AMEP (Private Lesson) Teaching Staff
Flute
Janis Grannell - Grades 6-12
jrg7@att.net
817.213.7900
Janis Grannell was born in Memphis, Tennessee where she received her first musical training in the form of piano lessons. The family moved to North Platte, Nebraska when she was eight and she finished her high school education there. She started to play flute in fifth grade. High school awards earned were principal flute two years in the Hastings Select Honor Band, two years in the Nebraska All-State Band, the John Philip Sousa Band Award, the National Orchestra Award, and the Paderewski Gold Medal for receiving a superior rating for ten years in piano Guild.
Her college years were spent at Texas Christian University as a Nordan Scholarship recipient, where she studied flute under Dr. Ralph Guenther and piano with Keith Mixson. She played with the T.C.U. Symphony Orchestra and was selected twice (eligible every other year) as Honors performer in the concerto competition. She also played in the T.C.U. Woodwind Quintet, coached by Noah Knepper. While at T.C.U., she presented five full flute recitals and several chamber recitals. She graduated Magna Cum Laude, was elected Mu Phi Epsilon president, was tapped for Mortar Board, was the senior scholar in music, and was awarded a Performer’s Certificate. Graduate studies continued at the University of Georgia where she received a teaching assistantship, studying flute with Dr. Ron Waln. She was elected to Phi Kappa Phi, Pi Kappa Lambda and graduated with a 4.0. She was soloist with the University of Georgia Symphony and was a member of the Honors Woodwind Quintet. She played as soloist with the Atlanta Symphony when they were in residency for three days at the University.
Post-graduate studies include many master classes and recitals. Janis has performed at classes with William Bennett, Karl Kraber, Louis Moyse, Trevor Wye, Geoffrey Gilbert, Jean-Pierre Rampal, and Murray Panitz, and studied flute for many years with Dr. George Morey, retired University of North Texas professor.
Janis taught adjunct at Texas Christian University, and seventeen years at the University of Texas at Arlington, where she taught flute, coached ensembles, and taught two courses. Her flute choir once played for the CBS Morning Show out of New York. Her students have gone on to achieve successful graduate studies and good teaching positions. She now teaches middle and high school students and has had many All-Region and All-State players. Janis performed for many years with Michael Reed at the Worthington Hotel in Fort Worth and does free-lance work throughout the metroplex. She played with the now defunct Texas Wind Symphony and is active as a clinician and adjudicator. She balances her musical life with family, raising one daughter with her husband, Stephen.
jrg7@att.net
817.213.7900
Janis Grannell was born in Memphis, Tennessee where she received her first musical training in the form of piano lessons. The family moved to North Platte, Nebraska when she was eight and she finished her high school education there. She started to play flute in fifth grade. High school awards earned were principal flute two years in the Hastings Select Honor Band, two years in the Nebraska All-State Band, the John Philip Sousa Band Award, the National Orchestra Award, and the Paderewski Gold Medal for receiving a superior rating for ten years in piano Guild.
Her college years were spent at Texas Christian University as a Nordan Scholarship recipient, where she studied flute under Dr. Ralph Guenther and piano with Keith Mixson. She played with the T.C.U. Symphony Orchestra and was selected twice (eligible every other year) as Honors performer in the concerto competition. She also played in the T.C.U. Woodwind Quintet, coached by Noah Knepper. While at T.C.U., she presented five full flute recitals and several chamber recitals. She graduated Magna Cum Laude, was elected Mu Phi Epsilon president, was tapped for Mortar Board, was the senior scholar in music, and was awarded a Performer’s Certificate. Graduate studies continued at the University of Georgia where she received a teaching assistantship, studying flute with Dr. Ron Waln. She was elected to Phi Kappa Phi, Pi Kappa Lambda and graduated with a 4.0. She was soloist with the University of Georgia Symphony and was a member of the Honors Woodwind Quintet. She played as soloist with the Atlanta Symphony when they were in residency for three days at the University.
Post-graduate studies include many master classes and recitals. Janis has performed at classes with William Bennett, Karl Kraber, Louis Moyse, Trevor Wye, Geoffrey Gilbert, Jean-Pierre Rampal, and Murray Panitz, and studied flute for many years with Dr. George Morey, retired University of North Texas professor.
Janis taught adjunct at Texas Christian University, and seventeen years at the University of Texas at Arlington, where she taught flute, coached ensembles, and taught two courses. Her flute choir once played for the CBS Morning Show out of New York. Her students have gone on to achieve successful graduate studies and good teaching positions. She now teaches middle and high school students and has had many All-Region and All-State players. Janis performed for many years with Michael Reed at the Worthington Hotel in Fort Worth and does free-lance work throughout the metroplex. She played with the now defunct Texas Wind Symphony and is active as a clinician and adjudicator. She balances her musical life with family, raising one daughter with her husband, Stephen.
Natasha Costello- Grades 9-12
ncostello1994@gmail.com
Natasha Costello is a flute player and teacher in the DFW metroplex. She recently graduated with her Master's in Flute Performance from the University of Maryland where she studied with Aaron Goldman and Dr. Sarah Frisof. She completed her Bachelor of Music degree at Texas Christian University studying with Dr. Shauna Thompson.
As a performer, Natasha has been a finalist for the TCU Concerto Competition, and was selected to perform at the 2016 National Flute Convention as a member of the Collegiate Flute Choir. She was also a co-principal player of both TCU and UMD's orchestra and wind band.
Natasha discovered a love for teaching early in her undergrad and taught private lessons at schools in the DFW area. In Maryland, she maintained a studio of about 20 students through local Music & Arts stores. Now back in the DFW area, she is excited to share her love of music with the students of the fantastic Texas band programs!
ncostello1994@gmail.com
Natasha Costello is a flute player and teacher in the DFW metroplex. She recently graduated with her Master's in Flute Performance from the University of Maryland where she studied with Aaron Goldman and Dr. Sarah Frisof. She completed her Bachelor of Music degree at Texas Christian University studying with Dr. Shauna Thompson.
As a performer, Natasha has been a finalist for the TCU Concerto Competition, and was selected to perform at the 2016 National Flute Convention as a member of the Collegiate Flute Choir. She was also a co-principal player of both TCU and UMD's orchestra and wind band.
Natasha discovered a love for teaching early in her undergrad and taught private lessons at schools in the DFW area. In Maryland, she maintained a studio of about 20 students through local Music & Arts stores. Now back in the DFW area, she is excited to share her love of music with the students of the fantastic Texas band programs!
Oboe
Anna Peterson- Grades 6-12
annacatherinepeterson@gmail.com
Anna Peterson is an educator and oboist in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Anna is a recent graduate of the University of Iowa, where she completed her Masters in Oboe Performance studying with Andrew Parker and Courtney Miller. She previously completed a Bachelors of Arts in Oboe Performance from Augsburg College in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Anna has distinguished herself as a musician, performer, and scholar in many ways during her career thus far. Placing particular emphasis on her love of the oboe as well as history and culture, she has studied extensively abroad both in Paris, France and Vienna, Austria at the Institute for the International Education of Students. While abroad Anna studied for a semester with David Walter, Professor of oboe and chamber music at the Conservatoire de Paris and participated in both performance and history related seminars in Vienna, Austria. Other exciting accolades include a large grant from the Undergraduate Research and Graduate Opportunity Office at Augsburg College in 2013— Anna was able to do an extensive study into the history and development of the oboe reed gouging machine alongside her mentor, Merilee Klemp. Accomplished as an orchestral musician and soloist, Anna has been featured as a soloist multiple times with the Augsburg Symphony Orchestra on both oboe and English horn. Her latest projects include performing with the ‘Vijf’ Reed Quintet at the University of Iowa, and collaborating with colleagues in the Texas Chamber Music Project.
Since moving to Texas in 2016, Anna has grown a thriving private studio of students in many school districts, also has had frequent performance opportunities in local ensembles. They include the Northeast Orchestra, New Texas Symphony Orchestra, Mesquite Symphony Orchestra and The Texas Chamber Music Project. Anna currently resides in Hurst, Texas with her husband, Christopher, and their black cat Berlioz.
annacatherinepeterson@gmail.com
Anna Peterson is an educator and oboist in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Anna is a recent graduate of the University of Iowa, where she completed her Masters in Oboe Performance studying with Andrew Parker and Courtney Miller. She previously completed a Bachelors of Arts in Oboe Performance from Augsburg College in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Anna has distinguished herself as a musician, performer, and scholar in many ways during her career thus far. Placing particular emphasis on her love of the oboe as well as history and culture, she has studied extensively abroad both in Paris, France and Vienna, Austria at the Institute for the International Education of Students. While abroad Anna studied for a semester with David Walter, Professor of oboe and chamber music at the Conservatoire de Paris and participated in both performance and history related seminars in Vienna, Austria. Other exciting accolades include a large grant from the Undergraduate Research and Graduate Opportunity Office at Augsburg College in 2013— Anna was able to do an extensive study into the history and development of the oboe reed gouging machine alongside her mentor, Merilee Klemp. Accomplished as an orchestral musician and soloist, Anna has been featured as a soloist multiple times with the Augsburg Symphony Orchestra on both oboe and English horn. Her latest projects include performing with the ‘Vijf’ Reed Quintet at the University of Iowa, and collaborating with colleagues in the Texas Chamber Music Project.
Since moving to Texas in 2016, Anna has grown a thriving private studio of students in many school districts, also has had frequent performance opportunities in local ensembles. They include the Northeast Orchestra, New Texas Symphony Orchestra, Mesquite Symphony Orchestra and The Texas Chamber Music Project. Anna currently resides in Hurst, Texas with her husband, Christopher, and their black cat Berlioz.
Bassoon
Michael Scott Grades 6-12
mlscottbsn@gmail.com
870.761.2977
Michael Scott is currently in the process of finishing his D.M.A./Bassoon Performance degree at the University of Missouri- Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance, where he studied with Marita Abner. He is currently working on a reed making book and starting up a reed and cane processing company to supply students and professional with quality reeds and cane as the final project to complete his Doctoral degree.
While living in Kansas City Michael enjoyed an active performing lifestyle, performing in the Conservatory’s Graduate Fellowship Woodwind Quintet, the Conservatory Orchestra, and Wind Symphony. Outside of school Michael was an active chamber music performer, and freelance musician in the Kansas City area. He was the Second Bassoonist in the Kinnor Philharmonic, and subbed frequently with the Kansas City Symphony, the Lincoln Symphony Orchestra, and the Wichita Symphony.
Michael has performed in numerous masterclasses with prominent bassoonist from around the country, along with performing at numerous conferences, including the Midwest Clinic, American Bandmasters Association, College Music Society conferences, regional and national College Band Directors National Association conferences, and the International Double Reed Society conference. For the past three years he has served as Co-Principal of the Endless Mountain Music Festival in Pennsylvania, and in 2013 traveled to China to perform in the Beijing Modern Music Festival.
Michael received his Bachelor of Music in 2004 from Arkansas State University, where he studied with Dan Ross. While attending ASU he served as Principal Bassoonist in the ASU Wind Ensemble and Orchestra. He served as Second Bassoonist in the Northeast Arkansas Symphony from 1997 to 1999, then served as Principal Bassoonist in the Delta Symphony Orchestra from 1999 to 2004. During the summers of 2000 through 2003 he served as Principal Bassoonist at the Wildwood Opera Festival in Little Rock, Arkansas.
After graduating from ASU Michael studied at Louisiana State University with William Ludwig and received a Master of Music degree in 2006. While attending LSU, he served as Principal Bassoonist in the University Wind Ensemble and Orchestra. He also served as Principal in the Louisiana Sinfonietta and as a substitute Bassoonist for the Baton Rouge Symphony. Several selections from his master’s recital were selected for WKRF’s radio program “The LSU School of Music Presents.”
mlscottbsn@gmail.com
870.761.2977
Michael Scott is currently in the process of finishing his D.M.A./Bassoon Performance degree at the University of Missouri- Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance, where he studied with Marita Abner. He is currently working on a reed making book and starting up a reed and cane processing company to supply students and professional with quality reeds and cane as the final project to complete his Doctoral degree.
While living in Kansas City Michael enjoyed an active performing lifestyle, performing in the Conservatory’s Graduate Fellowship Woodwind Quintet, the Conservatory Orchestra, and Wind Symphony. Outside of school Michael was an active chamber music performer, and freelance musician in the Kansas City area. He was the Second Bassoonist in the Kinnor Philharmonic, and subbed frequently with the Kansas City Symphony, the Lincoln Symphony Orchestra, and the Wichita Symphony.
Michael has performed in numerous masterclasses with prominent bassoonist from around the country, along with performing at numerous conferences, including the Midwest Clinic, American Bandmasters Association, College Music Society conferences, regional and national College Band Directors National Association conferences, and the International Double Reed Society conference. For the past three years he has served as Co-Principal of the Endless Mountain Music Festival in Pennsylvania, and in 2013 traveled to China to perform in the Beijing Modern Music Festival.
Michael received his Bachelor of Music in 2004 from Arkansas State University, where he studied with Dan Ross. While attending ASU he served as Principal Bassoonist in the ASU Wind Ensemble and Orchestra. He served as Second Bassoonist in the Northeast Arkansas Symphony from 1997 to 1999, then served as Principal Bassoonist in the Delta Symphony Orchestra from 1999 to 2004. During the summers of 2000 through 2003 he served as Principal Bassoonist at the Wildwood Opera Festival in Little Rock, Arkansas.
After graduating from ASU Michael studied at Louisiana State University with William Ludwig and received a Master of Music degree in 2006. While attending LSU, he served as Principal Bassoonist in the University Wind Ensemble and Orchestra. He also served as Principal in the Louisiana Sinfonietta and as a substitute Bassoonist for the Baton Rouge Symphony. Several selections from his master’s recital were selected for WKRF’s radio program “The LSU School of Music Presents.”
Clarinet
Susan Ishii - Clarinet 6-12
ishjazz@sbcglobal.net
Susan Ishii is in her fourteenth year of teaching private clarinet lessons for the Aledo Bands. A native of Kansas City, Mrs. Ishii graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelor of Music Education degree in 1989. She also pursued graduate studies in Clarinet Performance at the University of North Texas.
She moved to Texas in 1990 where she was a public school band director for five years. She then served eight years as Adjunct Instructor of Clarinet at Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth. She has maintained a private music teaching studio for over thirty years.
Mrs. Ishii is a very active musician in the Dallas/Fort Worth metropolitan area. She frequently performs professionally on clarinet, saxophone, and piano. Her performances include orchestras, big bands, pit orchestras, musical directing, piano accompanying, and other various groups. She has also played on numerous radio and television commercials and performs with the American Jazz Composers Orchestra, who recorded two songs featured on the CD of singer Gale Cruz in 2016. She is also currently a member of the Kitchen Sync Jazz Orchestra. She was a member of the Fort Worth Rodeo Band for fourteen years. She also was a member of the Texas Wind Symphony for eight years.
She has performed with numerous artists over the years including: Donny Osmond, Rosemary Clooney, Frank Sinatra Jr., Donald O’Connor, Maureen McGovern, Richard Carpenter, Johnny Green, Roger Williams, and Bill Ramsey
Groups she has performed with include: Dallas Summer Musicals, Casa Manana, The Fort Worth Symphony, The Fort Worth Opera Orchestra, The Fort Worth-Dallas Ballet Orchestra, The Bielefeld Opera Big Band, The Four Tops, The Temptations, The Dallas Jazz Orchestra, Pete Petersen and the Collection Big Band, the Honolulu Big Band, the James Davis Orchestra, and the Bucket List Jazz Band.
Mrs. Ishii has had many students earn a position in the Texas All-State bands, Texas Area Bands, and All-Region Bands. She has also had numerous students earn a superior “I” rating on a solo at the Texas State Solo and Ensemble Contest.
Mrs. Ishii resides in Arlington, Texas with her husband and three children.
ishjazz@sbcglobal.net
Susan Ishii is in her fourteenth year of teaching private clarinet lessons for the Aledo Bands. A native of Kansas City, Mrs. Ishii graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelor of Music Education degree in 1989. She also pursued graduate studies in Clarinet Performance at the University of North Texas.
She moved to Texas in 1990 where she was a public school band director for five years. She then served eight years as Adjunct Instructor of Clarinet at Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth. She has maintained a private music teaching studio for over thirty years.
Mrs. Ishii is a very active musician in the Dallas/Fort Worth metropolitan area. She frequently performs professionally on clarinet, saxophone, and piano. Her performances include orchestras, big bands, pit orchestras, musical directing, piano accompanying, and other various groups. She has also played on numerous radio and television commercials and performs with the American Jazz Composers Orchestra, who recorded two songs featured on the CD of singer Gale Cruz in 2016. She is also currently a member of the Kitchen Sync Jazz Orchestra. She was a member of the Fort Worth Rodeo Band for fourteen years. She also was a member of the Texas Wind Symphony for eight years.
She has performed with numerous artists over the years including: Donny Osmond, Rosemary Clooney, Frank Sinatra Jr., Donald O’Connor, Maureen McGovern, Richard Carpenter, Johnny Green, Roger Williams, and Bill Ramsey
Groups she has performed with include: Dallas Summer Musicals, Casa Manana, The Fort Worth Symphony, The Fort Worth Opera Orchestra, The Fort Worth-Dallas Ballet Orchestra, The Bielefeld Opera Big Band, The Four Tops, The Temptations, The Dallas Jazz Orchestra, Pete Petersen and the Collection Big Band, the Honolulu Big Band, the James Davis Orchestra, and the Bucket List Jazz Band.
Mrs. Ishii has had many students earn a position in the Texas All-State bands, Texas Area Bands, and All-Region Bands. She has also had numerous students earn a superior “I” rating on a solo at the Texas State Solo and Ensemble Contest.
Mrs. Ishii resides in Arlington, Texas with her husband and three children.
Evgeny Karelin- Grades 6-12
karelinist90@gmail.com
Evgeny Karelin was born in 1990. he started his clarinet studies at age of 10 in Ashkelon conservatory with Prof. Yuri Burmas. In 2003 he won 2nd prize in youth competition “Maestro”. In the same year he continued his studies with Former principal clarinet of Israeli philharmonic orchestra Prof. Richard Lesser.
In 2005 Evgeny got accepted to Ministry of Education youth orchestra for principal clarinet and performed all around the country and the globe in the biggest events including concerts for the president of Israel. The orchestra recorded a CD in which Evgeny performed as a soloist.After 3 year of studying with Prof. Lesser Evgeny continued his studies with principle of Israeli national Opera Prof. Michel Gurfinkel.
In 2006 Evgeni won a scholarship from America-Israel cultural foundation (keren-sharet) for musical excellence, the biggest and the most honorable cultural foundation in Israel which he received twice more in 2010 and 2014.
In 2007 Evgeny participated in a big music festival in Boston, “Duxbury Music Festival” and won 1st prize in the festivals solo competition. In 2008 Evgeny won a scholarship from Buchman-Heyman foundation for musical excellence. In the same year Evgeny went for an orchestral tour to Germany with the Ministry of Education orchestra as a soloist. He performed in Frankfurt, Munich, Stuttgart, and more for very influential people as the Countess von Stauffenberg. Evgeny participated with the same orchestra with more orchestral tours in Germany and Moscow.
In 2009 Evgeny got accepted to Jerusalem Academy of Music and immediately become principal clarinet in the Academy’s symphony orchestra (JASO). In the second year of his studies Evgeny got accepted to Academy’s prestige chamber music excellence program and received a full scholarship for all the period of his studies in the academy. In 2011 Evgeni became part of the Jerusalem Academy representative woodwind quintet and performed all over the country in most prestigious halls as Jerusalem music center, Tel-Aviv museum of arts, Jerusalem theater, Ein Kerem and more. Among the performances the quintet won 1st prize in Jerusalem Chamber competition in 2014 and performed a world premiere of Marc Lavry woodwind quintet commissioned by “The Marc Lavry Heritage Society”.
In 2011 Evgeny participated in the academy’s most prestige project the Jerusalem-Weimar symphony orchestra where Evgeny played principal clarinet. The orchestra combined best students from Jerusalem academy and Franz Liszt Academy in Weimar and took place in Jerusalem and Germany in 2011-2013. The Orchestra performed under baton of very famous conductors as Michael Sanderling (Staatskapelle Dresden) and David Afkham (Spanish National Orchestra Madrid) and performed in the leading venues as Berlin concert house, Dresden Frauenkirche, Staatskapelle Weimar, Tel-Aviv museum of arts and more.
In 2012 Evgeny Participated in a prestigious festival in Germany under direction of Krzystof Penderecki. Later that year Evgeni got accepted to Ashdod symphony orchestra for permanent position. In 2013 Evgeny performed as a soloist the famous Mozart Clarinet Concerto with Ashdod Symphony Orchestra and later that year went on an Operaic tour with the Orchestra to Perugia Italy.
In 2014 Evgeni Began working in Israel Chamber Orchestra and Joined the Jerusalem Conservatory as a Clarinet instructor.
Evgeny was one of the leading clarinet students in Jerusalem academy and in 2015 he finished his studies and obtained both Bachelor and Master degrees with excellence. Evgeni Continued working as substitute Clarinet in Jerusalem symphony orchestra, Ashdod Symphony orchestra, Israel Chamber Orchestra and teaching in Maale Adumim Music School where he served both as a Clarinet and chamber music instructor and as an Administrative assistant.
In 2016 Evgeni decided to move to United States and Received full tuition scholarships in several prestigious establishments as Indiana University, Michigan university, Boston University, University of Miami and eventually decided to continue his Artist Diploma studies as a Teaching Assistant at Columbus State University with Dr. Lisa Oberlander.
While in USA Evgeni received fellowships in few prestigious music festivals, Miami Music Festival and Crested Butte Music Festival where he performed as a principal Clarinet under baton of U.S leading conductors as Caren Levine(Metropolitan Opera), Bradley Moore(Houston Grand Opera), David Effron(New york city opera),Yuri Bekker(Charleston Symphony Orchestra) and Tito Munoz (Phoenix Symphony Orchestra).
Currently Evgeni Attending Texas Christian University in Fort Worth Texas as a Teaching assistant and works as a Clarinet and Chamber music instructor in several High schools in the area. He recently won an audition in Odysseus Chamber Orchestra and performs as a substitute Clarinet in Plano Symphony and Abilene Symphony Orchestra.
Evgeny performed in almost every orchestra in Israel: Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra, Israel Chamber Orchestra, Raanana symphony orchestra, Israeli Opera, Netanya Kibbutzit Orchestra, Jerusalem opera, Jerusalem festival orchestra, Hadera chamber orchestra, Ashdod symphony orchestra Haifa symphony orchestra and more.
He played with the most famous soloists and conductors as Michel Legrand, Sergey Stadler, Misha Katz, Michael Sanderling, Vag Papian, Salvador Brotos, Gil Shohat, David Afkham, Dan Ettinger, Frederic Chaslin, Caren Levine, Bradley Moore, Sergei Ostrovsky, David Effron, Igudesman and Joo and many more. Evgeny also participated in many master classes with very famous musicians as Martin Spangenberg, Wolfgang Meyer, Shirley Brill, Chen Halevi, Evgeny Petrov, Reiner Wehle, Antony Pay, Guy Deplus, Jessica Phillips and more.
Evgeny is very promising and ambitious musician, he was very active and well known musician in the Israeli scene and striving to become one in the U.S.
karelinist90@gmail.com
Evgeny Karelin was born in 1990. he started his clarinet studies at age of 10 in Ashkelon conservatory with Prof. Yuri Burmas. In 2003 he won 2nd prize in youth competition “Maestro”. In the same year he continued his studies with Former principal clarinet of Israeli philharmonic orchestra Prof. Richard Lesser.
In 2005 Evgeny got accepted to Ministry of Education youth orchestra for principal clarinet and performed all around the country and the globe in the biggest events including concerts for the president of Israel. The orchestra recorded a CD in which Evgeny performed as a soloist.After 3 year of studying with Prof. Lesser Evgeny continued his studies with principle of Israeli national Opera Prof. Michel Gurfinkel.
In 2006 Evgeni won a scholarship from America-Israel cultural foundation (keren-sharet) for musical excellence, the biggest and the most honorable cultural foundation in Israel which he received twice more in 2010 and 2014.
In 2007 Evgeny participated in a big music festival in Boston, “Duxbury Music Festival” and won 1st prize in the festivals solo competition. In 2008 Evgeny won a scholarship from Buchman-Heyman foundation for musical excellence. In the same year Evgeny went for an orchestral tour to Germany with the Ministry of Education orchestra as a soloist. He performed in Frankfurt, Munich, Stuttgart, and more for very influential people as the Countess von Stauffenberg. Evgeny participated with the same orchestra with more orchestral tours in Germany and Moscow.
In 2009 Evgeny got accepted to Jerusalem Academy of Music and immediately become principal clarinet in the Academy’s symphony orchestra (JASO). In the second year of his studies Evgeny got accepted to Academy’s prestige chamber music excellence program and received a full scholarship for all the period of his studies in the academy. In 2011 Evgeni became part of the Jerusalem Academy representative woodwind quintet and performed all over the country in most prestigious halls as Jerusalem music center, Tel-Aviv museum of arts, Jerusalem theater, Ein Kerem and more. Among the performances the quintet won 1st prize in Jerusalem Chamber competition in 2014 and performed a world premiere of Marc Lavry woodwind quintet commissioned by “The Marc Lavry Heritage Society”.
In 2011 Evgeny participated in the academy’s most prestige project the Jerusalem-Weimar symphony orchestra where Evgeny played principal clarinet. The orchestra combined best students from Jerusalem academy and Franz Liszt Academy in Weimar and took place in Jerusalem and Germany in 2011-2013. The Orchestra performed under baton of very famous conductors as Michael Sanderling (Staatskapelle Dresden) and David Afkham (Spanish National Orchestra Madrid) and performed in the leading venues as Berlin concert house, Dresden Frauenkirche, Staatskapelle Weimar, Tel-Aviv museum of arts and more.
In 2012 Evgeny Participated in a prestigious festival in Germany under direction of Krzystof Penderecki. Later that year Evgeni got accepted to Ashdod symphony orchestra for permanent position. In 2013 Evgeny performed as a soloist the famous Mozart Clarinet Concerto with Ashdod Symphony Orchestra and later that year went on an Operaic tour with the Orchestra to Perugia Italy.
In 2014 Evgeni Began working in Israel Chamber Orchestra and Joined the Jerusalem Conservatory as a Clarinet instructor.
Evgeny was one of the leading clarinet students in Jerusalem academy and in 2015 he finished his studies and obtained both Bachelor and Master degrees with excellence. Evgeni Continued working as substitute Clarinet in Jerusalem symphony orchestra, Ashdod Symphony orchestra, Israel Chamber Orchestra and teaching in Maale Adumim Music School where he served both as a Clarinet and chamber music instructor and as an Administrative assistant.
In 2016 Evgeni decided to move to United States and Received full tuition scholarships in several prestigious establishments as Indiana University, Michigan university, Boston University, University of Miami and eventually decided to continue his Artist Diploma studies as a Teaching Assistant at Columbus State University with Dr. Lisa Oberlander.
While in USA Evgeni received fellowships in few prestigious music festivals, Miami Music Festival and Crested Butte Music Festival where he performed as a principal Clarinet under baton of U.S leading conductors as Caren Levine(Metropolitan Opera), Bradley Moore(Houston Grand Opera), David Effron(New york city opera),Yuri Bekker(Charleston Symphony Orchestra) and Tito Munoz (Phoenix Symphony Orchestra).
Currently Evgeni Attending Texas Christian University in Fort Worth Texas as a Teaching assistant and works as a Clarinet and Chamber music instructor in several High schools in the area. He recently won an audition in Odysseus Chamber Orchestra and performs as a substitute Clarinet in Plano Symphony and Abilene Symphony Orchestra.
Evgeny performed in almost every orchestra in Israel: Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra, Israel Chamber Orchestra, Raanana symphony orchestra, Israeli Opera, Netanya Kibbutzit Orchestra, Jerusalem opera, Jerusalem festival orchestra, Hadera chamber orchestra, Ashdod symphony orchestra Haifa symphony orchestra and more.
He played with the most famous soloists and conductors as Michel Legrand, Sergey Stadler, Misha Katz, Michael Sanderling, Vag Papian, Salvador Brotos, Gil Shohat, David Afkham, Dan Ettinger, Frederic Chaslin, Caren Levine, Bradley Moore, Sergei Ostrovsky, David Effron, Igudesman and Joo and many more. Evgeny also participated in many master classes with very famous musicians as Martin Spangenberg, Wolfgang Meyer, Shirley Brill, Chen Halevi, Evgeny Petrov, Reiner Wehle, Antony Pay, Guy Deplus, Jessica Phillips and more.
Evgeny is very promising and ambitious musician, he was very active and well known musician in the Israeli scene and striving to become one in the U.S.
Saxophone
Preston Lewis - Grades 6-12
dplsaxstudio@gmail.com
Preston Lewis is a graduate of Texas Christian University, receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education in 2008 and a Master’s degree in Saxophone Performance in 2010. Preston received TCU’s Nordan Young Artist Award and the accompanying full scholarship upon graduation from Alvarado high school in 2004. Preston is a former student of TCU Saxophone Professor Joe Eckert, former director of the US Air Force Airmen of Note. He also studied saxophone at TCU in the studio of Dr. John Giordano, former Conductor of the Fort Worth Symphony.
Preston began his formal music studies at age seven studying piano under Eastman School of Music graduate Mr. Tim Scholl, Professor of Piano and Music Theory at Southwest Adventist University. Preston continued his studies with Tim Scholl until his graduation from high school, receiving numerous state, national, and international awards from the National Guild of Piano Teachers along the way. He began playing saxophone at age 8. He began private study under Mr. Tim Ishii at age 13 and was named to numerous All-District, All-Region, All-Area, and All-State jazz and concert bands on alto, tenor, and baritone saxophone throughout his public school career. Preston received first division ratings in the UIL State Saxophone Solo contest all four years in high school, receiving UIL state championship medals as an outstanding performer in two of those years.
Preston went on to study at the Interlochen International Arts Camp as a double major in jazz and concert band which brought him under the tutelage of some of the nations foremost music educators, performers, and conductors including the likes of conductors Frederick Fennell, Gary Greene, and John Whitwell. He studied privately with saxophonist Tim McCallister and took saxophone master classes with Donald Sinta. He also received jazz instruction from David Kay and Frank Mantooth.
During his college career Preston studied and performed with local, national, and international greats like Frank Mantooth, Lou Carfa, Tim Ries, Rick Stitzel, Andy Martin, Wayne Bergeron, Joey Carter, Jim Snidero, Dave Pietro, Victor Goines, and many others. Preston was the lead jazz tenor at TCU during his undergraduate career, switching to lead jazz alto during his graduate studies. Preston was also principal saxophonist for the TCU Wind Ensemble during both his undergraduate and graduate studies amassing a repertoire of great saxophone solos and ensemble works. In addition to jazz and concert ensembles, Preston is also a former soprano saxophonist of the Imperial Saxophone Quartet, the premier woodwind chamber ensemble of TCU. He has performed across the US and Europe including Italy’s prestigious Umbria Jazz festival.
Preston has been teaching private lessons for three years and is currently accepting students. Preston is currently in demand as a performer in various bands and performing groups throughout the North Texas area.
dplsaxstudio@gmail.com
Preston Lewis is a graduate of Texas Christian University, receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education in 2008 and a Master’s degree in Saxophone Performance in 2010. Preston received TCU’s Nordan Young Artist Award and the accompanying full scholarship upon graduation from Alvarado high school in 2004. Preston is a former student of TCU Saxophone Professor Joe Eckert, former director of the US Air Force Airmen of Note. He also studied saxophone at TCU in the studio of Dr. John Giordano, former Conductor of the Fort Worth Symphony.
Preston began his formal music studies at age seven studying piano under Eastman School of Music graduate Mr. Tim Scholl, Professor of Piano and Music Theory at Southwest Adventist University. Preston continued his studies with Tim Scholl until his graduation from high school, receiving numerous state, national, and international awards from the National Guild of Piano Teachers along the way. He began playing saxophone at age 8. He began private study under Mr. Tim Ishii at age 13 and was named to numerous All-District, All-Region, All-Area, and All-State jazz and concert bands on alto, tenor, and baritone saxophone throughout his public school career. Preston received first division ratings in the UIL State Saxophone Solo contest all four years in high school, receiving UIL state championship medals as an outstanding performer in two of those years.
Preston went on to study at the Interlochen International Arts Camp as a double major in jazz and concert band which brought him under the tutelage of some of the nations foremost music educators, performers, and conductors including the likes of conductors Frederick Fennell, Gary Greene, and John Whitwell. He studied privately with saxophonist Tim McCallister and took saxophone master classes with Donald Sinta. He also received jazz instruction from David Kay and Frank Mantooth.
During his college career Preston studied and performed with local, national, and international greats like Frank Mantooth, Lou Carfa, Tim Ries, Rick Stitzel, Andy Martin, Wayne Bergeron, Joey Carter, Jim Snidero, Dave Pietro, Victor Goines, and many others. Preston was the lead jazz tenor at TCU during his undergraduate career, switching to lead jazz alto during his graduate studies. Preston was also principal saxophonist for the TCU Wind Ensemble during both his undergraduate and graduate studies amassing a repertoire of great saxophone solos and ensemble works. In addition to jazz and concert ensembles, Preston is also a former soprano saxophonist of the Imperial Saxophone Quartet, the premier woodwind chamber ensemble of TCU. He has performed across the US and Europe including Italy’s prestigious Umbria Jazz festival.
Preston has been teaching private lessons for three years and is currently accepting students. Preston is currently in demand as a performer in various bands and performing groups throughout the North Texas area.
John Stevens - Grades 6-12
JohnJStevens@juno.com
571.277.8347
John Stevens has been working as a professional musician and music educator for 30 plus years. Having served for 25 years as a Saxophonist with The U.S. Army Band Pershing’s Own in Washington D.C., Mr. Stevens routinely performed for national and international events, nationally-televised concerts and U.S. Presidential ceremonies, and for professional music events in and around the nation’s capital of Washington D.C. He performed in such venues as The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, The Lincoln Center for The Performing Arts, and Carnegie Hall in New York City but was also just as active performing at White House dinners and events, outdoor concerts in and around the nation’s capital, and conferences and conventions throughout the country.
As a member of this elite musical organization, Mr. Stevens performed with both The United States Army Concert Band and The U.S. Army Blues Jazz Band, equally at home with both classical performances and jazz events. He also solemnly performed for countless military ceremonies and funerals of U.S. statesmen and heroes honored in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia, a duty he never took for granted.
For the last half of his Pershing’s Own career and while still performing for some of the most elite music events in the country, Mr. Stevens also served The U.S. Army Band as a saxophone section leader and as a woodwinds performance evaluator, rating performance levels and providing counseling helpful to promoting the professional performance skills required to maintain the honored standing of this prestigious professional music organization and its individual professional musicians. He also oversaw and directed the national searches and auditions for filling the various saxophone vacancies for The U.S. Army Band Pershing’s Own bands including vacancies in The United States Army Concert Band and Orchestra, The U.S. Army Ceremonial Band, and The U.S. Army Blues.
In addition to Mr. Stevens’ prestigious military career with The U.S. Army Band in Washington D.C., Mr. Stevens has worked as a professional saxophonist and woodwinds specialist for over 30 years, having performed with more than 100+ commercial bands, ethnic and chamber music ensembles, and jazz combos. He has performed as a guest saxophonist and clarinetist with several east coast symphony orchestras and recorded a CD with The National Symphony Orchestra out of Washington D.C. He has also played as a multiple woodwinds specialist for seven long-running musical theatre productions and has recorded more than 50 studio sound tracts for movie productions, television documentaries, and commercial CDs and demos and has performed live alongside some of the most well-respected artists and entertainers such as Aretha Franklin, Peabo Bryson, Kenny Loggins, and Quincy Jones.
Mr. Stevens is not only active as a professional saxophonist and multiple woodwinds expert, he is active in multiple musical genres covering styles from symphony and chamber music to ethnic ensembles, jazz and fusion, R&B, Rockabilly, and Texas Country bands. He was recently a member of a Texas Red Dirt band that was the winner of the 2012 “Live Band of the Year Award” at the Texas Music Awards. His performance venues have ranged from elite performance halls and televised events to weddings and business Christmas parties.
JohnJStevens@juno.com
571.277.8347
John Stevens has been working as a professional musician and music educator for 30 plus years. Having served for 25 years as a Saxophonist with The U.S. Army Band Pershing’s Own in Washington D.C., Mr. Stevens routinely performed for national and international events, nationally-televised concerts and U.S. Presidential ceremonies, and for professional music events in and around the nation’s capital of Washington D.C. He performed in such venues as The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, The Lincoln Center for The Performing Arts, and Carnegie Hall in New York City but was also just as active performing at White House dinners and events, outdoor concerts in and around the nation’s capital, and conferences and conventions throughout the country.
As a member of this elite musical organization, Mr. Stevens performed with both The United States Army Concert Band and The U.S. Army Blues Jazz Band, equally at home with both classical performances and jazz events. He also solemnly performed for countless military ceremonies and funerals of U.S. statesmen and heroes honored in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia, a duty he never took for granted.
For the last half of his Pershing’s Own career and while still performing for some of the most elite music events in the country, Mr. Stevens also served The U.S. Army Band as a saxophone section leader and as a woodwinds performance evaluator, rating performance levels and providing counseling helpful to promoting the professional performance skills required to maintain the honored standing of this prestigious professional music organization and its individual professional musicians. He also oversaw and directed the national searches and auditions for filling the various saxophone vacancies for The U.S. Army Band Pershing’s Own bands including vacancies in The United States Army Concert Band and Orchestra, The U.S. Army Ceremonial Band, and The U.S. Army Blues.
In addition to Mr. Stevens’ prestigious military career with The U.S. Army Band in Washington D.C., Mr. Stevens has worked as a professional saxophonist and woodwinds specialist for over 30 years, having performed with more than 100+ commercial bands, ethnic and chamber music ensembles, and jazz combos. He has performed as a guest saxophonist and clarinetist with several east coast symphony orchestras and recorded a CD with The National Symphony Orchestra out of Washington D.C. He has also played as a multiple woodwinds specialist for seven long-running musical theatre productions and has recorded more than 50 studio sound tracts for movie productions, television documentaries, and commercial CDs and demos and has performed live alongside some of the most well-respected artists and entertainers such as Aretha Franklin, Peabo Bryson, Kenny Loggins, and Quincy Jones.
Mr. Stevens is not only active as a professional saxophonist and multiple woodwinds expert, he is active in multiple musical genres covering styles from symphony and chamber music to ethnic ensembles, jazz and fusion, R&B, Rockabilly, and Texas Country bands. He was recently a member of a Texas Red Dirt band that was the winner of the 2012 “Live Band of the Year Award” at the Texas Music Awards. His performance venues have ranged from elite performance halls and televised events to weddings and business Christmas parties.
French Horn
Trumpet
Beth Losos - Grades 6-8
brianandbeth5@att.net
817.441.5619
Beth Losos is a graduate of the University of Illinois with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education. After completing her degree, Beth taught in the Weatherford ISD as a band director for five years. Since that time, Beth has taught private trumpet lessons for 20+ years. She has also been a member of the Aledo Private Enrichment staff since 2009.
Beth and her family reside in Aledo and her children have been very active in the Aledo ISD band program.
brianandbeth5@att.net
817.441.5619
Beth Losos is a graduate of the University of Illinois with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education. After completing her degree, Beth taught in the Weatherford ISD as a band director for five years. Since that time, Beth has taught private trumpet lessons for 20+ years. She has also been a member of the Aledo Private Enrichment staff since 2009.
Beth and her family reside in Aledo and her children have been very active in the Aledo ISD band program.
Kyle Sherman Grades 9-12
(Studio Currently Full)
Praised by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram for his “gorgeous and moving solo work,” Kyle Sherman joined the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra as Principal Trumpet in 2016. Originally from La Grange, Texas, Mr. Sherman is an alumnus of the Yale School of Music, Oberlin Conservatory, Tanglewood Music Center, the National Repertory Orchestra, and the Round Top Festival. Kyle has appeared with the Dallas Symphony, and as a soloist with the Garland, Arlington, and Las Colinas symphony orchestras. He has also performed on the Broadway national tours of the Book of Mormon, Porgy & Bess, and Matilda, among others.
An active and dedicated educator, he regularly appears as a clinician and recitalist at universities throughout Texas and the United States. His current and former students can be found in the Dallas and Fort Worth Youth Symphonies, as well as college music schools throughout the country.
Kyle Sherman is a Yamaha performing artist.
(Studio Currently Full)
Praised by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram for his “gorgeous and moving solo work,” Kyle Sherman joined the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra as Principal Trumpet in 2016. Originally from La Grange, Texas, Mr. Sherman is an alumnus of the Yale School of Music, Oberlin Conservatory, Tanglewood Music Center, the National Repertory Orchestra, and the Round Top Festival. Kyle has appeared with the Dallas Symphony, and as a soloist with the Garland, Arlington, and Las Colinas symphony orchestras. He has also performed on the Broadway national tours of the Book of Mormon, Porgy & Bess, and Matilda, among others.
An active and dedicated educator, he regularly appears as a clinician and recitalist at universities throughout Texas and the United States. His current and former students can be found in the Dallas and Fort Worth Youth Symphonies, as well as college music schools throughout the country.
Kyle Sherman is a Yamaha performing artist.
Darren Spurgeon- Grades 6-12
darren.spurgeon@hotmail.com
903.363.2702
Darren Spurgeon grew up in the United Kingdom. For twelve years, he served as a professional trumpeter in Her Majesty’s Royal Marine Band. He was very fortunate to have traveled all over the world, performing at iconic places such as; The Edinburgh Tattoo, Sydney Opera House, India Gate, Buckingham Palace and for members of the Royal Family. Whilst in the service, he obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Professional Music Studies, specializing in trumpet performance from Plymouth University. He moved over to Texas from the United Kingdom in 2017, after getting roped by a Texan, marrying her and now currently resides in Fort Worth, TX.
Darren very quickly became involved in the music community, actively performing with the Fort Worth Community Band, Arlington Community Band and Travis Avenue Baptist Church.
darren.spurgeon@hotmail.com
903.363.2702
Darren Spurgeon grew up in the United Kingdom. For twelve years, he served as a professional trumpeter in Her Majesty’s Royal Marine Band. He was very fortunate to have traveled all over the world, performing at iconic places such as; The Edinburgh Tattoo, Sydney Opera House, India Gate, Buckingham Palace and for members of the Royal Family. Whilst in the service, he obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Professional Music Studies, specializing in trumpet performance from Plymouth University. He moved over to Texas from the United Kingdom in 2017, after getting roped by a Texan, marrying her and now currently resides in Fort Worth, TX.
Darren very quickly became involved in the music community, actively performing with the Fort Worth Community Band, Arlington Community Band and Travis Avenue Baptist Church.
Trombone
Christian Paarup Grades 6-12
christianpaarup@gmail.com
817.800.1386
As a multifaceted artist, Christian Paarup enjoys a varied and eclectic schedule of performing as a trombonist, composing, arranging, digitally engraving sheet music, working for Houghton Horns, and teaching. Currently the Bass Trombonist of the Waco Symphony for the 2017-18 season, and a trombonist in Center Stage Brass, he has also performed with the Fort Worth Symphony, Harrisburg Symphony, and a number of music festivals, including the Round Top Festival Institute, New York String Orchestra Seminar, and Eastern Music Festival. Mr. Paarup holds degrees from Baylor University (BM), where he graduated magna cum laude, and the Manhattan School of Music (MM) Christian Paarup’s compositions and arrangements have been performed across the country, including at the International Trombone Festival and the American Trombone Workshop.
In 2016, Christian was commissioned by a consortium of some of the nation’s most prestigious music schools to compose Transmogrify for Trombone Octet, which was premiered at the 2017 University of Florida International Brass Festival. Mr. Paarup also appeared at the Festival as a guest artist, performing a lecture-recital of his arrangement of Stravinsky’s Pulcinella Suite for Trombone and Piano. He was commissioned by Joseph Alessi in 2015 to create a piano reduction of Enrique Crespo’s Trombone Concerto in F, which was performed by Mr. Alessi in the United States, as well as in Russia.
As a digital music engraver, Paarup Music Editions delivers high quality sheet music to clients such as Per Brevig, Dennis Bubert, and the Southern Methodist University Wind Ensemble. Currently in the works is a beginning horn method book by renowned horn pedagogues Karen Houghton and Janet Nye, to be published by Houghton Horns, LLC. Christian is also the Editorial Director for Velocity Music, Inc., where he creates arrangements and edits all scores and parts for publication.
Mr. Paarup also keeps a busy teaching schedule in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, where he has had students make the coveted TMEA All-State ensembles, earn First Division ratings at UIL Solo and Ensemble Contest, and go on to major in trombone in college. Mr. Paarup can often be seen leading trombone choirs—such as the Trombone Choir of North Texas, of which he is the founder and director. Mr. Paarup views the trombone choir as an exciting, essential vehicle for trombonists to develop ensemble skills, experience the true potential of the trombone, and promote the craft. As the Trombone Specialist at Houghton Horns, Christian oversees the trombone inventory and handles all trombone-related customer affairs. He also travels to music conventions and represents the company throughout the year. Christian is grateful to have studied with some of the world’s foremost trombonists, including Brent Phillips, David Finlayson, Dennis Bubert, and Joseph Alessi.
christianpaarup@gmail.com
817.800.1386
As a multifaceted artist, Christian Paarup enjoys a varied and eclectic schedule of performing as a trombonist, composing, arranging, digitally engraving sheet music, working for Houghton Horns, and teaching. Currently the Bass Trombonist of the Waco Symphony for the 2017-18 season, and a trombonist in Center Stage Brass, he has also performed with the Fort Worth Symphony, Harrisburg Symphony, and a number of music festivals, including the Round Top Festival Institute, New York String Orchestra Seminar, and Eastern Music Festival. Mr. Paarup holds degrees from Baylor University (BM), where he graduated magna cum laude, and the Manhattan School of Music (MM) Christian Paarup’s compositions and arrangements have been performed across the country, including at the International Trombone Festival and the American Trombone Workshop.
In 2016, Christian was commissioned by a consortium of some of the nation’s most prestigious music schools to compose Transmogrify for Trombone Octet, which was premiered at the 2017 University of Florida International Brass Festival. Mr. Paarup also appeared at the Festival as a guest artist, performing a lecture-recital of his arrangement of Stravinsky’s Pulcinella Suite for Trombone and Piano. He was commissioned by Joseph Alessi in 2015 to create a piano reduction of Enrique Crespo’s Trombone Concerto in F, which was performed by Mr. Alessi in the United States, as well as in Russia.
As a digital music engraver, Paarup Music Editions delivers high quality sheet music to clients such as Per Brevig, Dennis Bubert, and the Southern Methodist University Wind Ensemble. Currently in the works is a beginning horn method book by renowned horn pedagogues Karen Houghton and Janet Nye, to be published by Houghton Horns, LLC. Christian is also the Editorial Director for Velocity Music, Inc., where he creates arrangements and edits all scores and parts for publication.
Mr. Paarup also keeps a busy teaching schedule in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, where he has had students make the coveted TMEA All-State ensembles, earn First Division ratings at UIL Solo and Ensemble Contest, and go on to major in trombone in college. Mr. Paarup can often be seen leading trombone choirs—such as the Trombone Choir of North Texas, of which he is the founder and director. Mr. Paarup views the trombone choir as an exciting, essential vehicle for trombonists to develop ensemble skills, experience the true potential of the trombone, and promote the craft. As the Trombone Specialist at Houghton Horns, Christian oversees the trombone inventory and handles all trombone-related customer affairs. He also travels to music conventions and represents the company throughout the year. Christian is grateful to have studied with some of the world’s foremost trombonists, including Brent Phillips, David Finlayson, Dennis Bubert, and Joseph Alessi.
Tuba/Euphonium
Percussion
Todd Ukena- Grades 6-12
toddukena@yahoo.com
817.629.1801
Todd A. Ukena is a composer and arranger of percussion literature and has played percussion since 1970. He received a B.M.E. degree from Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma in 1980 studying under Mr. Eddie Lockhart. Later, he completed a M.M. degree in Percussion Performance from the University of Oklahoma in 1988 studying with Dr. Richard Gipson. Other post graduate work was done at the University of North Texas, studying with Ron Fink and Dr. Robert Schietroma.
His performance career has been well-rounded, including musicals, concert bands, jazz ensembles, percussion ensembles, solo work, and marching with the "The Pride" of Oklahoma Marching Band and the Valiant Knights Drum and Bugle Corps where he later served as drumline instructor and arranger.
He worked with the Weatherford I.S.D. since 1982 starting as assistant band director and percussion instructor then later as Director of Music at Mary Martin Elementary School while being the front line director of the Weatherford HS marching band from 2006-2010. During this time he was adjunct Professor of Percussion at Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth, Texas. He continues to teach private percussion since 1976.
He developed the "Integrated Music & P.E." program (I.M.P.) in 2003 at Mary Martin Elementary School collaborating with the P.E. teacher. This system was presented at many state music and P.E. conventions in Texas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma; (2009-2011). Many school districts now use this system. He also presented Almost "Forty Rudiments" for Mallets, (with Percussion Arts Society permission) At TMEA convention in 2012. Todd continues to develop teaching resources for music and P.E. teachers.
He has numerous publications of snare drum, timpani, mallet, and drum set solos with at Hall Leonard), J.W. Pepper, PEL Music company, and self publications. As it is his passion, he continues to compose for all areas of percussion. He retired after thirty years of teaching in May, 2011. He continues new directions as a private percussion instructor, composer, and I.M.P consultant.
toddukena@yahoo.com
817.629.1801
Todd A. Ukena is a composer and arranger of percussion literature and has played percussion since 1970. He received a B.M.E. degree from Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma in 1980 studying under Mr. Eddie Lockhart. Later, he completed a M.M. degree in Percussion Performance from the University of Oklahoma in 1988 studying with Dr. Richard Gipson. Other post graduate work was done at the University of North Texas, studying with Ron Fink and Dr. Robert Schietroma.
His performance career has been well-rounded, including musicals, concert bands, jazz ensembles, percussion ensembles, solo work, and marching with the "The Pride" of Oklahoma Marching Band and the Valiant Knights Drum and Bugle Corps where he later served as drumline instructor and arranger.
He worked with the Weatherford I.S.D. since 1982 starting as assistant band director and percussion instructor then later as Director of Music at Mary Martin Elementary School while being the front line director of the Weatherford HS marching band from 2006-2010. During this time he was adjunct Professor of Percussion at Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth, Texas. He continues to teach private percussion since 1976.
He developed the "Integrated Music & P.E." program (I.M.P.) in 2003 at Mary Martin Elementary School collaborating with the P.E. teacher. This system was presented at many state music and P.E. conventions in Texas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma; (2009-2011). Many school districts now use this system. He also presented Almost "Forty Rudiments" for Mallets, (with Percussion Arts Society permission) At TMEA convention in 2012. Todd continues to develop teaching resources for music and P.E. teachers.
He has numerous publications of snare drum, timpani, mallet, and drum set solos with at Hall Leonard), J.W. Pepper, PEL Music company, and self publications. As it is his passion, he continues to compose for all areas of percussion. He retired after thirty years of teaching in May, 2011. He continues new directions as a private percussion instructor, composer, and I.M.P consultant.
Lauren Stephens- Grades 6-12
laurendstephens9@gmail.com
Lauren Stephens graduated from Texas Christian University in May 2019 with her Bachelor of Music Education degree. While attending TCU, Ms. Stephens’ performance experiences included the TCU Symphony Orchestra, Symphonic Band, Horned Frog Marching Band, Steel Band, Basketball Band, and the PASIC Champion TCU Percussion Orchestra. She has studied with Dr. Brian A. West, Dr. Richard Gipson, and Joey Carter among others. Ms. Stephens has teaching experience across the metroplex including multiple percussion camps, band camps, and TCU Sounds of Summer camps.
Ms. Stephens student taught with Evan Blackard, Mike Pickrell, and Jessica Shadman in Birdville ISD in the Spring of 2019. She currently serves Aledo ISD as Percussion Paraprofessional, assisting Percussion Director, Mr. Scott Stephens. As paraprofessional, she assists with percussionists, grades 6-12, including the Aledo High School Bearcat Regiment. She is an active member of Texas Music Educators Association, Percussive Arts Society, and holds her Texas Certification in Music EC-12.
laurendstephens9@gmail.com
Lauren Stephens graduated from Texas Christian University in May 2019 with her Bachelor of Music Education degree. While attending TCU, Ms. Stephens’ performance experiences included the TCU Symphony Orchestra, Symphonic Band, Horned Frog Marching Band, Steel Band, Basketball Band, and the PASIC Champion TCU Percussion Orchestra. She has studied with Dr. Brian A. West, Dr. Richard Gipson, and Joey Carter among others. Ms. Stephens has teaching experience across the metroplex including multiple percussion camps, band camps, and TCU Sounds of Summer camps.
Ms. Stephens student taught with Evan Blackard, Mike Pickrell, and Jessica Shadman in Birdville ISD in the Spring of 2019. She currently serves Aledo ISD as Percussion Paraprofessional, assisting Percussion Director, Mr. Scott Stephens. As paraprofessional, she assists with percussionists, grades 6-12, including the Aledo High School Bearcat Regiment. She is an active member of Texas Music Educators Association, Percussive Arts Society, and holds her Texas Certification in Music EC-12.
Guitar
Scott Stevens-Grades 7-12
scottstevensguitar@gmail.com
Scott Stevens is a commercial music educator and freelance studio musician. He works with schools and community arts programs, innovative music educators, and jazz band directors to develop driving and cohesive rhythm sections and skilled and knowledgeable rhythm players. Through the use of cutting-edge music tools alongside time-honored teaching principles, Mr. Stevens helps turn contemporary music students into masterful artists, creative musicians, and solid music ensemble players and leaders. He gives them the knowledge and training to turn their passion for music into actual skills that help them become proficient instrumentalists and indispensable band members.
As a professional musician, Mr. Stevens has performed a wide range of music ranging from Blues and Jazz to Rock, Southern Gospel, Contemporary Christian, Country, and Fingerstyle Guitar. He has appeared with Grammy and Dove Award winner Russ Taff and with 9-time Grammy Award winner The Blackwood Brothers Quartet in addition to having been the lead guitarist for Latin and Contemporary Jazz artist Johnny Holliday, Red Dirt Texas Country artist Brendon Kyle, and the Nashville-style country group The Band McGraw, to name a few. He has also been a guest artist for various church and community orchestras, has performed in several pit orchestras for musical show productions, and has performed at Sundance Square in Fort Worth, TX and at the Fort Worth Main Street Arts Festival.
Mr. Stevens studied Jazz Studies at The University of Texas at Arlington which included jazz guitar performance, music theory and keyboard, jazz composition, jazz arranging, and conducting, adding coursework in music media, recording techniques, digital music technology, and music business to provide the aspects of the music industry complimentary to his teaching and performing career. His notable list of private teachers include the legendary Bebop, Jazz, and Country music performer and recording artist Clint Strong; contemporary guitarist Chad Leader, lead guitarist for The United States Army Band Downrange (The U.S. Army Band’s contemporary rock band), and Mario Ramsey, percussionist for The U.S. Army Band Pershing’s Own Concert Band and occasional drummer for The U.S. Army Blues.
In addition to his career in music performance and education, Mr. Stevens enjoys ancient history, photography, and ethnomusicology. Unless he told you, you might never have known he was in an African drum ensemble. He really does enjoy ethnomusicology… and he really was in an African drum ensemble.
Mr. Stevens has been teaching private lessons since 2007 and began working with the Aledo Independent School District band program in 2016. Those interested in studying with Scott Stevens can contact him directly at 571-275-1502 or ScottStevensGuitar@gmail.com.
scottstevensguitar@gmail.com
Scott Stevens is a commercial music educator and freelance studio musician. He works with schools and community arts programs, innovative music educators, and jazz band directors to develop driving and cohesive rhythm sections and skilled and knowledgeable rhythm players. Through the use of cutting-edge music tools alongside time-honored teaching principles, Mr. Stevens helps turn contemporary music students into masterful artists, creative musicians, and solid music ensemble players and leaders. He gives them the knowledge and training to turn their passion for music into actual skills that help them become proficient instrumentalists and indispensable band members.
As a professional musician, Mr. Stevens has performed a wide range of music ranging from Blues and Jazz to Rock, Southern Gospel, Contemporary Christian, Country, and Fingerstyle Guitar. He has appeared with Grammy and Dove Award winner Russ Taff and with 9-time Grammy Award winner The Blackwood Brothers Quartet in addition to having been the lead guitarist for Latin and Contemporary Jazz artist Johnny Holliday, Red Dirt Texas Country artist Brendon Kyle, and the Nashville-style country group The Band McGraw, to name a few. He has also been a guest artist for various church and community orchestras, has performed in several pit orchestras for musical show productions, and has performed at Sundance Square in Fort Worth, TX and at the Fort Worth Main Street Arts Festival.
Mr. Stevens studied Jazz Studies at The University of Texas at Arlington which included jazz guitar performance, music theory and keyboard, jazz composition, jazz arranging, and conducting, adding coursework in music media, recording techniques, digital music technology, and music business to provide the aspects of the music industry complimentary to his teaching and performing career. His notable list of private teachers include the legendary Bebop, Jazz, and Country music performer and recording artist Clint Strong; contemporary guitarist Chad Leader, lead guitarist for The United States Army Band Downrange (The U.S. Army Band’s contemporary rock band), and Mario Ramsey, percussionist for The U.S. Army Band Pershing’s Own Concert Band and occasional drummer for The U.S. Army Blues.
In addition to his career in music performance and education, Mr. Stevens enjoys ancient history, photography, and ethnomusicology. Unless he told you, you might never have known he was in an African drum ensemble. He really does enjoy ethnomusicology… and he really was in an African drum ensemble.
Mr. Stevens has been teaching private lessons since 2007 and began working with the Aledo Independent School District band program in 2016. Those interested in studying with Scott Stevens can contact him directly at 571-275-1502 or ScottStevensGuitar@gmail.com.