emusic instruction

Mary Jo Morganti
Mary Jo Morganti began studying the piano at age 9 in Corvallis, Oregon. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education from Western Oregon State University in 1985, graduating Phi Kappa Phi. During her university years, Ms. Morganti was an accompanist for the school Concert and Jazz Choirs, and principal pianist for the university Jazz Band. Immediately following graduation, Ms. Morganti opened a studio on the island of Hawaii where she taught both private students and Yamaha Music courses at the Big Island Yamaha Music School. In 1987 Ms. Morganti transferred to the Irvine Yamaha Music Center in Irvine, California, a research and development educational facility for Yamaha Music Corporation of America. As a teacher at the Irvine school, she participated in many R & D projects, such as developing new methods and creating materials to educate parents of students. She also participated in a wide variety of workshops and master classes on topics such as piano performance, improvisation, composition, ensemble, lesson planning, and rehearsal. She received staff awards for her high retention of students and was promoted to Senior Teacher status, becoming a mentor teacher to new teachers at the school. In addition, she was named a national seminar instructor, training new U.S. Yamaha teachers in Primary Course curriculum. During her time in Los Angeles, Ms. Morganti studied piano performance and style with Dr. A. Giles. She has been an active member of the Music Teachers National Association throughout her teaching career, serving as president for the Central Oregon chapter from 1995 through 1997. She has worked as an accompanist since high school and has played for over 65 productions. She has served for over twenty years as a music minister in her church, as both pianist and organist. Currently Ms. Morganti is teaching privately in Tucson, Arizona, and is working toward National Certification through MTNA. She maintains her connection to the Yamaha Music Corporation through her involvement in the Passport to Music Program, partnering with the Crystal Cruise Line as instructor of onboard Yamaha keyboard classes. As a Yamaha/Crystal Cruise instructor, Ms. Morganti has taught in Norway, Italy, Turkey, and Greece. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, watching movies and walking around her beautiful neighborhood. Her husband is also a music teacher, and their son is an accomplished musician currently attending the University of Arizona.

Ned Goold
Charles Ned Goold was born near Chicago and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He moved to New York in1983 spent the latter part of the 80's performing regularly at the legendary Village Gate with a trio he formed with bassist Ben Wolfe. During this time, Goold started experimenting with hybrid forms of twelve tone composition and metric modulations incorporated into standard blues and jazz chord structures. In 1990, he began a long-standing gig with Harry Connick Jr. and currently plays lead alto and serves as musical director of the big band. He is also featured on tenor with Harry's quartet, which recorded the critically acclaimed OTHER HOURS in 2003. His trio spent the summer of 1999 as the opening act for Connick and was featured at the JVC Newport Jazz Festival as well as other major venues around the country (documented on his latest CD, THE FLOWS). Goold continued to hone his compositional system during a year-long engagement at Smalls in New York City that started in the Fall of 2000. He has produced three independently released CDs, samples of which can be heard at NedGoold.com, along with whole tunes recorded by his current group. He continues to live outside of New York City with his wife and two children.

Elizabeth Souza-Bolt
Elizabeth Souza-Bolt, with a B.A. in Vocal Performance from Towson University in '97 is a professional singer, vocal coach (since 1992), recording artist, composer and producer, has recorded 5 CD's of Christian Music in 1994, 1997, 2000, 2001, and 2005. She was awarded a WAMMY for best Latin Music in Washington DC metropolitan area, in 1995, and has been a singer involved in professional recording since 1976 for jingles and major music publishers such as Lorenz and Hal Leonard. In Indianapolis since December 1997, was the lead-singer for URBANOS, a Cuban Music band, from 2001 until 2004. She is the lead-singer for IPANEMA, a Brazilian Music band, from July 2003 til present. Souza-Bolt, recently graduated as a nurse, is married to John Bolt (recording engineer/producer), and mother to Evanny Joya (4) and Jace Vincent (10 months).

Jeff Queen Video | Jeff Queen Support Video

Jeff Queen
Jeff Queen has been involved with percussion since the age of 10. At the age of 15, Jeff began his drum corps career with the Canton Bluecoats and continued on to march with the Velvet Knights, Santa Clara Vanguard, Blue Knights and the University of North Texas. Jeff was the Drum Corps International Individual and Ensemble Snare Drum Champion in 1994 and 1995 as well as the Percussive Arts Society Individual Snare Drum Champion in 1994 and 1995. Jeff has taught in the drum corps activity for many years, including being the caption head for the Carolina Crown drum and bugle corps from 2003-2004 and percussion arranger for the Colts Drum and Bugle corps for 2007. Jeff is an original cast member of the Tony and Emmy award winning Broadway Show "BLAST" where he was a solo performer and battery instructor from 1999 - 2003. Jeff has performed on stages across the country and in Europe, including Broadway and London. In addition Jeff has appeared on numerous Television shows including: The Late Show with David Letterman, The Kennedy Center Honors 2000, NBA All-Star Game 2001, "BLAST", and "The Making of Blast" on PBS DVD and Video.Queen is the author of "The Next Level: Rudimental Snare Drum Techniques" available through Mark Wessels Publications and "Playing With Sticks", a more than 3-hour instructional DVD through Hudson Music. More of Jeff's compositions are available through Drop6 media Inc. and TapSpace Publications. Jeff is a signature artist for Vic Firth Drumsticks and mallets, and proudly endorses Pearl Drums, Evans Drumheads and Zildjian cymbals. Currently, Jeff lives in Indianapolis, Indiana where he recently graduated from Butler University his bachelors degree in music theory and composition. In addition, Jeff is the percussion arranger for the Colts Drum and Bugle Corps and teaches / arranges locally with the world champion Avon High School Drum line. Jeff also travels the country as an active composer, arranger, judge, clinician, and performer.

Michael Kocour
Michael Kocour is an Associate Professor and the Director of Jazz Studies in the School of Music at Arizona State University’s Herberger College of Fine Arts. Hailed by the Chicago Tribune as “one of the most sophisticated pianists in jazz,” Kocour has performed at the 1992 World’s Fair in Seville, the Jazz Showcase in Chicago, the Blue Note in New York, and the Chicago, Montreal and Quebec City Jazz festivals. Among the many artists and ensembles with whom he has appeared are Dizzy Gillespie, Eddie Harris, James Moody, Eddie Daniels, Randy Brecker, Benny Golson, Ira Sullivan, Carl Fontana, Dewey Redman, Lew Tebackin, and the Chicago Symphony. His recorded work as a studio musician includes soundtracks to two major motion pictures, and numerous television commercials. He has eight works published by Warner Brothers, which include collections of original compositions and arrangements for piano. Kocour holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from University of Illinois and a Master of Music in Music Theory from Northwestern University. He was awarded National Endowment for the Arts study grants in 1988 and 1990 and from 1991-94 he was a visiting lecturer in Jazz Studies and Piano Pedagogy at the University of Illinois. In recognition of excellence in teaching, Mr. Kocour was awarded the Herberger College of Fine Arts Distinguished Teacher Award for the academic year 2004-2005.

Dom Moio
Dom has been playing drums since the fifth grade. His first influence was funk master Bernard Purdie (a drummer for Quincy Jones, Aretha Franklin and Steely Dan). However, after hearing Miles Davis with drummer Jimmy Cobb, Moio's attention was directed toward Jazz. Leaving the East Coast in 1979, Moio played with jazz luminaries such as Mose Allison, Herb Ellis, Ahmad Jamal and Clark Terry. He also had the opportunity to meet and study with legendary Cuban Master Percussionist Walfredo de los Reyes, Sr. It was then he developed a life-long passion for Latin rhythms. Among his frequent record dates, Dom has recorded two CD's with Jazz Great Carl Fontana. He also recorded with The Jazz Nonet with Chuck Marohnic and Greg Hopkins. In 1997, Moio had the opportunity to do a re-recording of the Four Tops hits with the group's original singers, playing both drums and latin percussion. Mel Bay has published two of Moio's books: Latin Percussion in Perspective and Be-Bop Phrasing for Drums. Moio is currently teaching a Latin Percussion Class, Music in World Cultures and private drum lessons at Mesa Community College, as well as keeping a busy schedule at Arizona State University and travelling as a clinician for Trick Drums, Latin Percussion, Evans Drum Heads, Calato/Regal Tip Drumsticks and Sabian Cymbals.

Kevan Nymeyer
Kevan Nymeyer was born In Globe, Arizona. He began playing the guitar at the age of 12. From very early on he was interested in all styles of music. In high school Kevan recorded three instrumental guitar CDs and sold them to his friends and people around the city. The music was a mix of jazz, blues and world music. This gave Kevan the taste for the musical life. He decided to become a music major and study the art of classical guitar and music composition at Arizona State University. Kevan has studied in the guitar studio of Frank Koonce, world renowned guitar teacher and author. Also, Kevan has studied with some of the great composers of the southwest including James Demars, Jody Rockmaker, and Glen Hackbarth. Kevan Continues to record as well as perform with various bands and ensembles. His teaching methods encompass many different disciplines and styles.

Jeff Gutierrez
Jeff Gutierrez began teaching private saxophone lessons in hishometown of San Jose, CA in 1998. Five years later, after enduringfour long winters at Northwestern University in Chicago, he ended upwith a degree in Jazz Studies and lots of playing experience with someof the top Chicago jazz musicians. His passion for music and teachingthen took him to the jazz mecca of New York City where he freelancedand taught his way through the bustling metrolpolis for three years.While there, he was founder and president of EastWest Music, a musicschool on Long Island offering private lessons and jazz workshops tomusians of all ages. Since '06 Jeff has been living in Phoenixcontinuing his career as a very busy freelance musician and teacher.He is currently working on a master's in Music Ed and Jazz Studies,teaching several classes, rehearsing big bands and directing the jazzcombo program at ASU. In the summer of '07 he and his quartettravelled to Grenoble, France to perform at an international musicfestival. Jeff is also an avid hiker and backpacker and enjoysexploring the Southwest on the rare occasion he has a free weekend.

Matt McGraw
Matt McGraw, President of Emusicinstrucition, is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Percussion Performance at Arizona State University where he is also a teaching assistant for two courses in the ethnomusicology department: “African Music” and “Jazz in America”. McGraw has consistently excelled as both a percussionist and educator in both the Indianapolis and Phoenix metro areas. While in Indianapolis he was a member of the adjunct faculty in percussion and musicology at both Marian College and Butler University. As a performer, McGraw has had the privilege of playing in many different types of music ensembles including: symphony orchestras, Afro-Cuban and Brazilian ensembles, contemporary rock bands, funk, and jazz groups. Playing in these many different bands has provided him the honor to open for such greats as Tony Bennett, Manhattan Transfer, and Eddie Palmieri. In addition to ensemble success, McGraw has accompanied performances by Grammy award winning Bobby McFerrin and Marimba artist and Latin percussionist Orlando Cotto. Having grown up in rural Frankfort, Indiana, McGraw's own musical instruction began at the age of 6 with piano lessons and then later percussion at the age of ten. He went on to receive both a Bachelor of Arts and Masters of Music Performance from prestigious Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana. During his undergraduate years, McGraw had the opportunity to study music in Australia, which in turn helped spark his curiosity for indigenous music. He has since performed, studied and taught many different types of music ranging from: West African Drumming, Afro Cuban drumming, Salsa, Mambo, Samba Batucada, Samba Reggae, Bossa Nova, and Caribbean Steel Pans. McGraw continues to draw on his collegiate research and diverse background as the creative basis of his unique sound and teaching style. As time will allow, he enjoys rooting for the Indianpolis Colts, The Butler Bulldogs, and his newly found favorite, the Arizona Diamondbacks. He likes playing basketball, camping, and golf.Matt McGraw is endorsed by Vic Firth drum Sticks.

Nenad Savic
Nenad Savic began playing guitar at the age of 8. He graduated from the prestigious European Conservatory of Music in Belgrade, after which he received his Master’s degree in guitar performance from the University of Idaho. Nenad is currently pursuing his Doctorate at Arizona State University, where he holds a Teaching Assistant position. Nenad is a laureate of many national and international competitions such as: Northwest Guitar Festival: Winner, St. Joseph Guitar festival and Competition: 3rd prize, Petar Konjovic Competition: Winner. Nenad has performed in France, Hungary, Austria, Greece, Egypt, and throughout the US. He is an active performer and dynamic participant at many prominent guitar competitions. Nenad has an extensive teaching and performing experience in various styles of music including very exotic flamenco.

Mr. Jelani Canser
began playing string bass at the age of eleven in his hometown of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. During his junior and senior high school years he participated in the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra, Wisconsin High School Honors Orchestra and Interlochen Arts Camp (Interlochen, MI). After graduating from Whitefish Bay High School, Mr. Canser went on to earn a degree in Instrumental Music Education at the University of Minnesota. While attending the U of M he participated in the University’s Symphony Orchestra, Level 1 Jazz Big Band, various jazz combos including the Pharaoh’s Dance Jazz Quintet, and taught private bass guitar lessons at Mars Music. In 2001 Mr. Canser moved to Tempe, Arizona to start his career working for the Mesa Public Schools district as a 4th- 6th grade orchestra teacher. While in Tempe he continued his education and received his master’s degree in Music Education with a concentration in Jazz Studies from Arizona State University in the spring of 2007. During his time at ASU Mr. Canser served as a Graduate teaching assistant for the jazz studies department as well as the assistant director of the Jazz Repertory Band. As a member of both “Conjunto Ashe” (Latin jazz) and “Baraka” (funk/ electronic/ rock), Jelani Canser continues to pursue many different styles of music on both upright and bass guitar.

Jeff Quamo
Jeff is from New York where he worked as a band director for seven years. His teaching experiences in New York earned him a nomination for the 1999 Disney Teacher of the Year Award. He moved to Arizona in 2004 to peruse his doctorate studies in Clarinet Performance with Dr. Robert Spring at Arizona State University. His former clarinet teachers include James East (SUNY Fredonia), Jon Hunter (Buffalo Philharmonic), and Kenneth Grant (Eastman School of Music). His jazz studies have come from Bruce Johnstone, Eddie Daniels, Mike Crotty, and Michael Kocour. Jeff has appeared as a guest soloist with the BYU Idaho Concert Jazz Band, Salt River Brass Band, ASU Jazz Repertory Band, ASU Concert Jazz Band, SUNY Fredonia Symphony Orchestra, Mesa High School Symphonic Band, and the Paradise Valley High School Band. Jeff has become a popular educational clinician in the public schools of the East Valley area. He has maintained a large private teaching studio since 1994 and currently teaches in two studio locations (Chandler & Tempe) as well as EMusicInstruction. Currently, Jeff is working as a band director in the Mesa Public School District. His ongoing professional performances include being a clarinetist with the Symphony of the Southwest (www.symphonyofthesouthwest.org), Desert Grooves Jazz Ensemble (www.desertgroovesjazz.com), and the Fusion Winds Woodwind Quintet.

Kelly Thomas
Mr. Thomas was appointed tuba/euphonium instructor and director of pep bands at the University of Arizona in 2001. A native of Flagstaff , Arizona , he began his studies with R. Winston Morris at Tennessee Technological University . There he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in music education. He also holds a Master of Music degree in music education from Arizona State University where he studied with Sam Pilafian. Kelly is currently completing a Doctor of Musical arts degree at Arizona State University . Professor Thomas participated in the famed Tennessee Tech Tuba Ensemble (TTTE), under the direction of R. Winston Morris , while at TTU. Kelly has appeared as a soloist as well as an ensemble member on the following recording's affiliated with the TTTE: Euphoniums Unlimited (Mark Records 2004), The Kings of Brass (Mark Records 2001), Tubalogy 601 (Mark Records 2000), and Unleash the Beast (Mark Records 1995). In 1995 Kelly performed at Carnegie Hall as a soloist and ensemble member with the TTTE. Professor Thomas has also performed at the International Tuba Euphonium Association (ITEA) Conferences in Las Vegas , Arkansas , Tucson , and Regina , Canada . In 2003, he hosted the ITEA Regional Conference in Tucson , AZ on the campus of the University of Arizona . In 2005, Kelly conducted the University of Arizona Brass Choir and performed at the International Trumpet Guild Conference in Bangkok , Thailand . Kelly is a founding member and tubist for the Original Wildcat Jass Band, a traditional New Orleans and Chicago jazz band. This touring ensemble has been featured throughout Tucson as well as New Mexico and Colorado . They released their debut recording entitled Introducing?he Original Wildcat Jass Band in 2004 . Kelly has also worked with numerous valley high schools as a brass instructor and clinician. Thomas is scheduled to perform at the Music Educators National Midwest Conference in 2006. He is also scheduled to perform at Carnegie Hall again in 2007. He is a Clinician/Artist for Boosey & Hawkes.

Thomas W Zugger
Dr. Thomas W Zugger is currently the Associate Professor of Trombone and Euphonium at the Capital University Conservatory of Music. Prior to his appointment at Capital University, Dr. Zugger taught at Adrian College in Adrian MI and was also an assistant band director in the Walled Lake Michigan public schools.As a trombonist and euphonium player, Dr. Zugger has performed extensively. He is currently principal trombone in the Newark/Granville, OH symphony as well as appearing with the Columbus Symphony, ProMusica Chamber Orchestra, the Richmond, Indiana Symphony, Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, and at the 18th Macau China International Music Festival. He has performed in orchestras for national tours of numerous Broadway musicals and has backed many popular performers including Aretha Franklin, The Moody Blues, and Barry Manilow. Dr. Zugger also keeps a busy schedule as a clinician. Recent appearances include the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, state conferences in Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Maine, Virginia, New York, New Jersey, College Music Society Great Lakes Chapter Convention, Bowling Green University Contemporary Trombone Festival, and many colleges and universities. Dr. Zugger is an artist/clinician for the Edwards Trombones. As a published composer and arranger Zugger’s works areregularly performed by artists nationally and internationally, and have been featured at both the International Trombone Association and International Clarinet Association annual conventions. He is a member of the BMI and is listed in Marquis Who’s Who in America, Who’s Who in American Education, and Who’s Who International. He is on the International Trombone Association’s ITA Press Board and also frequently contributes literature reviews to the ITA journal through the ITA literature review committee. His compositions are published through Brixton Publications, TAP Music, Timber Ridge Publications, Warwick Music, and the International Trombone Association Press. Dr. Zugger holds degrees from the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and a Doctorate of Musical Arts degree in Trombone Performance from The Ohio State University. Dr. Zugger is also an avid marathoner having completed 27 marathons and 2 ultra marathons to date. In his spare time Dr. Zugger enjoys hiking, photography, and traveling with his wonderful and patient wife, clarinet professor Dr. Gail L Zugger.

Joseph Kluesener
Kluesener hails from Columbus, Ohio and is principal bassoonist of the Symphony of the Southwest – formerly Mesa Symphony Orchestra (Mesa, AZ). He has earned Bachelor of Music degrees cum laude in performance and music education from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and a Master of Music degree in performance from the Arizona State University. Currently, Kluesener is a Doctorate of Musical Arts candidate at the Arizona State University serving as the graduate teaching assistant for Dr. Albie Micklich. A qualified United States Air Force bassoonist, Kluesener has toured with the United States Air Force Band of the Reserve in the Southeastern U.S. Kluesener has worked with such personalities as James Levine, James Conlon, Philip Glass, John Corigliano, Gerard Schwarz, and Eric Whitacre, and has performed with the Kentucky Symphony Orchestra, and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra May Festival Chorus. As conductor, Kluesener has performed with the A.S.U. Jazz Repertory Band, the Dobson High School Concert Band and Percussion Ensemble (Mesa, AZ), and the Colerain High School Marching Band (Cincinnati, OH).Kluesener takes enjoyment in teaching and coaching individuals and small groups. He has also served student teaching internships in Mesa, AZ at Dobson High School and in Kyrene, AZ at Kyrene-Aprende Middle School. He is a founding member of the current Eta-Omicron Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity at the University of Cincinnati and has served as music director and vice president. Kluesener is the only member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia to have received the John Leman Award from the Eta-Omicron chapter in recognition of choral excellence. He is also a founding member of the Arizuma Quintet, a professional woodwind quintet comprised of A.S.U. graduate students. Kluesener is scheduled to perform Michael Daugherty’s Dead Elvis bassoon concertowith the A.S.U. Contemporary Music Ensemble in the spring of 2008. He also enjoys cooking, eating, and outdoor recreation.

Rose French
Rose French is an active musician and educator basedin Phoenix, AZ. Recently she has performed as asoloist and chamber musician in Croatia, Venezuela,South Africa, and in the United States. She performedher transcription of the Brahms' Clarinet Trio at the2006 International Horn Society Conference in CapeTown, South Africa, where she was also the winner ofthe Dorothy Frizelle International Horn ExcerptCompetition. Ms. French has performed with groups inthe Southwest including the Phoenix Symphony, TucsonSymphony, MusicaNova Orchestra, Symphony of the WestValley, the Salt River Brass Band, and OrquestraSinfonica of Monterrey, Mexico. Ms. French holdsdegrees in Music Education, Music Technology, andPerformance from Duquesne University. Originally fromHanover, PA, she was invited to perform as the soloistwith the Hanover Symphony for their tenth anniversarycelebration.In May 2008, Ms. French will complete a Doctorate inmusic from Arizona State University. She alsomaintains a private studio and teaches at Rosie'sHouse: A Music Academy for Children, a non-profitmusic academy that provides free instruction andinstruments to undeserved youth.

Derek Stein
Derek Stein, Cello Instructor at Emusicinstruction, graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelors degree in Cello performance in 2006. In the fall, he will began his masters degree at the prestigious California Institute of the Arts in Valencia, California. Derek grew up in the little town of Salina, Kansas and began studying the cello under the tutelage of his father, Eric Stein, at the age of three. He gave his first solo performance at the age of five when he was in kindergarten, performing in front of his entire grade school. Derek continued his study of music by taking piano lessons while in grade school, and in his early teenage years began teaching himself bass guitar. Derek started his higher education of Music at Arizona State University in 2002. While in attendance of ASU, Derek studied cello performance with Professor of Cello Thomas Landschoot.In the summer of 2005 Derek attended the Brevard Music Center summer camp, and in 2006 attended the Stanford Chamber Music seminar with the St. Lawrence string quartet. He has performed in solo master classes with Carter Enyeart, Zuill Bailey and Keith Robinson. He has also performed in chamber music master classes with the Orion String Quartet, the St. Lawrence String Quartet and the Eroica Trio. Derek was also Guest Artist in Residence with the Arizona State Contemporary Music Ensemble at the 35th annual John Donald Robb Composers' Symposium at the University of New Mexico. Since graduating from ASU, Derek has regularly performed with the premier new music ensemble in Phoenix, Arizona known has Crossing 32nd Street. He has also regularly performed with the Musica Nova Orchestra based out of Scottsdale, Arizona. During the spring semester of 2008, Derek was Adjunct Cello Professor for at Paradise Valley Community college in Phoenix, Arizona, as well as teaching lessons at the Prestige Music Academy in Down Town Phoenix. When not being involved in classical music Derek enjoys making other kinds of music with other fellow musicians. Derek also enjoys spending time with his friends and family, and trying as hard as he can to catch as many NBA games as possible.

Josh Gottry
Josh Gottry's (b. 1974) first composition, Irrelevant for solo marimba, earned him an ASCAP Young Composer Competition grant in 1995. Since that time, he has been selected for seven ASCAP Plus awards and has created nearly thirty published works in the catalogs of C. Alan Publications, Drop 6 Media Inc., HoneyRock Publishing, Row-Loff Productions, Studio 4 Music (a division of Mostly Marimba), and Gottry Percussion Publications. Mr. Gottry earned his BM in Percussion Performance at Northern Arizona University and his MM in Composition at Arizona State University and is currently adjunct faculty at Chandler-Gilbert Community College where he teaches percussion, composition, and music theory and history. He is a member of the American Society of Composers, Authors, & Publishers, the Society of Composers, Inc., and the Percussive Arts Society.

Jaclyn Quamo
Formerly from Western New York, Jaclyn Quamo moved to Phoenix in 2004 to start her career as a public school band director. She is currently going into her 5th year as a music instructor in the Mesa Public School District. Likewise, she has maintained a private teaching studio throughout her teaching career. Her educational background includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from the State University of New York College at Fredonia (SUNY Fredonia) and a Master’s Degree in Clarinet Performance from Arizona State University where she had the opportunity to study with Dr. Robert Spring. As an invited guest soloist and clinician, Jaclyn has performed with the Mesa High School Symphonic Band. Her orchestral experiences include performances with the Symphony of the Southwest (formerly Mesa Symphony) and various productions through the orchestras of Spire Music.

Charles Hopkins
Charles Hopkins is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in trombone performance at Arizona State University. Mr. Hopkins completed his Bachelor’s degree in trombone performance with James Decker at the University of Hawaii, and Master’s degree in trombone performance with Gail Eugene Wilson at Arizona State University. Other primary instructors include Patrick Hennessey, Mike Becker, Sam Pilafian, and Patrick Sheridan.Mr. Hopkins has had a varied career as a jazz and classical musician. As a freelance musician in Arizona Charles has performed with the Arizona Opera Orchestra, Tucson Symphony Orchestra, Las Vegas legend Wayne Newton, and is currently the bass trombonist with the Salt River Brass Band. At Arizona State University, he has been an active and featured member of the brass ensembles and jazz combo concert series, Lyric Opera Theater, the Chamber Winds, and the Concert Jazz Band. Engagements in Hawaii included the Honolulu Symphony, Hawaii Opera Theater, Royal Hawaiian Band, the Dell Courtney Big Band, and the “Jazz at Studio Six” series. Charles is currently a teaching assistant in trombone performance at Arizona State University, with duties including private and classroom instruction.