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Meet the Faculty

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

Faculty

Bass
- Bassoon/Contrabassoon
- Cello
- Clarinet
- Composition
- Flute
- Guitar
- Harp
- Horn
- Kindermusik/Music for Little Mozarts
- Oboe/English Horn/Oboe d'amore
- - Orchestra & Ensemble Conductors

- Percussion
Piano
Saxophone
Suzuki Strings
- Theory
Trumpet
Trombone/Baritone/Euphonium/Tuba
- Viola
- - Violin
  - - Voice
    - *indicates Special Arrangement Teachers

Piano Faculty

Kyu Butler, piano
Currently pursuing a Doctorate in Piano Performance and Literature and M.M. in Vocal Coaching at the University of Illinois with full scholarship; M.M. San Francisco Conservatory of Music; B.M. The Korean National University of Arts’ School of Music with Mr. Choong-Mo Kang, former faculty member of the Julliard School; Professional Studies Diploma in Early Historical Keyboards emphasis on Fortepiano; recipient of the Marina Grin Award, Golden Classical Music Award, Chosun Daily News Co. Competition, Korea Times Competition, The Korean National Students Competition, Samick Piano Competition, Choonchoo Piano Competition, Monthly Music Magazine Competition, Yookyoung Students Competition, and University of Illinois Symphony Concerto Competition; actively performing in US, Europe, and Asia including the Carnegie Hall debut in 2017, Gressoney Castle Concert in Italy, Concerto performance in Seoul Art Center in Korea; Co-Vice President of Missouri Music Teachers Association; Chair of Young Artist Competition affiliated to St. Louis Area Music Teachers Association; member of Music Teachers National Association, the College Music Society, the Piano Teachers Round Table in St. Louis, and Suzuki Association of the Americas.

Dr. Mirta Donnelley, piano
Ph.D. Curriculum and Instruction with emphasis in teaching piano, University of Illinois; M.S. Music Education, University of Illinois; B.A. Piano Performance, Federal University of Santa Maria, Brazil. Awarded full scholarship by CNPQ, Brazil. Inducted into Phi Delta Kappa International Honor Society. Graduate Assistant at the University of Illinois music laboratory school; General music teacher in public and private schools; Group and private piano instructor for all ages with specialization in teaching young beginners; Music Director/ Accompanist in churches in Brazil, Oklahoma, Hawaii and Illinois. Fluent in English, Portuguese and German. Member of Musical Arts Association (MAA). Students have successfully participated in solo and ensemble competitions.

Nina Ferrigno, piano*
MA - M.M. with Distinction in Performance, New England Conservatory of Music, Boston; B.M. 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.

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.

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

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

Inessa Kaplan, piano
B.A. 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
D.M.A. piano performance, University of Georgia; M.M. piano performance, New England Conservatory of Music; B.M. 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.

Alphie Kiu, piano
D.M.A. Candidate in Vocal Coaching and Accompanying, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC); M.M. Collaborative Piano, Bowling Green State University (BGSU); B.M. Piano Performance, UCSI University; Vocal Coach/Collaborative Pianist at Interlochen Summer Arts Camp High School Vocal Arts Program 2014-2018; Vocal Coach/Collaborative Pianist at St Charles Community College and Webster University; Principal Singer at The Bach Society of St Louis; Recipient of the 2017 Nancy Kennedy Wustman Memorial Award in Vocal Accompanying (UIUC); 1st and 3rd Prize Winner at the 2015 Conrad Art Song Competition (BGSU).

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.

Sarah Gallaher McGuirk, piano
M.M. Collaborative Piano and Coaching, University of Minnesota; B.M. Piano Performance (Magna Cum Laude), Northern Arizona University; teachers include Timothy Lovelace, Frank Scott, Rita Borden, Linda Perry, Eryn Krobath, and Dolores Zupan; former faculty member, Northern Arizona University Community Music and Dance Academy; faculty, St. Charles Community College; accompanist, St. Louis Children’s Choirs; member, Music Teachers National Association, St. Louis Area Music Teachers Association, Illinois State Music Teachers Association, National Guild of Piano Teachers.

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.

Matt Pankratz, piano
M.M. in Piano Performance, Louisiana State University; B.M. (Summa cum Laude) in Piano Performance, Webster University. Past instructor positions: Class piano instructor at Louisiana State, Piano teacher at the Performing Arts Academy of Louisiana, Piano teacher at Jackson Pianos. Former accompanist positions: Choirs, strings, and woodwinds at Louisiana State (2013-2015), Masterwork’s Chorale of Belleville, Il (2012-2014). Teachers include: Daniel Schene (Webster University), Sheila Paige (Dorothy Taubman Institute), Gregory Sioles (Louisiana State), Karl Koesterer (CMS). Winner of numerous performance scholarships, including the Buder Foundation (2010) and Jack Guerry Foundation (2013). Winner of Webster University Concerto Competition (2012). A native of St. Louis, Mr. Pankratz began his studies at the Community Music School of Webster University as a child. Mr. Pankratz focuses on a healthy piano technique, using the body’s natural physiology to dictate movements at the keyboard, allowing us to play efficiently and musically.

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

Vera Parkin, piano, Preparatory Program Artistic Director*
B.M and M.M. Piano Performance with chamber music certificate, Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville; undergraduate studies at Northwestern University; doctoral work at Washington University; teachers include Gui Mombaerts, Ruth Slenczynska, and Seth and Maryse Carlin; keyboardist, St. Louis Symphony since 1987; 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's Music Educator of the Year, 2011. Founding Artistic Director of the Preparatory Program 1998 - .

Kirt Pavitt, piano
Ph.D. Candidate, Washington University; M.M., Peabody Conservatory; B.M. (cum laude), Southern Illinois University; additional study at L’École Normale de Musique in Paris; primary teachers Leon Fleisher, Ruth Slenczynska, and Jules Gentil; Past faculty positions include The St. Louis Symphony Music School, Missouri State University, Peabody Preparatory School; coach and accompanist, St. Louis Conservatory and School for the Arts; piano instructor and coach accompanist, Washington University; adjunct piano faculty, Southern Illinois University; Appointments with Opera companies include Founding Director of Young Voices and music staff, The Santa Fe Opera; music staff and Music Director of Education and Touring programs, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis; music staff and Music Director of Education Programs, Opera Omaha; music staff and assistant conductor, Central City Opera House; soloist with the St. Louis Symphony and St. Louis Little Symphony; solo recordings; numerous collaborative performances plus two CDs with American soprano Christine Brewer; has performed at Alice Tully Hall, Avery Fischer Hall, among others; Artist Presentation Society winner 1968.

Kathryn Ronquillio, piano
M.M. Piano Performance (teaching assistantship), and B.M. Piano Performance, Webster University; teachers include Daniel Schene, Carol Beth True, Dorothy Dring Smutz, Dr. Gail Delente, William Perry Johnson, and Joanna Lange; studied Tabla drums at Christian Arts and Communication Services, Chennai, India;owner, private teacher, Creative Piano Studies (developing practical teaching aids, composer), authored Children’s Worship Manual and CHEC music curriculum, Victory Fellowship in St. Louis; previous accompanist positions held: rehearsal accompanist and Celeste Player, Mississippi Valley Opera Company (Eve Queler, director - Marriage of Figaro, L’Heur Espagnole, Cavalleria Rusticana), Webster University Cammerata Singers and Musical Theater, St. Louis Jewish Community Center Summer production (music director/accompanist), Oakville Elementary, Lindbergh High School Choir, Affton High School theater productions, Brentwood High School (music theater director, accompanist); currently, Music Director, Eden United Church of Christ, accompanist for various music events and festivals in the St. Louis area.

Daniel Schene, piano*
Daniel Schene was born in New York City and has been heard as recitalist, concerto soloist and chamber musician across the United States and Canada, and in France, Italy, Greece, Chile, Brazil and Taiwan. Recent performances have included several concerts at the International Chamber Music Festival of Para, Brazil; a recital at the Salle Cortot; and performances of the Brahms Second Piano Concerto in St. Louis.

Mr. Schene is a frequent guest artist with the St. Louis Symhony's Chamber Music St. Louis series, and is the duo partner of violinist Eva Szekely of the Esterhazy Quartet, and pianist of the Trio Americas. In addition he has collaborated with renowned cellist Zara Nelsova and violinist Denes Kovacs, Director of the Liszt Academy in Budapest. Mr. Schene has premiered several works of composers Andrew List and James Willey.

After his debut at age fifteen with the Charlotte Symphony, Daniel Schene studied at the North Carolina School of the Arts with Rebecca Penneys, and subsequently at Indiana University with Gyorgy Sebok and Enrica Cavallo-Gulli. At Indiana University he received the prestigious Joseph Battista Memorial Scholarship.

In demand as a teacher as well as performer, Mr. Schene is Artist in Residence and Director of Piano Studies at Webster University. He is a founding faculty member of the Indiana University Summer academy and the Institute of Advanced Vocal Studies in Paris. He has given guest master classes in France, Brazil and Taiwan.

Mr. Schene records for CRI.
"A demonstration of exquisite pianism and musicianship."
"Mr. Schene owns a store of bravura showmanship that can be tapped when the music calls for it...when it was unleashed it was stunningly effective."

Marschnee Strong, piano
M.A. Piano Performance, Webster University; teachers include Peter Henderson (Maryville University), Daniel Schene (Webster University), and Groff Bittner (Lindenwood University); serves as State Chair of Music in Schools and Colleges for the Missouri Federation of Music Clubs (MFMC) and locally founded St. Louis Music & Performing Arts Club, which connects local musicians and students with scholarships and awards through NFMC and other philanthropic organizations; Chair of Monster Concert (a piano ensemble performance event) with the local affiliate of the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA); as pianist and teacher has received scholarships and awards from the National Federation of Music Clubs (NFMC) and Webster University. Memberships with MTNA and the National Federation of Music Clubs (NFMC) provide continued professional development in pedagogy and performance, and through these organizations she serves annually as a coordinator and adjudicator of numerous district and state music festivals and competitions.

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

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--saxophones, Glen Smith--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.

Mary Wisely, piano, theory
M.M. piano pedagogy, Webster University; B.M. education, Webster College; piano teachers include Donna Bowen Vince, Evelyn Mitchell, Sister Rose Catherine, Sister De Pazzi; private piano instructor; teacher for CMS for 6 years; former music specialist and private piano teacher, Forsyth School; former piano faculty, Webster University summer piano camp; accompanied for choral and instrumental ensembles and plays in local schools and churches; member, MTNA national, state and local chapters, Missouri Federation of Music Clubs, IV-B.

Richard Zelle, piano (Jazz & 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; 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.

Voice Faculty

Kristin Edmonds, adapted voice lessons & Traditional*
Ms. 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.
M.M. in Vocal Performance, New England Conservatory of Music; M.A. in Speech Pathology and Audiology, University of Connecticut; B.M. 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; currently runs voice therapy practice and voice studio; currently consults with Whole Vibes Music Therapy which partners with Palm Beach Opera and Els Foundation to manage the Interability Chorus; 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
D.M.A., University of Iowa; Master of Music, University of Hartford (Hartt Talent Scholarship recipient); B.M.E., Eastman School of Music. Director of Worship Arts, Green Trails Methodist Church; Adjunct Faculty, Lindenwood University, Missouri Baptist University, and Covenant Theological Seminary; frequent soloist and recitalist; member, National Association of Teachers of Singing, American Choral Directors Association, and St. Louis Symphony Chorus.

Jane Jennings, voice*
M.M. Vocal Performance, University of Illinois-Urbana/Champaign; B.M. Vocal Performance, University of Missouri-St. Louis; performed lead soprano operatic roles with New York City Opera, Dallas Opera, Pittsburgh Opera, Teatro di Bellini in Sicily; oratorio soloist at Carnegie Hall, Powell Symphony Hall, Houston Symphony, and Bilbao Symphony in Spain; presented in recital by Marilyn Horne Foundation and New York Festival of Song; former adjunct professor of voice, Millikin University, Illinois Wesleyan University; led master classes at universities in USA and Mexico; countless awards include 2nd place Metropolitan Opera Regional Auditions, Mary Cicchino Scholarship, Richard F. Gold Career Grant and D’Angelo Young Artist Finalist.

Gina Malone, voice
Bachelor of Music Education (cum laude), Greenville College; Principal Singer/Cover Soloist, St. Louis Symphony Chorus; Bach Society of St. Louis Young Artist Award winner and Go! Magazine Nominee for Best New Opera Singer in St. Louis in 2015; notable opera roles include Emmie, Albert Herring and Peep-Bo, The Mikado at Union Avenue Opera and Margaret, The Clever Artiface of Margaret and Harriet, Gateway Opera; recent concert experience includes Soprano Soloist, SLSO Bernstein's Chichester Psalms and Cover Soloist, SLSO Orff's Carmina Burana, SLSO; previous teaching experience includes Elementary Music Teacher for St. Gerard Majella Catholic School, Elementary & Secondary Music Teacher & Private Vocal Instructor Asuncion Chrisian Academy in Asuncion, Paraguay, Music Teacher Confluence Academy and Private Voice Instructor for The Music Room.

Jill O'Brien, 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.

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

Nathan Ruggles, voice
M. M. Vocal Performance, Washington University, B. M. (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.

Violin Faculty

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

Joo Kim Czyzewski, violin*
B.M., M.M., 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, Suzuki violin; Conductor, String Orchestra
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.

Eliana Haig, Suzuki viola, viola, violin
M.M., Eastman School of Music; B.M., cum laude, Lawrence University; primary teachers include Ira Weller, George Taylor, and Matthew Michelic, Suzuki pedagogy with Sarah Montzka, Bill Preucil Sr., Carrie Reuning-Hummel, Former Violin and Viola Faculty, Kanack School of Music, School No. 19 "Strings for Success" Program, Amadeus Conservatory; member, Perseid String Quartet, former section member, Erie Philharmonic, Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra; former substitute, Rochester Philharmonic; current substitute, Civic Orchestra of Chicago; summer festivals include the National Repertory Orchestra, Chatauqua Festival, and National Orchestra Institute. Form more information visit elianahaig.com

Melissa Hayes, violin
M.M. violin pedagogy, B.M., 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
B.M. 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
B.M and M.M. 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
M.M. Performance, University of Missouri-Kansas City; B.M., 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
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, 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; 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.

Rose Martin, Suzuki violin
M.A., University of Pennsylvania; Bachelor of Music (cum laude), 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, St. Louis Symphony Community Music School; studies with Shinichi Suzuki in Matsumoto, Japan; violinist with Quartet Seraphin (1983-2008); performances through Quartet Seraphin's "Meet the Composer" series; American String Teachers Association — Missouri Teacher/Artist of the Year; frequent clinician at Suzuki workshops.

Susan McDonald, Suzuki violin, Coordinator of Suzuki Program
M.A. in Violin Performance from Western Illinois University; B.M.E. from Lawrence University Conservatory (cum laude). Faculty member of the Chicago, Colorado, Florida, 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.

Marilyn Park-Ellington, violin
M.M. and B.M., 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 Viola Performance, Michigan State University (ABD – in process); 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.)

Ingrid Popp, viola and violin
M.M. Performance, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Music Education, University of North Carolina at Greensboro; B.M. Viola Performance, graduated summa cum laude, University of Missouri-St. Louis; primary teachers include: Scott Rawls, Joanna Mendoza, Robert Meyer, John McGrosso, and the Arianna String Quartet; Suzuki registered for books 1-3 with Ann Montzka Smelser; violin and viola instructor, Music and Arts, Midwest Music Conservatory; former instructor, Moore Music; former section viola, Western Piedmont Symphony; former section viola, Brevard Music Center Orchestra; Soloist, Town and Country Symphony 2009, freelance musician; member, American Federation of Musicians, Suzuki Association of the Americas.

Bailey Salinero, violin
B.M. Violin Performance and M.A. Arts Administration, Florida State University; masterclasses with Eighth Blackbird, Rachel Barton Pine, Ann Schein & Earl Carlyss; Section Violinist for Tallahassee Community Chorus and Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra; Baroque Violinist, Tallahassee Bach Parley.

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

Viola Faculty

Ingrid Popp, viola and violin
M.M. Performance, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Music Education, University of North Carolina at Greensboro; B.M. Viola Performance, graduated summa cum laude, University of Missouri-St. Louis; primary teachers include: Scott Rawls, Joanna Mendoza, Robert Meyer, John McGrosso, and the Arianna String Quartet; Suzuki registered for books 1-4; violin and viola instructor, Music and Arts, former instructor; Midwest Music Conservatory and Moore Music; former Principal viola, Alton Symphony, former section viola, Western Piedmont Symphony; former section viola, Brevard Music Center Orchestra; Soloist, Town and Country Symphony 2009, freelance musician.

Cello Faculty

James Czyzewski, cello*
Member, St. Louis Symphony; previous co-principal cellist, Civic Orchestra of Chicago; previous assistant principal cellist, Fairbanks Symphony Orchestra; B.M., 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
M.M. in Performance, Texas State University-San Marcos; Cellist, National Symphony Orchestra of Panama, Laredo Philharmonic Orchestra, Texas State Chamber Orchestra, Instrumenta Oaxaca México; Principal Cellist, Texas State Symphony Orchestra; Performed with Cronus, Oxus Quartet, Sforzato Quartet, Musik String Studio Ensemble, Orquesta Juvenil de Panamá, Orquesta Juvenil Istmeña; Former faculty, Conservatory of Panama, Alamo City Strings, After School String Program in San Antonio, Texas, Musical Summer Camp of the Concerts National Association; After School String Instructor Webster Groves School District (2012 - 2017); Suzuki registration, books 1-8; 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
B.M. Cello Performance, University of Missouri, St. Louis and The St. Louis Conservatory; teachers included John Sant' Ambrogio and Yuan Tung, both former SLSO members; accepted to the Chicago Civic Orchestra and offered a full scholarship for the Masters program in Cello Performance at the University of Depaul, in Chicago; performed as principal and section cellist in the Illinois Symphony, Fort Wayne Philharmonic in Indiana, Kenosha and Racine Symphony Orchestras, in Wisconsin; performed in numerous European summer music festivals, including the AIMS festival, in Austria; performed in the String Divas Violin/Cello Duet while residing in Wisconsin, private cello teacher and cello coach for students in the midwest.

David Kim, cello*
M.M. & B.M., 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), 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; current principal cellist and librarian of the Alton Symphony Orchestra and plays for Landolfi String Quartet, Richard Wappel Trio, and Gateway Festival 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 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*
D.M.A., University of Missouri-Kansas City; M.M., Indiana School of Music; B.M., 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.

Tara Santiago, Suzuki cello
M.M. in Cello Performance, B.M., 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 and Suzuki cello
B.M., New England Conservatory School; Master of M.M. 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.
www.cellojun.com

Double Bass Faculty

Anita M. Hagerman, double bass
B.M., 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 at Edwardsville.

Suzuki Strings Faculty

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

Graham Woodland, Suzuki violin
M.M. in Violin Performance with Suzuki Pedagogy Emphasis, The Hartt School; B.M. 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.

Harp Faculty

Sue Taylor, harp
Ph.D. in Musicology, M.A. in Musicology, M.M. 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.

Guitar Faculty

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

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

Patrick Rafferty, classical guitar
Graduate Performance Diploma, M.M., Peabody Institute of the John Hopkins University; B.M. 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

Flute Faculty

Carolyn Hoyer, flute
B.M.E, emphasis on performance, University of Tulsa, 1968. CMS summer flute camp director. 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
M.M. and Professional Studies Certificate, Juilliard School of Music; B.M., 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
M.M., Northwestern State University in Louisiana; B.M. with a concentration in performance, Eastern Illinois University; teachers include Diane Boyd-Schultz, Brian Luce, and Dennette McDermott; Former free-lance flutist and instructor of a large studio in Ft. Worth, TX; Former faculty and co-founder, Summer Flute Camp, Ft. Worth, TX; Former adjunct faculty, Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts; Member and Festival Co-Chair of Texas Flute Society 2005-2009; Performed with Rapides Symphony in Alexandria, LA; Piccoloist, St. Louis Civic Orchestra (2010-2014); current member of the St. Louis Wind Symphony.

Clarinet Faculty

Kelly Austermann, clarinet
D.M.A. Clarinet Performance, Arizona State University; M.M. Clarinet Performance, University of North Carolina-Greensboro; B.M. Clarinet Performance and Music Theory, University of Missouri-Columbia; studied with Robert Spring, Joshua Gardner, Anthony Taylor, Paul Garriston, Diana Haskell, and Eric Mandat; Principal Clarinetist of the Gateway Festival Orchestra and the St. Louis Philharmonic Orchestra; clarinet instructor at East Central College and Jefferson College; performed at International Clarinet Association’s ClarinetFest conference, the American Single Reed Summit Conference, the National Association of College Wind and Percussion Instructors’ National Conference, and the Midwest Clarifest Conference.

Dana Hotle, clarinet
M.M. Clarinet Performance, Manhattan School of Music; B.M. Clarinet Performance, University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana; studies with David Krakauer, David Harris, 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.

Katherine Myler, clarinet
M.M. Performance, University of New Mexico; B.M. 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
M.M., St. Louis Conservatory of Music; B.M, University of Nebraska; studied with George Silfies, Robert Coleman, and Tina Ward; plays professionally with Union Avenue Opera, 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 keyboard player for St Stephen’s Episcopal Church of Ferguson; 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.

Oboe/English Horn/Oboe d'Amore Faculty

Ann Homann, oboe, English horn, oboe d'amore
M.M. Oboe Performance, Saint Louis Conservatory; B.M. Oboe Performance, Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University; teachers included Joseph Turner, Peter Bowman, Marc Gordon, Thomas Parkes, and John Ferrillo; former co-principal oboist, Baltimore Chamber Orchestra, substitute/replacement player, 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
M.M. Oboe Performance Northern Illinois University; B.M.E. 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, IL), 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.

Bassoon/Contrabassoon Faculty

Donita Bauer, bassoon and contrabassoon
M.M., St. Louis Conservatory of Music; B.M., Concordia University, Seward, Nebraska; studied with George Berry and Robert Wisneskey; Extra Player with Saint Louis Symphony and Opera Theater St. Louis; Principal Bassoonist, Union Avenue Opera, Bach Society, Masterworks Chorale, St Louis Philharmonic Orchestra, Metropolitan Orchestra; bassoonist, Equinox Chamber Players, A Perfect Fifth Woodwind Quintet, Trio Bella, St. Louis Ballet Orchestra; Bassoon Instructor, Lindenwood University, University of Missouri-St. Louis; Organist, Clarkson Valley Christian Science.

Eric Ring, bassoon
D.M.A. Bassoon Performance and Pedagogy, University of Iowa; M.A. Bassoon Performance, Western Illinois University; B.M. 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.

Saxophone Faculty

Chris Hubbard, saxophone
B.M. 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, Tom Byrne, Lamar Harris, Dawn Weber, Dr. Michael Parkinson, Hugh “Peanuts” Whalum, Gary Dammer, Willie Akins, Jim Martin, Joe Meyer, Nick Schlueter, The Genesis Jazz Project, Route 66, Gateway City and Gary Dammer Big Bands, St. Louis Philharmonic, Webster University Symphony Orchestra, Tropical Mood recently toured with The Air Force Shades of Blue Big Band and Shakespeare in the Streets; Saxophone instructor at Maryville University; faculty assistant, 2002 and 2003 International Summer Jazz Academy (Krakow, Poland), working with Hugh Jones, Joachim Mencel, Gerald Trottman, Gary Wittner.

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

Horn Faculty

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

Trumpet Faculty

Brian Garrison, trumpet
M.M. Trumpet Performance, University of New Mexico; B.A. 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.

Ilya Litvin, trumpet
M.M. in Trumpet Performance, Gnessin Academy of Music (Moscow, Russia); B.M. 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.

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

Low Brass: Trombone/Baritone/Euphonium/Tuba Faculty

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
M.S. in Music Education, University of Illinois; B. S. in Music Education, Campbell University; retired band director and taught for 16 years, Valley Park School District; taught at Kirkwood, MO, 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.

Tyler Vahldick, trombone
M.M. Orchestral Performance, Manhattan School of Music; B.M. Trombone Performance, The Royal Academy of Music; musical/show work includes The Muny, US National tours of Newsies and Cinderella, Starlight Theater, and Wicked in the West End (London); orchestral/opera/ballet experience includes work with the Las Vegas Philharmonic, Wichita Symphony Orchestra, American Ballet Theatre, St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, Opera Theatre St. Louis, Verbier Festival Orchestra, Spoleto Festival USA, Lyric Opera of Kansas City, Kansas City Ballet, Kansas City Symphony, London Sinfonietta, Czech National Symphony Orchestra, and Academy of St. Martin in the Fields; awards and notable performances include guest soloist tour with the University of Central Missouri Wind Ensemble in 2014, soloist with the Taneycomo Festival Orchestra in 2012, 3rd place winner of The Royal Academy of Music Brass Solo Prize; teaching experience with London Sinfonietta and with multiple state and private schools in the UK.

Percussion Faculty

Dr. Jeffrey Barudin, percussion
D.M.A. and M.M. in Percussion Performance, University of Michigan; B.S. Music Education, Pennsylvania State University; current Associate Professor of Music and Director of Percussion Studies at Lindenwood University; Conductor, Lindenwood University Symphony Orchestra; Adjunct Professor of Music in Applied Percussion, St. Charles Community College; ensemble performance experience with Illinois Symphony Orchestra, Bach Society of St. Louis, Chamber Project STL, Winter Opera St. Louis, Gateway Festival Orchestra, Metropolitan Orchestra of St. Louis, St. Louis Civic Orchestra, Boston Brass, Town and Country Symphony Orchestra, St. Louis Brass Band, and St. Charles Symphony Orchestra; endorsed by Yamaha Music Corporation, Sabian Cymbals, Ltd. And Innovative Percussion Inc.; articles published in Percussive Notes and Percussive Arts Society Educators Companion; compositions published by C-Alan Publications, Heartland Publications, and Innovative Percussion.

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
M.M. in Percussion, St. Louis Conservatory of Music; B.A. Music & B.A. 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.

Theory Faculty

Mary Wisely, piano, theory
M.M. piano pedagogy, Webster University; B.M. education, Webster College; piano teachers include Donna Bowen Vince, Evelyn Mitchell, Sister Rose Catherine, Sister De Pazzi; private piano instructor; former music specialist and private piano teacher, Forsyth School; former piano faculty, Webster University summer piano camp; accompanied for choral and instrumental ensembles and plays in local schools and churches; member, MTNA national, state and local chapters.

Composition Faculty

Kindermusik and Music for Little Mozarts Faculty

Maureen Bolain, Kindermusik & Music for Little Mozarts, coordinator
Obtained her B.A. 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.

Jeanne Magee, Kindermusik
Earned a B.A. degree in Communication with a minor in Psychology, University of Missouri; joined the Kindermusik Academy staff in 2003, teaching for CMS since 2013; Jeanne uses her vocal talents as a cantor, soloist, and choir member for her church, and has been working as a wedding vocalist throughout the St. Louis area for over 30 years. As an advocate of the life-enriching power of music, Jeanne was inspired by the joy and educational advantages of Kindermusik since her two daughters Kathleen and Mary were enrolled in Kindermusik from newborns to age six, in each level of Kindermusik. These Kindermusik graduates, Kathleen, age 19, and Mary age, 21 continued their music education through grade school and enjoyed singing, traveling, and participating in MSHSAA competitions with the Cor Jesu Academy Concert Choir as well. Now in college, music continues to bring them joy through concerts and shared family love for musical theater.

Conductors

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

Davin Rubicz, cello, Preparatory Program Artistic Coordinator
M.M. in cello performance, Rice University; B.M. 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 depts. 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
M.M. Jazz Studies, Webster University; B.M. 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.