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’s of Vocal Music Education | Harding University 

Background

•  Soprano in the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus 
• Member of the Harding Chamber Choir from 2017-2019 
• Member of the Harding Chorus from 2015-2019 

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 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 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.

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 Arts, Violin Performance | Carthage College

Background

• A founding member of the President’s String Quartet who has performed for internationally-renowned teachers including Latzko Reinhardt, Jörg Birhance, and Vladimir Kharin at the European Music Institute of Vienna.
• Has been featured twice in the Brahms Project Series, performing on the same program as distinguished violinist Illya Khaler and collegiate faculty members.
• Performed at the Kenosha Creative Space, Fine Arts at First, the Wauwatosa Presbyterian Church Concert Series, and in acclaimed venues throughout China and Europe with the Tremper Golden Strings.
• Previously served as guest instructor for violin and chamber music in urban school settings within the community.
• Prior to the conservatory, she was the assistant director and a violin teacher at the Carthage Arts Academy, providing a well-rounded education for pre-college and adult students in the Southeastern Wisconsin area.
• Received Suzuki Book 1 training from Joanne Melvin and is planning on pursuing the remaining certification.
• Previous teachers include Andrew Williams, Stanley Nosal, and Nancy Nosal.

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, 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, 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 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 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 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, 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, 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 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.

Education

• Bachelor of Music, French Horn Performance | The University of Michigan
• Bachelor of Music, Education, Minor in Law, Justice and Social Change | The University of Michigan
• Master of Music, French Horn Performance | University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee

Background

• Has been with the Conservatory Connections program since early 2018.
• Is currently a substitute player with the Sheboygan Symphony Orchestra and the Beloit-Janesville Symphony Orchestra.
• As a diversity advocate in the classroom, introduces students to repertoire and activities which celebrate a diverse array of cultures.
• Uses activities and techniques that are developmentally appropriate, allowing for comprehension across all ages and skill levels.
• Ultimately uses music to empower students, creating lessons which foster creativity, increase self-efficacy, and develops skills that apply to music and enrich the rest of their lives.