Faculty
Margaret Albrecht
Clarinet Instructor
Margaret Albrecht is an active performer and teacher throughout Michigan and Ohio, having performed most recently with Southwest Michigan Symphony, Lima Symphony, Adrian Symphony and Rochester Symphony. She also maintains status on the substitute musician rosters with Ann Arbor Symphony, Midland Symphony, Lima Symphony, Saginaw Bay Symphony, West Michigan Symphony, Battle Creek Symphony, Dearborn Symphony and Rochester Symphony. Margaret has earned two degrees from the University of Michigan in Clarinet Performance, A Specialist Degree (earned 2017) and a Masters Degree (earned 2015). She also earned her Bachelors degree in clarinet performance from Western Michigan University. Within the University of Michigan community, she has performed with the University Symphony Orchestra, University Philharmonic Orchestra, the Contemporary Directions Ensemble, the University Symphony Band, the University Concert Band and various chamber ensembles including a clarinet, piano, violin and cello quartet, clarinet piano and cello trios, clarinet piano and violin trios and clarinet, bassoon and piano trios. Within the Western Michigan University community She has performed with the University Symphony Orchestra, the University Symphony Band, the Birds on a Wire new music ensemble, the university Opera productions of Copland’s Tenderland, and Roger and Hammerstein’s Carousel, and a wide range of chamber music including, clarinet quintet, clarinet quartet, reed trios, and clarinet, piano and horn trios. Within the Metro Detroit community I have performed with the Rochester Symphony Orchestra, Opera MODO’s 2016 production of Carmen, and the University of Michigan’s Gilbert and Sullivan Society. On an international level, I have performed with OperaMaya’s International Music Festival and was a finalist in the International Clarinet Association’s Orchestral Competition in 2017.
Margaret has been teaching privately in the greater Ann Arbor area for the past five years. Before her time in Ann Arbor, she worked with middle and high school students in the Kalamazoo and Sturgis districts, gaining experience in one on one lesson instruction, group lesson instruction, master-class/clinic work, and high school chamber music coaching. Her goals as an instructor are for her students to gain independence of thought and expression while developing a lifelong passion for music. Lessons will be focused on critical thinking, problem solving, discipline, and creative expression. Main topics covered in lessons will include development of technical prowess, cultivation of expression and musicality, and exploration of theoretical/historical knowledge surrounding the music worked on.
Students that have employed these skills have been successful in many areas of their musical, academic and personal lives including achieving first chair positions in their band programs, participating in Michigan Youth Orchestra, earning first division ratings at Solo and Ensemble, earning scholarships for attendance at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, etc.
Margaret Albrecht is an active performer and teacher throughout Michigan and Ohio, having performed most recently with Southwest Michigan Symphony, Lima Symphony, Adrian Symphony and Rochester Symphony. She also maintains status on the substitute musician rosters with Ann Arbor Symphony, Midland Symphony, Lima Symphony, Saginaw Bay Symphony, West Michigan Symphony, Battle Creek Symphony, Dearborn Symphony and Rochester Symphony. Margaret has earned two degrees from the University of Michigan in Clarinet Performance, A Specialist Degree (earned 2017) and a Masters Degree (earned 2015). She also earned her Bachelors degree in clarinet performance from Western Michigan University. Within the University of Michigan community, she has performed with the University Symphony Orchestra, University Philharmonic Orchestra, the Contemporary Directions Ensemble, the University Symphony Band, the University Concert Band and various chamber ensembles including a clarinet, piano, violin and cello quartet, clarinet piano and cello trios, clarinet piano and violin trios and clarinet, bassoon and piano trios. Within the Western Michigan University community She has performed with the University Symphony Orchestra, the University Symphony Band, the Birds on a Wire new music ensemble, the university Opera productions of Copland’s Tenderland, and Roger and Hammerstein’s Carousel, and a wide range of chamber music including, clarinet quintet, clarinet quartet, reed trios, and clarinet, piano and horn trios. Within the Metro Detroit community I have performed with the Rochester Symphony Orchestra, Opera MODO’s 2016 production of Carmen, and the University of Michigan’s Gilbert and Sullivan Society. On an international level, I have performed with OperaMaya’s International Music Festival and was a finalist in the International Clarinet Association’s Orchestral Competition in 2017.
Margaret has been teaching privately in the greater Ann Arbor area for the past five years. Before her time in Ann Arbor, she worked with middle and high school students in the Kalamazoo and Sturgis districts, gaining experience in one on one lesson instruction, group lesson instruction, master-class/clinic work, and high school chamber music coaching. Her goals as an instructor are for her students to gain independence of thought and expression while developing a lifelong passion for music. Lessons will be focused on critical thinking, problem solving, discipline, and creative expression. Main topics covered in lessons will include development of technical prowess, cultivation of expression and musicality, and exploration of theoretical/historical knowledge surrounding the music worked on.
Students that have employed these skills have been successful in many areas of their musical, academic and personal lives including achieving first chair positions in their band programs, participating in Michigan Youth Orchestra, earning first division ratings at Solo and Ensemble, earning scholarships for attendance at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, etc.
Kasia Bielak-Hoops
Executive Director
Instructor: The Brandenburg Project
Cello Instructor
A native of Colorado, Ms. Kasia Bielak-Hoops has over 15 years experience as a performer and teacher in a wide variety of contexts and corners of the world including Japan, Chicago and Tanzania. She obtained degrees from the Eastman School of Music (BM) and Northern Illinois University (MM) and her career has been marked by a passion for chamber music and cross-cultural collaboration. She has been an invited soloist and chamber player in several world music festivals including the Hokuto International Music Festival in 2007, 2008 and 2010 in Japan as well as in the largest East African music festival Sauti za Busara in 2010. Her collaborations with a diverse array of world performing artists have included modern dancers, djembe players, koto performers and masters of Swahili taarab.
In her teaching, Ms. Bielak-Hoops loves fostering imagination and creativity in every interaction, leading the student on their own path of discovery, both in sound and technique. She strives to bring awareness to the connection between the body and the instrument and to the unlimited potential of musical expression.
Instructor: The Brandenburg Project
Cello Instructor
A native of Colorado, Ms. Kasia Bielak-Hoops has over 15 years experience as a performer and teacher in a wide variety of contexts and corners of the world including Japan, Chicago and Tanzania. She obtained degrees from the Eastman School of Music (BM) and Northern Illinois University (MM) and her career has been marked by a passion for chamber music and cross-cultural collaboration. She has been an invited soloist and chamber player in several world music festivals including the Hokuto International Music Festival in 2007, 2008 and 2010 in Japan as well as in the largest East African music festival Sauti za Busara in 2010. Her collaborations with a diverse array of world performing artists have included modern dancers, djembe players, koto performers and masters of Swahili taarab.
In her teaching, Ms. Bielak-Hoops loves fostering imagination and creativity in every interaction, leading the student on their own path of discovery, both in sound and technique. She strives to bring awareness to the connection between the body and the instrument and to the unlimited potential of musical expression.
Jonathan Brown
Instructor: Found! Percussion Ensemble
Jonathan Brown is an Ann Arbor based percussionist and composer. He finds his artistic roots in Michigan, but has extended his collaborative projects and creative endeavors across the United States and Canada. With a particular affinity for diverse collaborations, Jonathan seeks to create through close relationships with artists, with an intent to reach multifaceted listeners beyond the contemporary classical audience. As a percussionist, Jonathan has performed with the Midland Symphony, Jackson Symphony, Livonia Symphony, Detroit Civic Orchestra, Detroit Medical Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra of the Academy of the Pacific, and the Percussive Arts Society 50th Anniversary Marimba Orchestra. Jonathan has also performed at the Ann Arbor Alberto Ginastera Festival, the Eastman Percussion Seminar, as well as the Chosen Vale Percussion Seminar, where he studied with Michael Burritt, Doug Perkins, Matt Duval, Cynthia Yeh, and Tim Feeny. Mr. Brown was selected to perform at Carnegie Hall as part of the Carnegie Weill Institute’s John Adams Workshop, under the direction of David Robertson. He has also been a frequent resident of the So Percussion Summer Institute at Princeton University, where premiered the works of Elliot Cole, Andrea Mazariello, and Wally Gunn. Mr. Brown has closely worked with and recorded the works of David Biedenbender, as well as Dave Hollinden, in collaboration with the Donald Sinta Quartet. Jonathan also commissioned a percussion quartet with David Hollinden entitled “Locomotion”, as a consortium with Listen! Percussion Quartet and Ad Astra Quartet. While receiving his Bachelor’s Degree at Central Michigan University, Mr. Brown founded the CMU Contemporary Music Ensemble, which still exists today. He was also a founding curator of the “Living Room Music” concert series based in Ann Arbor. Beyond contemporary percussion, Jonathan is an avid jazz drummer, having performed with Rob Smith and Carlos Mendelez at the Detroit Jazz Festival. As a composer, Jonathan is particularly interested in elevating repetition to create an ambient atmosphere. With his music, Jonathan seeks to create space for pondering and meditation, without sensing the passage of time. His compositions brought him to be a co-founder of the artist group The Willo Collective, a Midwestern family of composers, visual artists, percussionists, and dancers seeking to make the universal personal through collaboratively inclusive work. Currently, The Willo Collective is working on commissions for glass marimbas with composers from across the United States. In addition to his compositions being featured with Willo, Jonathan is currently working on composing music for Grand View University’s production of Macbeth. Mr. Brown is currently touring the U.S. playing drum set for the Ann Arbor-based world-folk band The Ragbirds. He is also organizing U.S. tours and recordings with the blues folk rock group Men On Horseback. Jonathan completed his undergraduate studies in Percussion Performance and Music Education at Central Michigan with Andrew Spencer and Rob Smith, and his graduate studies in Percussion Performance and Chamber Music at the University of Michigan with Joseph Gramley and Jonathan Ovalle. He remains active in local Michigan school districts as a music mentor, and maintains a private teaching studio.
Jonathan Brown is an Ann Arbor based percussionist and composer. He finds his artistic roots in Michigan, but has extended his collaborative projects and creative endeavors across the United States and Canada. With a particular affinity for diverse collaborations, Jonathan seeks to create through close relationships with artists, with an intent to reach multifaceted listeners beyond the contemporary classical audience. As a percussionist, Jonathan has performed with the Midland Symphony, Jackson Symphony, Livonia Symphony, Detroit Civic Orchestra, Detroit Medical Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra of the Academy of the Pacific, and the Percussive Arts Society 50th Anniversary Marimba Orchestra. Jonathan has also performed at the Ann Arbor Alberto Ginastera Festival, the Eastman Percussion Seminar, as well as the Chosen Vale Percussion Seminar, where he studied with Michael Burritt, Doug Perkins, Matt Duval, Cynthia Yeh, and Tim Feeny. Mr. Brown was selected to perform at Carnegie Hall as part of the Carnegie Weill Institute’s John Adams Workshop, under the direction of David Robertson. He has also been a frequent resident of the So Percussion Summer Institute at Princeton University, where premiered the works of Elliot Cole, Andrea Mazariello, and Wally Gunn. Mr. Brown has closely worked with and recorded the works of David Biedenbender, as well as Dave Hollinden, in collaboration with the Donald Sinta Quartet. Jonathan also commissioned a percussion quartet with David Hollinden entitled “Locomotion”, as a consortium with Listen! Percussion Quartet and Ad Astra Quartet. While receiving his Bachelor’s Degree at Central Michigan University, Mr. Brown founded the CMU Contemporary Music Ensemble, which still exists today. He was also a founding curator of the “Living Room Music” concert series based in Ann Arbor. Beyond contemporary percussion, Jonathan is an avid jazz drummer, having performed with Rob Smith and Carlos Mendelez at the Detroit Jazz Festival. As a composer, Jonathan is particularly interested in elevating repetition to create an ambient atmosphere. With his music, Jonathan seeks to create space for pondering and meditation, without sensing the passage of time. His compositions brought him to be a co-founder of the artist group The Willo Collective, a Midwestern family of composers, visual artists, percussionists, and dancers seeking to make the universal personal through collaboratively inclusive work. Currently, The Willo Collective is working on commissions for glass marimbas with composers from across the United States. In addition to his compositions being featured with Willo, Jonathan is currently working on composing music for Grand View University’s production of Macbeth. Mr. Brown is currently touring the U.S. playing drum set for the Ann Arbor-based world-folk band The Ragbirds. He is also organizing U.S. tours and recordings with the blues folk rock group Men On Horseback. Jonathan completed his undergraduate studies in Percussion Performance and Music Education at Central Michigan with Andrew Spencer and Rob Smith, and his graduate studies in Percussion Performance and Chamber Music at the University of Michigan with Joseph Gramley and Jonathan Ovalle. He remains active in local Michigan school districts as a music mentor, and maintains a private teaching studio.
Hannah Buck
Instructor: FOUND! Percussion Ensemble
Hannah Buck began playing percussion in the fifth grade, though her obsession with rhythm began before that, tap dancing competitively throughout child- and teenhood. She carried her love for drumming with her to the University of Michigan, but wanting to take a step back from the rigorous routine of high school marching band and drumline, she decided to join student organization Groove Performance Group.
Much like STOMP! and Blue Man Group, Groove focused on discovering fun, new ways to create percussion-heavy music out of every day objects, while still acknowledging and utilizing the value that traditional instruments have in our lives. In 2017, Hannah became the President of Groove and began working with the Community Music School on a similarly motivated youth ensemble. April 2018 resulted in a thrilling collaboration between Groove and CMS, both groups sharing the gorgeous Michigan Theater stage in front of 1,000 people and drumming on - what else? - broomsticks.
Hannah is now in her final year at the University, where majors in Creative Writing, Digital Studies, and plans to graduate in May. She has taken a step back from Groove to focus on her writing projects, but is thrilled to be directing FOUND! Percussion Ensemble at CMS this year! When Hannah's not busting phat beats or making up stories, she's trying out new vegan recipes and cuddling with her dog, Casper.
Hannah Buck began playing percussion in the fifth grade, though her obsession with rhythm began before that, tap dancing competitively throughout child- and teenhood. She carried her love for drumming with her to the University of Michigan, but wanting to take a step back from the rigorous routine of high school marching band and drumline, she decided to join student organization Groove Performance Group.
Much like STOMP! and Blue Man Group, Groove focused on discovering fun, new ways to create percussion-heavy music out of every day objects, while still acknowledging and utilizing the value that traditional instruments have in our lives. In 2017, Hannah became the President of Groove and began working with the Community Music School on a similarly motivated youth ensemble. April 2018 resulted in a thrilling collaboration between Groove and CMS, both groups sharing the gorgeous Michigan Theater stage in front of 1,000 people and drumming on - what else? - broomsticks.
Hannah is now in her final year at the University, where majors in Creative Writing, Digital Studies, and plans to graduate in May. She has taken a step back from Groove to focus on her writing projects, but is thrilled to be directing FOUND! Percussion Ensemble at CMS this year! When Hannah's not busting phat beats or making up stories, she's trying out new vegan recipes and cuddling with her dog, Casper.
Paul Finkbeiner
Trumpet Instructor
Instructor: Jazz Studies
Paul Finkbeiner was the fourth Jazz Major to graduate from Western Michigan University. He's performed in various jazz groups all over the world, including on cruise ships, the Orange County Jazz Festival in Los Angeles, the Evergreen Jazz Festival in Colorado, the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland and the symphonic hall of the Auditorio Nacional de Música in Madrid, Spain. He has also appeared on several CD's with Paul Keller, Jan Krist, Bess Bonnier, Glenn Tucker, Steve Fentriss and Phil Ogilvie's Rhythm Kings.
Instructor: Jazz Studies
Paul Finkbeiner was the fourth Jazz Major to graduate from Western Michigan University. He's performed in various jazz groups all over the world, including on cruise ships, the Orange County Jazz Festival in Los Angeles, the Evergreen Jazz Festival in Colorado, the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland and the symphonic hall of the Auditorio Nacional de Música in Madrid, Spain. He has also appeared on several CD's with Paul Keller, Jan Krist, Bess Bonnier, Glenn Tucker, Steve Fentriss and Phil Ogilvie's Rhythm Kings.
Joanna Goldstein
Flute Instructor
Flutist, Joanna Goldstein has performed with the Boston Pops Orchestra, Santa Rosa Symphony, Portland Symphony (ME), Rhode Island Symphony, Battle Creek Symphony, and Toledo Symphony, among others. She has participated in the Tanglewood Music Center Contemporary Festival, Music Academy of the West, and the Bowdoin International Music Festival.
Joanna was a founding member of the woodwind quintet, Vento Chiaro, a position she held from 1997-2013 until relocating to the west coast. While with Vento Chiaro, she had the opportunity to mentor some of the country’s most talented musicians as the Quintet in Residence at the Boston University Tanglewood Institute. As a member of Vento Chiaro, Joanna also held teaching/performance residencies at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard University, Providence College, and Longy School of Music.
Joanna was an adjunct faculty member at Boston University from 2006-2013 as the founding director of Boston University Music Organization Flute Ensemble. She also held the position of Director of Chamber Music at the Beaver Country Day School (Chesnut Hill, MA) from 2000-2013.
Joanna holds three degrees; a Bachelor of Music from Boston University, a Masters of Music from the Peabody Conservatory, and an Artist Diploma from the Longy School of Music, where she has had the privilege of working with some of this country’s finest flutists including Alice Weinreb, Doriot Anthony Dwyer, Mark Sparks, Robert Willoughby, Geralyn Coticone, Cindy Meyers, and Elizabeth Rowe.
While in California Joanna was the director of the Peninsula Youth Orchestra Flute Ensembles and on faculty at The Harker School in San Jose, CA. Joanna currently resides in Ann Arbor, MI where she is a member of Stratus Ensemble (stratusensemble.com), director of Noise Lab Ann Arbor (noiselabmusic.org), and is on faculty at the Community Music School of Ann Arbor as flute instructor and flute ensemble director.
Flutist, Joanna Goldstein has performed with the Boston Pops Orchestra, Santa Rosa Symphony, Portland Symphony (ME), Rhode Island Symphony, Battle Creek Symphony, and Toledo Symphony, among others. She has participated in the Tanglewood Music Center Contemporary Festival, Music Academy of the West, and the Bowdoin International Music Festival.
Joanna was a founding member of the woodwind quintet, Vento Chiaro, a position she held from 1997-2013 until relocating to the west coast. While with Vento Chiaro, she had the opportunity to mentor some of the country’s most talented musicians as the Quintet in Residence at the Boston University Tanglewood Institute. As a member of Vento Chiaro, Joanna also held teaching/performance residencies at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard University, Providence College, and Longy School of Music.
Joanna was an adjunct faculty member at Boston University from 2006-2013 as the founding director of Boston University Music Organization Flute Ensemble. She also held the position of Director of Chamber Music at the Beaver Country Day School (Chesnut Hill, MA) from 2000-2013.
Joanna holds three degrees; a Bachelor of Music from Boston University, a Masters of Music from the Peabody Conservatory, and an Artist Diploma from the Longy School of Music, where she has had the privilege of working with some of this country’s finest flutists including Alice Weinreb, Doriot Anthony Dwyer, Mark Sparks, Robert Willoughby, Geralyn Coticone, Cindy Meyers, and Elizabeth Rowe.
While in California Joanna was the director of the Peninsula Youth Orchestra Flute Ensembles and on faculty at The Harker School in San Jose, CA. Joanna currently resides in Ann Arbor, MI where she is a member of Stratus Ensemble (stratusensemble.com), director of Noise Lab Ann Arbor (noiselabmusic.org), and is on faculty at the Community Music School of Ann Arbor as flute instructor and flute ensemble director.
Bethanni Grecynski
Trombone Instructor
Instructor: Creative Studies
Bethanni Grecynski - dynamic musician, educator, and entrepreneur – obtained a degree from the University of Michigan in Trombone Performance (BM) under the tutelage of trombonist, David Jackson. Since then her career has been marked by collaboration and creativity, drawing influence from music of the Congo, the Balkans, Nigeria, and Jamaica, as well Hip Hop, Soul, R&B, Blues, and Funk.
Ms. Grecynski co-founded and leads two Ann Arbor ensembles: OrnâmatiK, electric quintet, and Rhyta Musik, Balkan Brass Band - both of which cross worlds between Eastern European folk music and new original composition. She has performed locally at the Ark and the Blind Pig, as well as in Detroit at Cliff Bell’s and the Macedonian Cultural Center, and for various festivals including Hamtramck Music Festival, Arts Beats and Eats, The International Conference on Diversity in the Arts (SphinxCon), and in NY at the renowned Balkan music celebration, Golden Festival.
As an educator, Bethanni aims to accept students as they are and provide inspiring learning opportunities. She emphasizes rhythm, composition, musicianship, and awareness.
Instructor: Creative Studies
Bethanni Grecynski - dynamic musician, educator, and entrepreneur – obtained a degree from the University of Michigan in Trombone Performance (BM) under the tutelage of trombonist, David Jackson. Since then her career has been marked by collaboration and creativity, drawing influence from music of the Congo, the Balkans, Nigeria, and Jamaica, as well Hip Hop, Soul, R&B, Blues, and Funk.
Ms. Grecynski co-founded and leads two Ann Arbor ensembles: OrnâmatiK, electric quintet, and Rhyta Musik, Balkan Brass Band - both of which cross worlds between Eastern European folk music and new original composition. She has performed locally at the Ark and the Blind Pig, as well as in Detroit at Cliff Bell’s and the Macedonian Cultural Center, and for various festivals including Hamtramck Music Festival, Arts Beats and Eats, The International Conference on Diversity in the Arts (SphinxCon), and in NY at the renowned Balkan music celebration, Golden Festival.
As an educator, Bethanni aims to accept students as they are and provide inspiring learning opportunities. She emphasizes rhythm, composition, musicianship, and awareness.
Ken Kozora
Trumpet Instructor
Ken Kozoragrew up in an encouraging musical family environment and an excellent school music program earning scholarships to study trumpet under classical music greats Donald Green (principal-Detroit & Los Angeles Philharmonic), R.J. Kelley (world renowned natural horn soloist) and later with Irving Sarin (principal-Pittsburg & Israel Philharmonic).
As a youth he was a member of the Dearborn Symphony, performed in chamber groups, big bands, rock bands, ethnic bands, etc., and began teaching privately as a teenager and composing contemporary music in his early twenties. His musical passion and wide interests have led him on a creative journey exploring multiple and unique instruments and ensembles.
Ken composes/performs on synthesizers, electro/acoustic percussion, bamboo flute, trumpet, bass and more in a fusion of styles from Classical to Electronic to World, Free Jazz and beyond and has performed/collaborated/recorded with a wide roster of local and international musicians, artists, dance companies and filmmakers. Ken is also very active in the community and in-demand as an educator and clinician.
Ken Kozoragrew up in an encouraging musical family environment and an excellent school music program earning scholarships to study trumpet under classical music greats Donald Green (principal-Detroit & Los Angeles Philharmonic), R.J. Kelley (world renowned natural horn soloist) and later with Irving Sarin (principal-Pittsburg & Israel Philharmonic).
As a youth he was a member of the Dearborn Symphony, performed in chamber groups, big bands, rock bands, ethnic bands, etc., and began teaching privately as a teenager and composing contemporary music in his early twenties. His musical passion and wide interests have led him on a creative journey exploring multiple and unique instruments and ensembles.
Ken composes/performs on synthesizers, electro/acoustic percussion, bamboo flute, trumpet, bass and more in a fusion of styles from Classical to Electronic to World, Free Jazz and beyond and has performed/collaborated/recorded with a wide roster of local and international musicians, artists, dance companies and filmmakers. Ken is also very active in the community and in-demand as an educator and clinician.
James Long
Low Brass Instructor
Instructor: New Wave Brass Ensemble
James Long, a new voice among the next generation of tuba and euphonium performers, is currently an incoming Doctorate of Musical Arts student in music performance at the University of Michigan. James also holds a master’s degree from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) and a bachelor’s degree from Oakland University. His primary teachers include Kenneth Kroesche, Brendan Ige, Timothy Northcut, and Fritz Kaenzig. As a performer, James has been active as a soloist throughout the United States. He has performed featured solos with the Oakland University Brass Band, Oakland University Wind Symphony, CCM Brass Choir, Dublin Silver Band, and the Dublin Cornet Band. As a chamber musician, James is a founding member of the Conviviality trio, a tuba,euphonium, and piano trio dedicated to recitals, the commissioning of new works, and outreach. James also garners accolades wherever his career leads him, winning the Oakland University Concerto Competition, the CCM Brass Choir Concerto Competition, and the North American Brass Band Association’s Low Brass Technical Solo Competition. James also has a passion for educating the next generation of brass players and music lovers. He's taught, as a brass instructor, throughout numerous band programs in Michigan and Ohio. James is currently the Assistant Director of the Youth Tuba Euphonium Ensemble at the University of Michigan and the Director of the New Wave Brass Project at the Ann Arbor Community Music School.
Instructor: New Wave Brass Ensemble
James Long, a new voice among the next generation of tuba and euphonium performers, is currently an incoming Doctorate of Musical Arts student in music performance at the University of Michigan. James also holds a master’s degree from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) and a bachelor’s degree from Oakland University. His primary teachers include Kenneth Kroesche, Brendan Ige, Timothy Northcut, and Fritz Kaenzig. As a performer, James has been active as a soloist throughout the United States. He has performed featured solos with the Oakland University Brass Band, Oakland University Wind Symphony, CCM Brass Choir, Dublin Silver Band, and the Dublin Cornet Band. As a chamber musician, James is a founding member of the Conviviality trio, a tuba,euphonium, and piano trio dedicated to recitals, the commissioning of new works, and outreach. James also garners accolades wherever his career leads him, winning the Oakland University Concerto Competition, the CCM Brass Choir Concerto Competition, and the North American Brass Band Association’s Low Brass Technical Solo Competition. James also has a passion for educating the next generation of brass players and music lovers. He's taught, as a brass instructor, throughout numerous band programs in Michigan and Ohio. James is currently the Assistant Director of the Youth Tuba Euphonium Ensemble at the University of Michigan and the Director of the New Wave Brass Project at the Ann Arbor Community Music School.
Melissa Mashner
Flute Instructor
Instructor: The Breath Ensemble
American flutist Melissa Mashner has been praised for her “sparkly musicianship, sensitivity, and elegance on the stage.” With international performance experience, Melissa balances performing, collaborating, and chamber work as an active musician currently based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. In 2015, the National Society of Leadership and Success named Melissa as winner of the National Dream Support Grant to sponsor further musical study in Vienna, Austria as a flautist and a leader in the collegiate music field. Following a series of concerts in England during the summer of 2015, Melissa returned to the US where she has performed for the National Flute Convention, Southeast Michigan Flute Association, and the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra.
A winner of numerous awards, Melissa has soloed with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Finger Lakes Symphony Orchestra, and Eastman Youth Chamber Soloists, as well as performed in Austria and England. Her collaboration with composers Kenneth E. Kreuzer and Cary Ratcliff have resulted in world-premier performances and commissioned works. An enthusiastic chamber musician, Melissa is founding member of the Angelus Duo and is passionate about sharing her experience with children through teaching, mentoring, and new music projects.
Melissa received her Master of Music in Flute Performance from the University of Michigan and Bachelor of Music from Indiana University. Her principal instructors have been internationally renowned artists Amy Porter, Jasmine Choi, and Thomas Robertello. Melissa performs on a Straubinger Flute, and is a native of Rochester, New York.
Instructor: The Breath Ensemble
American flutist Melissa Mashner has been praised for her “sparkly musicianship, sensitivity, and elegance on the stage.” With international performance experience, Melissa balances performing, collaborating, and chamber work as an active musician currently based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. In 2015, the National Society of Leadership and Success named Melissa as winner of the National Dream Support Grant to sponsor further musical study in Vienna, Austria as a flautist and a leader in the collegiate music field. Following a series of concerts in England during the summer of 2015, Melissa returned to the US where she has performed for the National Flute Convention, Southeast Michigan Flute Association, and the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra.
A winner of numerous awards, Melissa has soloed with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Finger Lakes Symphony Orchestra, and Eastman Youth Chamber Soloists, as well as performed in Austria and England. Her collaboration with composers Kenneth E. Kreuzer and Cary Ratcliff have resulted in world-premier performances and commissioned works. An enthusiastic chamber musician, Melissa is founding member of the Angelus Duo and is passionate about sharing her experience with children through teaching, mentoring, and new music projects.
Melissa received her Master of Music in Flute Performance from the University of Michigan and Bachelor of Music from Indiana University. Her principal instructors have been internationally renowned artists Amy Porter, Jasmine Choi, and Thomas Robertello. Melissa performs on a Straubinger Flute, and is a native of Rochester, New York.
Carrie Miller
General Manager
Instructor: Art of Chamber Music
Cello Instructor
Carrie Miller has taught cello privately for the past 11 years and works as a freelance musician in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She has performed with the Jackson Symphony, South West Symphony Orchestra, Adrien Symphony Orchestra, and West Symphony Orchestra in addition to playing in musicals and participating in a number of chamber series. She enjoys working with people of all ages and levels and believes that one of the best parts of being a musician is the opportunity to work with cellists and other musicians. Carrie finds her experience teaching students in her studio and visiting public schools to work with cellists especially rewarding.
Carrie works at The Community Music School of Ann Arbor where she teaches The Art of Chamber Music. This class is a wonderful opportunity to explore more repertoire and to find ways of creating and teaching music across all instruments. In addition she is the general manager at the school where she organizes programs and oversees the faculty.
Carrie studied at Florida State University with Greg Sauer receiving a Masters of Music in cello performance and previously received a Bachelors of Music in cello performance from the California State University, Sacramento where she studied with Professor Andrew Luchansky.
She began playing the cello at nine years old in Davis, California where she grew up. During her 4 years at CSU, Sacramento, she had masterclasses with pianist-composer, Eric Zivian, cellist, Timothy Eddie, and cellist, Steven Doane. In 2015 she performed the Lalo Cello Concerto after being a winner ofthe CSU Sacramento Concerto Competition.
Instructor: Art of Chamber Music
Cello Instructor
Carrie Miller has taught cello privately for the past 11 years and works as a freelance musician in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She has performed with the Jackson Symphony, South West Symphony Orchestra, Adrien Symphony Orchestra, and West Symphony Orchestra in addition to playing in musicals and participating in a number of chamber series. She enjoys working with people of all ages and levels and believes that one of the best parts of being a musician is the opportunity to work with cellists and other musicians. Carrie finds her experience teaching students in her studio and visiting public schools to work with cellists especially rewarding.
Carrie works at The Community Music School of Ann Arbor where she teaches The Art of Chamber Music. This class is a wonderful opportunity to explore more repertoire and to find ways of creating and teaching music across all instruments. In addition she is the general manager at the school where she organizes programs and oversees the faculty.
Carrie studied at Florida State University with Greg Sauer receiving a Masters of Music in cello performance and previously received a Bachelors of Music in cello performance from the California State University, Sacramento where she studied with Professor Andrew Luchansky.
She began playing the cello at nine years old in Davis, California where she grew up. During her 4 years at CSU, Sacramento, she had masterclasses with pianist-composer, Eric Zivian, cellist, Timothy Eddie, and cellist, Steven Doane. In 2015 she performed the Lalo Cello Concerto after being a winner ofthe CSU Sacramento Concerto Competition.
Anne Ogren
Violin/ Viola Instructor
Anne has taught orchestra in the Public Schools for 17 years and private lessons for violin and viola for
several decades. She plays violin in the Ann Arbor Symphony and plays for English Country Dancing.
Degrees: Masters in Music Education (U of M), and also Violin Performance and Music Theory.
Anne has taught orchestra in the Public Schools for 17 years and private lessons for violin and viola for
several decades. She plays violin in the Ann Arbor Symphony and plays for English Country Dancing.
Degrees: Masters in Music Education (U of M), and also Violin Performance and Music Theory.
Staff
Kasia Bielak-Hoops
Executive Director
Instructor: The Brandenburg Project
Cello Instructor
A native of Colorado, Ms. Kasia Bielak-Hoops has over 15 years experience as a performer and teacher in a wide variety of contexts and corners of the world including Japan, Chicago and Tanzania. She obtained degrees from the Eastman School of Music (BM) and Northern Illinois University (MM) and her career has been marked by a passion for chamber music and cross-cultural collaboration. She has been an invited soloist and chamber player in several world music festivals including the Hokuto International Music Festival in 2007, 2008 and 2010 in Japan as well as in the largest East African music festival Sauti za Busara in 2010. Her collaborations with a diverse array of world performing artists have included modern dancers, djembe players, koto performers and masters of Swahili taarab.
In her teaching, Ms. Bielak-Hoops loves fostering imagination and creativity in every interaction, leading the student on their own path of discovery, both in sound and technique. She strives to bring awareness to the connection between the body and the instrument and to the unlimited potential of musical expression.
Instructor: The Brandenburg Project
Cello Instructor
A native of Colorado, Ms. Kasia Bielak-Hoops has over 15 years experience as a performer and teacher in a wide variety of contexts and corners of the world including Japan, Chicago and Tanzania. She obtained degrees from the Eastman School of Music (BM) and Northern Illinois University (MM) and her career has been marked by a passion for chamber music and cross-cultural collaboration. She has been an invited soloist and chamber player in several world music festivals including the Hokuto International Music Festival in 2007, 2008 and 2010 in Japan as well as in the largest East African music festival Sauti za Busara in 2010. Her collaborations with a diverse array of world performing artists have included modern dancers, djembe players, koto performers and masters of Swahili taarab.
In her teaching, Ms. Bielak-Hoops loves fostering imagination and creativity in every interaction, leading the student on their own path of discovery, both in sound and technique. She strives to bring awareness to the connection between the body and the instrument and to the unlimited potential of musical expression.
Carrie Miller
General Manager
Instructor: Art of Chamber Music
Cello Instructor
Carrie Miller has taught cello privately for the past 11 years and works as a freelance musician in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She has performed with the Jackson Symphony, South West Symphony Orchestra, Adrien Symphony Orchestra, and West Symphony Orchestra in addition to playing in musicals and participating in a number of chamber series. She enjoys working with people of all ages and levels and believes that one of the best parts of being a musician is the opportunity to work with cellists and other musicians. Carrie finds her experience teaching students in her studio and visiting public schools to work with cellists especially rewarding.
Carrie works at The Community Music School of Ann Arbor where she teaches The Art of Chamber Music. This class is a wonderful opportunity to explore more repertoire and to find ways of creating and teaching music across all instruments. In addition she is the general manager at the school where she organizes programs and oversees the faculty.
Carrie studied at Florida State University with Greg Sauer receiving a Masters of Music in cello performance and previously received a Bachelors of Music in cello performance from the California State University, Sacramento where she studied with Professor Andrew Luchansky.
She began playing the cello at nine years old in Davis, California where she grew up. During her 4 years at CSU, Sacramento, she had masterclasses with pianist-composer, Eric Zivian, cellist, Timothy Eddie, and cellist, Steven Doane. In 2015 she performed the Lalo Cello Concerto after being a winner ofthe CSU Sacramento Concerto Competition.
Instructor: Art of Chamber Music
Cello Instructor
Carrie Miller has taught cello privately for the past 11 years and works as a freelance musician in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She has performed with the Jackson Symphony, South West Symphony Orchestra, Adrien Symphony Orchestra, and West Symphony Orchestra in addition to playing in musicals and participating in a number of chamber series. She enjoys working with people of all ages and levels and believes that one of the best parts of being a musician is the opportunity to work with cellists and other musicians. Carrie finds her experience teaching students in her studio and visiting public schools to work with cellists especially rewarding.
Carrie works at The Community Music School of Ann Arbor where she teaches The Art of Chamber Music. This class is a wonderful opportunity to explore more repertoire and to find ways of creating and teaching music across all instruments. In addition she is the general manager at the school where she organizes programs and oversees the faculty.
Carrie studied at Florida State University with Greg Sauer receiving a Masters of Music in cello performance and previously received a Bachelors of Music in cello performance from the California State University, Sacramento where she studied with Professor Andrew Luchansky.
She began playing the cello at nine years old in Davis, California where she grew up. During her 4 years at CSU, Sacramento, she had masterclasses with pianist-composer, Eric Zivian, cellist, Timothy Eddie, and cellist, Steven Doane. In 2015 she performed the Lalo Cello Concerto after being a winner ofthe CSU Sacramento Concerto Competition.
Cynthia Dahlgren
Community and Special Programs Coordinator
Piano Instructor
Cynthia Dahlgren is a doctoral candidate in Piano Performance from Arizona State University. She received her Master of Music degree from the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University in 2011 and her Bachelor of Music degree from the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University in 2009. Cynthia is also an alumnus of several summer music programs such as Tanglewood’s Young Artist Piano Program, Brevard Music Center, and Zephyr International Chamber Music Course & Festival in Italy. As a soloist, Cynthia has performed with the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra, Brevard Music Center Orchestra and the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra. In addition to her position as a Teaching Assistant Instructor of class piano at Arizona State University, Cynthia has been teaching professionally for eight years and is an active member of the Music Teacher National Association. Her lessons incorporate piano technique, keyboard theory and sight-reading skills as well as repertoire studies. She enjoys working with students of all ages and levels.
Piano Instructor
Cynthia Dahlgren is a doctoral candidate in Piano Performance from Arizona State University. She received her Master of Music degree from the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University in 2011 and her Bachelor of Music degree from the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University in 2009. Cynthia is also an alumnus of several summer music programs such as Tanglewood’s Young Artist Piano Program, Brevard Music Center, and Zephyr International Chamber Music Course & Festival in Italy. As a soloist, Cynthia has performed with the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra, Brevard Music Center Orchestra and the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra. In addition to her position as a Teaching Assistant Instructor of class piano at Arizona State University, Cynthia has been teaching professionally for eight years and is an active member of the Music Teacher National Association. Her lessons incorporate piano technique, keyboard theory and sight-reading skills as well as repertoire studies. She enjoys working with students of all ages and levels.
Community Private Instructors
Alex Anest
Guitar Instructor
Guitar, Lap Steel and Mandolin
“I concentrate on teaching the common threads running through diverse musical styles, and am dedicated to teaching the concept of quality, so that students can take what they learn and apply it to any style of music.”
Alex Anest is a professional guitarist who has been teaching other people to play since he was fifteen years old. He holds a degree in Jazz Studies from Bowling Green State University. Alex excels at teaching and playing all styles of music, especially American Musical Genres such as Jazz, Rock, Blues, Folk, and Country.
As a performer, music has taken Alex all over the country and the world, from touring in Switzerland with Kevin Meisel & The Ragged Glories in 2004, 2005 and 2008, 2010 and 2012 to playing stateside with bands like Giraffe and Gas For Less. He has also appeared on numerous CDs and a few movie soundtracks. Alex takes students of all ages and abilities and enjoys teaching reading, theory, and improvisation.
Guitar, Lap Steel and Mandolin
“I concentrate on teaching the common threads running through diverse musical styles, and am dedicated to teaching the concept of quality, so that students can take what they learn and apply it to any style of music.”
Alex Anest is a professional guitarist who has been teaching other people to play since he was fifteen years old. He holds a degree in Jazz Studies from Bowling Green State University. Alex excels at teaching and playing all styles of music, especially American Musical Genres such as Jazz, Rock, Blues, Folk, and Country.
As a performer, music has taken Alex all over the country and the world, from touring in Switzerland with Kevin Meisel & The Ragged Glories in 2004, 2005 and 2008, 2010 and 2012 to playing stateside with bands like Giraffe and Gas For Less. He has also appeared on numerous CDs and a few movie soundtracks. Alex takes students of all ages and abilities and enjoys teaching reading, theory, and improvisation.
Cynthia Dahlgren
Community and Special Programs Coordinator
Piano Instructor
Cynthia Dahlgren is a doctoral candidate in Piano Performance from Arizona State University. She received her Master of Music degree from the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University in 2011 and her Bachelor of Music degree from the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University in 2009. Cynthia is also an alumnus of several summer music programs such as Tanglewood’s Young Artist Piano Program, Brevard Music Center, and Zephyr International Chamber Music Course & Festival in Italy. As a soloist, Cynthia has performed with the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra, Brevard Music Center Orchestra and the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra. In addition to her position as a Teaching Assistant Instructor of class piano at Arizona State University, Cynthia has been teaching professionally for eight years and is an active member of the Music Teacher National Association. Her lessons incorporate piano technique, keyboard theory and sight-reading skills as well as repertoire studies. She enjoys working with students of all ages and levels.
Piano Instructor
Cynthia Dahlgren is a doctoral candidate in Piano Performance from Arizona State University. She received her Master of Music degree from the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University in 2011 and her Bachelor of Music degree from the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University in 2009. Cynthia is also an alumnus of several summer music programs such as Tanglewood’s Young Artist Piano Program, Brevard Music Center, and Zephyr International Chamber Music Course & Festival in Italy. As a soloist, Cynthia has performed with the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra, Brevard Music Center Orchestra and the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra. In addition to her position as a Teaching Assistant Instructor of class piano at Arizona State University, Cynthia has been teaching professionally for eight years and is an active member of the Music Teacher National Association. Her lessons incorporate piano technique, keyboard theory and sight-reading skills as well as repertoire studies. She enjoys working with students of all ages and levels.
Paul Finkbeiner
Trumpet Instructor
Instructor: Jazz Studies
Paul Finkbeiner was the fourth Jazz Major to graduate from Western Michigan University. He's performed in various jazz groups all over the world, including on cruise ships, the Orange County Jazz Festival in Los Angeles, the Evergreen Jazz Festival in Colorado, the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland and the symphonic hall of the Auditorio Nacional de Música in Madrid, Spain. He has also appeared on several CD's with Paul Keller, Jan Krist, Bess Bonnier, Glenn Tucker, Steve Fentriss and Phil Ogilvie's Rhythm Kings.
Instructor: Jazz Studies
Paul Finkbeiner was the fourth Jazz Major to graduate from Western Michigan University. He's performed in various jazz groups all over the world, including on cruise ships, the Orange County Jazz Festival in Los Angeles, the Evergreen Jazz Festival in Colorado, the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland and the symphonic hall of the Auditorio Nacional de Música in Madrid, Spain. He has also appeared on several CD's with Paul Keller, Jan Krist, Bess Bonnier, Glenn Tucker, Steve Fentriss and Phil Ogilvie's Rhythm Kings.
Teagan Faran
Violin Instructor
American violinist Teagan Faran is a multidisciplinary musician focused on enacting social change through the arts. She has recorded with the Buffalo Tango Orkestra, had compositions featured at the NYSSMA Conference and the Persis Vehar Competition for Excellence, and works closely with the University Musical Society in Ann Arbor, MI. Faran has recently served as concertmaster of the University of Michigan Symphony Orchestra and the Ann Arbor Camerata.
As a soloist, Faran has performed with the Buffalo Philharmonic, the University of Vermont Symphony, the Greater Buffalo Youth Orchestra (including a performance in Salsomaggiore Terme, Italy), the Ann Arbor Camerata (AAC), and the Williamsville East Symphonic Orchestra. Administratively, she worked as the AAC’s executive director for a season, and held internship positions in the Marketing and Education Departments of the Buffalo Philharmonic, and Education and Concerts/Touring with Jazz at Lincoln Center.
Pursuing a bachelor's degree in Violin Performance and Jazz/Contemporary Improvisation at the University of Michigan, Faran currently studies under Danielle Belen, Andrew Jennings, and Andrew Bishop. An avid educator, Faran has worked with Ann Arbor’s El Sistema program as well as the Sphinx Overture Program. She performs regularly with CAYO and is the founder of the all-arts collective Red Shoe Company.
American violinist Teagan Faran is a multidisciplinary musician focused on enacting social change through the arts. She has recorded with the Buffalo Tango Orkestra, had compositions featured at the NYSSMA Conference and the Persis Vehar Competition for Excellence, and works closely with the University Musical Society in Ann Arbor, MI. Faran has recently served as concertmaster of the University of Michigan Symphony Orchestra and the Ann Arbor Camerata.
As a soloist, Faran has performed with the Buffalo Philharmonic, the University of Vermont Symphony, the Greater Buffalo Youth Orchestra (including a performance in Salsomaggiore Terme, Italy), the Ann Arbor Camerata (AAC), and the Williamsville East Symphonic Orchestra. Administratively, she worked as the AAC’s executive director for a season, and held internship positions in the Marketing and Education Departments of the Buffalo Philharmonic, and Education and Concerts/Touring with Jazz at Lincoln Center.
Pursuing a bachelor's degree in Violin Performance and Jazz/Contemporary Improvisation at the University of Michigan, Faran currently studies under Danielle Belen, Andrew Jennings, and Andrew Bishop. An avid educator, Faran has worked with Ann Arbor’s El Sistema program as well as the Sphinx Overture Program. She performs regularly with CAYO and is the founder of the all-arts collective Red Shoe Company.
Joanna Goldstein
Flute Instructor
Flutist, Joanna Goldstein has performed with the Boston Pops Orchestra, Santa Rosa Symphony, Portland Symphony (ME), Rhode Island Symphony, Battle Creek Symphony, and Toledo Symphony, among others. She has participated in the Tanglewood Music Center Contemporary Festival, Music Academy of the West, and the Bowdoin International Music Festival.
Joanna was a founding member of the woodwind quintet, Vento Chiaro, a position she held from 1997-2013 until relocating to the west coast. While with Vento Chiaro, she had the opportunity to mentor some of the country’s most talented musicians as the Quintet in Residence at the Boston University Tanglewood Institute. As a member of Vento Chiaro, Joanna also held teaching/performance residencies at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard University, Providence College, and Longy School of Music.
Joanna was an adjunct faculty member at Boston University from 2006-2013 as the founding director of Boston University Music Organization Flute Ensemble. She also held the position of Director of Chamber Music at the Beaver Country Day School (Chesnut Hill, MA) from 2000-2013.
Joanna holds three degrees; a Bachelor of Music from Boston University, a Masters of Music from the Peabody Conservatory, and an Artist Diploma from the Longy School of Music, where she has had the privilege of working with some of this country’s finest flutists including Alice Weinreb, Doriot Anthony Dwyer, Mark Sparks, Robert Willoughby, Geralyn Coticone, Cindy Meyers, and Elizabeth Rowe.
While in California Joanna was the director of the Peninsula Youth Orchestra Flute Ensembles and on faculty at The Harker School in San Jose, CA. Joanna currently resides in Ann Arbor, MI where she is a member of Stratus Ensemble (stratusensemble.com), director of Noise Lab Ann Arbor (noiselabmusic.org), and is on faculty at the Community Music School of Ann Arbor as flute instructor and flute ensemble director.
Flutist, Joanna Goldstein has performed with the Boston Pops Orchestra, Santa Rosa Symphony, Portland Symphony (ME), Rhode Island Symphony, Battle Creek Symphony, and Toledo Symphony, among others. She has participated in the Tanglewood Music Center Contemporary Festival, Music Academy of the West, and the Bowdoin International Music Festival.
Joanna was a founding member of the woodwind quintet, Vento Chiaro, a position she held from 1997-2013 until relocating to the west coast. While with Vento Chiaro, she had the opportunity to mentor some of the country’s most talented musicians as the Quintet in Residence at the Boston University Tanglewood Institute. As a member of Vento Chiaro, Joanna also held teaching/performance residencies at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard University, Providence College, and Longy School of Music.
Joanna was an adjunct faculty member at Boston University from 2006-2013 as the founding director of Boston University Music Organization Flute Ensemble. She also held the position of Director of Chamber Music at the Beaver Country Day School (Chesnut Hill, MA) from 2000-2013.
Joanna holds three degrees; a Bachelor of Music from Boston University, a Masters of Music from the Peabody Conservatory, and an Artist Diploma from the Longy School of Music, where she has had the privilege of working with some of this country’s finest flutists including Alice Weinreb, Doriot Anthony Dwyer, Mark Sparks, Robert Willoughby, Geralyn Coticone, Cindy Meyers, and Elizabeth Rowe.
While in California Joanna was the director of the Peninsula Youth Orchestra Flute Ensembles and on faculty at The Harker School in San Jose, CA. Joanna currently resides in Ann Arbor, MI where she is a member of Stratus Ensemble (stratusensemble.com), director of Noise Lab Ann Arbor (noiselabmusic.org), and is on faculty at the Community Music School of Ann Arbor as flute instructor and flute ensemble director.
Bethanni Grecynski
Trombone Instructor
Instructor: Creative Studies
Bethanni Grecynski - dynamic musician, educator, and entrepreneur – obtained a degree from the University of Michigan in Trombone Performance (BM) under the tutelage of trombonist, David Jackson. Since then her career has been marked by collaboration and creativity, drawing influence from music of the Congo, the Balkans, Nigeria, and Jamaica, as well Hip Hop, Soul, R&B, Blues, and Funk.
Ms. Grecynski co-founded and leads two Ann Arbor ensembles: OrnâmatiK, electric quintet, and Rhyta Musik, Balkan Brass Band - both of which cross worlds between Eastern European folk music and new original composition. She has performed locally at the Ark and the Blind Pig, as well as in Detroit at Cliff Bell’s and the Macedonian Cultural Center, and for various festivals including Hamtramck Music Festival, Arts Beats and Eats, The International Conference on Diversity in the Arts (SphinxCon), and in NY at the renowned Balkan music celebration, Golden Festival.
As an educator, Bethanni aims to accept students as they are and provide inspiring learning opportunities. She emphasizes rhythm, composition, musicianship, and awareness.
Instructor: Creative Studies
Bethanni Grecynski - dynamic musician, educator, and entrepreneur – obtained a degree from the University of Michigan in Trombone Performance (BM) under the tutelage of trombonist, David Jackson. Since then her career has been marked by collaboration and creativity, drawing influence from music of the Congo, the Balkans, Nigeria, and Jamaica, as well Hip Hop, Soul, R&B, Blues, and Funk.
Ms. Grecynski co-founded and leads two Ann Arbor ensembles: OrnâmatiK, electric quintet, and Rhyta Musik, Balkan Brass Band - both of which cross worlds between Eastern European folk music and new original composition. She has performed locally at the Ark and the Blind Pig, as well as in Detroit at Cliff Bell’s and the Macedonian Cultural Center, and for various festivals including Hamtramck Music Festival, Arts Beats and Eats, The International Conference on Diversity in the Arts (SphinxCon), and in NY at the renowned Balkan music celebration, Golden Festival.
As an educator, Bethanni aims to accept students as they are and provide inspiring learning opportunities. She emphasizes rhythm, composition, musicianship, and awareness.
Ken Kozora
Trumpet Instructor
Ken Kozoragrew up in an encouraging musical family environment and an excellent school music program earning scholarships to study trumpet under classical music greats Donald Green (principal-Detroit & Los Angeles Philharmonic), R.J. Kelley (world renowned natural horn soloist) and later with Irving Sarin (principal-Pittsburg & Israel Philharmonic).
As a youth he was a member of the Dearborn Symphony, performed in chamber groups, big bands, rock bands, ethnic bands, etc., and began teaching privately as a teenager and composing contemporary music in his early twenties. His musical passion and wide interests have led him on a creative journey exploring multiple and unique instruments and ensembles.
Ken composes/performs on synthesizers, electro/acoustic percussion, bamboo flute, trumpet, bass and more in a fusion of styles from Classical to Electronic to World, Free Jazz and beyond and has performed/collaborated/recorded with a wide roster of local and international musicians, artists, dance companies and filmmakers. Ken is also very active in the community and in-demand as an educator and clinician.
Ken Kozoragrew up in an encouraging musical family environment and an excellent school music program earning scholarships to study trumpet under classical music greats Donald Green (principal-Detroit & Los Angeles Philharmonic), R.J. Kelley (world renowned natural horn soloist) and later with Irving Sarin (principal-Pittsburg & Israel Philharmonic).
As a youth he was a member of the Dearborn Symphony, performed in chamber groups, big bands, rock bands, ethnic bands, etc., and began teaching privately as a teenager and composing contemporary music in his early twenties. His musical passion and wide interests have led him on a creative journey exploring multiple and unique instruments and ensembles.
Ken composes/performs on synthesizers, electro/acoustic percussion, bamboo flute, trumpet, bass and more in a fusion of styles from Classical to Electronic to World, Free Jazz and beyond and has performed/collaborated/recorded with a wide roster of local and international musicians, artists, dance companies and filmmakers. Ken is also very active in the community and in-demand as an educator and clinician.
Kurt Krahnke
Bass Instructor
Kurt Krahnke was a student at the Berklee College of Music and the New England Conservatory of Music, Boston. Mr. Krahnke has many recordings, and performances to his credit, and these include touring with such artists as: Ellen Rowe, Joe Henderson, Leon Thomas, Sonny Fortune, Maria Muldaur, James Dapogny and Mugrew Miller.
Kurt Krahnke was a student at the Berklee College of Music and the New England Conservatory of Music, Boston. Mr. Krahnke has many recordings, and performances to his credit, and these include touring with such artists as: Ellen Rowe, Joe Henderson, Leon Thomas, Sonny Fortune, Maria Muldaur, James Dapogny and Mugrew Miller.
Morgan LaMonica
French Horn Instructor
Hailing from Atkinson, New Hampshire, Morgan holds a degree in French Horn Performance from the University of Michigan. Morgan also studied music education for two and a half years during her time at U-M. She has been teaching horn for nine years in a variety of settings, including private lessons, group lessons, and chamber music groups. She teaches all ages and skill levels from children to adults.
As a performer, Morgan is currently principal horn in the Michigan Philharmonic Orchestra and is second horn in the Dearborn Symphony Orchestra. She also subs with the Adrian Symphony Orchestra, Merrimack Valley Philharmonic Orchestra (MVPO), and New Hampshire Philharmonic Orchestra. She is a performing artist with Chamber Music Michigan and has appeared as a soloist with the MVPO. Morgan has collaborated, performed, and recorded with a variety of artists, including Adam Unsworth (whom she studied with during her undergraduate degree), Nancy Ambrose King, Carol Jantsch, Michael Daugherty, and Timothy McAllister.
In lessons, Morgan focuses on having her students hone musicality and creativity while also learning fundamental music skills and horn technique. Morgan fosters a relaxed, creative learning environment so that all of her students are able to have positive musical experiences.
Hailing from Atkinson, New Hampshire, Morgan holds a degree in French Horn Performance from the University of Michigan. Morgan also studied music education for two and a half years during her time at U-M. She has been teaching horn for nine years in a variety of settings, including private lessons, group lessons, and chamber music groups. She teaches all ages and skill levels from children to adults.
As a performer, Morgan is currently principal horn in the Michigan Philharmonic Orchestra and is second horn in the Dearborn Symphony Orchestra. She also subs with the Adrian Symphony Orchestra, Merrimack Valley Philharmonic Orchestra (MVPO), and New Hampshire Philharmonic Orchestra. She is a performing artist with Chamber Music Michigan and has appeared as a soloist with the MVPO. Morgan has collaborated, performed, and recorded with a variety of artists, including Adam Unsworth (whom she studied with during her undergraduate degree), Nancy Ambrose King, Carol Jantsch, Michael Daugherty, and Timothy McAllister.
In lessons, Morgan focuses on having her students hone musicality and creativity while also learning fundamental music skills and horn technique. Morgan fosters a relaxed, creative learning environment so that all of her students are able to have positive musical experiences.
James Long
Low Brass Instructor
Instructor: New Wave Brass Ensemble
James Long, a new voice among the next generation of tuba and euphonium performers, is currently an incoming Doctorate of Musical Arts student in music performance at the University of Michigan. James also holds a master’s degree from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) and a bachelor’s degree from Oakland University. His primary teachers include Kenneth Kroesche, Brendan Ige, Timothy Northcut, and Fritz Kaenzig. As a performer, James has been active as a soloist throughout the United States. He has performed featured solos with the Oakland University Brass Band, Oakland University Wind Symphony, CCM Brass Choir, Dublin Silver Band, and the Dublin Cornet Band. As a chamber musician, James is a founding member of the Conviviality trio, a tuba,euphonium, and piano trio dedicated to recitals, the commissioning of new works, and outreach. James also garners accolades wherever his career leads him, winning the Oakland University Concerto Competition, the CCM Brass Choir Concerto Competition, and the North American Brass Band Association’s Low Brass Technical Solo Competition. James also has a passion for educating the next generation of brass players and music lovers. He's taught, as a brass instructor, throughout numerous band programs in Michigan and Ohio. James is currently the Assistant Director of the Youth Tuba Euphonium Ensemble at the University of Michigan and the Director of the New Wave Brass Project at the Ann Arbor Community Music School.
Instructor: New Wave Brass Ensemble
James Long, a new voice among the next generation of tuba and euphonium performers, is currently an incoming Doctorate of Musical Arts student in music performance at the University of Michigan. James also holds a master’s degree from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) and a bachelor’s degree from Oakland University. His primary teachers include Kenneth Kroesche, Brendan Ige, Timothy Northcut, and Fritz Kaenzig. As a performer, James has been active as a soloist throughout the United States. He has performed featured solos with the Oakland University Brass Band, Oakland University Wind Symphony, CCM Brass Choir, Dublin Silver Band, and the Dublin Cornet Band. As a chamber musician, James is a founding member of the Conviviality trio, a tuba,euphonium, and piano trio dedicated to recitals, the commissioning of new works, and outreach. James also garners accolades wherever his career leads him, winning the Oakland University Concerto Competition, the CCM Brass Choir Concerto Competition, and the North American Brass Band Association’s Low Brass Technical Solo Competition. James also has a passion for educating the next generation of brass players and music lovers. He's taught, as a brass instructor, throughout numerous band programs in Michigan and Ohio. James is currently the Assistant Director of the Youth Tuba Euphonium Ensemble at the University of Michigan and the Director of the New Wave Brass Project at the Ann Arbor Community Music School.
Carla Margolis
Voice Instructor
Carla Margolis is currently studying voice at Eastern Michigan University. In addition, Ms. Margolis has studied Dalcroze Technique at the Dalcroze School of Music in NYC, Westminster Choir College and the Julliard School of Music. Ms. Margolis has also studied vocal technique and jazz vocal technique at Indiana School of Music and has studied privately with Charles Preston, Janet Lawson and Diane Estes. Ms. Margolis has worked with the Ann Arbor Public Schools, the Chelsea Center for the Arts and Young People's Theatre. Ms. Margolis teaches voice and group classes in Dalcroze Technique at AASPA.
Carla Margolis is currently studying voice at Eastern Michigan University. In addition, Ms. Margolis has studied Dalcroze Technique at the Dalcroze School of Music in NYC, Westminster Choir College and the Julliard School of Music. Ms. Margolis has also studied vocal technique and jazz vocal technique at Indiana School of Music and has studied privately with Charles Preston, Janet Lawson and Diane Estes. Ms. Margolis has worked with the Ann Arbor Public Schools, the Chelsea Center for the Arts and Young People's Theatre. Ms. Margolis teaches voice and group classes in Dalcroze Technique at AASPA.
Melissa Mashner
Flute Instructor
Instructor: The Breath Ensemble
American flutist Melissa Mashner has been praised for her “sparkly musicianship, sensitivity, and elegance on the stage.” With international performance experience, Melissa balances performing, collaborating, and chamber work as an active musician currently based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. In 2015, the National Society of Leadership and Success named Melissa as winner of the National Dream Support Grant to sponsor further musical study in Vienna, Austria as a flautist and a leader in the collegiate music field. Following a series of concerts in England during the summer of 2015, Melissa returned to the US where she has performed for the National Flute Convention, Southeast Michigan Flute Association, and the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra.
A winner of numerous awards, Melissa has soloed with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Finger Lakes Symphony Orchestra, and Eastman Youth Chamber Soloists, as well as performed in Austria and England. Her collaboration with composers Kenneth E. Kreuzer and Cary Ratcliff have resulted in world-premier performances and commissioned works. An enthusiastic chamber musician, Melissa is founding member of the Angelus Duo and is passionate about sharing her experience with children through teaching, mentoring, and new music projects.
Melissa received her Master of Music in Flute Performance from the University of Michigan and Bachelor of Music from Indiana University. Her principal instructors have been internationally renowned artists Amy Porter, Jasmine Choi, and Thomas Robertello. Melissa performs on a Straubinger Flute, and is a native of Rochester, New York.
Instructor: The Breath Ensemble
American flutist Melissa Mashner has been praised for her “sparkly musicianship, sensitivity, and elegance on the stage.” With international performance experience, Melissa balances performing, collaborating, and chamber work as an active musician currently based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. In 2015, the National Society of Leadership and Success named Melissa as winner of the National Dream Support Grant to sponsor further musical study in Vienna, Austria as a flautist and a leader in the collegiate music field. Following a series of concerts in England during the summer of 2015, Melissa returned to the US where she has performed for the National Flute Convention, Southeast Michigan Flute Association, and the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra.
A winner of numerous awards, Melissa has soloed with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Finger Lakes Symphony Orchestra, and Eastman Youth Chamber Soloists, as well as performed in Austria and England. Her collaboration with composers Kenneth E. Kreuzer and Cary Ratcliff have resulted in world-premier performances and commissioned works. An enthusiastic chamber musician, Melissa is founding member of the Angelus Duo and is passionate about sharing her experience with children through teaching, mentoring, and new music projects.
Melissa received her Master of Music in Flute Performance from the University of Michigan and Bachelor of Music from Indiana University. Her principal instructors have been internationally renowned artists Amy Porter, Jasmine Choi, and Thomas Robertello. Melissa performs on a Straubinger Flute, and is a native of Rochester, New York.
Board of Directors
Val JaskiewiczBoard Chair
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Elaine SargousVice Chair
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Mary Jean RaabSecretary
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Mark BailyTreasurer
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David Greene |
Don AllesMarketing & Media Lead
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Latonya Woods |
Advisors
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Abby Alwin
Wendy Bloom Cynthia L. Cattran Roger Chard Don Chisholm Katherine Collier Richard Dorner Chris Fellin |
John B. Fingerle
Penelope Fischer William Hayes Barbara Kramer Arie Lipsky E. Daniel Long Kay Long |
Roy Muir
Joe O’Neal Bob Philips Ingrid Sheldon Peter Sparling Virginia Weckstrom-Kantor Warren Widmayer |
