Conservatory Connections

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 Degree, Music  | University of Missouri
• Master’s Degree, Guitar Performance | McGill University (Montreal, QC)

Background

Alec is a passionate and dedicated guitarist, composer, and teacher, who’s “depth of musical sensitivity is allied with technical clarity, coupled with warmth and generosity” (Ken Sugita, Violinist French National Orchestra-Lille).

A winner of the 2016 MU Emerging Artist Competition, Alec has performed solo concerts all over the world including the U.S., Canada, and Europe. He gave his international debut in 2015 when he was invited to perform and give master-classes as a guest artist at the Zobel Gitarrenschule in Bad Nauheim Germany and his performance at The Benton Club in St. Joseph Missouri was critically acclaimed to be “a highlight of the concert season, [and] a resounding success” (President, Missouri Music Hall of Fame).

Alec received his Bachelor in Music from the University of Missouri where he attended as an Evans Scholar and studied under Anthony Glise. He completed his Masters in Guitar Performance from McGill University in Montreal, QC, where he studied with world-renowned guitarist Jerome Ducharme. Additionally, throughout his formal years, Alec has attended and performed in countless master-classes where he took lessons from some of the world’s leading guitarists including David Russell, Jason Vieaux, David Leisner, Jorge Morel, and Martha Masters. A dedicated teacher, Alec has accumulated over 6 years of experience both as a school teacher, and a private guitar instructor. Teaching students of all ages and skill levels, Alec is devoted to bringing inspiration to all his students through sharing his knowledge and love of music.

Education

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

Background

• A native of Lombard, Illinois, Ben began his musical studies at age nine playing drum set and taking private percussion lessons
• During the summers of 2014 and 2015, he served as the Teaching Assistant and Counselor for the Instrumental Music Program at The North Carolina Governor’s School East where he coached the percussion ensemble and spent time conducting the wind ensemble.
• In 2016 and 2017, Ben was the front ensemble instructor with the Grove City High School Marching Band, including a trip to the Rose Parade in Pasadena, California.
• While studying at Ohio State, he was awarded the prestigious Presser Foundation Scholarship.
• Ben served 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.
• Ben was fortunate enough to win 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.
• In his free time, Ben enjoys practicing marimba, making coffee, and hanging out with his dog, Lila.

Education

• Bachelor of Music, Piano Performance | St. Olaf College
• Master of Music, Piano Performance/Pedagogy | University of Wisconsin-Madison

Background

• Joins the WCM faculty in 2019 with 18 years of experience teaching private lessons as well as group piano.
• Studied under Catherine Kautsky, Jessica Johnson, and Kenneth Graber.
• Enjoys teaching students of all ages and levels, and her students have regularly participated in WMTA Auditions and the NFMC Festival.
• Former faculty member at community schools in the Boston, MA and Madison, WI areas.
• Has served as an adjudicator for piano festivals and competitions.
• Collaborative pianist for instrumental and vocal soloists and choirs.

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.

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’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 Fine Arts, Instrumental, Choral, and General Music Education – University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Background

• Has taught band, chorus, and general music for grades 1 – 12 at various public and private schools for the past ten years in the Milwaukee metropolitan area.
• As a performer, has sung and played piano and percussion with a variety of jazz ensembles and community theatre groups.
• Has been a church music director for the last eleven years, currently serving as the Choral Director for the First Unitarian Society of Milwaukee since 2013.
• Has taught private voice, piano, and percussion lessons.
• Studied voice with Tanya Kruse-Ruck, percussion with Dean Borghesani, Tom Wetzel, and Carl Storniolo, piano with Jeffry Peterson, and organ with Jim Burmeister.

Education

• Undergraduate Degree | Northern Arizona University
• Master’s Degree, Cello Performance | Chicago College of Performing Arts

Background

• Studied at the Chicago College of Performing Arts under renowned pedagogue and former Suzuki Association of the Americas President, Dr. Tanya Carey.
• Recently completed his training through Book 8 in the Suzuki Method, and looks forward to completing all 10 books in the next year.
• Before moving to Chicago, George completed his undergraduate degree at Northern Arizona University under Dr. Mary Ann Ramos.
• As an accomplished performer, has held principal seats in numerous orchestras, including the CCPA Symphony and NAU Symphony Orchestra, as well a cello section member of the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra.
• He is also a recipient of numerous performing arts awards, including the Nadene Bean Cello Scholarship.
• Enjoys performing and teaching in a variety of styles, and takes special interest in performing contemporary works for the cello.
• He is always looking for new ways to play and teach, and enjoys the fusion of traditional and Suzuki methods, with an additional interest in making contemporary music accessible to beginners.
• His students have won numerous regional competitions, as well as placing in regional and All-State programs.

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 College

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.