M. with highest distinction, Performers Certificate and Graduate Fellowship Winner, Indiana University; undergraduate studies at Curtis Institute and Indiana University; principal teachers include Ivan Galamian and Josef Gingold; former member of the Webster String Quartet; winner, Coleman Chamber Music Competition; soloist with many Chicago area orchestras including the Grant Park and Twin Cities Symphonies; soloist with the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Leonard Slatkin; first violinist with the Saint Louis Symphony and private music teacher in Saint Louis since 1972.
Mario Kangalov violin and viola
M.M., Plovdiv Academy of Music; studied violin performance and pedagogy with Georgi Biandov violin and jazz performance with Veselin Koichev; B.M., Rousse School of Music; studied violin performance with Anelia Popova; winner, 1989 Thracian Lyre Award for jazz performance - violin.
John Kasica percussion and timpani
Distinguished Percussion Chair, Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra, 1971– present; appeared as soloist with Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra subscription, pops, and youth concerts, and regional and national concert tours including Carnegie Hall and Tokyo, Japan in 1990; can be heard in over 100 recordings; performed, Spoleto, Aspen, Grand Tetons, and Master Works (NY) music festivals; served as faculty of St. Louis Conservatory of Music and School for the Arts, University of Missouri-St. Louis, Webster College, Meramec Community College, and Florissant Valley Community College; percussion clinician, Juilliard School of Music, Eastman School of Music, Mannes College (NY), University of Texas, University of Kentucky, University of Louisville, Southern Methodist University, and Rice University masterclasses; concert duo with wife Paula in Windfire Flute and Percussion Spectacular.
Manuela Kaymakanova violin
M.M. Performance, University of Missouri-Kansas City; B.M., 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.
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.
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.
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.
Eryn Krobath piano
M.M. Piano Performance with focus in accompanying and chamber music, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville (SIU-E); B.M. Music Therapy (cum laude and with departmental honors), Illinois State University; former adjunct faculty member and staff accompanist, McKendree College; former teaching assistant, SIUE; member, Music Teachers National Association, Missouri Music Teachers Association, Illinois Music Teachers Association, Piano Teacher's Round Table, and the National Guild of Piano Teachers; Nationally Certified Teacher of Music by the Music Teachers National Association.
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; principal cellist, Town & Country Symphony; 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
M.M., Indiana School of Music; B.M., Eastman School of Music; Assistant Principal Cello, Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra; 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; winner, 2008 Missouri Chapter of the American String Teachers Association (MoASTA) Artist Teacher of the Year; faculty member, Rocky Mountain Summer Conservatory; recorded a work written for her by Chuck Mangione on the Mercury record label; recorded string trios by Reger and Taniev 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.
Debby Lennon jazz voice
Attended Fontbonne College and studied music at L’ecole Hindemith in Vevey, Switzerland; member, Saint Louis Symphony Chorus for 11 years and section leader for seven seasons; debuted as soloist with Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra in the Powell Symphony Hall and Carnegie Hall premieres of William Bolcom’s Songs of Innocence and Experience in November 1992; Saint Louis Symphony Pops debut in July 1993; appeared on 1994 Fred Tompkins recording St. Louis Music; 1994 – 1995 recipient, Helen Traubel Memorial Scholarship; active in musical theatre and a member of the Actor’s Equity; credits include several productions with the MUNY in St. Louis.
Michelle Hsinyu Lin piano
M.A. Music, performance, Webster University; studied with Daniel Schene; B.A. Music, performance, National Taiwan University of Arts; former piano instructor of Yamaha Music School in Taipei, Taiwan; former piano accompanist and member, Taipei Cheng Hsin Cheng Music Orchestra; member, Music Teachers National Association; private instructor of piano and Chinese zither (Gucheng).
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.
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.
Marilyn Lorenz-Weinkauff pre-college music preparatory program, program coordinator
M.Div., Eden Seminary; M.A. Theology and Education, St. Louis University; B.A. Philosophy and Music, Maryville College; piano studies with Leo C. Miller, organ studies with Aileen Cohalen; voice studies with Mme. Stella de Mette; four seasons with August Opera Festival chorus; Shalom Award, Eden Seminary; Mary Rhodes Award, Loretto Women's Network; forty years in education; group organizer and leader of service immersion trips to Central America; Program Coordinator, St. Louis Inter-Faith Committee on Latin America (co-founder).
Justine Liu cello and piano
M.M. Cello and Piano Performance, and B.M. Cello Performance, Webster University; recipient, Buder Scholarship; winner, 998 University City Orchestra Concerto Competition; former private cello and piano instructor in Taiwan.
Nancy Love Young Years
B.A. Behavioral Studies, Lycoming College; licensed by Kindermusik for all levels since 1998; member, Partnership of Kindermusik Educators; Kindermusik ABC Music & Me Area Trainer, 2005-2006; music instructor, YMCA, Headstart, pre-schools, and summer camps; former teaching assistant for two Montessori schools; plays the Horn.
Rose Martin, Suzuki violin
M.A., University of Pennsylvania; B.M., 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.
Nicole Graese Mattos piano
M.M. Piano Performance with departmental honors, Webster University (with Daniel Schene); piano course work, Arizona State University (with Janice Meyer Thompson); B.M. piano performance, University of Denver (with Alice Rybak); piano accompanist and piano duo performer; former adjunct faculty, Webster University; former accompanist, Saint Louis Children’s Choirs; member, Music Teachers National Association.
John McClellan 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.
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.
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.
Bethany Muck piano, Young Years
Working towards M.A. in Music with emphasis in piano pedagogy, Webster University; B.A. in Music, Grace College (magna cum laude); teachers included Daniel Schene, Dr. Yeeseon Kwon, Anthony Beer and Judy Peterson; Graduate Assistant in Music Theory position, Webster University; choral accompanist, Highland (IL) High School; accompanist for "9th & Washington" performing group (Highland, IL); private instructor.
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.
Allison Nalesnik piano, theory, organ
M.M., 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, Pre-College 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, Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra since 1987; adjunct professor of piano, Webster University; staff accompanist, Community Music School of Webster University; former Artist Presentation Society winner; Director of Student Life and teaching artist, Innsbrook Institute.
Joe Pastor percussion
B.M. Jazz Performance, Southern Illinois University; performs in various jazz, blues and popular music ensembles as well as in theater shows and local symphonic ensembles; classroom instructor at DeSmet Jesuit High School; recorded and performed with Johnnie Johnson, Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne, Kim Massie, Rich McDonough, Bennie Smith, Tom Byrne, and Javier Mendoza; compositions have been performed by ensembles at SIUE, Webster University and several area high schools.
Muriel Petrovics voice, Introduction to Singing, Sight-Singing
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.
Jessica Platt violin
M.M. and B.A., Violin Performance, Boston University; currently pursuing Doctor of Arts degree in Music, Ball State University; teachers included Bayla Keyes, Roman Totenberg, Manuel Ramos and Sherry Kloss; performed with Brockton Symphony, Plymouth Orchestra, New Bedford Symphony, and Illinois Symphony; toured in Europe many times, performing with various organizations and orchestras, including the AIMS Orchestra; former faculty member, Rockwood School District and Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville; former director, Muncie Center of the Arts String Program, former coach of chamber music at Ball State University and worked for the Suzuki Institute of Boston and the University of Texas String Project; Suzuki certified and teaches privately; concertmistress, Clayton Symphony Orchestra.
Manuel Ramos violin
Artist Diploma Program, Indiana University; Concert Artist Diploma, Mexican National Conservatory of Music; violinist, Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra; assistant concertmaster, Pittsburgh Symphony and San Diego Symphony; concertmaster, Mexico City Philharmonic; soloist, Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra, Pittsburgh Symphony, all major orchestras in Mexico, and orchestras in Central and South America; artist on Missouri Arts Council Touring Program; recitals in Carnegie Recital Hall (NY) and Organization of American States (Washington, DC); appeared at festivals in Park City (UT), Steamboat Springs (CO), San Antonio (TX) and San Miguel de Allende (Mexico); appearances on radio and television in Latin America; faculty member, Rocky Mountain Summer Conservatory; master classes given in United States and throughout Latin America; prize winner, Tibor Varga International Violin Competition (Switzerland) and Manuel M. Ponce Competition (Mexico).
Marquita Reef trombone, euphonium, tuba
M.M., Brooklyn College; B.M., University of Denver; teachers include John Daley, Frank Crisafulli, Michael Powell, Charles Vernon and Dr. Per Brevig; participated in master classes with Joe Alessi, Ralph Sauer, Dr. Brevig and Glenn Dodson; attended the Aspen Music Festival and the Keystone Brass Institute; Music Consultant at the St. Louis Public Schools, presently at Metro Academic and Classical High School; worked at Sunrise in University City and at Wilkes University in Wilkes- Barre, PA; member, Musicians Local 2-197 and Mu Phi Epsilon.
Laura Reycraft violin, viola
M.M., University of Maryland; B.M., 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, Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra; active freelancer in St. Louis; Suzuki violin faculty member, City Academy.
Twig Sargent trombone
M.M. Trombone Performance, University of Minnesota; B.M., Texas Tech University; teachers included Don Lucas, Thomas Ashworth, R. Douglas Wright, and Robert Deahl; substitute/extra trombonist, Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra; trombone soloist, Concert Band, Big Band, Brass Quintet, and Trombone Quartet with U.S. Naval Academy Band from 1999-2007; performed with Baltimore/Washington D.C. area ensembles including Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra, Zim Zimeral Big Band, Harford Choral Arts Society, Salisbury Symphony, and American Wind Symphony; member, Musicians' Association of St. Louis Local 2-197, American Federation of Musicians.
Ruth Saunders piano
M.M. Piano and Harpsichord and B.A. Piano Performance, Washington University; piano teachers included Jules Gentil, Robert Wallenborn, and William Schatzkamer; harpsichord teachers included Fernando Valenti and Rosalyn Turek; teachers also included Leigh Gerdine, Robert Wykes, Lincoln Spiess and Paul Pisk; former faculty member, St. Louis Community Music School, Webster University, Forest Park Community College, Metropolitan College, and Lindenwood College Preparatory School; former staff accompanist, St. Louis Conservatory and Schools for the Arts; Adjunct Professor, St. Louis University; Webster University voice coach and accompanist; church organist; founding member of chamber music group Arch Ensemble; private piano studio.
Robert Souza trumpet
B.M. (summa cum laude), University of Missouri — St. Louis; Curtis Institute of Music, Philadelphia; soloist, University City Symphony, Gateway Festival Orchestra, Washington University Wind Ensemble, Mighty Mississippi Concert Band, and University of Missouri — St. Louis Concert Band; principal trumpet, Union Avenue Opera Theatre and Washington University Orchestra; member, American Kantorei Orchestra, Compton Heights Band, and Los Compadres Mariachi Band; frequent appearances with Webster University Symphony Orchestra; founding member, Gateway Brass Quintet; leader, Jim Dandys Dixieland Band; occasional appearances, Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra.
Ruth Stith piano
M.M., 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.
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.
Marshnee Strong piano
M.A. Piano Performance, Webster University; teachers included Daniel Schene and Groff Bittner; former piano instructor, Highland Park (IL) Music Arts School, St. Dominic Savio School and Eberhardt Music; former music teacher, St. Luke the Evangelist School; adjudicator, National Federation of Music Clubs.
Sharon Tash piano
Graduate studies, piano, Washington University; B.A. 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 and Abbey Simon; 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, Columbia College community music program and University of Missouri–St. Louis Extension Division.
Lara Teeter musical theater
Doctoral equivalency, California State University - Fullerton; B.A., Oklahoma City University; associate professor and head, Webster University Musical Theatre program; performed, directed and choreographed for major regional theatre and opera houses nation-wide; other academic achievements include the Charles B. Levitin Chair in Music Theatre for the Shenandoah Conservatory at Shenandoah University; Assistant Professor for the Music Theatre Certificate program at Northwestern University; and Full Professor in the Theatre and Dance Department at California State University at Fullerton; served as the Artistic Director of Light Opera Works in Evanston, IL, from 1999 to 2004; appearing on the MUNY stage for many years in such shows as Singin’ In the Rain, The Wizard of Oz, Little Shop of Horrors, and White Christmas; Tony Award nominee and winner of Outer Critics Circle Award for his performance in the 1982 revival of the Rodgers and Hart classic On Your Toes performing the role of Junior Dolan, originally portrayed by Ray Bolger in 1936; other Broadway credits include The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Pirates of Penzance, Happy New Year, and Seven Brides For Seven Brothers; other roles performed in prominent theatres include Jamie Lockhart in The Robber Bridegroom, Steven Kodaly in She Loves Me, and Henry Higgins in My Fair Lady; national tours include the role of Don Lockwood in Singin’ In The Rain, Will Parker in Oklahoma!, and the Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz; performed at Lincoln Center with the New York City Opera as Silas Slick in Naughty Marietta, and as Herman in The Most Happy Fella; in the summer of 2000, Lara made his Carnegie Hall debut performing the role of Henry Higgins in a tribute to the work of Lerner and Loewe, and in the fall of 2001, he made his Lyric Opera of Chicago debut performing the role of Steve Sankey in Street Scene; directing credits include My Fair Lady for Opera Pacific, The Pirates of Penzance for San Bernardino Civic Light Opera, Michigan Opera Theatre, and Dayton Opera, Jacques Brel is Alive and Living in Paris for the Hollywood Cinigrill, and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas for the Fullerton Civic Light Oper; recordings include the original Broadway cast recording of the 1982 revival of On Your Toes, the Gershwin Trust/Library of Congress first-ever recording of Gershwin’s Lady Be Good, and the Grammy Award nominated recording of The Wizard of Oz.
Marc Thayer violin
B.M. and M.M. Violin Performance, Eastman School of Music; teachers included William Preucil and Zvi Zeitlin; Vice President for Education and Community Partnerships, Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra; performs with Kingsbury Baroque Ensemble in St. Louis; Artistic Producer, Music at the Whim Estate Concert Series, St. Croix (US Virgin Islands); faculty member, American Voices; taught and performed at 2007 and 2008 Iraqi Unity Peforming Arts Academy; faculty member and performer, Guadalquivir Festival in Tarija, Bolivia; performer, 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.
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
Diana Umali piano
M.M. Piano Performance, emphasis in accompanying/chamber music, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville (SIU-E); B.A. Piano Performance and B.S. Finance, Saint Louis University; winner, 2004 SIU-E Concerto-Aria Competition; Edwin B. Warren Collegium Musicum/Graduate Performance Award, Ernest A. Karandjeff Music Award, and departmental honors, SIU-E; adjunct piano instructor, Saint Louis University and East Central College; accompanist, St. Louis Children’s Choirs; member, Pi Kappa Lambda National Music Honor Society; studied with Linda Perry, Jennifer Lim, and Pamela Dees.
Kaoru Wada violin
M.M., Webster University; Graduate Diploma in Performance, St. Louis Conservatory of Music; B.M., 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 substitute; performed in the Spoleto Festival and Corsi Estivi Internazionali Di Musica; faculty member, St. Charles Community College; member, American Kantorei Orchestra; soloist, 2005-2006 Bach at the Sem.
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.
Tina Ward clarinet
Member, Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra; served on various orchestra committees and member, American Symphony Orchestra League (ASOL) Board of Directors; former ASOL Orchestra Management Fellow in 1999 and completed assignments with the Kansas City Symphony and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra; has researched artistic leadership models in orchestras; co-authored articles in Harmony and Symphony; chamber music performer.
Wm. Shane Williams Conductor, Young People’s Concert Orchestra
M.M. Conducting, University of Missouri–Columbia; M.M. Performance, St. Louis Conservatory of Music; B.S. Music Education (cum laude), Austin Peay State University; Music Director/Conductor, Lindenwood University Symphony Orchestra; former Assistant Conductor, Webster University Symphony Orchestra; Associate Conductor, Alton Symphony; Music Director/Conductor, St. Charles County Youth Orchestra; guest conductor, Zapadocesky (Czechoslovakia) Symphony, Illinois Symphony, Kirkwood Symphony, and the MMEA and IMEA Orchestras; performed and recorded with Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra; professional musician; faculty member, Lindenwood University and Masterworks Festival; member, Conductor’s Guild; orchestral and choral clinician and adjudicator.
Cathy Woelbling-Paul oboe
M.M., 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.
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 Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra as replacement player; performed on Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra “Discovery” and “Chamber Music–St. Louis” series; member, Webster Winds, St. Louis Ballet Orchestra, Union Avenue Opera Theatre, and Webster University Symphony Orchestra; performed with Opera Theatre–St. Louis, Illinois Symphony Orchestra, and Fort Wayne Philharmonic; 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, and St. Louis University.
Karen Zelle Young Years, Music Makers at the Keyboard, Music for Little Mozarts, Young Years Coordinator
B.A. Psychology, University of Missouri - St. Louis; music, dance and theatre classes at Webster University and St. Louis Community College; currently pursuing M.A.T. with emphasis in early childhood education, Webster University; co-author of Music by Leaps and Bounds curriculum; licensed Kindermusik and Musickgarten educator; Orff Level 1 certification; professional vocalist since 1976, currently performing with Everyday People; former paraprofessional play therapist with Crider Center, member, NAEYC.
Richard Zelle piano
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 and Gateway Jazz Ensemble; member, 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.
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