Community Partnerships

Education

• B.M. – University of Wisconsin-Parkside
• M.M. – University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Background

Why did you choose to work at WCM?

I like that I can work in an individualized setting such as private lessons or I can work in the community and share music with larger groups. I also like that I get to work alongside such amazing artists who support me and that I can continuously learn from.

What year did you start working at WCM?

2020

Describe a musical experience or teacher that had a positive impact on you.

My percussion professor at UW-Parkside was someone who constantly supported me and pushed me to be my best. He also encouraged me to create my own path as an artist. He inspires me as an educator and performer and my goal is to be that kind of mentor to my students.

Education

• B.M. – Lawrence University

Background

Why did you choose to work at WCM?

I chose to work at WCM because it offered me the opportunity to work collaboratively with amazing students while still actively pursuing my passion for my own music making experiences.

What year did you start working at WCM?

2023

Describe a musical experience or teacher that had a positive impact on you.

Performing in Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro in college really challenged my abilities as a performer.

Education

• Bachelor of Arts in Music – Maranatha Baptist University
• Level 1 Certification – Early Childhood Music and Movement Association
• Nationally Certified Teacher of Music – Music Teachers National Association

Background

Why did you choose to work at WCM?

I loved the opportunity to teach private lessons, early childhood, and in local schools.

What year did you start working at WCM?

2023

Describe a musical experience or teacher that had a positive impact on you.

I didn’t want to be a teacher until I met Dr. Rick Townsend who taught me during my freshman and sophomore years of college. He inspired me to start teaching after he demonstrated the impact we can have on our students’ lives and the lives of their families.

Education

• Bachelor of Science, Music Education | Ball State University
• Master of Arts (in progress), Flute Performance | University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Background

• Spent the past 5+ years teaching woodwind sectionals, flute sectionals, and private flute lessons at a variety of schools in the greater Indianapolis area.
• Worked as the Community Programs Assistant for Classical Music Indy 2018-2019 and as Assistant Education Coordinator for the Muncie Symphony Orchestra in Spring 2018.
• Worked as an Education Intern for the Chicago based not-for-profit, Fifth House Ensemble, in 2017.
• Acted as inaugural secretary for the Flute Guild at Ball State University in 2017.
• Performed Density 21.5 in Summer 2017 at the Milwaukee Art Museum through the Fresh Inc. Festival.
• Sings with her band EKRUTEAK.
• Spends her summers working as Program Coordinator for Music for the Sake of Music, a music not-for-profit providing free lessons and music ensembles in Green Bay, WI.

Education

• B.S.  PreK – 12 Instrumental / General Music Education | Ball State University
• M.M.  Trumpet Performance, Secondary Concentration in Chamber Music | UW-Milwaukee

Background

Why did you choose to work at WCM?

I chose to work at WCM to connect with the amazing and talented faculty, help enrich the experiences of music students through diverse program offerings, and get involved in the greater Milwaukee community.

What year did you start working at WCM?

2019

Describe a musical experience or teacher that had a positive impact on you.

When I was in 6th grade, the Dallas Brass came to do a week long residency and side-by-side concert with our band program. Seeing these spectacular performers live and getting to interact with them on a personal level influenced my desire to pursue music as a career. I wanted to do what they did – bring accessible, high level musical performances to people of all backgrounds. Through my work with other non-profit organizations, performing and commissioning music by under-represented and living composers, and collaborating with artists of diverse backgrounds, I hope to continue giving back to my community through music.

Website

www.alecburkemusic.com

Education

Bachelor of Music, Vocal Performance | Eastman School of Music in Rochester New York

Background

• An Illinois native, dynamic soprano and music educator Elise Cismesia has extensive knowledge and dexterity in opera, art song, and musical theater.
• She is a versatile classically trained soprano with comprehensive performing experience throughout a vast milieu of works and genres from early to new music.
• During her time at Eastman, she sang in the Eastman Treble Choir, Eastman Repertory Singers, and the Eastman Chorale under the baton’s of Dr. William Wiehart and Dr. Phillip Silvey, and she has studied in the studio of renowned Mezzo- soprano and pedagogue Kathryn Cowdrick.
• In the Rochester community, Elise was the Choral Section Leader and Cantor at Church of the Ascension for three years.
• Some highlights from Elise’s time performing with the Eastman Opera Theater include the roles of “Ms. Higgins/Chorus” in Mozart’s Der Schauspieldirektor and “Featured Ensemble/Chorus” in Sondheim’s Sweeny Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.
• Notably, Elise performed in a filmed green-screened virtual production of Dominick Argento’s surrealist contemporary opera Postcard from Morocco singing the role of “Person with Old Luggage/Puppet #1/ Operetta Singer”.
• In addition to her passion for singing, Elise is a committed educator having instructed voice and piano lessons at the Allegro Dance and Music Academy in Lemont Illinois.
• She has a deep and strong enthusiasm to provide equitable, inclusive and accessible music education to all.
• In addition to being on faculty at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music, Elise is a chorister in the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus.

Education

• Bachelor of Music, Music Therapy/Voice | University of Evansville, Evansville, IN
• Current Board Certification Cycle, initiated 2021 | Certification Board of Music Therapy

Background

• Currently serving as a home hospice music therapist.
• Specializes in working with adults 18+ with memory impairments.
• Provided music education to elementary students through WCM partnership.
• University-level music therapy educator through classroom and fieldwork experiences.
• Presenter for community-based groups on topics including music relaxation, music appreciation, and diagnosis-focused music therapy.

Education

• Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Voice Performance | Roosevelt University (Chicago Musical College)
• Graduate Level Vocal Training | University of Iowa

Background

• Joined the Vocal Arts faculty at the Conservatory in 2017.
• Is a cross-genre singer that is classically trained, jazz influenced, and soul inspired.
• Has taught private voice to students of all levels for thirty years, which includes more than a decade in New York.
• Began her career singing career as a soprano and has sung with Lincoln Opera Chicago, the Lyric Theater of Illinois and the Bel Canto Chorus of Milwaukee.
• Has gradually transitioned from singing classical music exclusively to performing an eclectic repertoire of music.
• Has performed alongside a diverse group of critically acclaimed artists such as Simon Estes, Wycliffe Gordon, BeBe Winans, Vanessa Williams, Laurel Masse and Gerald Levert.

Education

• B.M.- University of Illinois at Chicago
• M.M.- Stephen F. Austin State University

Background

Why did you choose to work at WCM?

I wanted to work with teachers and students that would push my own levels of creativity and musicality.

What year did you start working at WCM?

2023.

Describe a musical experience that had a positive impact on you:

While at UIC, Dr. Jose Riojas always took the time to connect with students and see everyone as an individual; this made him an incredible leader in front of ensembles and a trusted friend off the podium.

Education

• B.M Music Performance – Millikin University
• M.A. Percussion Performance – Truman State University

Background

Why did you choose WCM?

I’ve always wanted to teach music, and I love giving back to the community. The Conservatory seemed like the perfect place to do both!

When did you start at WCM?

2023

Describe a musical experience that has had a positive impact on you?

My private lesson teacher through middle and high school is one of the best people I’ve ever met. He’s an amazing teacher, and makes sure to keep in touch with us even years after we left.

Background

Born in Milwaukee, Wi, Deonte is a young up-and-coming percussionist setting an example for his peers and the next generation, by trailblazing the Milwaukee music scene.

Deonte currently teaches and is a part of a few ensembles and bands, all while maintaining his own business ventures.

Deonte has been most recently involved with the Milwaukee Bucks Drumline, coaches his high school drumline at Riverside, and is the drummer for bands “Nwa Na Agbe,” and “The Urbanites,” to name a few.

Education

• Bachelor of Science, Music Education | University of Wisconsin – La Crosse
• Master of Music, Trumpet Performance | University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee

Background

• Joined the Conservatory faculty in 2017.
• Plays with groups such as the Wisconsin and Milwaukee Philharmonics and the Lake County Symphony Orchestra.
• Premiered new music with Present Music and DIY Chamber Ensemble.
• Plays in the pit orchestras of dozens of musicals around Wisconsin.
• Taught master classes throughout the Midwest.

Education

• Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music, Vocal Performance | University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Background

• Joined the Conservatory faculty in December 2021.
• Has taught singing in various forms since 2013.
• Composes and co-directs an annual musical for the West Bend Parks and Recreation Department.
• Has attended two National Association of Teacher of Singing conferences and completed the Estill Singing workshops.
• Enjoys singing at St. Paul’s Episcopal and throughout the Milwaukee community.
• Wrote a libretto for the Florentine Opera for Kids program.

Chair – Woodwinds, Brass & Percussion

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree, Music Education, Music Performance | Ohio State University
• Master’s Degree, Music Performance | University of South Carolina

Background

• Began his musical studies at age nine, playing drum set and taking private percussion lessons.
• Coached the percussion ensemble and spent time conducting the wind ensemble as a Teaching Assistant and Counselor for the Instrumental Music Program at The North Carolina Governor’s School East(summers of 2014-2015).
• Was the Front Ensemble Instructor with the Grove City High School Marching Band, including a trip to the Rose Parade in Pasadena, California (2016-2017).
• Received the prestigious Presser Foundation Scholarship while studying at Ohio State.
• Worked as a Graduate Assistant for the University of South Carolina percussion studio and was the percussionist for the Spark Collective, a graduate quintet focusing on community engagement through music.
• Won the concerto competition at the University of South Carolina in 2018 and performed Kevin Puts’ Marimba Concerto No. 1 with the University of South Carolina Symphony Orchestra in 2019.
• Enjoys practicing marimba, making coffee, and hanging out with his dog, Lila.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance – Butler University
• Master’s degree in Performance – University of Oklahoma (where he expanded upon his ever-growing musical repertoire with Doctor Anthony Stoops)
• Alec’s first private teacher was Laura Snyder, a prominent bassist in the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, with whom he studied in high school in Brookfield, Wisconsin
• Studied under Professor David Murray, internationally renowned solo bassist and educator

Background

• Joined WCM in 2023
• Alec Henry is a multifaceted bassist and teacher
• Born and raised in West Allis, Wisconsin, he is currently an instructor for the Connections program at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
• He also maintains a private studio for various string students throughout Southeastern Wisconsin
• Before settling down again in Milwaukee, Alec was the String Bass Graduate Assistant at the University of Oklahoma
• He played in various local orchestras throughout the Midwest, serving as principal bass in both the Hendricks Symphony Orchestra and Philharmonic Orchestra of Indianapolis
• During his youth, Alec spent eight years with the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra
• His Indiana summers were spent teaching for the various youth music camps led by the Butler Community Arts School on campus
• Specifically, Alec specializes in the teaching and performance of 21st Century solo bass literature, euro-classical music, and modern jazz compositions on both the upright and electric bass.
• In addition to his teaching at the Wisconsin Conservatory, Alec likes to stay involved with the string bass community by attending the biannual International Society of Bassists Conventions as well as volunteering with the Richard Davis Foundation for Young Bassists in Madison, Wisconsin

Education

• Bachelor of Music, Viola Performance- University of the Arts Berlin
• Violin Books 1-5: Suzuki Association of the Americas
• (Books 4 and 5 are in progress)

Background

Why did you choose to work at WCM?

I enjoy working collaboratively with students and families. I believe music is a tool that brings joy to young people’s lives, allowing them to express themselves, make close friends, and form lasting connections. Learning music at a young age provides children with experiences they will never forget. It also teaches vital life skills such as self-discipline, collaboration, and dedication.

What year did you start working at WCM?

2022

Describe a musical experience or teacher that had a positive impact on you.

Studying viola with Prof. Hartmut Rohde at the University of the Arts Berlin, which instilled a passion for teaching in me.

Education

• B.M. Piano Performance – St. Olaf College
• M.M. Piano Performance/Pedagogy – UW Madison
• Smart Start Teacher Certification – Royal Conservatory of Music

Background

Why did you choose to work at WCM?

I chose to work at WCM because of the feeling of community–being surrounded by such high-caliber faculty is inspiring! I also love how WCM is able to provide music instruction to children in schools who would otherwise go without, and I have experienced first hand what a difference that can make.

What year did you start working at WCM?

2010-2014 and 2019-Present time.

Describe a musical experience or teacher that had a positive impact on you.

The summer after graduate school, I had the opportunity to attend a summer program on the music of Debussy in Castres, France. Studying Debussy in a beautiful chateau in the French countryside was definitely a highlight of my musical studies, and I think back to it every time I perform or teach French music.

Education

• D.M.A.- Texas Tech University (Piano)
• M.M.- Bowling Green State University (Piano)
• M.M.- Bowling Green State University (Composition)
• Piano Grade 8 Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM)

Background

Why did you choose WCM?

I chose to work at WCM because of the mandate and commitment to serving disenfranchised schools with excellent music teaching and resources. Thus, fostering a more holistic and well-rounded arts appreciative community by making music accessible to all.

What year did you start working at WCM?

2023.

Describe a musical experience that had a positive impact on you:

I have had many music experiences in my lifetime. However, one I will forever cherish was when I was 18 and I thought it was too late to make music a career and I basically gave up music. A teacher by the name of Kimberly Cann showed me through her teaching that my dream of having music a career could be a reality. I haven’t looked back since and it also pushed me to share that knowledge and inspiration with others.

https://mikhail2406.wixsite.com/mikhail-johnson

Education

• Bachelor of Science, Psychology (Summa Cum Laude) | University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee

Background

• Sofia has been playing the harp since she was six years old.
• She achieved several music honors and awards in high school, such as earning first place in the senior division of the Northern Illinois University Community School Talent Scholarship, and playing as principal harpist for the ILMEA Honors All-State Band in 2017.
• Despite her success in music, she chose to complete a psychology degree over a music degree with the goal of becoming a clinical psychologist, while taking harp lessons at UWM and playing for various UWM ensembles to build her repertoire.
• Sofia worked as a Child Research Technician for the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study at UWM, and authored two publications for research in working memory appearing in Biological Psychology (2021) and Frontiers in Psychology (2022).
• Since graduating, she has been focusing on returning to her musical, creative roots by working towards making harp music, and music education in general, more accessible to her community.
• Sofia is thrilled to join the WCM team and the Smart Start program, fulfilling her background in cognitive neuroscience and passion for promoting music accessibility.

Education

• Bachelor of Music | Indiana University
• Master of Music | University of Michigan

Background

• Joined the Conservatory in 2018.
• Received Suzuki Teacher Training with Mimi Zweig and Judy Offman.
• Has taught students of all ages and levels for 25 years.
• Created and directed Suzuki and traditional instrumental programs in schools in New York, Texas, Wisconsin, and London.
• Has enjoyed a varied career as an orchestral violinist and freelance chamber musician, performing in the US and Europe with the New World Symphony, New Haven Symphony, Bayou City Chamber Orchestra, National Repertory Orchestra, and the Spoleto Festival Orchestra.
• Chosen by Isaac Stern and Sir Georg Solti to perform and record as a member of the Solti Orchestra Project at Carnegie Hall.
• Received first prize in the Fischoff International Chamber Music Competition.

Education

• B.M St. Francis Xavier University
• Phil Mattson’s School for Music Vocation

Background

Why did you choose to work at WCM?

I love our mission to make high quality music instruction accessible to everyone!

What year did you start working at WCM?

2023

Describe a musical experience or teacher that had a positive impact on you.

My mentor, the late Jerry Granelli, challenged me to create music from a place of true authenticity. I’m forever grateful for his guidance while he believed in me (even when I didn’t believe in myself!). He helped me find a fascination with improvised music, as well as discovering humor in creativity. Turns out that having curiosity spark hard work and dedication is WAY better than fear!

http://www.eclareproductions.com/

Chair – Early Childhood

Education

• BMA- DePauw University
• Childcare credentials- 4 C’s
• EC and Kodaly 1- Silver Lake College
• Smart Start teacher certification

Background

Why did you choose to work at WCM?

I love sharing music and seeing the joy in a child’s face when they are excited about experiencing something new. WCM helps me to share music and joy with more families and children.

What year did you start working at WCM?

2005

Describe a musical experience or teacher that had a positive impact on you.

I’ve always found joy and comfort in music from my musical family to playing Orff instruments in elementary school to singing in my high school choir to playing music games as a teacher.

WCM Board Faculty Representative

Education

• BME, strings emphasis- Baylor University
• MM, violin performance- University of North Carolina at Greensboro
• Violin Book 1-10- Suzuki Association of the Americas
• Viola Book 1-5- Suzuki Association of the Americas
• Smart Start Certificate- Royal Conservatory of Music

Background

Why did you choose to work at WCM?

Growing up learning violin in a Suzuki program, I knew that I wanted to teach in a Suzuki program. I wanted to be part of a community of like-minded teachers and families.

What year did you start working at WCM?

2016

Describe a musical experience or teacher that had a positive impact on you.

During my long-term Suzuki teacher training at the School for Strings in New York City, I got to train with Allen Lieb, chair of the ISA and SAA violin committees. I loved hearing his stories about his students and his experiences learning from Dr. Suzuki in Japan.

Education

• Doctor of Musical Arts, Trombone Performance | Arizona State University

Background

• Emmy Rozanski is an enthusiastic music educator and active freelance trombonist in the Milwaukee and Chicago areas.
• Adjunct music faculty at Alverno College, teaching artist for Sistema Ravinia, and low brass instructor at Highland Park High School.
• Traveled to El Salvador in the summers of 2019 and 2018 as a teaching artist with MusAid, leading classes in technique and ensemble skills, as well as teaching private lessons.
• Currently the principal trombonist for the Skokie Valley Symphony Orchestra (Skokie, IL) and has recently performed with the International Women’s Music Festival Orchestra (Madison) Summit Brass (Denver), the Powder River Symphony (Wyoming), and the Billings Symphony (Montana).
• Toured Switzerland performing with the Arizona Contemporary Music Ensemble.
• She is researching motivation and growth mindset as they pertain to musicians and educators and presented on these topics at the 2019 International Trombone Festival and International Women’s Brass Conference.
• As part of her doctoral project she wrote and illustrated a children’s book about the trombone, Mr. Fitch Joins the Band.

Education

• Bachelor’s in Music Performance | Crane School of Music
• Master’s in Music Performance | University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee

Background

• Holds principal positions with the Sheboygan Symphony Orchestra and the Lake County Symphony Orchestra.
• Has performed with the Southwestern Suburban Symphony Orchestra, Present Music Milwaukee, Northern Symphonic Winds, Racine Symphony, Wisconsin Philharmonic, Antioch Brass Quintet, and The Big Top Circus Band, and is on numerous sub lists in both Wisconsin and Illinois.
• Performs with a number of local jazz and rock groups in the Milwaukee area.
• Runs a large, successful low brass studio.
• Has placed in and won numerous national and international competitions.
• Does recitals and masterclasses at universities and solos with orchestras in the area, like the Lake County Symphony Orchestra this season.

Education

• B.A.- Majored in Music Performance and Mathematics at University of Wisconsin, Madison
• M.M.- Northwestern University

Background

Why did you choose to work at WCM?

I love sharing my joy for music with students of all ages.

What year did you start working at WCM?

2018

Describe a musical experience or teacher that had a positive impact on you.

When I was in middle school, I attended my first camp, Birch Creek, in Door County. At the camp they said, “Many students decide that they want to pursue a career in music when they come to this camp.” I had a great time at camp, but thought that a career in music probably wasn’t for me. I continued going back to that camp for 3 more summers and eventually decided I loved making music so much that I didn’t want to stop.

http://Alloyhornquartet.com

Education

• Bachelor of Music in Viola Performance – Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE)
• Master of Music in Viola Performance – Louisiana State University (LSU)

Background

• Born in Vassouras/RJ – Brazil, Felipe Vianna started his music studies at PIM – Programa de Integração pela Música, a social project based on El-Sistema Music Education, having violin lessons with Daniel Andrade, and participating actively in Suzuki masterclasses with Suray Soren Doyle and Paulo Bosisio. Later, became violin, viola, and music theory teacher at the project from 2007 to 2009.
• After migrating to viola, pursued his studies at Federal University of Pernambuco, where played actively as principal and section viola at UFPE Symphony Orchestra and “Sonoro Ofício”, a historically informed chamber orchestra, from 2010 to 2016.
• Finalist at Paulo Bosisio National String Competition in Juiz de Fora/ MG – Brazil, adult division in 2013.
• Co-principal viola at Orquestra Sinfônica da Paraíba, in João Pessoa/PB – Brazil, during 2015 season.
• Received the Graduate School Tuition Award (GSTA) from Louisiana State University in 2017.
• Worked as violin and viola teacher at Kid’s Orchestra in Baton Rouge, academic year 2019-2020.
• Major viola professors (in chronological order): Dr. Savio Santoro (UFPE), Dr. Elias Goldstein (LSU) and Paul Cortese.
• Participated in festivals in Brazil, US, and Italy, under the tutelage of many great violists, such as Emmerson diBiaggi, Leonardo Piermartini, Carlos Aleixo, Marcelo Jaffé, Alexandre Razera, Gabriel Marin, Nobuko Imai, Bruno Giuranna, Carol Rodland, Michelle LaCourse, Phillip Ying, Paul Newbauer, Raimi Solomonov, Karen Dreyfous, Susan Dubois, Wenting Kang, Hella Frank, Daphne Gerling and Glêsse Collet.

Education

• BME from UWEC
• Kodaly certificate from Silver Lake College
• Masters of Music Education from Silver Lake College
• Smart Start training from RCM

Background

Why did you choose to work at WCM?

After many years of full-time General Music teaching in public schools, the Connections program became the right fit for me and my family.

What year did you start working at WCM?

2017

Describe a musical experience or teacher that had a positive impact on you.

Hearing little ones sing for the first time in a Smart Start class is as rewarding as directing an advanced choir. It gives me immense joy to make music with our youngest musicians at WCM.

Director of Community Partnerships

Education

• Bachelor of Music, Music Education (Graduated Cum Laude) | Michigan State University,
• Master of Music, Choral Conducting | Michigan State University
• Doctor of Musical Arts, Music Education | Boston University

Background

• Dr. John Bragle is a passionate music educator, singer, researcher, and arts advocate with more than 20 years of teaching experience in public and private school music programs, higher education, and community-based music settings.
• Most recently, Bragle served as the Director of Choirs and Instructor of Voice at the Interlochen Arts Academy, a premiere boarding arts school in Michigan.
• While at Interlochen, choirs under his direction have performed with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Traverse Symphony Orchestra, and Interlochen’s World Youth Symphony Orchestra in venues such as Lincoln Center, DAR Constitution Hall, and Detroit’s Orchestra Hall.
• In addition to establishing partnerships that connected Interlochen to the community through performance and collaborative learning, Bragle also led efforts to increase the diversity of curricular materials and highlight more inclusive best practices for faculty.

Community Partnerships Associate

Education

• B.A. in English and Psychology | Washington University in St. Louis

Background

Why did you choose to work at WCM?

I chose to work at WCM because I wanted to join the vibrant music community and contribute to making music education more accessible in the Milwaukee area.

Describe a musical experience or teacher that had a positive impact on you.

My first harp teacher was very encouraging of me learning the instrument at an “older” age, and without her support I probably would have stuck with playing piano only and missed out on some amazing experiences in the harp world.

What year did you start working at WCM?

2022

Director, Education

Education

• Bachelor of Music – Northwestern University
• Master of Music – Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University
• Music Education Certification Courses – University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Background

Why did you choose to work at WCM?

While living in various cities for my undergraduate and graduate studies, I found that I enjoyed teaching as part of a school community more than going it alone. WCM has allowed me to nurture my passion for teaching piano and general music and also perform as a collaborative pianist and chamber musician. I spent the first 15 years at WCM in a teaching artist role and the last 5 as the Director of Education.

What year did you start working at WCM?

2003

Associate Director, Education

Education

Chief Operations Officer

Education

• B.M. – University of Central Missouri
• M.M. – University of Nebraska – Lincoln

Background

Why did you choose to work at WCM?

I love teaching piano. I love helping others. I love my family. WCM gave me the opportunity to assist others in accomplishing their musical goals, teach piano, and be near my family.

What year did you start working at WCM?

2007

Describe a musical experience or teacher that had a positive impact on you.

Right now – I am spending more time practicing and it is doing wonderful things. I am enjoying the process of learning a new rep and then linking it to what I get to try with my students.

President, Chief Executive Officer

Education

BA from UW-Madison and his MA in Organization, Leadership, and Quality from Marian University

Background

Eric brings more than 20 years of experience working in an executive leadership capacity at several leading non-profit organizations, including the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, where he increased corporate giving by 25%, doubled contributions to the annual fund, and helped secure numerous seven figure gifts; the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee, where under his leadership the organization reached new heights in annual fund contributions and donors; and Marian University where he led the first comprehensive capital campaign raising record amounts.  Recently, Eric has led his own consulting firm where he advised such clients as the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy, and the Autism Society of Southeastern Wisconsin in strategic planning, fund development, and board capacity.

His extensive experience driving record-setting revenue growth, his expansive leadership expertise and his ability to generate positive change and to build organizational consensus have been trademarks of Eric’s career.   Eric has served on several non-profit boards in the Milwaukee area including the Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin and Future Milwaukee.