Conservatory Connections

Education

•  Bachelor’s of Vocal Music Education | Harding University 

Background

• Katie is a Soprano in the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus, and was a member of the Harding Chamber Choir from 2017-2019 and the Harding Chorus from 2015-2019.
• Aims to help students include the mind, body and spirit in the creation of their music, as learning to do so is a part of being a musician.
• Wants to influence the next generation and equip students to create and investigate in their own lives, helping students to help themselves.

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.
• 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.
• As a classical singer, Marcya began her 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.
• Marcya 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

• Bachelor of Arts, Music – University of Nebraska-Kearney
• Master of Music – University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Background

• WCM faculty member since 2002.
• At the age of 13, was chosen to participate in a solo concert with the Orchestra of the Conservatory of Music in Bogota, Colombia to play the Haydn Concerto in F.
• DeGreiff-Beisser’s broad training includes studies in accompanying for instrumental and vocal ensembles and soloists.
• As a recitalist, has appeared at the University of Nebraska, and at the Biblioteca Luis Angel Arango Concert Hall and Olav Roots Auditorium in Bogota, Colombia.
• Has also appeared at several opera productions with the UWM voice students, as well as several voice faculty recitals here at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music.
• Studied under Harold Martina, Blanca Uribe, James Cook, Jeffrey Peterson, Katjia Phillambaum and Judit Jaimes.

Chair – Woodwinds, Brass & Percussion

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.

General Music Coordinator

Education

• Bachelor of Music, EC-12 General Music and Choir Teaching Certification | West Texas A&M University

Background

• Has been teaching since 2015, and started with the Conservatory in the Spring of 2018.
• While at West Texas A & M University, studied with Dr. Cloyce Kuhnert.
• Has been Soprano in Milwaukee’s Bel Canto Chorus since 2017. 
• Committed to providing children with the opportunity to learn and experience music, and hopes that through teaching she can instill not only a love of music in students but a love of learning about, creating, and playing music for the rest of their lives.

Education

• Bachelor of Arts – Augustana College
• Master of Music – University of Wisconsin
• Performer’s Certificate – University of Wisconsin

Background

• Joined the Conservatory Faculty in 2019.
• Winner of the 2015 University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Concerto Competition.
• Performed in a masterclass with Mimi Stillman in the fall of 2015.
• Has performed with multiple chamber ensembles across the Midwest.
• Frequent performances with Present Music – Milwaukee as part of the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee flute ensemble,
• Premiered two new works at the Fresh Inc. Festival in Kenosha, Wisconsin in the summer of 2019.

Chamber Music Manager

Education

• Bachelor of Music, Oboe Performance | Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music
• Master of Music, Oboe Performance | Rice University

Background

• Conservatory Faculty since 2015.
• Teaches private oboe lessons, chamber music, early childhood music, and K4-5th grade general music classes in Milwaukee schools.
• Freelance oboist in the greater Milwaukee area, performing frequently with the Milwaukee Ballet Orchestra, Fox Valley Symphony, Festival City Symphony, and Bel Canto.
• Oboist and Lecturer for the Washington Island Music Festival.
• Lecturer, teaching artist, and consultant for area arts organizations, including the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra (“Meet the Music” pre-concert talks, the Lullaby Project, and Link Up recorder concerts), PianoArts, and the LunArt Festival.
• Formerly Manager of Learning Programs and Community Engagement for The Cleveland Orchestra and Education Director of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra.
• Performed for four years (two as Co-Artistic Director) with the multi-disciplinary ensemble Tales & Scales, including appearances with the Dallas Symphony, Indianapolis Symphony, Oregon Symphony, and Louisville Orchestra.

Education

• Bachelor of Music, Jazz Studies | Indiana University Jacobs School of Music

Background

• Joined the Conservatory faculty in January 2019.
• Teaches and plays various styles of music on the drum set, specializing in jazz.
• Plays with her modern jazz quartet in the Milwaukee area.
• A featured instructor for the Vic Firth video series “Inside the Teaching Studio” entitled How to Sound Like Elvin Jones.
• Had the chance to play with musicians such as Leni Stern, Ingrid Jensen, and Jamie Baum.
• Enjoys teaching the bucket drumming and world percussion classes through the Conservatory Connections program, as well as private percussion lessons.

Education

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

Background

• Instructor at the Conservatory since 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, England.
• 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.
• First prize recipient in the Fischoff International Chamber Music Competition.
• Began playing the violin as a Suzuki student at the age of three.

Education

• Bachelor of Arts in Music and Religion | St. Olaf College

Background

• Worked as a summer camp counselor, choral ensemble manager, children’s music director, conducting/music theory teaching assistant, and a church music intern while in college.
• Serves as Director of Music for Redeemer Lutheran Church in Milwaukee, WI.
• Judges drum majors and field conductors once a year at a marching band competition in Sioux Falls, SD.
• Sings with Chant Claire and Milwaukee Chamber Choir.

Education

Bachelor of Music, Performance, Minor in Piano Pedagogy – Lawrence University

Background

• Joined the WCM Piano and General Music Faculty in 2018.
• Earned her Bachelor’s degree from Lawrence University in the studio of Professor Anthony Padilla, graduating magna cum laude and a member of Phi Beta Kappa.
• A pianist since she was five, she has performed in several competitions and masterclasses, playing for musicians such as internationally-renowned pianist Jeremy Denk and pianist and harpsichordist Lorna Peters.
• Enjoys exploring the arts of all kinds and holds an additional degree in English.
• She continues to collaborate with instrumentalists and choirs and is thrilled to be joining the musical community of the Conservatory.

Co-Chair – Strings

Education

• Bachelor of Music | Northern Illinois University
• Master of Music | Northern Illinois University
• Performer’s Certificate | Northern Illinois University

Background

• Member of the Conservatory String Faculty since 2018
• Pavia studied with international soloist Shmuel Ashkenasi and trained with the Grammy Award-winning Vermeer Quartet as a member of NIU’s Graduate String Quartet In-Residence
• Received numerous awards and scholarships, including graduate fellowships, from both the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi and the NIU Graduate School to pursue violin studies.
• Currently performs as Associate Principal Second Violin of Camerata Chicago, is on the substitute list for the Minnesota Orchestra, and has touredboth nationally and internationally in chamber music festivals, including the Zeister Musiekdagen Chamber Music Festivalin the Netherlands.
• As first violinist of the Ethereal Shima Quartet, her chamber music interpretations have been called “remarkably sensitive and mature” by John von Rhein of the Chicago Tribune.
• Performance credits include the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic (Concertmaster, Emmy Award-winning recording), Chicago’s Symphony Center, and at acclaimed venues throughout the world with renowned artists including the incomparable fiddler Mark O’Connor and jazz Vocalist Kurt Elling.
• Pavia’s students have won numerous concerto competitions and have gone on to pursue classical and contemporary violin performance at universities such as the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and the Berklee School of Music.

Chair – Early Childhood

Education

Bachelor of Music, Minor in Psychology | DePauw University in Greencastle, IN

Background

• WCM faculty member since 2005.
• While attending DePauw University, she taught preschoolers at the Tutor Time Child Care/Learning Center
• Elise has worked as a music teacher for Little People’s Music. Inc and at the Academy of Learning and Leadership for three years as a preschool teacher of two and four year olds.
• Received training in the Kodaly Concept, completed coursework at the Community Coordinated Child Care Center, and is certified as a lead Early Childhood Teacher.
• In addition to teaching in the Early Childhood Program at WCM, she also taught music to children in grades K4 – 8.

Education

• Master of Music, Clarinet Performance | University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee

Background

• Joined the WCM Faculty in 2015.
• Born in Caracas, Venezuela, Orlando Pimentel began his musical training in Venezuela’s System of Youth Orchestras, also known as “El Sistema”.
• Was a member of the “Simon Bolivar” Symphony Orchestra and performed with such renowned conductors as Claudio Abbado, Sergiu Comissiona, Gustavo Dudamel, Eduardo Mata, Sergei Senkov, among others
• Participated in master classes held by Luis Rossi, Anthony Pay, Walter Boeykens, Kalman Berkes, Eddy Vanoosthuyse, Michel Lethiec, Mario Frogionni, Walter Seyfarth, Judit Jaimes and Raquel Adonaylo.
• Together with three other colleagues, formed the Caracas Clarinet Quartet, a chamber ensemble that has performed throughout Venezuela, as well as in China, Europe, and South America, in addition to winning the 1996 National Artist Award for Best Classical Ensemble, the quartet released three CD’s: Cuarteto de Clarinetes de Caracas,Aires Tropicales, andSuelos.
• Performs regularly with the Madison Symphony Orchestra, Madison Symphony Chorus, Fox Valley Symphony, Green Bay Symphony, Racine Symphony, Kenosha Symphony, and Festival City Symphony Orchestra.
• Performed with the “Bach Dancing and Dynamite Society” Summer Festival in Madison, as well as the Rural Musicians Forum in Spring Green, WI.

Education

• Bachelor of Arts, Wide-Range Music Education | Wisconsin Lutheran College

Background

• Joined the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music faculty in August of 2018.
• Alex Randazzo holds teaching licenses in Choral Music, Instrumental Music, and General Music, for grades
• Pre-K through high school.
• After graduation, he spent a few years gaining experience in each of his license areas.
• Enjoys his time playing saxophone, guitar, and directing the adult choir at his church.”

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.
• Has also 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.
• Other notable experience includes working in 2017 as Education Intern for Chicago based not-for-profit, Fifth House Ensemble, and acting as inaugural secretary for the Flute Guild at Ball State University in 2017.
• In addition to singing with her band EKRUTEAK, prominent performances include her Summer 2017 performance of Density 21.5 at the Milwaukee Art Museum through the Fresh Inc. Festival.
• During the summer, Jennifer spends her time 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

•  Bachelor of Music, Violin Performance | University of Michigan

Background

• Joined the Conservatory faculty in the Fall of 2019.
• In 2011 she attended the New York String Seminar under the training of Jaime Laredo, and began to think aboutcombining the various bits of her background, and bring all of that diversity into her music.
• As a result of that, Chauntee started the Violin/Cello duo SistaStrings with her sister, and the ladies have performedwith Grammy winning artist Malik Yusef, and have opened for legends like The Roots, Lupe Fiasco, Bone Thugs’N Harmony, Black Violin and the list goes on.
• The ladies collaborate with local artists and perform in schools and churches as well as concert halls and modernvenues.
• Fall of 2018, she joined the Sphinx Virtuosi on a two-month tour that included stops at the Isabella Gardner Museum, Cleveland Institute of Music, and Carnegie Hall among many others.
• Her background in music is mostly classical in training but her diverse social background allowed her to step out of her comfort zone and pursue music in whatever genre speaks to her.

Education

•  Bachelor of Music, Cello Performance | Wheaton College Conservatory of Music | University of Wisconsin-Madison

Background

• Monique joined the Conservatory in 2019, and has been teaching the cello for five years. 
• She is a co-founder and member of SistaStrings, a string duo that advocates for diversity in the arts. 
• The duo frequently performs and teaches at schools and youth centers.
• A main focus of Monique’s is to help students better express themselves creatively – cultivating one’s own connection with music – and her passion for music helps to motivate and inspire. 
• Outside of being an educator and half of SistaStrings, Monique also tours, records and travels with other bands and artists.

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 also 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 in addition to running a large, successful low brass studio.
• Joshua 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

• Bachelor of Arts, Music Performance and Mathematics | University of Wisconsin – Madison
• Master of Music, Music Performance | Northwestern University

Background

• Started at the Conservatory in the Fall of 2018.
• Currently Principal Horn of the Milwaukee Ballet Orchestra, Third Horn of the Wisconsin Philharmonic, and a member of Alloy Horn Quartet.
• The quartet was Featured Guest Artist at the 2018 International Horn Symposium and featured soloists with the Kenosha Symphony Orchestra and Dubuque Symphony Orchestra.
• Formerly held positions in Omaha Symphony (Acting Associate Principal Horn) and New Mexico Philharmonic (3rd Horn).
• Substitute musician with Lyric Opera, Milwaukee Symphony, Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra, and Grand Rapids Symphony.
• Served as Brass Instructor and Associate Band Director with the El Sistema inspired program at Ravinia.
• Taught horn at the Merit School of Music in Chicago, Glendale Community College in Phoenix, Arizona, and the Omaha Conservatory of Music.
• Played at several summer music festivals, including Peninsula Music Festival (in Door County, WI), Grand Teton Music Festival (in Jackson Hole, WY), Pacific Music Festival (Japan), Sarasota Music Festival (Sarasota, FL), and Aspen Music Festival (Aspen, CO).

Education

• Bachelor of Music, Saxophone Performance | Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
• Bachelor of Music, Music Education | Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania

Background

•  Joined the Conservatory faculty in the Fall of 2019.
• Worked as an orchestra musician for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines May – August 2018.
• Recorded 2016 CD release “Identity” with the Slippery Rock University Jazz Ensemble, featuring guest artist Troy Roberts.
• Has had the opportunity to play with artists such as Sean Jones, John Clayton, and John Daversa.

Education

• Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance | Millikin University
• Master of Music | Illinois State University
• Suzuki Training | Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville

Background

• Joined the Conservatory Violin faculty in 2017.
• Studied under Georgia Hornbacker at Millikin University, and Dr. Lenora Anop at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville.
• Teaching for 9 years, Natalie became trained in Suzuki violin up to Book 8 under Vera McCoy Sulentic.
• Had the honor of performing at the International Chamber Music Festival in Kyustendil, Bulgaria in 2014.
• Has participated and performed in various classical, bluegrass, and free improv ensembles as an active musician, in addition to doing work within the recording studio at Millikin University.

Education

• Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance | University of Minnesota
• Master of Music in Violin Performance | Texas Tech University
• Master of Music Education, Suzuki Violin emphasis | University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

Background

• Joined the Conservatory Suzuki Faculty in 2014.
• Worked with Professor Pat D’Ercole while at Stevens Point, and was awarded the Margery Aber Talent Education Scholarship for two consecutive years.
• Pursued Sonata Repertoire training with Tom Wermuth, and Suzuki Early Childhood Education with ECE pioneer, Dorothy Jones.
• Has also studied with Jerome Franke of the Milwaukee Symphony and Klara Fenyo-Bahcall, professor of violin at UW-Oshkosh.
• Started as a Suzuki violin instructor in Lubbock, Texas in 2002 and has taught Suzuki violin in Milwaukee since 2005, both independently and on the faculties of North Shore Suzuki Strings and Barcel Suzuki String Academy.
• Has been a clinician at workshops throughout Wisconsin, and served as interim faculty for the Aber Suzuki Center at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
• Maintains involvement with the Suzuki Association of Wisconsin where in 2010, she served as organizational chairperson for their biennial workshop.
• As an avid performer, has served as concertmaster of the Green Bay Civic Symphony from 2007-2011, and is now currently a member of the Wisconsin Philharmonic.

Education

• Bachelor of Music Education | UW-Eau Claire
• Kodaly Certificate Completion | Silver Lake College
• Masters in Music Education | Silver Lake Colleg

Background

• Annemarie Weyer has over 15 years of experience in K-8 vocal music teaching and Liturgical music coordinating.
• She has worked for the Milwaukee Children’s Choir as an Associate Director and taught for Silver Lake College’s Music for Tots program.
• Mrs. Weyer loves singing, playing the piano, and being with children.
• Has held office positions in the Wisconsin chapter for Kodaly music education, AWAKE, and is an active cantor and accompanist with her church.
• Mrs. Weyer lives in Oak Creek with her husband and twin baby daughters.

Education

• Bachelor of Arts, Flute Performance | Maranatha Baptist University
• Master of Arts (in progress), Flute Performance | University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee
• Performer’s Certificate (in progress), Flute Performance | University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee

Background

• From playing in University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee’s large ensembles, to chamber groups, to teaching all ages of flute students, Willson strives to strike a balance between improving himself as a musician and building up and inspiring those around him.
• Has soloed with the Lakeshore Wind Ensemble in 2009, Fond du Lac Symphonic Band in 2014 and the UWM Symphony Orchestra in April of 2019, and will be soloing with the UWM Wind Ensemble in the Fall of 2019.
• Self-taught flutist that had to rely on self-evaluation early in his studies, which enhanced not only his own musicianship, but also his teaching style.
• Began teaching private flute and piano lessons in the Fall of 2013, and regularly teaches in the area, coaches in local high schools and occasionally judges for in-house music festivals.
• Placed first in the Lakeshore Wind Ensemble Young Artist competition in 2008 and more recently took runner-up in the UWM Orchestra Concerto Competition in 2018 and first place in the UWM Wind Ensemble Concerto Competition in 2019.