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.
Oboe
Coming Soon!
Bassoon
Clarinet
Susan Ishii - Grades 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.
Evgeni Karelin - Grades 6-12
karelinist90@gmail.com
Evgeni 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 Evgeni 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 Evgeni performed as a soloist.After 3 year of studying with Prof. Lesser Evgeni 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 Evgeni participated in a big music festival in Boston, “Duxbury Music Festival” and won 1st prize in the festivals solo competition. In 2008 Evgeni won a scholarship from Buchman-Heyman foundation for musical excellence. In the same year Evgeni 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. Evgeni participated with the same orchestra with more orchestral tours in Germany and Moscow.
In 2009 Evgeni 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 Evgeni 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 Evgeni participated in the academy’s most prestige project the Jerusalem-Weimar symphony orchestra where Evgeni 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 Evgeni 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 Evgeni 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.
Evgeni 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. Evgeni 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.
Evgeni is a very promising and ambitious musician, he was a very active and well known musician in the Israeli scene and is striving to become one in the U.S.
karelinist90@gmail.com
Evgeni 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 Evgeni 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 Evgeni performed as a soloist.After 3 year of studying with Prof. Lesser Evgeni 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 Evgeni participated in a big music festival in Boston, “Duxbury Music Festival” and won 1st prize in the festivals solo competition. In 2008 Evgeni won a scholarship from Buchman-Heyman foundation for musical excellence. In the same year Evgeni 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. Evgeni participated with the same orchestra with more orchestral tours in Germany and Moscow.
In 2009 Evgeni 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 Evgeni 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 Evgeni participated in the academy’s most prestige project the Jerusalem-Weimar symphony orchestra where Evgeni 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 Evgeni 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 Evgeni 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.
Evgeni 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. Evgeni 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.
Evgeni is a very promising and ambitious musician, he was a very active and well known musician in the Israeli scene and is striving to become one in the U.S.
Saxophone
Lauri Morgan - Grades 6-12
Morgan.Lauri@gmail.com
817-559-3408
Lauri Morgan began playing saxophone at age 12 in Fort Worth, Texas where she grew up. She received many awards and accolades playing saxophone through middle school and high school, including a scholarship to continue playing at Texas Christian University.
Upon completion of her Bachelor of Music Education at TCU, she taught elementary music in Granbury ISD. She and her band director husband raised 2 band kids who still love to play their respective instruments today. The elementary school music teacher schedule allowed Lauri to continue to teach lessons and play saxophone in the DFW area. As a retired teacher, she has expended her saxophone studio and looks forward to working with the students in Aledo ISD.
Lauri currently lives in Granbury with her husband, John, and their sheepadoodle, Chewie.
Morgan.Lauri@gmail.com
817-559-3408
Lauri Morgan began playing saxophone at age 12 in Fort Worth, Texas where she grew up. She received many awards and accolades playing saxophone through middle school and high school, including a scholarship to continue playing at Texas Christian University.
Upon completion of her Bachelor of Music Education at TCU, she taught elementary music in Granbury ISD. She and her band director husband raised 2 band kids who still love to play their respective instruments today. The elementary school music teacher schedule allowed Lauri to continue to teach lessons and play saxophone in the DFW area. As a retired teacher, she has expended her saxophone studio and looks forward to working with the students in Aledo ISD.
Lauri currently lives in Granbury with her husband, John, and their sheepadoodle, Chewie.
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.
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 and Euphonium
Rob Scarff - Grades 6-12
Cell: 813-956-3732
Email: robmscarff@gmail.com
As a performer, he has been praised for his clarity and lyricism.
Rob Scarff grew up in Plant City, Florida and thrived in an otherwise developing band program. Since then, he has performed in such ensembles as University of North Texas’ internationally recognized Trombone Consortium. He has also been seen performing with the Brass Band of Central Florida and Florida’s very own Southern Winds. While in these ensembles, Rob has gone on multiple tours and performed in several conferences such as Florida’s Music Education Association and the Jazz Education Network. In 2019, Rob served as a social media intern at the Southeast Trombone Symposium where he got the opportunity to work for world class musicians from around the country. More recently, Rob was selected to perform in the annual Saluzzo Opera Academy for the summer of 2022.
As a teacher, he is lauded for his engaging teaching style and ability to bring out nuances within his student’s playing.
Before completing his Bachelor’s degree, Rob completed his student teaching experience at Hagerty High School where he developed the curriculum and taught five separate classes. His private students have gone on to earn Superior ratings from Solo and Ensemble in addition to winning seats in their respective all-county ensembles.
Rob earned his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Stetson University and his Master’s degree in Orchestral Performance from the University of North Texas. His primary teachers include David Schmidt and Tony Baker.
Cell: 813-956-3732
Email: robmscarff@gmail.com
As a performer, he has been praised for his clarity and lyricism.
Rob Scarff grew up in Plant City, Florida and thrived in an otherwise developing band program. Since then, he has performed in such ensembles as University of North Texas’ internationally recognized Trombone Consortium. He has also been seen performing with the Brass Band of Central Florida and Florida’s very own Southern Winds. While in these ensembles, Rob has gone on multiple tours and performed in several conferences such as Florida’s Music Education Association and the Jazz Education Network. In 2019, Rob served as a social media intern at the Southeast Trombone Symposium where he got the opportunity to work for world class musicians from around the country. More recently, Rob was selected to perform in the annual Saluzzo Opera Academy for the summer of 2022.
As a teacher, he is lauded for his engaging teaching style and ability to bring out nuances within his student’s playing.
Before completing his Bachelor’s degree, Rob completed his student teaching experience at Hagerty High School where he developed the curriculum and taught five separate classes. His private students have gone on to earn Superior ratings from Solo and Ensemble in addition to winning seats in their respective all-county ensembles.
Rob earned his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Stetson University and his Master’s degree in Orchestral Performance from the University of North Texas. His primary teachers include David Schmidt and Tony Baker.
Tuba
Eric Kassay - Grades 6-12
kassaymusic@gmail.com
(908) 922-2388
Eric Kassay was born and raised on the east coast in Piscataway, New Jersey. He is a graduate of Rutgers University where he earned his degree in Music Education studying with the musicians of the world-renowned New York Philharmonic. After graduating from Rutgers, Eric was a band director for two years before moving to Texas.
During his summers in college, Eric participated in the Drum Corps International competitive circuit, where he played tuba for Jersey Surf and the Bluecoats and continues to teach marching band to this day. Eric is a proud instructor of Aledo’s very own Bearcat Regiment.
Back home in New Jersey, Eric performed with the North American Brass Band Association (NABBA) champions, the Princeton Brass Band. Eric has also had the opportunity to record music for a videogame soundtrack and performed with The Roots on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
Eric is currently a master’s student at the University of North Texas, pursuing a degree in tuba performance. His primary teachers include Donald Little and Alan Baer.
Eric enjoys tinkering with computers and electronics and considers himself to be an amateur audiophile.
kassaymusic@gmail.com
(908) 922-2388
Eric Kassay was born and raised on the east coast in Piscataway, New Jersey. He is a graduate of Rutgers University where he earned his degree in Music Education studying with the musicians of the world-renowned New York Philharmonic. After graduating from Rutgers, Eric was a band director for two years before moving to Texas.
During his summers in college, Eric participated in the Drum Corps International competitive circuit, where he played tuba for Jersey Surf and the Bluecoats and continues to teach marching band to this day. Eric is a proud instructor of Aledo’s very own Bearcat Regiment.
Back home in New Jersey, Eric performed with the North American Brass Band Association (NABBA) champions, the Princeton Brass Band. Eric has also had the opportunity to record music for a videogame soundtrack and performed with The Roots on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
Eric is currently a master’s student at the University of North Texas, pursuing a degree in tuba performance. His primary teachers include Donald Little and Alan Baer.
Eric enjoys tinkering with computers and electronics and considers himself to be an amateur audiophile.
Percussion
Leon Zajimovic - Grades 6-12
LeonZajimovic@yahoo.com
(817) 964-1390
Born in Germany, Leon Zajimovic and his family moved to America when he was two years old. In the USA, Leon was able to find and pursue his passion of making and teaching music.
Leon holds a BME from Texas Christian University. Under the instruction of Dr. Brian West and Dr. Richard Gipson, Leon was a three-time finalist in the TCU concerto competition while also having the privilege of performing with the Percussion Orchestra at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention in 2015. In 2017 and 2018, Leon marched with the Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps as a Tenor Drummer. In 2020, he was invited to return to the corps as a member of the staff.
After finishing his time with the Cavaliers in 2018, Leon went directly to the University of Nebraska – Lincoln in pursuit of an MM in Percussion Performance as a graduate teaching assistant for the studio of Dr. Dave Hall. He won the University’s Graduate Concerto Competition, performed the concerto with the University’s orchestra, and also performed with the Percussion Ensemble at PASIC in 2019. Leon’s time at UNL was cut short due to the COVID pandemic, a time that taught him never to take the opportunities you’re given and the time you have with loved ones for granted.
For the past three years, Leon taught at Richland High School as their Assistant Percussion Director. He is thrilled to be moving to another school district within the DFW area, and to continue creating high-energy and safe environments for all students to grow. Leon met his wife Claudia, a violinist, in a music theory class while attending UNL. They love hiking, camping, and playing board games.
LeonZajimovic@yahoo.com
(817) 964-1390
Born in Germany, Leon Zajimovic and his family moved to America when he was two years old. In the USA, Leon was able to find and pursue his passion of making and teaching music.
Leon holds a BME from Texas Christian University. Under the instruction of Dr. Brian West and Dr. Richard Gipson, Leon was a three-time finalist in the TCU concerto competition while also having the privilege of performing with the Percussion Orchestra at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention in 2015. In 2017 and 2018, Leon marched with the Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps as a Tenor Drummer. In 2020, he was invited to return to the corps as a member of the staff.
After finishing his time with the Cavaliers in 2018, Leon went directly to the University of Nebraska – Lincoln in pursuit of an MM in Percussion Performance as a graduate teaching assistant for the studio of Dr. Dave Hall. He won the University’s Graduate Concerto Competition, performed the concerto with the University’s orchestra, and also performed with the Percussion Ensemble at PASIC in 2019. Leon’s time at UNL was cut short due to the COVID pandemic, a time that taught him never to take the opportunities you’re given and the time you have with loved ones for granted.
For the past three years, Leon taught at Richland High School as their Assistant Percussion Director. He is thrilled to be moving to another school district within the DFW area, and to continue creating high-energy and safe environments for all students to grow. Leon met his wife Claudia, a violinist, in a music theory class while attending UNL. They love hiking, camping, and playing board games.
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.
