Trekorda Musicians

Trekorda has numerous musicians on standby ready to assist you at your event. Click on the thumbnails above or use the arrows to view the bios of a few of our top performers.

Jesse Chandler

Denton, TX
Clarinet, Clarinet - Bass, Composing/Arranging, Flute, Harpsichord, Organ, Piano, Piano (Classical), Piano (Jazz/Pop), Piano (Musical Theatre), Programming, Synthesizer, Transcribing

Jesse Chandler hails from the the storied magical music town of Woodstock, NY. He has a BFA in jazz piano/organ performance from the New School/Mannes College of Music in NYC. He is a member of the internationally-acclaimed bands Midlake and Mercury Rev, and has recorded and toured all over the world with both bands with other acts such as Pearl Jam and Neil Young. He has played and toured with Norah Jones, Cass McCombs, and Susanne Sundfor as well. He is also part of the band BNQT with members of Franz Ferdinand, Travis, Grandaddy and Band of Horses, which released one album and appeared on the Seth Meyers Show, and has his own band called Pneumatic Tubes with Rachel Goswell of Slowdive, which is about to release a second album in early 2022 on Ghost Box Records. He is a member of Tears of Silver (with Ken Stringfellow- from the Posies, REM and Big Star). He has also gained recognition as an arranger for the orchestrations he did for Mercury Rev live with the Northern Sinfonia in 2017. He lives in Denton, TX where he teaches piano and does accompaniment work while he’s not in the studio or touring.

Alejandra Maldonado

Prosper, TX
Violin

Andrew Friedrich

Georgetown, TX
Transcribing

Hollie Dzierzanowski

Denton, TX
Viola

Christine Bouton

flower mound, TX
Organ, Piano

Terri Lucas

Waxahachie, TX
Piano

My accompanying experience is varied and extensive. Choral accompanying began in 1978 and continues presently. Vocal and instrumental accompanying began as undergrad at OBU in 1981 and continues presently. I have worked as a professional accompanist for OBU in Arkansas and DBU in Dallas for many years. I have also been working for Midlothian ISD, Waxahachie ISD and Flower Mound ISD for their UIL Solo and Ensemble contests in both vocal and band. I'm also an experience piano, voice instructor and vocal coach with Bachelor degrees in Piano performance and voice, Master degrees in Entertainment Business and Vocal Pedagogy. My experience also includes Southern Gospel music, worship team (current) and Jazz Band, and Musical Theatre (pit, keys, music director).

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XIAOMENG AI

DENTON, TX
Organ, Piano, Piano (Classical)

John Tatum

Wylie, TX
Piano

Sarah Brown

Dallas, TX
Piano, Piano (Musical Theatre)

Soyoung Cho

Frisco, TX
Piano

Born in South Korea, Soyoung Cho is a talented solo pianist, collaborative pianist and experienced piano instructor in USA. She entered Sookmyung University as a first-ranked student of college and received scholarship during four academic years. As an active pianist, she performed in ‘Mendelsohn’s Concerto Concert’ and in ‘Harmony of Professors and Students’ at Sookmyung. In addition, she performed in Seoul Arts Center which is one of the best concert halls in South Korea as an honor of a first-ranked student of Sookmyung. Soyoung was the winner of ‘Wonkwang University Competition’ and ‘Kijeon University Competition’ in South Korea. She also won 3rd prizes in ‘Bu-am competition,’ and in ‘Korea-Germany Brahms Competition. After completing her bachelor's degree, she came to the United States to study with Jean-Louis Haguenauer at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music where she got her Master’s degree and was awarded a scholarship and graduate award. There she performed actively with violinists as the pianist for String Academy of Jacobs School of Music. In Korea, she studied with Soojin Park, Tong-il Han, Young-woo Lee, Soo-hee Uh, and Min-sook Cheon, and also has participated in numerous master classes with Gabriel Chodos, Françoise Thinat, Aviram Reichert, Min-kyung Kwon, Yoheved Kaplinsky, and Laurent Cabasso. In addition, she attended numerous piano festivals including ‘Tong-il Han Summer Piano Festival’ and ‘Bayerische Musikakademie at Hammelburg, Germany.’ In 2016, she began the doctoral degree program at the University of North Texas College of Music where she is studying with Adam Wodnicki.

Kathy Brodhead

Plano, TX
Piano

Accompanied 50+years choir band orchestra Bachelor of Music major piano Master of Mus Ed. Taught choir from 1969-2012

Zoltan Csikos

Frisco, TX
Cello

Hungarian cellist Zoltán Csikós was born in 1987. He started playing cello at the age of nine in the City of Novi Sad at the local Elementary Music School. After completing basic music studies, he graduated from the Music High School Isidor Bajic. While completing his high school courses, he was accepted into the preparatory class for gifted young students of the Academy of Music in Novi Sad. Zoltán started his undergraduate studies in 2007 at the Academy of Arts in Novi Sad in the class of the region’s acclaimed Hungarian cello professor, Imre Kálmán. As a cello student, he has participated in numerous competitions and master classes and has won various awards in solo playing, as a member of a piano trio, string quartet and chamber orchestra (1st prize in cello at the Festival of Music Schools of Serbia, 2nd prize at the National Competition of Cello in Belgrade in 2003, and prizes as a long-time member of a piano trio and string quartet). In 2010, he won the Academy of Music’s Annual Concerto Competition and was selected to play the Rococo Variations by P. I. Tchaikovsky with the Academy Orchestra in the Novi Sad Concert Hall. During his studies he attended master classes with Arto Noras, Louise Hopkins, Alexander Kniazev, Antonio Meneses, Stanislav Apolin, Xenia Jankovic, David Starkweather, Alexander Kobrin, Sergiu Schwartz, and Phoebe Carrai. Zoltán finished his undergraduate studies in 2012 with the highest grades given for his final cello recital exam. He also holds a Master of Music Degree from the Academy of Music in Novi Sad and an Artist Diploma Certificate from Columbus State University where he was a student and graduate assistant in the studio of the world-renowned cellist, Wendy Warner. In 2021 he obtained a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Cello Performance from the University of North Texas as a student of Nikola Ruževic. Zoltán is also a winner of of the 2018 University of North Texas Concerto Competition, where he was selected to perform as a soloist with the UNT Concert Orchestra. He enjoys both performing and teaching and served as a cello Teaching Fellow at the University of North Texas from 2016 to 2019 and a chamber music coach at the UNT Summer String Institute. Zoltán’s orchestral experience includes playing in orchestras such as the Plano Symphony, Irving Symphony, San Angelo Symphony, Orchestra of New Spain, Sinfonia da Camera, Camerata Academica, Lagrange Symphony Orchestra, and Columbus Symphony. He was also a member of the UNT Center Piano Trio, the recipient of the Hungarian American Coalition’s Dr. Elemér and Éva Kiss Scholarship, and he was awarded the University of North Texas’ Outstanding Graduate String Student Award in 2019.

AJ Roberts

Dallas, TX
Clinician - Choir, Programming, Vocalist (Classical), Vocalist (Jazz), Vocalist (Praise/Worship)

Alfrelynn is the Chorus Master for Fort Worth Opera and Artistic Director for South Dallas Concert Choir. For the past six seasons as Artistic Director, Alfrelynn conducted many concerts including AT&T Performing Arts' production of the Underground Railroad featuring Kathleen Battle. She also served as the music and stage director for two different productions of Ain't Misbehavin. Currently, Alfrelynn is the vocal/choral coach for four (4) high schools [(3) in Dallas ISD and one (1) Duncanville ISD]. In addition to choral and vocal work, Alfrelynn also works with schools on virtual projects including the recording and production of full concerts, and other virtual songs. Singing Sample – Ride Up in the Chariot - arr. Joseph Joubert (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RYEjP0KEcc&feature=youtu.be) Senza mamma from Sour Angelica by Puccini (https://youtu.be/n-3secaeQEo) Virtual Choir Projects Plano Community Forum MLK Day Celebration (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxNwf0BVa-M&t=1127s) His Light Still Shines - Fort Worth Opera (https://youtu.be/m3svXli2SD0) You’ll Give Big - Texas Communities Foundation - North Texas Giving Day Project (https://vimeo.com/457149246/2e43af77bd) Revelation 19:1 - St. Luke “Community” UMC Sanctuary Choir (https://vimeo.com/463963588/e74eb9064f) Other sample virtual projects available upon request.

Natalie Barela

Winston-Salem, NC
Organ, Piano, Piano (Classical), Piano (Musical Theatre)

Natalie Barela was born in Anaheim Hills, California, and has been raised in Sweetwater, Texas since 2001. At the young age of six, she began taking piano lessons from Mrs. Noreen Carson. Natalie jumped leaps and bounds and quickly began competing in piano performance competitions. She has been active in the Music Teacher's National Association, Circle K International, and Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity since 2017. Natalie was the first-place winner of the prestigious Clara Freshour Nelson Music Scholarship, Ruth Skiles Memorial Scholarship, and Kelly Nichole Scholarship. She was also the 2nd place winner of the 2016 Nelda Hodges Young Artist Competition. Natalie was homeschooled since the age of 5 and pursued her degree at Hardin-Simmons University for Piano Performance, studying with Steinway Artist, Dr. Mark Puckett. Currently, she is a graduate student at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, studying in Collaborative Piano, M.M. She is also the Graduate Assistant for Academic and Artistic Services. Natalie plans on obtaining her Performing Arts Certificate after she graduates with goals to eventually obtain a doctorate in Collaborative Piano.

Sam Day

Denton, TX
Clarinet, Flute, Piccolo, Saxophone - Alto, Saxophone - Tenor, Saxophone-Soprano

Originally from Springfield, Missouri, Sam received his Bachelor of Music Education from Missouri State University, where he studied with Dr. Allison Storochuk. There, he performed as a soloist with the Missouri State University Wind Ensemble and the MSU Orchestra, performed with the Springfield Regional Opera, and was sought after as a clinician for area schools. Upon his completion of his education degree, Sam started his Master of Music in clarinet performance at the University of North Texas, where he studied under Dr. Kimberly Cole Luevano. During his time at UNT, he performed with the UNT Wind Symphony, Symphony Orchestra, and was a finalist in the UNT Concerto Competition. Since graduating from UNT, Sam has remained as an active performer and teacher in the DFW area. While maintaining his private studio, Sam travels around the world for various performances and competitions; his most recent endeavors led him to perform in Carnegie Hall for the American Protégé International Competition, and in Ostend, Belgium for the International Clarinetist Association Young Artist Competition.

HYUNSUK KIM

Denton, TX
Piano

Victor Piantanida

Dallas, TX
Composing/Arranging, Percussion - Drumset, Percussion - Mallet, Percussion - Other

In my years as a performer, I have played with Michael Adkins (Paul Motian Trio), Amanda Cooper (Broadway's Wicked), Opened for Fit for a King multiple times, played for Sean Hannity's "freedom Ring" tour when I was 17, and have played in orchestras as a percussionist. As a soundtrack artist, I scored music for Artbound's episode "Dietch" (PBS), wrote commercial music for SOLA Bread, and am currently working on several other documentaries. I have experience played every style of music on the drum set, as well as percussion instruments. While earning my Bachelor's of percussion performance at Belhaven University, I studied with renowned jazz drummer, Alvin Fielder (Cecil Taylor, Jack DeJohnette), as well as studied percussion and drum set with Dr. Owen Rockwell (MSO). I currently play for Spjork (pop mash-up cover group), Chad Chaney (Christian Contemporary), Tyler Hook, C3 Trinity Dallas, FreeLife, and Highland Park UMC.

Ken Chicosky

Fort Worth, TX
Saxophone - Alto, Saxophone - Bari, Saxophone - Tenor

Originally from Austin, Ken Chicosky has quickly made a name for himself in DFW. Having attended UNT and studying saxophone for over 30 years. He can frequently be heard in jazz combos, big bands, latin, and rock bands. He is a well known Baritone Saxophone player, but often gigs on the other saxes.

Ashley Tan

Dallas, TX
Harpsichord, Piano, Piano (Musical Theatre), Violin

Katie Anderson

Dallas, TX
Clinician - Choir, Piano, Piano (Classical), Piano (Jazz/Pop), Piano (Musical Theatre), Vocalist (Classical), Vocalist (Jazz), Vocalist (Pop/Rock), Vocalist (Praise/Worship)

Katie Anderson was born and raised in Dallas, a fourth generation Dallasite. She graduated from Texas Christian University with a Bachelor's of Music Education, Vocal Emphasis. Katie began her teaching career as Music Specialist at Stonewall Jackson Elementary School (now Mockingbird Elementary) in Dallas ISD, before moving to Woodrow Wilson High School as Head Choral Director where she served for four years. While at Stonewall and Woodrow, she directed five Woodrow musicals including Phantom of the Opera and The Music Man. Katie also taught private piano and vocal lessons periodically during this time. Katie transitioned to private music instruction full time in 2018, and with that has also directed musicals at Bishop Lynch High School and East Dallas Arts (a community theatre in east Dallas).

John deHaas

Ocoee, FL
Piano

Jesse Fry

Carrollton, TX
Piano, Piano (Classical), Piano (Jazz/Pop), Piano (Musical Theatre), Synthesizer

Jesse Fry is a highly qualified piano instructor and accompanist. He has a Bachelors degree in Instrumental Music Education from Asbury College (2003) and a Masters degree in Piano Pedagogy and Music Education from Southern Methodist University (2009).

After graduating from Asbury College Jesse began work for the Salvation Army of Texas as an Assistant to the Divisional Music Director. In that position he traveled around the state to various Salvation Army centers giving private lessons for all of the brass instruments, percussion and piano. In addition to private lessons he would also direct bands or choirs and assist local music leaders.

Following his Masters degree in 2009, Jesse started Collaborative Pianists of DFW, an agency that provides professional accompaniment services for a variety of Dallas-Fort Worth vocal and instrumental soloists and ensembles.

In 2017 Jesse founded Trekorda as an expansion of Collaborative Pianists of DFW, whose services, musicians, and territory now reached beyond the local community.

"Jesse is an amazing accompanist. My students felt very comfortable playing with him. He's such a professional"

Kim Feinauer

Liberty Hill, TX
Flute, French Horn, Piano, Piano (Classical), Piano (Jazz/Pop), Piano (Musical Theatre), Trumpet, Vocalist (Praise/Worship)

Arielle Collier

Mesquite, TX
Clinician - Choir, Vocalist (Classical)

Trekorda Musician-Other 2

Laetitia Ruccolo

New York, NY
Piano

French-Italian pianist Laetitia Ruccolo is the cofounder of the company Bare Opera in New York. She was a Young Artist at the National Opera Studio in London, and she has been in residence at the Royal Opera House, Welsh National Opera and Opera North. She regularly works for opera companies all over the world, and she has taught masterclasses in several American universities. She is often called by the Metropolitan Opera Education department to play for their performances, or for the masterclasses of Met artists. She has performed widely as a solo artist, as well as collaborated with chamber ensembles, singers and with orchestra in France, Italy, England, Germany, Austria, Portugal and Israel. In New York, she has performed at Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall, the New York Historical Society, the Museum of the City of New York and at the Metropolitan Opera Guild. She played for concert hosted by Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and violinist Joshua Bell. Also passionate about art songs, she has played and performed at SongFest in California, and was invited twice at the Schubert Institute in Austria, where she worked with pianists such as Julius Drake, Helmut Deutsch, Roger Vignoles, Martin Katz and Graham Johnson, as well as singers Christa Ludwig, Robert Holl and Elly Hameling. She graduated from the Ecole Normale de Musique of Paris, University Mozarteum in Salzburg, and Mannes College of Music in New York, and she also earned a degree in foreign languages and litterature (Italian, French and English) from the University of Aix-Marseille.

Alan Pollard

Flower Mound, TX
Percussion - Drumset, Percussion - Other, Vocalist (Jazz), Vocalist (Pop/Rock)

Alan attended high school at HSPVA in Houston, TX, then studied at both Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA, and the University of North Texas in Denton, TX. He has 45+ years of professional performance experience. From club gigs, to studio sessions, to national and international touring, Alan has pretty much done it all. He is known for his versatility and fluency in all styles of music, but prefers to specialize in Jazz and Musical Theatre. Alan is an accomplished vocalist, an award winning stage and film actor. He holds a BFA in Theatre Performance (summa cum laude) from The University of Texas at Arlington.

Paul Birk

Farmers Branch, TX
Composing/Arranging, Transcribing, Trombone

Emily Horton

FORT WORTH, TX
Composing/Arranging, Piano, Piano (Classical), Piano (Jazz/Pop), Piano (Musical Theatre), Synthesizer, Transcribing

Emily Horton is a classically trained pianist, accompanist and composer living and working in the DFW area. Emily has experience playing piano in a variety of venues, having worked as an accompanist, studio musician, church pianist and wedding performer. Her experience ranges from working with choirs, actors, other instrumentalists, worship bands, singer/songwriters and church orchestras. She holds a masters of music in composition from Texas Christian University and a bachelor of music in music theory and composition from Dallas Baptist University. Emily is from Austin, TX.

Steven Arenz

Little Elm, TX
Bass-Electric, Vocalist (Classical)

Monya Logan

Dallas, TX
Organ, Piano, Piano (Classical), Piano (Jazz/Pop), Piano (Musical Theatre)

Amy Canchola

Garland, TX
Vocalist (Classical), Vocalist (Jazz), Vocalist (Pop/Rock)

Dr. Amy Canchola is originally from Indiana where she completed her Bachelor of Music de- gree in vocal performance at Butler University. She has called Texas “home” since 2004 after moving to Dallas to attend Southern Methodist University. At the University of North Texas, Dr. Canchola centered her doctoral research on the life and work of Mexican-American composer Maria Grever. Aside from her advocacy of the music of Latin women, Dr. Canchola also recently completed the Fall Island Vocal Arts Seminar, the Bach-Millennium Festival, and the Summer Voice Institute at North- western University with W. Stephen Smith. In addition to performing, Dr. Canchola is on the voice faculty at Highland Park High School and maintains an independent studio. She and her husband, Gil, have four wonderful children and operate Canchola Handyman Services. Professional memberships include the National Association of Teachers of Singing, Music Teachers National Association, NOA, Mu Phi Epsilon, and the Voice Foundation.

Kyle Larson

Dallas, TX
Bassoon, Contrabassoon

Noe Garcia Jacinto

Denton, TX
Guitar-Electric

Suyin Chuang

Allen, TX
Piano, Violin

20 years of experience with piano accompaniment. I am an active piano accompanist in Frisco ISD.

Ryne Osborne

Dallas, TX
Bass-Electric, Bassoon, Contrabassoon

Maristella Feustle

Denton, TX
Banjo, Guitar-Acoustic, Guitar-Classical, Guitar-Electric, Lute, Mandolin, Ukelele

Emma Lord

Lewisville, TX
Audio Technician, Vocalist (Pop/Rock)

Michelle Flowers

Denton, TX
Trombone

Michelle Flowers is a freelance musician and the instructor of trombone at Texas Woman's University. Her performance career has allowed her to play in a variety of venues and performances around the world, from opera pits to circus shows and everything inbetween. She received her DMA and MM from the University of North Texas where she studied with Dr. Vern Kagarice and Tony Baker, and her BMus hons from Brigham Young University. She is currently based out of the DFW area.

Rachel Bundy

DALLAS, TX
Violin

Kami Lujan

Krum, TX
Percussion - Drumset, Percussion - Mallet, Percussion - Other

Thomas Keeley

Dallas, TX
Clinician - Orchestra, Violin

Thomas Keeley has been performing and teaching professionally since 2003. He received his BA in PoliSci with a Minor in Violin Performance from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He has been an orchestra director in Dallas ISD since 2016. Currently, Thomas serves as concertmaster for the New Texas Symphony Orchestra (ntso.org) and as a section violinist with the Sherman Symphony Orchestra. Past engagements include the McKinney Philharmonic (formerly Odysseus Chamber Orchestra), Uptown Players, Turtle Creek Chorale, and Lyric Stage Theatre's world premiere of Quanah.

Julia Kossuth

Grapevine, TX
Piano

Jason Bennett

Richardson, TX
Guitar-Electric

Kelly Depinet

Highland Village, TX
Piano, Saxophone - Alto

Originally from Ohio, I bring with me to Texas more than twenty years of accompanying experience, eighteen of which I served as Staff Accompanist at the University of Findlay. My degree of Bachelor of Music (Education) from Bowling Green State University (Ohio) provides a unique perspective in my accompanying services, especially when working with instrumentalists. Having been a saxophone major in college, I have not neglected to continue to play that instrument whenever possible, as well. I have maintained membership in community and professional ensembles, occasionally as a featured soloist on both saxophone and piano. I have also been a part of the orchestra pit for numerous university and community theater music productions.

Michael Dooley

Carrollton, TX
Percussion - Drumset, Percussion - Mallet, Percussion - Other

I hold a Masters Degree in Percussion Performance from TCU, and I've been freelancing in the DFW area for the past decade. I'm a well-rounded percussionist with experience playing for musical theater, orchestras, and stage bands. I own a lot of gear, including the big stuff like timpani, chimes, vibraphone, marimba, and drum sets. I can do electronics as well.

Mary Shinn

Plano, TX
Flute, Organ, Piano

Though my degrees are in Music Education and Flute Performance, I enjoy accompanying adults and students of all ages. I play twice monthly as organist at Lake Highlands United Methodist Church, receiving my Service Playing Certificate from the American Guild of Organists in 2019. I am happy to sub the other two weeks in churches on piano or organ if I am comfortable that my skills are adequate. My flute playing also extends to my ensemble of five Flutists ( Flute Suite) where we utilize bass flute, alto flute, piccolo and C flute and play all styles of literature.

Davis Holden

Trophy Club, TX
Guitar-Electric

Michael Lawson

Lewisville, TX
Trombone

Manuel Munoz

Irving, TX
Trumpet

Taylor Williams

Denton, TX
Violin

Trekorda Musician- Other

Carrollton, TX
Piano, Piano (Musical Theatre), Programming, Synthesizer

Rebecca Lowrey

Grapevine, TX
Piano, Piano (Musical Theatre)

Iching Chen

Fort Worth, TX
Piano, Piano (Classical)

Henry Beal

Corinth, TX
Bass-Electric, Bass-Upright, Composing/Arranging, Programming, Transcribing, Vocalist (Classical), Vocalist (Jazz), Vocalist (Praise/Worship)

Henry Beal is an upright/electric bassist, vocalist and audio engineer located in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. He is best known for recording bass on every season of Netflix’s House of Cards and the documentary film Blackfish. In addition to performing and recording, Beal has worked on the films Console Wars (CBS) and Challenger (Netflix) as a music mixing engineer. From his home studio, Henry records and produces a variety of musical projects and has also released his own acoustic jazz album on Bandcamp entitled Finding Center. He also maintains an active private lesson studio via Zoom and offers clinics to school music programs. Beal studied jazz at the University of North Texas and Berklee College of Music and has recorded an album with the Grammy-nominated UNT One O'Clock Lab Band. He has also recorded with Los Angeles studio orchestras for the TV shows Grand Hotel and Dolly Parton's Heartstrings.

Gabriel Bita

Evans, CO
Piano

Gabriel Bita has over forty years of experience as a musician, pianist, teacher, and over 17 years as a collaborative pianist and coach at Texas Woman’s University. During the course of Gabriel's career he has acquired an extensive record of performing and coaching with faculty, students, and guest recitalists in the vocal and instrumental areas, including faculty performances, chamber music, student lessons, student juries, student auditions, opera workshops, chorus, master classes, professional and live recordings, and studio classes. Gabriel holds both a Master’s of Music degree from The Juilliard School and a Bachelor’s degree from Oberlin College, in Piano Performance. He has had the opportunity to perform as a soloist with Columbus Symphony, Fort Worth Symphony, among others, as well as collaborating in chamber music events with famous artists, such as Christopher Adkins, principal cellist of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, flutists Carol Wincenc, Ian Clarke, Gary Shocker, among others. Gabriel has also studied with famous musicians, such as Vladimir Viardo, Martin Canin, and Leon Fleisher.

Mae Morton

McKinney, TX
Piano

Bachelor’s of Music in piano performance Master’s of Music in Piano Pedagogy

Victoria Ricalde

Lewisville, TX
Violin, Vocalist (Classical), Vocalist (Jazz), Vocalist (Pop/Rock), Vocalist (Praise/Worship)

Taylor White

Fort Worth, TX
Trumpet

Taylor is currently in his 6th year of teaching choir at a local middle school. He graduated from TCU in 2016 with a degree in Choral Music Education, while also playing trumpet in the TCU Symphony Orchestra, Jazz Band, and Wind Symphony, and taking private trumpet lessons with Dr. Jon Burgess. He has consistently worked as a professional singer and trumpet player since graduating college.

Yu Ying Chang

Denton , TX
Piano

Bill Zauner

Flower Mound, TX
Bass-Electric, Bass-Upright, Cello, Clinician - Orchestra, Guitar-Acoustic, Guitar-Electric, Mandolin, Piano, Piano (Classical), Piano (Musical Theatre), Transcribing

Hongling Liang

Denton, TX
Accordion, Harpsichord, Organ, Piano, Piano (Classical), Piano (Musical Theatre)

Born in Jilin, China, pianist Hongling Liang, received her bachelor’s degree in Piano Performance s Hesong Wang at Jinan University. She continued on to obtain her master’s degree at the Longy School of Music of Bard College with Rieko Aizawa and Peter Serkin. She also studied with Van Cliburn winner Kobrin Alexander for her Artist Diploma in Piano Performance. Ms. Liang has won prizes in numerous competitions including the Yangtze Piano Competition, Hong Kong International Piano Competition, and the Macaw International Piano Competition. Ms. Liang is pursuing her doctoral degree in Collaborative Piano at University of North Texas.

Melissa Korzekwa

Fort Worth, TX
Piano

Melissa Korzekwa has an active private piano studio in Fort Worth, Texas. She graduated from the University of North Texas with a Bachelor of Music degree in music education and is certified to teach all levels of music K-12 in the state of Texas. She has taught private piano lessons and public/private school music for more than thirty years. In addition to maintaining a private lesson studio, Melissa performs frequently as a freelance accompanist. She has extensive accompanying experience, having accompanied church worship services, school performing choirs, vocal and instrumental soloists for competition, and occasions such as weddings and funerals.

Cory Curvin

Fort Worth, TX
Composing/Arranging, Piano, Piano (Classical), Piano (Jazz/Pop), Piano (Musical Theatre), Transcribing

I'm a collaborative pianist, choral director, and music educator with extensive experience with musicians of all ages and experience levels. Eager to ignite a love for choral music within this generation of learners, I strive to find appropriate yet challenging repertoire for singers, and navigating the nuances of emerging voices within a choral environment. As a collaborative pianist, I excel in communicating with musician(s) about their needs and desire for the overall trajectory of the project and knowing how best to highlight the strengths of the musicians and create a performance that is professionally solid and musically fulfilling.

Vicky Nooe

Dallas, TX
Piano, Piano (Musical Theatre)

Xiaoyan Wang

Frisco, TX
Piano, Piano (Classical)

After obtaining my DMA in Piano Performance from the University of Alabama, I moved to the Dallas area and began private studio instruction. My other degrees include: BA in Musicology (Shenyang Conservatory of Music), MM in Piano Performance (West Texas A&M University), and MM in Piano Pedagogy (Texas Tech University). Many of my students have been accepted into piano departments by reputable insititutions. Over the past four years, I have had the opportunity to perform as an accompanist for the Plano and Garland school districts. I have collaborated with choral, band, and theatre departments at numerous schools in these districts, primarily playing advanced literature with higher achieving students.

Sherry Brown

Plano, TX
Clinician - Choir, Harpsichord, Piano, Piano (Classical), Vocalist (Classical)

Sherry recently retired from teaching Choral Music, specializing in Middle School, after 32 years and has lived and worked in the Dallas Metroplex for 26 years. She has been a piano accompanist for choir, band, orchestra, and musical theater. Degrees: Bachelor of Music (voice concentration, organ minor) and Master of Music (voice and conduction concentrations) from Westminster Choir College, as well as Master of Music Education from South Arkansas University. She also is also a substitute teacher specializing in music for Plano ISD, and sings in The Texas Voices Chamber Choir.

Michael Needham

Grapevine, TX
Trombone

Michael A. Needham is the Music Director at Bowie Fine Arts Academy in Grand Prairie, Texas where he established the Bowie Choir and the Bowie Music Production Team, both of which have flourished under his direction. An accomplished tenor/bass trombonist and vocalist, he has performed for Princess and Norwegian Cruise Lines, toured with the Harry James Orchestra, and has been a member of both the Roswell and Lubbock Symphony Orchestras. As an emerging composer, he is delighted to collaborate with his wife in a variety of musical works. Mike is a proud graduate of Texas Tech University and holds membership in the Texas Music Educators Association as well as the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP).

Mary Anna Salo

Dallas, TX
Piano

Kirstyn Norris Alarcon

Dallas, TX
Percussion - Drumset, Percussion - Mallet, Percussion - Other

Hannah Abercrombie

Dallas, TX
Piano

Jaime Zolfaghari

dallas, TX
Percussion - Drumset, Percussion - Mallet, Percussion - Other

Mr. Jaime Zolfaghari is an exceptional musician living in Dallas, TX. He holds music degrees from Onondaga Community College, where he won their annual music competition in 2009 performing on marimba, and from Southern Methodist University, which has led him to enjoy nearly a decade of professional drum set work in D/FW’s vibrant theatre community. Mr. Zolfaghari studied with several distinguished professors and musicians, notably Dr. Robert Bridge and Kalman Cherry, and has performed in a wide variety of bands and ensembles, including OCC’s West African Ensemble, SMU’s Meadows Symphony Orchestra, LHPres Contemporary Band, and many others. In addition to his well-rounded skills as a freelance percussionist and experiences as a private teacher, Jaime is also a singer-songwriter, occasionally recording at his home and performing live at local open mics.

Florence Scattergood

Waco, TX
Clinician - Choir

Florence Scattergood is a veteran choral music educator whose teaching assignments number 11 schools in 4 districts and vary from 2A rural to 5A urban campuses and include suburban private as well as at-risk public schools. Building successful programs under less than optimal circumstances has become a theme throughout her career. While in Irving ISD, she was honored as ESC Region 10 Secondary Teacher of the Year (1998-99), and in 2003-04 she was selected the Secondary Teacher of the Year for Waco ISD. Her choirs have been recognized as community builders by a variety of civic organizations and have received the Model of Unity Award by the Community Race Relations Coalition in 2004 and 2014. Although her most recent years have been spent in secondary schools, she has taught grades 1 through 12 and has served for many years as a cooperating teacher and field instructor of choral music education on the collegiate level, supervising over 30 student teachers for 5 universities. In 2009, Mrs. Scattergood was selected as the first recipient of the Baylor University Music Education Distinguished Alumni Award. Mrs. Scattergood currently serves as Director of the Youth Chorus of Central Texas and as an adjunct lecturer at Baylor University.

David Bonofiglio

Oak Creek, WI
Programming

Brittany Haywood

Arlington, TX
Piano

Bryan Aguilar

Fort Worth, TX
Vocalist (Classical)

As a professional musician, I am constantly performing in choirs throughout the DFW as a Baritone. I hold a BME Vocal Music Education from the University of North Texas, having sung under Dr(s) Allen Hightower, Richard Sparks, and Kristina MacMullen . I have been selected for conducting masterclasses with directors such as Z. Randall Stroope. I am proficient in sight-reading music and have worked on multiple professional recording projects with Highland Park Choral, along with commissions for Robert Beaser and Erik Ešenvalds.

Miguel Cantu

Plano, TX
Viola, Violin

James Emery

Dallas, TX
Piano, Piano (Classical)

Jimmy, a summa cum laude graduate of the Meadows School of the Arts at Southern Methodist University, earned a Master of Music degree in Music Education with a Concentration in Choral Conducting and a Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance, Piano Pedagogy, and Music Education.

James C. Emery joined Children's Chorus of Greater Dallas as Concert II accompanist in 2005. He recently celebrated eleven years on the staff of Lovers Lane United Methodist Church where he serves as Director of Music.

A devoted collaborative performer, Jimmy has served twelve seasons on the artistic staff of the CCGD and performs regularly with The Texas Voices and Resounding Harmony. Jimmy is also regularly sought after as an accompanist and coach for numerous public school instrumental and choral programs throughout the Dallas/Fort-Worth metroplex.

"Jimmy accompanied our soloists as well as our choir for UIL events this year. I am extremely satisfied with his work and hope to use his/your services in the future."

Bethany Hardwick

DENTON, TX
Clinician - Orchestra, Viola, Violin

Alicia Marks

Fort Worth, TX
Clinician - Choir, Vocalist (Classical), Vocalist (Jazz), Vocalist (Pop/Rock), Vocalist (Praise/Worship)

I am a classically trained musician with a degree in music education and a focus on vocal music (University of Nebraska Lincoln 2002). I have extensive experience in a variety of choral repertoire, vocal jazz, opera, and musical theater. As a member of a church worship team, I have had opportunities to lead in both praise band style and traditional worship. My goal is to invite people to engage in the worship experience.

Tiffany Tsay

Irving, TX
Piano, Piano (Musical Theatre)

Lejing Zhou

Denton, TX
Cello

Samuel Martin

Dallas, TX
Audio Technician, Bass-Electric, Composing/Arranging, Piano, Piano (Classical), Piano (Jazz/Pop), Piano (Musical Theatre), Programming, Synthesizer, Transcribing

Young Artist Apprentice

Andrew Stonerock

Granbury, TX
Clarinet, Clarinet - Bass, Clinician - Band, Composing/Arranging, Flute, Piccolo, Saxophone - Alto, Saxophone - Bari, Saxophone - Tenor, Saxophone-Soprano, Transcribing

Andrew is an accomplished musician whose versatility is a his biggest strength. He is a woodwind artist specializing in jazz, musical theatre, classical, pop, funk, big band, latin, and more. As a jazz/commercial saxophonist, he has performed with Boyz II Men, Natalie Cole, Steve Vai, and Nenna Freelon, among others. He is a woodwind doubler that has played over 70 productions across the country. His classical saxophone performances have included performing with the Colorado Symphony, Ft. Collins Symphony, Midland/Odessa Symphony, and Lawton Philharmonic.

Brooklynn Bier

Richardson, TX
Bass-Electric, Flute, Piccolo, Transcribing

Trekorda Young Artist Apprentice

Christopher Widomski

Garland, TX
Bassoon, Clarinet, Clarinet - Bass, Flute, Harpsichord, Organ, Piano, Piano (Musical Theatre), Piccolo, Saxophone - Alto, Saxophone - Bari, Saxophone - Tenor, Synthesizer

MM Instrumental Conducting - SMU '18 MM Organ Performance - SMU '11 BA Music Education - SUNY Potsdam '09 Primarily a conductor, with skills in sight-reading, and instrumental performance background. Strong organist and play all woodwinds, but saxophones are primary with Bassoon a close second. Low woodwinds a specialty, but soprano saxophone is my best. Musical Directing/Conducting is my specialty.

Lindsay Kimbley

Frisco, TX
Flute, Piccolo

Dr. Lindsay Kimbley holds degrees from Texas Tech University (D.M.A.), Southeastern Louisiana University (M.M.), and The University of Southern Mississippi (B.M.). Dr. Kimbley is a freelance flutist in the DFW area where she teaches elementary music in Carrollton-Farmers Branch. She is currently the piccolo player for Dallas Civic Wind Ensemble and plays with the Southlake Community Band. Dr. Kimbley is an avid performer with the National Flute Association Professional Flute choir and enjoys auditioning for the prestigious ensemble every year.

Tara Sikon

Lewisville, TX
Clinician - Choir, Vocalist (Classical)

Hanyuan Wang

Garland, TX
Bass-Upright, Bassoon, Cello, Clarinet, Flute, French Horn, Oboe, Piano, Trumpet, Viola, Violin

Stephanie De La Torre

Dallas, TX
Clarinet, Clarinet - Bass, Flute, Saxophone - Alto, Saxophone - Tenor

Kristin Spires

Burleson, TX
Piano, Piano (Musical Theatre), Synthesizer

Stacey Figueroa

Frisco, TX
Piano, Piano (Musical Theatre)

Aaron Sutton

Dallas, TX
Guitar-Acoustic, Guitar-Classical, Guitar-Electric

My name is Aaron Sutton and I am a professional guitarist, and Dallas area native. I graduated cum laude from Berklee College of Music in Boston with my bachelors of music degree as a performance major and guitar principal. I additionally received my masters degree in contemporary music performance with a concentration in music production at Berklee Valencia's graduate program in Spain. I regularly work as a pit guitarist for musical theatre productions across DFW and I also freelance as a professional studio musician and content producer in my home recording studio. I am a fully licensed, TEA certified teacher K-12 and have experience as both a full time music educator and a private lesson instructor. I can read standard notation, chord symbols, nashville numbers, tablature and have a high level understanding of music theory and tonal harmony.

Mark Howard

Fort Worth , TX
Percussion - Drumset, Percussion - Mallet, Percussion - Other

Dudley McMahan

Granbury, TX
Clinician - Choir, Harpsichord, Organ, Piano, Piano (Classical), Piano (Jazz/Pop), Piano (Musical Theatre)

I received my BME from Tarleton State University in 1975 and my MME from University of North Texas in 1977. I started the Choral Program at Granbury HS and taught there for 32 years. I retired in 2008 and started doing musician work on my own, playing piano for School Choirs, solos, band and choir. I am the Organist /Choirmaster at St Lukes Episcopal Church in Stephenville, Tx. I was 3 times asked to be the Texas All State Accompanist as well as accompanying many region choirs.

Michael Ptacin

Dallas, TX
Percussion - Drumset, Percussion - Mallet, Percussion - Other, Programming

I teach private lessons and freelance in Dallas. My main performance area is musical theater. I play drum set and percussion and own a large inventory of acoustic and electronic instruments (drum set, marimba, vibraphone, chimes, xylo, bells, timpani, and all manner of accessories and world percussion). I am a sub/extra with Dallas Winds, and prior to moving to Dallas, performed with orchestras and choirs in North Carolina. I have graduate degrees in percussion performance from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

Ashley Westgate

Flower Mound, TX
Percussion - Drumset, Percussion - Mallet, Percussion - Other, Piano

Emily Baltzer

Alpena, SD
Piano, Piano (Classical), Piano (Jazz/Pop), Piano (Musical Theatre)

My musical experience is extremely varied. Most of my most recent professional experience is in musical theater and opera, both as pianist and music director. I'm comfortable with both instrumentalists and vocalists--I am a former bassoonist myself, and have been working with singers for many years. I hold a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from University of Northwestern--St. Paul, and a Master of Music in Collaborative Piano from University of North Texas.

irmak sabuncu

Argyle, TX
Bass-Upright

Born in 1981 in Germany, Irmak Sabuncu began music at the age of 10 with piano lessons. He then began double bass training in 1996 at Çukurova University, Turkey in Prof. Tahir Sümer’s class. He continued his education in 1998 in Dokuz Eylül University, State Conservatory, Turkey. In 2005, he graduated from Prof. Tahir Sümer’s double bass class. Irmak was accepted to Zurich University of the Arts (Zürcher Hochschule der Künste) in 2006. For the years of 2009 and 2010, he pursued his Konzert Diplom and CAS (Certificate of Advanced Studies in Music Performance) diplomas, respectively in the class Prof. Duncan McTier. Subsequently, he was accepted to the class of Prof. Bozo Paradzik in 2010 for pursuing Orchester Diplom in Musikhochschule Luzern, Switzerland and he completed this degree in 2013. Irmak also completed his practical training in Bern Symphony Orchestra (Switzerland) in 2011. He participated in Prof. Zakhar Bron’s chamber orchestra. In 2010, he attended to Sion Festival in Zhdk Strings Chamber Orchestra with Prof. Rudolf Koelman and Shlomo Mintz also participated “Herbst in der Helferei” (Zürich) Festival with Zürich Stringendo Chamber Orchestra throughout the four years (2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011). He took part in Winterthur Musikkollegium, Collegium Novum Zürich, Zürcher Kammerorchester, Berner Kammerorchester as well as Musikkollegium Basel orchestras. He attended workshop and master classes of Prof. Tahir Sümer, Prof. Bozo Paradzik, Franco Petracchi, Gary Karr, and Massimo Giorgi. During 2012-2017, he worked as a double bass lecturer at the Mersin University, State Conservatory, and teaching fellow in the University of North Texas from 2017 to 2020. Irmak obtained his D.M.A. from the class of Professor Jeff Bradetich at the University of North Texas in May 2021.

Isaac Leaverton

Boston, MA
Organ, Piano, Piano (Musical Theatre), Synthesizer

Adam Wright

Dallas, TX
Composing/Arranging, Harpsichord, Piano, Piano (Classical), Piano (Jazz/Pop), Piano (Musical Theatre), Transcribing, Vocalist (Jazz)

Adam C Wright has been music directing in Dallas since 1997, including the US Premieres of Soho Cinders and Closer to Heaven. As a composer and orchestrator, current projects include Isabella's Treasure and a stage reading of A Taste of Beauty later this year. He has worked as Betty Buckley's local accompanist, and served as MD and copyist for Facing East at the Lyric Theater in London with Harriet Thorpe, Rebecca Lock, and Alasdair Harvey. Previous productions at Watertower include Smokey Joe's Cafe, Last 5 Years, and Godspell.

Paul Bright

Dallas, TX
Organ, Piano, Piano (Classical), Piano (Musical Theatre)

Eric Smith

Plano, TX
Cello

Cheryl Wilson Janasak

McKinney, TX
Clinician - Choir

A long time choral educator (37+) years at the middle and high school levels.

Priscilla Holt

Frisco, TX
Clinician - Band, Clinician - Choir, Clinician - Orchestra, Flute, Piccolo

Priscilla Ochran Holt, Ph.D. flutist, and conductor has performed and worked with some of the best in the American Musical industry: Harold Prince, Stephen Sondheim, Jonathan Tunnick, Roberta Peters, Theodore Bikel, Hershel Bernardi, June Havoc, Juliet Prowse, Richard Harris, Anson WIlliams and others. She toured in the American Musical Theater Productions of Sweeney Todd and Barnum and performed at the Valley Forge Theater in Philadelphia. Dr. Holt has spent the last seventeen years in Frisco ISD, conducting award winning orchestras and choirs. Both Seussical and Annie pit orchestras, which she rehearsed and conducted, were nominated in the best orchestra category by The Dallas Summer Musicals, 2015 and 2017, respectively. The CHS Annie Orchestra was also nominated by the Betty Lynn Buckley Awards. Dr. Holt holds performance degrees from Duquesne University and New England Conservatory and a Ph.D. from the University of Miami. Retiring June 1, 2019, Dr. Holt is available to assist in the productions of area schools; whether serving as a clinician, conductor, flutist or auxiliary personnel, she will bring expertise, enthusiasm and support for students and directors alike.

Richard Adams

Lewisville, TX
Trumpet

Kateri Lavacek

Denton, TX
Piano, Vocalist (Classical)

Martin Morgan

farmers branch, TX
Piano, Piano (Classical), Piano (Jazz/Pop), Piano (Musical Theatre), Synthesizer, Transcribing

Growing up in Plano, Texas, the majority of Martin's childhood was focused on activities other than music. His first experience playing music began around the age of seven with classical piano lessons. While classical music was the starting point of his musical education, jazz, soul, R&B, and gospel music became important influences. Martin attended the University of North Texas and graduated in the Spring of 2015 with a Bachelors of Music in Composition. While at school, Martin began playing with groups of varying styles and is currently freelancing in the Dallas area.

Hanhan Li

Denton, TX
Piano

Sarah Rogerson

Dallas, TX
Cello

Kara Solis

Dallas, TX
Piano, Piano (Classical), Piano (Musical Theatre)

Kara Solis holds master's degrees in Piano Performance and Collaborative Piano from Illinois State University, where she also taught undergraduate class piano and worked as a freelance accompanist. Prior to that, she studied Piano Performance at Sam Houston State University. She has performed solo and chamber music in the US, Hungary, Guatemala, and Honduras, and is an active collaborator, with experience in working with singers, instrumentalists, and large ensembles. She is passionate about sharing the gift of music through both performing and teaching and takes joy in continually honing her craft.

Chris Clark

Garland, TX
Trumpet

SHIH-YUAN CHANG

DENTON, TX
Piano

Shi-Yuan is completing her DMA in Piano Performance at UNT. She has several years' experience accompanying strings and winds.

Karina Sim

Dallas, TX
Violin

Mitchell Samuelson

TAMPA, FL
Piano

Rick Norman

Dallas, TX
Bass-Electric, Bass-Upright

Elizabeth Aviles

Grand Prairie, TX
Piano

Gay Worley

Frisco, TX
Piano

Paul Thompson

McKinney, TX
Clinician - Choir, Clinician - Orchestra, Composing/Arranging, Oboe, Percussion - Mallet, Percussion - Other, Piano, Piano (Classical), Vocalist (Classical)

B.S. in Music Education (voice), M.A. in Choral Conducting. Arrange, Orchestrate, and Compose for movies, television, and albums. Professional experience: published by Beckenhorst, GIA, Hope, Hinshaw, Chorister's Guild, and Alliance. Multiple recording credits in Nashville. Movie scores recorded by London Symphony and others. Owner of House of El Music.

Scott Eckert

Dallas, TX
Bass-Electric, Guitar-Acoustic, Guitar-Electric, Piano, Piano (Jazz/Pop), Piano (Musical Theatre), Programming, Saxophone - Alto, Synthesizer, Ukelele, Vocalist (Jazz), Vocalist (Pop/Rock)

Music director, conductor, actor, and multi-instrumentalist with 40 years experience in all facets of musical theater.

Francis Cathlina

Memphis, TN
Clinician - Choir, Programming

Conductor-teacher Francis Cathlina, D.M.A., is a Vietnamese-American whose career is compelled by the shared human experience of connection. His Eastern heritage shapes his work: he builds community and efficacious leaders through choral artistry. Currently, Dr. Cathlina serves as the Visiting Director of Choral Activities and Assistant Professor of Music at the University of Memphis. He conducts the University Singers and Soprano/Alto Choir and teaches graduate and undergraduate conducting. Prior, he directed the Tenor/Bass Choir and taught conducting and music education courses at the University of North Texas as a doctoral teaching fellow. Ensembles supported by Dr. Cathlina’s direction sing to inspire through innovative programming, enhanced by the practice of Choregie. During his tenure at Centennial High School, the A Cappella Choir was nationally recognized as 3rd place in The American Prize for Choral Performance. As a first-generation musician, Dr. Cathlina exemplifies a peerless work ethic, and he strives to instill this in all mentees. Former students describe their experience of him, highlighting his “high expectations, enthusiasm, and passion for not only teaching but for caring about every one of his students.” While at UNT, the American Prize in Conducting recognized Dr. Cathlina as a National Finalist in the College/University Division for his work with the UNT Tenor/Bass Chorus. In addition, his work in the Southwestern ACDA Graduate Conducting Competition garnered him 2nd place both times he competed. Early in his career, he was designated the “Young Director of Distinction” by the Texas Choral Directors Association (TCDA). An active clinician, Dr. Cathlina seeks to share choral music’s transformative power through inclusive pedagogy. He hopes that his students mature into first-rate musicians, refined thinkers, and compassionate citizens that enhance their part of the world. Recent clinics involve students in Texas region choirs and public schools. Future engagements include guest conductor of the TMEA Region 30 HS Mixed Choir and clinics in Arkansas, Tennessee, and Texas. Dr. Cathlina’s scholarship focuses on conducting and vocal pedagogy in choral rehearsals. In summer 2021, the American Choral Directors Association’s Choral Journal published his two-part article “7 Essentials for Developing Voices in Choir: Part I” and “Part II.” Additionally, he serves the profession as adjudicator and coordinator and regularly presents interest sessions throughout the United States. He is an invited presenter for Southwestern ACDA (SWACDA) and Illinois Music Educators Association in 2022. Dr. Cathlina holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in choral conducting with a vocal pedagogy cognate from the University of North Texas, a Master of Music in choral conducting from Michigan State University, and a Bachelor of Music Education from Baylor University. Prior to his doctoral studies, he enjoyed a varied career as a public school teacher, working with elementary through high school-aged singers with diverse backgrounds. Dr. Cathlina lives in Memphis, Tennessee with his husband, Kyle, and their dog, Coco.

Tim Effler

Dallas, TX
Harpsichord, Organ, Piano, Piano (Classical), Piano (Musical Theatre)

Pianist, Organist, Accompanist, Vocal Coach, Musical Director with over 30 years experience producing exceptional musical performances. BMus in Organ Performance; MM in Collaborative Piano; MM in Vocal Pedagogy and Performance.

Eka Gogichashvili

Waco, TX
Violin

Susan Kheshtinejad

Dallas, TX
Piano, Piano (Classical), Piano (Jazz/Pop), Piano (Musical Theatre)

Susan F. Kheshtinejad is a native Texan who acquired a love for piano and music at an early age. Born in Corsicana, she began lessons at the age of three. By the time her family relocated to the DFW area at the age of 12, she knew that she would make her life’s journey through music in teaching, performing and accompanying. ? Susan maintained a private piano studio in Duncanville and Dallas from 1976 until 1986 and continued to accompany churches, schools, soloists and instrumentalists all over the DFW area. Susan also found that she had a gift for entertaining professionally in more relaxed settings. She began to experiment with improvisation and study more “pop” and jazz styles, incorporating those styles into her teaching. In 1986, Susan relocated to the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area and eventually to Washington, D.C. She continued to teach privately as well as performing solo and with other musicians. While accompanying all choirs at Duncanville High School, and with her vocal and choral experience, she was offered a position as Assistant Director of Choral Activities and Accompanist. Earning her Texas Teacher Certification, she taught and accompanied six choirs and became the instructor of Advanced Placement Music Theory. She accompanied for All-Region Choirs, recorded accompaniment tracks, accompanied other schools and continued as a church accompanist/organist and director. Ms. Kheshtinejad was often asked to adjudicate at choral events as well as piano festivals and competitions.

"“I welcome the opportunity to become a small part of your path towards musical growth and success and our journey together! Welcome to my piano studio”!"

Seowon Lee

Lewisville, TX
Violin

Karen Blackstone

Fort Worth, TX
Piano

Mark Alewine

Richardson, TX
Clarinet, Clarinet - Bass, Flute, Piccolo, Saxophone - Alto, Saxophone - Bari, Saxophone - Tenor, Saxophone-Soprano

Peggy Honea

Dallas, TX
Bass-Electric, Bass-Upright, Guitar-Classical

Plays upright and electric bass. Reads music and charts Over 35 years experience playing the bass

Steven VanHorn

Farmers Branch, TX
Piano, Piano (Classical), Piano (Jazz/Pop), Piano (Musical Theatre)

Kevin Roland

Charlotte, NC
Piano, Synthesizer

Mary Jane Phillips

Fort Worth, TX
Clinician - Choir, Vocalist (Classical)

Mary Jane Phillips taught middle school choral music in Texas for 29 years before retiring from the classroom in 2018. She taught in Katy, Garland, Arlington, Birdville and Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISDs. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the North Texas Children’s Chorale, and is also a choral consultant, clinician, adjudicator, private voice teacher and author. Ms. Phillips graduated cum laude from Texas Christian University with a Bachelors’ Degree in Music Education. She has served as a UIL Contest Chair and a TMEA JH/MS Region Secretary and Region Chair. She has served TCDA as the chairperson of the Scholarship, Hospitality, Ballot and Ways and Means committees and is also a past Secretary/Treasurer of TCDA. She has presented workshops on the male and female adolescent changing voice, recruiting, literature selection, beginning the school year and sight reading pedagogy for school districts, colleges and professional organizations across the United States. She has authored three books – “SOS – Simplifying Our Sightreading” (co-authored with Laura Farnell), “Sightreading 101” and “Making Sightreading Fun!”. She lives in Fort Worth, Texas with her incredibly patient educator husband, Troy and precious 18-year-old daughter, Zoe, who is an amazing musical theater singer, dancer and actress.

Nyadia Thorpe

Waxahachie, TX
Clinician - Choir, Vocalist (Classical), Vocalist (Jazz), Vocalist (Praise/Worship)

Nyadia Thorpe is the Associate Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at Navarro College in Corsicana, TX. She conducts the College Chorale, Collegiate Chamber Singers, and the Sound Company Show Choir. She also teaches Sight-Singing & Ear Training, Music Appreciation, and maintains a voice studio for vocal music majors. She is active in her church as the Director of Music & Worship at the First Presbyterian Church, Duncanville where she also conducts the Duncanville Community Chorus. The DCC has been awarded the experience of performing in Carnegie Hall with Distinguished Choirs International New York in 2018. Previously, Mrs. Thorpe served as the Choral Music Director at Howard Junior High in Waxahachie ISD and as Middle School Vocal Division Coordinator and Chairperson for the middle school choral events, including UIL and Solo and Ensemble contests for the Region 20 Middle School Vocal Division of the Texas Music Educators Association. She’s also served the Region as Treasurer for a few years. In Waxahachie ISD, Mrs. Thorpe co-directed the One Voice District Honor Choir and Musical Theatre classes. Mrs. Thorpe served her campus as the Fine Arts Department Chair and participated on various committees. In 2017, she completed her studies in Educational Leadership with Principal Certification in July of 2017 from Stephen F. Austin State University just prior to accepting the role at Navarro College. Mrs. Thorpe began her musical studies as a student in Dallas ISD where she attended Greiner Exploratory Arts Academy and Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. Her undergraduate studies took place at the University of Texas at Arlington where she studied voice, opera workshop, and traveled to parts of Europe performing with the Chamber Chorus. During the trip to Europe, Mrs. Thorpe sang the Alto solo in the Mozart Requiem under Prof. Jing Ling Tam. After a few years of working in Dallas ISD, she began her studies for a Master’s Degree in Music Education at Southern Methodist University. She worked very closely with professors, Dr. Julie Scott and Dr. Sarah Allen, and earned several hours in private choral conducting with Dr. Pamela Elrod-Huffman. Mrs. Thorpe enjoys working with singers and musicians of all ages. She has taught students in Dallas ISD, Duncanville ISD, Midlothian, ISD, and Waxahachie ISD. Her choirs have earned Sweepstake awards at UIL events and First Division Ratings and awards at contests and festivals each year. Early in her career, she worked with Ms. Cynthia Nott and the Children’s Chorus of Greater Dallas as Rehearsal Assistant for seven years following two years as Intern in Choral Conducting. She is proud to be knowledgeable and skilled at growing, rebuilding, and revitalizing programs. Every public school she has served saw remarkable growth and increase in student achievement. Programs started with 50-60 students and before she would move to her next calling, the program would have 100 – 150 students. In the community, Mrs. Thorpe has founded Inspire Singing, an organization for promoting the fine and performing arts in the community where she lives. In 2020, she founded a social media group, Black Women Composers and Conductors Network. It’s a great place for women of color to meet, network, and encourage one another. She was also awarded recognition by Who’s Who in America in 2020 and received invitation to conduct in Carnegie Hall. Mrs. Thorpe is an active member of TMEA, ACDA, TTCCDA, and NAfME. She thoroughly enjoys choral conducting, adjudicating, and coaching choirs. Most of all, although she loves to work, she loves her family and values the time away from the podium that she is able to spend with her husband and sons. Currently serving as Collegiate Chair for the National Association for Music Education – Texas, she is excited about meeting the needs of the organization and its collegiate students and professors. Mrs. Thorpe wants to encourage students and educators in order to positively transcend the confines of time. She hopes that her work will be significant, that it will truly matter and will be foundational to the growth and strengthening of the organizations she serves.

Tammy Benton

Waco, TX
Clinician - Choir

Chenshayang Huang

Plano, TX
Piano, Piano (Classical)

Chris Schoppe

Fort Worth, TX
Piano

Larry McCain

Dallas, TX
Flute, Guitar-Classical, Guitar-Electric, Harpsichord, Organ, Piano, Synthesizer

I am a degreed (Bachelor of Music, Master of Music) musician---pianist, organist, keyboardist--experienced in vocal, instrumental, and choral accompanying in church, theatre, and classical musical genres.

Bryce Biffle

Garland, TX
Accordion, Clinician - Band, Composing/Arranging, Piano (Jazz/Pop), Synthesizer, Transcribing, Trombone, Tuba

Clayton Williams

Lewisville, TX
Bassoon, Clarinet, Clarinet - Bass, Flute, Oboe, Piano, Piano (Musical Theatre), Piccolo, Saxophone - Alto, Saxophone - Tenor, Saxophone-Soprano

Yasmine Bougacha

Cincinnati, OH
Violin

Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, Yasmine Bougacha has been pursuing violin for fourteen years as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral musician. When she was accepted into the Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s Young Strings scholarship program in 2011 her musical career quickly began to take off. In 2012, Yasmine was accepted into Booker T Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, one of the country’s top conservatory high schools for music performance. While in high school she placed in the top ten chairs in the All-City and All-Region orchestras, performed for the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) All-State orchestra convention, and gave a concert tour in China with the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra (GDYO). Yasmine has also become a successful and well-known performer in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and has participated in several solo competitions – of those she won third place in the Friedlander Concerto Competition in 2015 and first place in the Ribelin String Solo Competition in 2016. In 2018 she was invited to solo with the orchestra of professors of La Universidad Autónoma Benito Juárez in Oaxaca, Mexico. In addition to being an active soloist, chamber, and orchestral musician, she has also made a name for herself as a freelance performer by being the violinist in the Young Strings Honors String Duet and a guest artist for Mariachi Rosas Divinas.

Victor Diaz

Dallas, TX
Harpsichord, Organ, Piano

Jordan Justice

Bedford, TX
Vocalist (Classical), Vocalist (Jazz), Vocalist (Pop/Rock), Vocalist (Praise/Worship)

Dennis Langevin

McKinney, TX
Bass-Electric, Guitar-Acoustic, Guitar-Electric

Hana Do

Frisco, TX
Piano

Hana received her Masters Degree in Music Performance from the University of North Texas, where she now works as a Teacher's Assistant. As an accomplished pianist, Hana is a true asset to Trekorda.

"Hana is a wonderful performer and kept our choir engaged all evening. We would not hesitate to book her again."

Ethan Deppe

Chicago, IL
Percussion - Drumset, Percussion - Mallet, Percussion - Other, Piano, Synthesizer

Diego Campos

Denton, TX
Violin

Kyp Green

Fort Worth, TX
Bass-Upright

James Worley

Fort Worth, TX
Vocalist (Classical), Vocalist (Jazz), Vocalist (Praise/Worship)

Kelley Rodriguez

Frisco, TX
Clinician - Choir, Composing/Arranging, Harpsichord, Piano, Piano (Musical Theatre), Programming, Synthesizer, Transcribing

Kristen McKinley

Grapevine, TX
Flute, Piano, Piano (Classical), Piano (Jazz/Pop), Piano (Musical Theatre), Synthesizer, Vocalist (Classical), Vocalist (Jazz), Vocalist (Pop/Rock), Vocalist (Praise/Worship)

Kristen is a classically-trained singer and pianist with a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Centenary College of Louisiana, and a Master of Educational Administration degree from LSU. She has experience in opera, music theater, recording studios, contemporary Christian, praise and worship, accompanying, and church music. She served for seven years on the board of directors as Audition Chair and Private Teacher Liaison for the DFW Chapter of National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), and she is currently their webmaster. She is also a member of Mid-Cities Music Teachers Association (MCMTA) as the Publication Contest chairman and on the local scholarship committee, and Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA). She has taught in public schools and as a private teacher for 27 years. She is also a private voice teacher for the Carroll ISD Choir Program. She has accompanied all levels of choirs for UIL Concert contests, UIL State and local Solo and Ensemble Contests (choir and band), and accompanied middle school and high school choir concerts. She is an excellent sight-reader. She is very experienced in music theater, and has played in many pit orchestras.

Leandro Walter

Fayeteville, AR
Percussion - Drumset

Leandro Walter is a versatile percussionist and drummer from Argentina who performs regularly in a wide variety of musical contexts including pop, jazz, blues, world music, classical, and musical theatre. He worked as a percussionist for three years in the Argentine Air Force Brass Band and Orchestra and has played live and recorded for the Argentine United Armed Forces Orchestra, The Salvation Army South East American Territorial Band (SAETB), and El Rufián Melancólico Trío blues band. He has also been a percussion/drums educator in the Argentine Air Force, in the Biblica Institute of Buenos Aires (IBBA), and at The Salvation Army Central Corps in Argentina. He has attended several music institutes: the XV Percussion Festival of La Patagonia, the 16th Music Seminary of the National Symphonic Band of Argentina (Timpanist), John Wooton's Rudimental Snare Drum Clinic in "Alberto Ginastera" Conservatory, and Daniel "Pipi" Piazzola's Drum Clinic. He has also taken private classes with some of Argentina’s most notable drummers: Sergio Verdinelli, Ezequiel "Chino" Piazza, Mariano Sanci, Litto Dartois and Walter Rinavera. Leandro studied percussion in various schools: "Juan Manuel de Falla" Conservatory in Buenos Aires, "Julian Aguirre" Conservatory in Rio IV (Cordoba) and the "Escuela Superior de Música de la Provincia de Misiones" in Misiones, Argentina.

Kalista Nguyen

Cypress, TX
Transcribing, Viola, Violin, Vocalist (Classical), Vocalist (Jazz), Vocalist (Pop/Rock), Vocalist (Praise/Worship)

Kalista is a violist/vocalist and music education major at the University of North Texas. She has been studying music since she was five; starting on violin and piano. With nine years of experience on viola, and four years of voice she is passionate about spreading the power of music. Kalista has coached small ensembles, taught lessons in her hometown of Houston, Texas, is a past member of the Lone Star String Ensemble, Symphony North of Houston, the University of North Texas Concert Orchestra, teaching assistant with the University of North Texas String Project, and worship/av leader at Eagle Pointe Church. Currently, she is a violin, viola, cello, bass, piano, and voice teacher at Da Capo Music in Keller and Da Capo Music in Denton. An active performer and teacher she enjoys transcribing music for herself and her students and finds her success in their love of music.

Michael McNicholas

Dallas, TX
Percussion - Drumset, Percussion - Mallet, Percussion - Other

Timpanist/Percussionist/Stage-hand. Member Dallas Winds. Regular sub/extra with Dallas Symphony, Dallas Opera, Fort Worth Symphony, East Texas Symphony. Principal Percussionist/Orchestra Manager, Utah Festival Opera & Musical Theater, Logan Utah, Summers 2001-present. Theater credits include: Casa Mañana, Dallas Theater Center, Theater 3, Watertower Theater, and ATTPAC touring shows. Owner/Operator DFW Percussion Rentals, LLC. We handle orchestra backline rentals, Instrumental Transportation & Cartage, and provide Stage-Management services.

Ligia Pucci

Dallas, TX
Harpsichord, Piano, Piano (Classical), Piano (Jazz/Pop), Piano (Musical Theatre)

Bruce Greer

Flower Mound, TX
Accordion, Composing/Arranging, Harpsichord, Organ, Piano, Piano (Classical), Piano (Jazz/Pop), Piano (Musical Theatre), Synthesizer, Transcribing, Vocalist (Jazz), Vocalist (Pop/Rock), Vocalist (Praise/Worship)

Bruce Greer has become one of the most popular and highly regarded writers for church music in the country with hundreds of titles and projects published by a wide array of leading publishers. He has won a Dove Award, Christian Music's highest honor, for his arranging and orchestrating. His commanding solo piano artistry, as well as his artistic collaboration with Grammy-winning vocalist, Cynthia Clawson, has taken him around the world, (from England to Asia, Canada and all over the U.S.) performing in churches, conferences and leading concert halls. Bruce has musically directed and played for various theatres here in DFW. Currently he is pursuing his passion for writing musical theater and frequently collaborates with lyricist Keith Ferguson. They have found success through their works, most notably their popular musical adaptations of It's a Wonderful Life (licensing available through www.BroadwayLicensing.com), and A Christmas Carol. Their musical Hidden, based on the Book of Esther, is in development. Their most recent work is a musical adaptation John Grisham’s novel, Skipping Christmas. Bruce and Kim, his precious wife of over thirty six, have four married sons and eight grandkids. www.BruceGreer.com

Stephanie Hicks

The Woodlands, TX
Piano

Clint Gilbert

Irving, TX
Composing/Arranging, Transcribing

Barbara Brown

Farmers Branch, TX
Piano

Trevares Taylor

FORT WORTH, TX
Organ, Piano, Piano (Jazz/Pop), Piano (Musical Theatre), Synthesizer

I have been playing gospel piano and organ professionally for 29 years. I was a staff musician for the Potter's House of Dallas for 9 years. I have been producing music for over 20 years with the most recent release being Tommye Young West in 2018.

Danny Brock

The Colony, TX
Clinician - Band, Trumpet

I have extensive classical music experience on trumpet in the following: -Solo -Chamber (Brass quintet, quartets, trios, trumpet ensemble) -Large Ensemble (full wind band, orchestra, brass choir) Commercial Experience on trumpet -Big bands -Cumbia -Musicals (Hello Dolly, West Side Story, The Music Man) -Brass theatre stage productions (Blast)

Claire Miller

Mansfield, TX
Piano, Piano (Classical), Piano (Musical Theatre)

A native of Garland, TX, Claire Miller received a BME in Choral music (piano principal) from Ouachita Baptist University in 2005. After teaching music for 1 year, she moved to Faith Academy in Manila, Philippines, where she accompanied for 10 years. She played for large and small choral ensembles from elementary to high school, and accompanied for several honor choir festivals and a tour to South Korea. She has experience accompanying for Solo and Ensemble (band and choir) and was a student accompanist at OBU. Church experience includes traditional hymn/choral accompanying and some contemporary services.

Carlos Vargas

dallas, TX
Cello

Mark Lara

Allen, TX
Clarinet, Flute, Piccolo, Saxophone - Alto, Saxophone - Bari, Saxophone - Tenor, Saxophone-Soprano, Transcribing

I have a BME from Texas Christian University and a MM in jazz performance from The University of North Texas. I've performed in musicals, jazz big bands, jazz small groups, wind bands, and orchestras. I am proficient with Sibelius in composing, copying, and transcribing. I can improvise proficiently in all jazz styles. I play flute, picc, clarinet, bass clarinet, and all saxophones.

Samuel Walker

Dallas, TX
Banjo, Guitar-Acoustic, Guitar-Classical, Guitar-Electric, Mandolin, Ukelele

Sam Walker formerly taught jazz guitar at the University of Texas at Arlington, Tarrant County College South Campus and Eastifield College. He earned a Master’s in Jazz Studies from the University of North Texas. Sam performs regularly in the pit orchestra for various musical theater productions in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. He has also performed/recorded with the Dallas Jazz Orchestra, the East Texas Symphony, the Phares Chorder Orchestra, Greg Wait’s Jazz Refugees, pianist/vocalist Melani Skybell, and the American Jazz Composer’s Orchestra, just to name a few.

Chad Ostermiller

Lewisville, TX
Bassoon, Clarinet, Clarinet - Bass, Flute, Piccolo, Saxophone - Alto, Saxophone - Bari, Saxophone - Tenor, Saxophone-Soprano

Katy Dennis-Bishop

Euless, TX
Vocalist (Classical), Vocalist (Pop/Rock), Vocalist (Praise/Worship)

I am a classically trained musician with 8 years experience in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Though I specialize in musical theatre and choral opportunities, I also have extensive experience with children's programming, sacred music, contemporary praise/worship, and elementary music education. My 3 octave vocal range aids in my versatility, while my comfort lies in the soprano section.

Christian Dorn

Krum, TX
Percussion - Drumset, Percussion - Other

Katie Lopez

Lewisville, TX
Cello

Bethany Lorentzen

Dallas, TX
Vocalist (Classical), Vocalist (Jazz), Vocalist (Pop/Rock)

Michael Dill

Dallas, TX
Flute, Saxophone - Alto, Saxophone - Bari, Saxophone - Tenor, Synthesizer

Nancy Piper

Lewisville, TX
French Horn

Cassandra Lin

LEWISVILLE, TX
Violin

Benjamin Brown

LEWISVILLE, TX
Audio Technician, Bass-Electric, Bass-Upright, Composing/Arranging, Piano (Musical Theatre), Programming, Synthesizer, Transcribing, Tuba, Vocalist (Classical), Vocalist (Jazz), Vocalist (Pop/Rock), Vocalist (Praise/Worship)

Jennifer Masters

Mesquite, TX
Piano, Piano (Classical)

Holding a bachelor's degree in Church Music with a piano emphasis, Jennifer has 28 years of experience as a piano instructor and collaborative artist. She has lived in the Dallas area for 20 years and teaches in her private piano studio. She is also an active collaborator, with experience working with vocalists, instrumentalists and large ensembles.

Mary Dibbern

Dallas, TX
Harpsichord, Piano, Piano (Classical)

Mary Dibbern is a classically trained pianist with extended experience in vocal collaboration. Her interest in French language and music led her to study with Nadia Boulanger and work in Paris where she lived for thirty-one years. She has worked internationally as a recital accompanist, vocal coach, master class teacher, recording artist and lecturer. She has a special interest in working with emerging singers and pianists to help them make the transition from higher education studies to professional music careers. Dibbern has collaborated with publishers to create editions of unknown French vocal and chamber music. She has translated both study and performing versions of French, German and Italian opera librettos, as well as French writings in musicology. She is currently Music Director of Education at The Dallas Opera and studying at the University of Texas at Dallas for a PhD in Humanities with special concentration in Art History and Translation Studies.

Ryan Schlotterback

Fort Worth, TX
Percussion - Drumset, Percussion - Mallet, Percussion - Other

Ryan Schlotterback is a Dallas/Fort Worth based percussionist, music educator, and composer. A native of Minneapolis MN, Ryan began studying music at a young age and has continued down that path ever since. As a performer, Ryan’s skill sets and experience includes jazz, classical, and world percussion instruments and genres. Professionally, Ryan is a member of the Texas State Guard Jazz Orchestra where he plays drum set and auxiliary percussion. He also performs regularly with the Lone Star Wind Orchestra and with several churches and other instrumental and choral groups around the DFW Metroplex. In addition, Ryan previously held a section percussion spot with the Fargo/Moorhead Symphony and has performed with the Fargo/Moorhead Opera. He has participated in the Eastern Music Festival and the Bob Becker Xylophone Institute. In celebration of the Percussive Arts Society’s 50th anniversary in 2011, Ryan had the honor of performing amongst 50 students in a collegiate marimba orchestra as the concertmaster. Ryan has a bachelor of music degree from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN and a master of music degree from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, TX. As a graduate assistant at TCU, Ryan taught the drumline, percussion ensembles, steel bands, percussion methods class, and private lessons. Ryan's professional affiliations include the Percussive Arts Society, Texas Music Educators Association, and Pi Kappa Lambda. His past and present teachers include Dr. David Eyler, Dr. Richard Gipson, Dr. Brian West, Joseph Carter, John Shaw, and Jeff Hodge.

Benjamin Loeb

Plano, TX
Clinician - Orchestra, Harpsichord, Piano, Piano (Classical), Transcribing

Benjamin Loeb is an accomplished soloist, accompanist, conductor, arranger, educator, arts administrator and entrepreneur. His piano performances have been heralded by the Boston Globe: “[his] vigorous, cogent playing signaled the kind of equally weighted partnership, plus competition, plus mutual quest, etc. that [makes] this music live.” He has soloed with the Boston Pops Orchestra at the invitation and under the direction of former New York Philharmonic Music Director Alan Gilbert. He has also collaborated as concerto soloist with many other conductors including JoAnn Falletta, Carl St. Clair, and Rossen Milanov. His widely varied projects range from concerts of Beethoven and Bruckner Symphonies to recordings with Yo-Yo Ma of Italian 16th century madrigalists to tours with popular rock musicians to world premieres of the most cutting-edge avant-garde contemporary music. Recently has performed the complete Brahms Violin Sonatas with Chicago Symphony Orchestra Concertmaster Robert Chen and the complete Beethoven Violin Sonatas with violinist Jennifer Frautschi. At the invitation of United States Department of State, Loeb toured Argentina and Uruguay as an Artistic Ambassador, performing recitals of the music of Scott Joplin and giving master classes and workshops with youth orchestras and young musicians. He has recorded for Naxos (both as soloist and collaborative pianist), CBC and the DSCLabel. He holds a Graduate Performance Diploma from the Peabody Conservatory in Conducting, as a student of Gustav Meier, a Master in Music from the Curtis Institute and a Doctor in Musical Arts from the Juilliard School in Accompanying and a Bachelor of Arts from Harvard University. He recently served as Executive Director of Congregation Beth Israel in Scottsdale and has also served as Executive Director of the Quad City (Iowa) Symphony Orchestra from 2013 through 2017, as Executive Director of the Greater Bridgeport Symphony, and as Music Director of the 2011 New Hampshire Music Festival. As Associate Conductor of the El Paso Symphony Orchestra, Loeb founded and served as both Executive and Music Director of the El Paso Symphony Youth Orchestras – El Paso’s only national-level, NEA-recognized, multiple-orchestra system serving the best young musicians in the El Paso, southern New Mexico and Juarez region. He is also the Founder and Artistic Director of the International Conducting Workshop and Festival, now in its nineteenth year, hosted by orchestras around the world, most recently the Lviv Philharmonic in Lviv, Ukraine, and the New Symphony Orchestra in Sofia, Bulgaria. He lives in Plano, TX with his wife, Quyen, his 15-year-old daughter, Anna Sofia Uni, his 12-year-old, Lulu Ladybug, and 10-year-old son Ryan “Taco”. He continues occasionally to concertize worldwide as pianist, conductor, educator and arts advocate. Loeb’s far-ranging interests do not limit him to music; he has directed plays, cooked gourmet meals for 65, tutored over 500 people in test preparation for the Princeton Review, and played and enjoyed almost every sport. Moreover (or most important), he is a lifetime Dallas Cowboys fan.

Marla Nelson

Allen, TX
Piano, Piano (Classical), Piano (Musical Theatre)

Jim Wilson

Plano, TX
Piano, Piano (Classical), Piano (Jazz/Pop), Piano (Musical Theatre)

James Landrum

Dallas, TX
Bass-Electric, Guitar-Acoustic, Guitar-Classical, Guitar-Electric, Mandolin, Ukelele, Vocalist (Praise/Worship)

James Landrum is currently the music director and lead guitarist for Midnight Soul, a Motown, soul, and R&B wedding cover band. He is also the lead guitarist for Basket Case, a Tribute to Green Day, as well as The After Party with Stargazer productions. He has done numerous musicals and events with Trekorda since 2016, as well as running a private teaching studio in East Dallas.

Juan Avila

Cedar Park, TX
Piano, Piano (Classical), Piano (Musical Theatre)

Kristen Thompson

Dallas, TX
Clarinet, Clarinet - Bass, Flute, Piccolo, Saxophone - Alto, Saxophone - Bari, Saxophone - Tenor, Saxophone-Soprano

Joel Bourdier

Frisco, TX
Bass-Electric, Composing/Arranging, Transcribing, Vocalist (Classical)

Michael Nesuda

Dallas, TX
Guitar-Acoustic, Guitar-Classical, Guitar-Electric

Guitarist and composer Michael Nesuda has built his career on the crossroads of jazz and world-music idioms. He was a member of The Obscure Dignitaries (2013-2018), a world-music quintet rooted in Eastern European traditionals that expanded its repertoire to include folk-influenced popular music from every continent. He has also performed with Jamal Mohamed's Bridge Ensemble, both locally and overseas in China and Indonesia. Other musical highlights have included concerts with the Dallas Pops Orchestra and events keynoted by former president George W. Bush. Nesuda has performed both regionally and nationally with the Dallas String Quartet. He has also played with (and helped arrange pieces for) Classically Jazzed, a project by DFW Open Classical founder Mark Landson that creates jazz renditions of famous classical pieces. In addition, Nesuda makes appearances with swing-era jazz group La Pompe. His theater / dance work includes productions at Plano East Senior High and the Ft. Worth Academy of Arts; the Dark Circles 2018 adaptation of Aladdin (as part of the Elevator Project); and Do You Hear the People Sing?, a Broadway revue arranged by Les Misérables creators Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg.

Christian Gonzalez

North Richland Hills, TX
Clarinet, Composing/Arranging, Flute, Oboe, Piccolo, Saxophone - Alto, Saxophone - Tenor, Saxophone-Soprano, Transcribing

Sung Sim

San Antonio, TX
Piano, Synthesizer, Vocalist (Classical), Vocalist (Praise/Worship)

Alison Read

Dallas, TX
Harp

Alison Read, harpist, has maintained an active performing and teaching schedule around her native Dallas for almost two decades. She has established harp departments at both Stephen F. Austin State University, in Nacogdoches, where she taught 1999-2007 and more recently at The Hockaday School, where she began teaching in 2014. She leads the harp programs for all of Garland ISD, in addition to teaching privately at home. As an orchestral harpist, she is Principal Harpist at both the Abilene Philharmonic and Opera, as well as the Las Colinas, Garland, and Arlington Symphonies. She has performed as a featured soloist with all of her regular orchestras and also in Varna, Bulgaria. An advocate of new music, she is currently involved with several duos which are in the process of commissioning new works for unusual combinations with harp. In October 2017, she was honored to give world premieres performances in both Oxford and London of several new works which had been written for her. In addition to her orchestral and chamber music performances, Alison also regularly performs outreach concerts in schools, hospitals, and nursing homes for Texas Winds. In the summer, she is Principal Harpist of the Utah Festival Opera. Alison received her Bachelor of Music from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, where she studied with renown harpist, Alice Chalifoux. She completed her Master of Music at Southern Methodist University, where she studied with Susan Pejovich.

Dameron Growe

Arlington, TX
Clinician - Choir, Piano, Piano (Musical Theatre), Vocalist (Classical), Vocalist (Pop/Rock), Vocalist (Praise/Worship)

I am a DFW metroplex native. I have been playing piano and singing for churches, schools, and private events. My expertise is in choirs (accompanying, teaching, directing), Jazz, Gospel, R&B, Classical, and Pop. I love teaching and coaching young performers. Being well-versed in piano and vocal technique serves me well.

William Brent Sawyer

New York, NY
Composing/Arranging, Piano, Piano (Classical), Piano (Jazz/Pop), Piano (Musical Theatre), Piano Technician, Synthesizer, Transcribing

Graduate of Booker T Washington High School of the Performing & Visual Arts. Graduate of SMU - Meadows School of Music on Piano Scholarship with a Bachelor's of Music degree specializing in Music Theory and Composition. I have worked in the pit of 5 Broadway Shows and have Music Directed 13 Off-Broadway Productions and Have Conducted/Music Directed/Played keyboards in approximately 200 productions across the country. Was briefly the Music Supervisor at Casa Manana theater in Fort Worth and has worked on 20 productions at that theater. Voted Best Music Director for Dallas Awards 2015, 2016, 2017 at BroadwayWorld.com. I am A private vocal coach in New York City and have worked with many of Broadways top talents. I am a published composer and Orchestrator.

Dana Taylor

Flower Mound, TX
Piano

Kelly Himes

Keller, TX

Russell Mirabelli

Grand Prairie, TX
Bass-Electric, Guitar-Acoustic, Guitar-Electric, Mandolin

Joshua Green

Arlington, TX
Piano, Piano (Classical), Piano (Jazz/Pop)

Holding a BM in piano performance and MM in piano pedagogy, Joshua Green is a faculty member at both Dallas Baptist University and Tarrant County College where he teaches class piano, private applied piano, and courses in Music Appreciation. In addition, Mr. Green continues to freelance as a solo performer and collaborative pianist throughout the DFW area and is available to provide music for weddings, parties, and events for all occasions; as well as accompany for recitals, concerts, auditions, UIL competitions, etc.

Sharon Bailey

Garland, TX
Piano

SHARON BAILEY has enjoyed a wide range of musical experiences in her career as a pianist and accompanist. She has accompanied many public school choirs in the Dallas area, frequently plays for All-Region Choirs, and has served as an accompanist for the Youth Chorus of Greater Dallas. Sharon is currently the accompanist for choirs, opera, and musical theatre productions at Dallas Baptist University. She has also had the opportunity to accompany numerous vocal and instrumental soloists and various musical performances throughout the state and internationally. Sharon maintained a private piano studio for many years and has been the pianist for Lakeside Baptist Church/Lake Pointe in Dallas since 1987. As a lifelong fan of musical theatre, she has enjoyed playing the keyboard in several local theatre productions, in addition to acting as musical director for summer camp musical productions. Sharon earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in Music and Speech Pathology and Audiology and a Master of Music degree in Piano Performance from Hardin-Simmons University. She is a member of TMEA and Sigma Alpha Iota.

Candy Hooper

Dallas, TX
Organ, Piano

Kevin Hamm

Dallas, TX

Jay Majernik

Dallas, TX
Percussion - Drumset, Percussion - Mallet, Percussion - Other

Mr. Majernik is an accomplished performer. He has been a section percussion member of the Plano Symphony Orchestra for almost 25 years. He recently retired from the Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra after 19 years. Other orchestras with which he performs are Irving Symphony, New Philharmonic Orchestra of Irving, and Garland/Las Colinas Symphony among others. He is also an active pit musician with musical theatre productions. Theatre Three, Water Tower Theatre, and Junior Players of Dallas are among the companies with which he has recently performed. He currently endorses Evans drumheads, Paiste cymbals and Pro-Mark drumsticks and mallets. Mr. Majernik is married to author Laura Leigh Majernik. They have 2 sons, John 12 and Noah 9, and 2 dogs, Wally and Yeti.

Ryan Ayres

Pleasanton, CA
Composing/Arranging, Transcribing

Ryan Ayres is a composer, arranger, orchestrator, instrumentalist, and music copyist based in Denton, TX. He holds degrees from University of North Texas (BM 16 Composition and Music Theory) and the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University (MM 19 Composition).

Cristian Rachid Bernal Castillo

Dallas, TX
Piano

Marie Rogers

Benbrook, TX
Piano

I am a retired choral director with 26 years of experience. My choirs consistently earned Sweepstakes awards and Best in Class at area Festivals. I have accompanied choirs, soloists and instrumentalists for 42 years. My performances include Honor Choir accompanist for TMEA, SWACDA and have served as staff accompanist at Southwestern Baptist Seminary where my duties included accompanying voice studios, the Master Chorale and the Children's Chorus. I was honored to play the piano for the Dallas Police Officers Memorial in 2016 at the Meyerson Symphony Center. In 2016 I was rehearsal accompanist for the Great American Choral Society in Firenze Italy under the direction of Dr. David Thye.

Andrew Goins

Arlington, TX
Bass-Electric, Bass-Upright, Clinician - Orchestra

As a performer, Andrew Goins enjoys an active and diverse freelance performing schedule on both double bass and bass guitar. He plays in numerous orchestras, jazz groups, pit ensembles, and the occasional rock band. He regularly plays with the Dallas Winds, the premier professional wind ensemble in the United States, and recently recorded a CD featuring the works of renowned composer John Mackey. Andrew has accompanied Bobby McFerrin, Itzhak Perlman, and Chris Martin, among others. Andrew holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Studies from The University of Texas at Austin, where he studied double bass with Dr. David Neubert and Mr. John Fremgen. Mr. Goins has served on the faculty for summer camps at Oklahoma State University, the University of Texas at Arlington, Baylor University, and Sam Houston State University. He has many former students who have gone on to perform, teach, and create music. You can read more at https://andrewgoins.com/about/

Alex Smith

Plano, TX
Piano Technician

Head piano technician Midwestern State University Tuner - Wideman International Piano Competetion Tuner - Carrollton, McKinney, Argyle ISD Tuner - Baylor University Tuner - several local Steinway Artists, MTA teachers, MTA festival tunings and many 1000's member of public

Hector Torres

Denton , TX
Banjo, Bass-Electric, Guitar-Acoustic, Guitar-Classical, Guitar-Electric, Lute, Mandolin, Transcribing, Ukelele

Ben Pham

Austin, TX
Percussion - Drumset

Ashley Bird Penov

Addison, TX
Audio Technician, Vocalist (Classical), Vocalist (Jazz), Vocalist (Pop/Rock)

I have been a musician and vocalist for as long as I can remember, focusing predominantly on rock, blues, and choral music. I have been a hobbyist sound engineer for a few years now, but during the pandemic I've taken to honing my skills both with audio and video editing for putting together virtual performances.

Catherine Conlin

Dallas, TX
Clarinet, Clarinet - Bass, Flute, Oboe, Piccolo, Saxophone - Alto, Saxophone - Bari, Saxophone - Tenor, Saxophone-Soprano

Catherine Conlin is an active performer, educator, and clinician, in the North Texas area. She recently received her Masters in clarinet performance from the University of North Texas, where she was a member of the Concert Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra, and appeared on multiple recordings with the North Texas Wind Symphony. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Catherine spent many years as an orchestral player and woodwind doubler in the Greater Cleveland area, holding principal clarinet positions in the Cleveland Women’s Orchestra and the Cleveland Philharmonic Orchestra, where she also held the Eb clarinet position. She has been featured as a soloist with the Cleveland State University Symphony, under the direction of Victor Liva, and with the Cleveland State Clarinet Choir, under the direction of Theodore Johnson. She was also an active chamber musician and performed regularly with her woodwind quintet, All-Star Winds. Recently, she was a finalist in the International Clarinet Association’s Orchestral Audition competition and a woodwind finalist in UNT’s prestigious concerto competition. She is also an active woodwind doubler in the DFW area, performing for Firehouse Theater, Company of Rowlett Players, Lakeside Community Theater, Greater Lewisville Community Theater, and North Texas Performing Arts Repertory Theater. She is currently teaches clarinet and saxophone in Prosper ISD and Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD.

Ekaterina (Katya) Chernaya Oh

Flower Mound, TX
Piano

Kathy French

Plano, TX
Piano, Piano (Musical Theatre), Vocalist (Classical), Vocalist (Jazz), Vocalist (Pop/Rock), Vocalist (Praise/Worship)

Nathan Smith

Dallas, TX
Piano Technician

Linda Ice

FORT WORTH, TX
Clinician - Choir

Will Varner

Fate, TX
Clinician - Choir, Composing/Arranging, Organ, Piano, Piano (Classical), Piano (Jazz/Pop), Piano (Musical Theatre), Synthesizer

Robert Brown

Dallas, TX
Composing/Arranging, Harpsichord, Organ, Percussion - Other, Piano, Piano (Jazz/Pop), Piano (Musical Theatre), Programming, Synthesizer, Transcribing

Julie Gray

Denton, TX
Trombone, Tuba

Brian Walker

Grand Prairie, TX
Trumpet

Laura Farnell

Arlington, TX
Clinician - Choir, Composing/Arranging, Piano

Laura is a composer, clinician, and adjudicator from Arlington, Texas. A graduate of Baylor University in Texas, Laura taught public school for ten years at the elementary and junior high levels where she was awarded Teacher of the Year at both of her schools and received the district's outstanding junior high teacher award. In addition to composing and accompanying locally, she serves as an invited clinician and presenter. She currently has more than eighty choral compositions in publication, including many commissioned pieces. She and her husband, Russell, and their two sons, attend First Presbyterian Church of Arlington where Russell serves as Minister of Music and Laura directs the youth and children's choirs.

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