Conservatory Connections

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts, Classical Performance | University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee

Background

• Has been a member of the Conservatory since 2016.
• Classically trained, Jack is an active musician in the area, performing with a variety of groups including Tabula Nova, D’Amato, Triplex, Rocket Paloma, as well as solo.
• Continues to have opportunities to perform in several Milwaukee festivals such as Summerfest, Summer Solstice, and Chill on the Hill.
• Taken masterclasses with internationally renowned guitarists such as Marcin Dylla, Michael Partington, Roland Dyens, Edel Munoz, and Isaac Bustos.
• Studied under Professor Laura Young at the Escola Superior de Musica de Catalunya while living in Barcelona, Spain.

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.

Education

• Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance with an emphasis in Piano Pedagogy – Lawrence University
• Bachelor of Arts in Spanish – Lawrence University
• Master of Music in Piano Performance and Pedagogy – University of Colorado-Boulder

Background

• Member of the Piano faculty at the Conservatory since 2015.
• Has been teaching since 2009, and enjoys teaching students of all ages and abilities.
• Has presented on creativity, studio development, and Recreational Music Making (RMM) for the Music
• Teachers National Association national conferences (2017 Baltimore, 2016 San Antonio, 2015 Las Vegas).
• Frequent adjudicator for piano festivals, auditions, and competitions.
• Board member of the Wisconsin Music Teachers Association.
• Active performer, collaborating with WCM faculty, students, and other musicians in the area.

Chair – Woodwinds, Brass & Percussion

Education

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

Background

• Joined the Conservatory faculty in 2017.
• In demand as a freelance trumpet player and educator since moving to Milwaukee in 2013 to pursue his MM in Trumpet Performance at UW-Milwaukee.
• Played programs around Southeastern Wisconsin as an active recitalist and a strong proponent of new music.
• Has been heard playing from the pit orchestras of dozens of musicals, and has made appearances playing with the South Shore Chorale and Lakeshore Chorale.
• As a lead player, has played in area big bands and in the horn section for Milwaukee-based bands.
• As part of DIY Chamber music, Adam has played premiers of new works, many penned by Milwaukee based composers.
• Has taught master classes throughout the state, and has recently been on the marching band staff for high schools throughout Wisconsin and Ohio.

Education

• Bachelor of Music | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
• Master of Music | Boston University

Background

• Member of the Conservatory string faculty since 2017.
• Began violin studies at the age of five, and was mentored by Sibbi Bernhardsson, formerly of the Pacifica Quartet.
• Completed Book 1 Suzuki violin certification with Edward Kreitman in July 2018, and will finish certification for Book 2 in January 2019.
• Serves as a regular substitute musician of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra.
• Has worked closely with musical luminaries such as Cliff Colnot, Riccardo Muti, and Yo-Yo Ma.
• Spends her summer as a member of the Peninsula Music Festival in Door County, WI.

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.

Background

Bio coming soon!

Education

• Bachelor of Music, Trumpet | University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

Background

• WCM faculty member since 2008.
• Has had the privilege to perform and study with well-known jazz artists such as: David Hazeltine, Jim Rotondi, Tim Hagans, Willie Thomas, Slide Hampton, Maynard Ferguson, Doc Severinsen.
• In 2001, Eric released his debut jazz CD entitled Inspiration which features some of Milwaukee’s best jazz musicians as well as New York trumpet sensation and Grammy Award winner Brian Lynch.
• Toured the world in 2010-2013 with Milwaukee’s local soul band “Kings Go Forth” but now stays a bit closer to home and is a top call trumpeter for high profile gigs in Milwaukee, Madison, and Chicago and frequently plays with the popular Milwaukee-based Latin band De la Buena.
• Recorded for Johannes Wallmann “The Sweet Minute Big Band” and Willy Porter’s CD Human Kindness.
• Since 2010, he has been the trumpeter with the Conservatory’s resident jazz sextet We Six, providing fiery solos and contributing arrangements and original compositions to the band’s repertoire.
• Directs the WCM Batterman Ensemble that recently went to NYC for the Charles Mingus High School Jazz Festival & Competition.

Education

• Bachelor of Music, Guitar Performance – Cleveland Institute of Music
• Master of Music, Guitar Performance and Pedagogy – Peabody Institute

Background

• Chicago-native that began to play Suzuki classical guitar at age six and Suzuki cello at age eight.
• Ever since, Tobias has played in halls such as Mixon Hall in Cleveland, OH, Lutkin Hall Evanston, IL, Hatch Recital in Rochester, NY and Comstock Concert Hall in Louisville, KY.
• Was a prize recipient at Guitar Foundation of America (4th place youth 2012), Indiana International Guitar competition (2nd place youth 2011), All Ohio Stroud Competition (4th place 2014), East Carolina Guitar competition, Louisville Guitar competition and others.
• In addition to classical guitar, Tobias is also an avid flamenco guitarist that accompanies Peabody Preparatory’s flamenco dance class.
• He wishes to bring this tradition back into the classical realm by commissioning new pieces that incorporate elements of flamenco as well as performing solo works of flamenco guitarists.
• Certified to teach Suzuki Guitar Book 1 and 2, and studied teaching under Travis Marcum, Jeremy Osborne, and Matt Hinsley.

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.

Background

• WCM Conservatory Connections faculty since 2005.
• Comes from a family of musicians and performers whose lineage can be traced to Puerto Rico and further back to Africa and Spain.
• During his childhood both his father and uncle played major roles in the Midwest music scene as musicians, promoters and bandleaders, and Cecilio started his music studies at the age of five, at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music.
• Studied in the high school music program and learned to read music, music theory, play drum-set and concert percussion, earning him top honors in solo and state competitions.
• Began playing professionally by the age of 16, and at 21 embarked on his solo career, working to develop himself as an artist and teacher.
• Started working with Milwaukee Public Theatre in 2000, teaching arts residencies, drumming and touring in several theatre productions.
• Can now be found performing with many successful local and national acts, and he has an extensive resume of performances at local and national community centers, schools, businesses, arenas, clubs, music venues and private events.
• Currently designs, manages, and facilitates his own musical ensembles, drumming workshops, drum circles, drum and dance residencies, drum making workshops, educational presentations, and musical performances.

Education

Elizabeth Lieberman holds a MM and is a graduate of Northwestern University and of Northern Illinois University.

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 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.

Background

• Milwaukee native Colin O’Day is a freelance performer with performing credits around Wisconsin.
• Has performed as a substitute and extra percussionist and timpanist with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, the Milwaukee Ballet Orchestra, the Wisconsin Philharmonic, and the Milwaukee Chamber Orchestra.
• An advocate of new music, Colin commissioned and premiered a new work for marimba trio by composer Ivan Trevino in 2014.
• Serves as Principal Timpanist of the Sheboygan Symphony Orchestra and the Milwaukee Philharmonic, and as Percussionist with the Festival City and Beloit-Janesville Symphony Orchestras.
• During the summer, plays with the Northern Sky Theater, a theater company that performs at Peninsula State Park in Door County, WI.
• Colin also serves as Percussion Instructor at New Berlin West High School and Whitefish Bay High School.

Background

• Johnny Padilla began his performing career in his native Miami, Florida honing his skills as a studio and jazz musician.
• He has performed in Europe, South America and throughout the United States.

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.”

Co-Chair – Strings

Education

• Bachelor of Arts in Music | Luther College
• Master of Music in Cello Performance | University of North Carolina – Greensboro
• Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Music Theory | University of North Carolina – Greensboro
• Certificate in Suzuki Pedagogy | The University of Denver

Background

• Suzuki cello instructor at the Conservatory since 2016.
• Trained by the Suzuki Association of the Americas to teach Suzuki Cello Units 1-10, and provides lessons for a full range of students.
• Studied the Suzuki Method with Carol Tarr.
• Active as a modern cellist, baroque cellist, and viola da gambist performing with the Wisconsin Baroque Ensemble and Sonata à Quattro.
• Was the guest artist for the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s Cello Fest Clinic in May 2018.
• Has served as the principal cellist with the Danville Symphony Orchestra (VA) and the Madison Bach Musicians.
• Previously performed with the Vitali Ensemble, the New York Continuo Collective, the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra (CT), and the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra (NC).
• His solo CD, 11 Capricci by Joseph Dall’Abaco,was released by Centaur Records in July 2018.
• He has recorded tracks for Grammy Award Winning Broadway composer, Paul Bogaev.

Education

• Bachelor Degree, Classical Guitar Performance | Florida International University
• Master Degree, Classical Guitar Performance | University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee

Background

• Joined the Conservatory faculty in 2018 and brings with him experience from the Latino Arts Strings Program in Milwaukee and Vivace Arts Conservatory in Miami, Florida.
• Prize winner of the 19th Annual Florida International University Concerto Competition, and received an Honorable Mention in the 2016 South Florida Young Artist Competition.
• His teachers include Italian guitarist Federico Bonacossa, Turkish guitar composer Mesut Ozgen, Cuban virtuoso Rafael Padron, and guitarist Rene Izquierdo.
• Has performed in events presented by organizations such as the Miami Classical Guitar Society, Perla de Esperanza Foundation, Marcus Theaters, and the Florida Guitar Foundation.
• Selected to perform in master classes for esteemed artists such as Manuel Barrueco, David Russell, Pepe Romero, Shin-Ichi Fukuda, Aniello Desiderio, and many others.
• Participated in the 2018 Camino Arts Guitar Workshop in Carrion de los Condes (Spain) and conducted the 2018 UCC Guitar Festival Orchestra.

Education

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

Background

• Holds the 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, the Lake Geneva Symphony Orchestra, the Concord Chamber Orchestra, Northern Symphonic Winds, 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.

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, Emphasis in Jazz Studies | Indiana University Jacobs School of Music
• Performer’s Certificate for Senior Recital

Background

• WCM faculty member since 2016.
• Began playing drums at age eight and has been studying percussion since age nine.
• Currently based in Milwaukee, Mitch is an in-demand performer, active educator, and composer.
• Co-leads tour-de-force fusion group, “Match Stick,” which released a self-titled album in 2019.
• In 2014, Mitch released his debut CD, “FLY!”, which invites listeners on a musical journey of original compositions and out-of-the-box arrangements for 20-piece big band.
• Featured clinician for the 2015 Summerfest Big Band Camp, along with Curt Hanrahan and Mike Steinel.
  Conducted masterclasses at UW-Parkside, University of Indianapolis, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Park Tudor School, and Nicolet High School.
• Teaches percussion at several Milwaukee public schools through the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music’s Conservatory Connections program.

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, Voice Performance | Baker University, Master of Music
• Voice Performance | The Cleveland Institute of Music

Background

• WCM faculty member since 2010.
• Proud member of AEA (Actor’s Equity Association) and AGMA (American Guild of Musical Artists).
• Has been performing professionally in opera, music theatre, and theatre since 1996.
• He has sung with Skylight Music Theatre, Lyric Opera Cleveland, Cleveland Opera, Florentine Opera, The New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players, First Stage Children’s Theatre, Milwaukee Shakespeare, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Racine Symphony Orchestra, Prometheus Trio, Danceworks, and many more.
• As a composer, his works include A Twisted Carol, the musical he wrote with Mondy Carter that performed to a sold out run with In Tandem Theatre in 2015, and Eurydice which was performed at Milwaukee Opera Theatre’s Eurydice Festival.
• Serves as an At Large Board Member and Education and Outreach chair for Milwaukee Opera Theatre’s Board of Directors.