INDIVIDUAL INSTRUCTION:
PIANO
Richard Carnes (Piano, Individual Instruction) - holds Master of Music degrees from the University of Michigan in both piano performance and music theory and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Chicago in classical languages and literature. Mr. Carnes had additional studies at the Taubman Institute of Piano with Katherine Mizruchi and was also a student of Katherine Collier and Arthur Greene. Mr. Carnes has been a soloist with the San Antonio Symphony and the University of Chicago Chamber Orchestra. He was formerly a piano teacher at Emerson School in Ann Arbor and is certified in elementary general music by the Gordon Institute for Music Learning. Mr. Carnes has been a member of the AASPA piano faculty since 2004 and participates regularly in the National Music Certificate Examination program, AASPA faculty and student recitals.
Jennifer Fisher (Piano, Individual Instruction, MusicPlay, Keyboard Musicianship Club) holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music Therapy from Western Illinois University, a Certificate of Ministry from Global University and a Master of Arts in Piano Pedagogy from Eastern Michigan University. She has served on the faculties of the Preparatory Piano School at WIU, the Community Music Academy at EMU and is currently an Adjunct Lecturer at Eastern Michigan University. Ms. Fisher also holds certification in the area of early childhood musical arts.
Helen Xie-Geary (Piano, Individual Instruction) holds both a Master of Music and a Bachelor of Music from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music in piano performance. In addition, Ms. Xie-Geary possesses the Artist's Diploma, from the Shanghai Conservatory of Music. Ms. Xie-Geary has been a member of the AASPA piano faculty since 2003.
Sarah Malick (Piano, Individual Instruction, Early Childhood Musical Arts) holds a Master of Music from Ithaca College in piano performance, and a Bachelor of Music Education from SUNY College at Fredonia. Ms. Malick also participated in summer studies at the Chautauqua Institute School of Music (piano performance). A student of Ozan Marsh, Ms. Malick has been a music educator and a piano instructor for over 15 years. In addition to her piano teaching, she was a vocal and general music teacher at Spiritus Sanctus Academy, Ann Arbor, and organ/piano player at the daily liturgies. In addition to her wealth of experience as a piano teacher, Ms. Malick is also a licensed Kindermusik instructor and has a special rapport with young children. Ms. Malick has been a member of the AASPA piano faculty since 2001.
Larisa Simington (Piano, Individual Instruction, Keyboard Musicianship Club) holds a DMA in piano performance from Eastman School of Music, a Master of Arts in Theory and Pedagogy, a Master of Music in piano performance from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Music from Dima Conservatory in Romania. Dr. Simington's teaching experience has encompassed a wide range of ages and genres, and includes experience as an instructor at the New England Music Camp, Eastman School of Music, Encore/Coda Music Camp, Community Music School in Trappe, PA, Chautauqua School of Music and the Little Fingers Music School in Toronto, Ontario. In addition, Dr. Simington has an impressive list of solo and collaborative performances to her credit.
Erven Thoma (Piano, Individual Instruction, Adult Studies) - holds a Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Michigan as an organ major-church music track, a Master of Music from the University of Michigan in music theory, a Master of Music from Washington University in organ performance and a Bachelor of Arts from Washington University as a music major, organ principal. Dr. Thoma has been a member of the AASPA keyboard faculty since 1999, and teaches a variety of classes in piano, organ and theory. Dr. Thoma was awarded the Fulbright Scholarship for organ, piano and harpsichord study in Vienna and Salzburg. He was also a teacher at the Art Center Music School in Detroit, where he was an instructor of piano, organ and theory. In addition, Dr. Thoma served on the board of the Art Center Music School for many years. Dr. Thoma has served as organist, accompanist and musical director for numerous organizations and is co-author of Michigan's Klingendes Wunder.
Stephanie Weaver (AASPA President, Piano, Individual Instruction, Chamber Music Studies) has performed solo and chamber music recitals in Canada and the United States, and in addition has been a regularly featured artist on Radio Western in Canada. She holds a Bachelor of Music and a Master of Music in Piano Performance from the University of Western Ontario, and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Solo Performance from Michigan State University. She has been a member of the piano faculty of the Ann Arbor School for the Performing Arts since 1999. Presently, she is serving as the Executive Director and a Faculty Piano Instructor at the Ann Arbor School for the Performing Arts and as a Collaborative Pianist/Adjunct Faculty at Concordia University-Ann Arbor. In addition, she has served on the faculties of Michigan State University, University of Michigan-Residential College and Grand Valley State University.
VIOLIN
Leslie Capozzoli (Violin, Youth Orchestra Program) holds a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Michigan and currently conducts the AASPA Junior String Orchestra and Sterling String Orchestra. In addition, Ms. Capozzoli is the manager of the Classic Touch String Ensemble and Director of Strings/Orchestra at Emerson School in Ann Arbor.
Krista Knight (Violin, Individual Instruction, Chamber Music) holds a Bachelor of Music Education from Lawrence University, Conservatory of Music, in Appleton, WI. Ms. Knight has a wide range of experience as a music educator, and has served as violin teacher, performer, general music teacher, and orchestra director. In addition, Ms. Knight has maintained an active performance schedule as an orchestral musician, chamber musician and Celtic fiddler. Ms. Knight has been a member of the AASPA violin faculty since 2007. In addition to her violin instruction, Ms. Knight is also actively involved in the COMP tutor program, an after school music lesson program for scholarship students, in partnership with the Ann Arbor Public Schools.
David Lamse (Violin, Individual Instruction, Chamber Music, Adult Studies) has been a featured violinist in live shows with Shirley Jones, Sarah Brightman, Marvin Hamlisch, Sandi Patti, Smokey Robinson, Anne Murray, Michael Feinstein, Doc Severinsen, Mannheim Steamroller, Garrison Keillor, and Liza Minelli. He has performed in Broadway National Tour productions including Peter Pan, Carousel, Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular, Fiddler on the Roof, Cabaret, The Sound of Music, Sunset Boulevard, The Producers, Camelot, and The Color Purple. David's playing can be heard on the Black Carnation album "It Remains the Same," "Painting a Burning Building" by Brandon Wiard, and the "Saint Ange" movie soundtrack.
David is the Assistant Concertmaster of the Jackson Symphony, and Assistant Principal Second of the Ann Arbor Symphony. As a tenured member of the Lansing Symphony, he has served as [acting] Concertmaster, and Assistant Concertmaster. David also performs with the Ann Arbor Camerata, and regularly appears with ensembles in Dearborn and Kalamazoo. David teaches at the St. Francis of Assisi Parish and is on the violin faculty of the Ann Arbor School for the Performing Arts, and the Point CounterPoint chamber music camp.
Sherry Meyers (Violin, Individual Instruction, Chamber Music Studies, Adult Studies) holds a Master of Music from the University of Michigan in violin performance and education and also possesses a State of Michigan Permanent Teaching Certificate. Ms. Meyers was a student of Angel Reyes, Paul Kantor and Marion Tanau. She has been a performer with the Toledo Symphony, the Canary Islands Opera Festival Orchestra, the AIMS-Graz European Festival Orchestra in Austria, the Ann Arbor Chamber Orchestra, the Ann Arbor Symphony and also the local Terrabella Trio. Ms. Meyers was a teacher of strings, orchestra and general education for 27 years in the Ypsilanti Schools, and she has been a member of the AASPA violin faculty since 2004.
Jacqueline Nutting (Violin, Individual Instruction) is currently a D.M.A. candidate at the University of Michigan, in violin performance. In addition, Ms. Nutting holds a Master of Music from the University of Michigan in violin performance and a Bachelor of Arts from McGill University in violin performance. In addition to her teaching, Ms. Nutting maintains an active performance schedule as an orchestral and chamber musician. Ms. Nutting is the founder of the Ensemble Baroken, a non-profit performance ensemble, dedicated to raising money to support music education through a series of high quality, accessible concerts in the Ann Arbor community.
Elaine Sargous (Violin, AASPA Founder) studied at the University of Alberta and the University of Toronto, where she later was on the faculty of the Music Education Department. Ms. Sargous was a Founder of AASPA, teacher of strings in the Ann Arbor Public Schools and performer with several orchestras and chamber ensembles throughout the area. She has made appearances with the Toronto Symphony and the Toledo Symphony, CBC and National Public Radio. In addition to her musical expertise, Ms. Sargous is experienced in speech arts and theater and has made appearances in film, stage productions, and narrations.
Mark Schuppener (Violin, Individual Instruction) As an educator, Dr. Schuppener is currently on the violin faculties of Spring Arbor University, University of Michigan-Dearborn, the Eastern Music Festival and School located in Greensboro, NC, and the Ann Arbor School for the Performing Arts. Past appointments include instruction at Point Counterpoint Chamber Music Camp in Vermont and the University of Michigan. Versatile as a soloist, chamber musician, concertmaster, and committed educator, violinist Mark Schuppener has appeared throughout the country and world in these capacities. Recently granted a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Michigan, Dr. Schuppener maintains an active performing career as concertmaster of the Dearborn, Plymouth, and Canton (MI) Symphony Orchestras, a member of the Ann Arbor Camerata, Goodman Trio, and Envision Chamber Consort. Recent Chamber Music concerts include performances with the Michigan Chamber Players and the string faculty of the University of Michigan, Point Counterpoint Chamber Players, the Ann Arbor Camerata, and the Goodman Trio. With the Goodman Trio, Schuppener received the honor of performing as part of the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition, with a program consisting of Bela Bartok, Darius Milhaud, and Bright Sheng. Currently serving as concertmaster of the Dearborn, Plymouth, and Canton Symphony Orchestras, Schuppener's additional orchestral positions have included the Madison Symphony Orchestra, the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra, the orchestras of the Aspen Music Festival and School, the Eastern Philharmonic, and tours throughout Spain, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia and Austria. Schuppener received a Bachelor of Music from the University of Wisconsin-Madison as a student of David Perry, a Master's of Music from the University of Michigan as a student of Paul Kantor, and a Doctor of Musical Arts also from the University of Michigan as a student of Aaron Berofsky. Other teachers include Naoko Tanaka, Vartan Manoogian, James Caesar, and his mother, Louise Schuppener. Schuppener is playing on a violin made by the award-winning maker Feng Jiang. Schuppener resides in Ann Arbor with his wife Stephanie, also a violinist.
Stephanie Song Schuppener (Violin, Individual Instruction) holds a Master's Degree from Rice University where she was a scholarship student of Cho-Liang Lin. Stephanie graduate from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor's Degree in violin performance as a student of Stephen Shipps and Aaron Berofsky. As an active teacher and performer, Schuppener is the Associate Concertmaster of the Dearborn Symphony Orchestra, and has performed with the Ann Arbor, Lansing, Jackson, and Plymouth Symphony Orchestras and is a founding member of the Ann Arbor Camerata. She has been a participant at the Aspen Music Festival and School and the Meadowmount School of Music. Performances have taken Schuppener throughout the country and world and has been heard on radio broadcasts of NPR. As an educator, Schuppener is currently on the violin faculties of the Ann Arbor School for the Performing Arts, the St. Franics String Program, and was previously an instructor at the Rice University Preparatory Program in Houston, Texas. Stephanie lives in Ann Arbor with her husband Mark, also a violinist.
VIOLA
Antione Hackney (Viola, Individual Instruction) holds a Bachelor of Music from the Eastman School of Music in viola performance. A Pioneer High School graduate, Mr. Hackney was also the principal violist for the Disney Grammy All-American Orchestra, and a performer with UBS Verbier International Orchestra.
Joanna Myers (Violin, Viola, Individual Instruction) holds a Master of Music from Bowling Green University in viola performance and a Bachelor of Music, sum cum laude from Vanderbilt's Blair School of Music. Ms. Myers has performed with the Grand Rapids Symphony and numerous other regional orchestras. In addition to maintaining a busy schedule as teacher and performer, Ms. Myers is a licensed Feldenkreis practitioner.
CELLO
Monica Fry (Cello, Individual Instruction, KinderStrings) holds a Master of Music from the University of Michigan in cello performance a Bachelor of Arts from Goucher College in music performance and possesses a K-12 Teaching Certification from Eastern Michigan University. Ms. Fry has been a member of the AASPA string faculty since 2005 and maintains an active schedule of group string classes for young children. In addition, Ms. Fry participates regularly on student and faculty recitals at AASPA.
BASS
Kurt Krahnke (Acoustic and Electric Bass, Jazz Studies) was a student at the Berklee College of Music and the New England Conservatory of Music, Boston. Mr. Krahnke has many recordings, and performances to his credit, and these include touring with such artists as: Ellen Rowe, Joe Henderson, Leon Thomas, Sonny Fortune, Maria Muldaur, James Dapogny and Mugrew Miller.
GUITAR
Daniel Ripke (Guitar, Individual Instruction) studied classical guitar and music theory at Delta College and theory and composition at Central Michigan University. Mr. Ripke has been a private studio instructor for 12 years, specializing in beginning and intermediate students. Mr. Ripke specializes in building a strong musical foundation for students as well as introducing them to styles such as classical, jazz, blues, and popular music. He has a numerous performances and recordings to his credit, with groups in Michigan and San Francisco. He currently performs solo and with his band Back Forty. In addition to performing and teaching, Mr. Ripke regularly conducts songwriting and recording workshops.
VOICE
Kara Alfano (Voice, Individual Instruction) holds a Master of Music and a Bachelor of Music in vocal performance and literature from the University of Michigan. Ms. Alfano is currently on the faculty of Grosse Pointe High School and Concordia University-Ann Arbor, where she teaches voice, conducts the Chorale, an all-women ensemble, and is the creator and instructor of the Vocal Arts Lab. Ms. Alfano has been a member of the AASPA voice faculty since 2006.
Wendy Bloom (AASPA Founder, Voice, Individual Instruction) Wendy Bloom is one of the original five founders of AASPA, and is happy to be able to continue to support the school as a faculty member. Wendy Bloom's diverse performance background includes opera, oratorio, early music, chamber music, choral music, recitals, cabaret and musical theatre. She recently played Maddy in a new opera, Two Candles Burning, by Stephen Rush and Michael Rodemer. Her solo appearances have included concerts with symphonies in Ann Arbor, Flint, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Baltimore and Toledo. Recently she has performed as alto soloist in Prokofiev's Alexander Nevsky, Bach's B Minor Mass and St. Matthew Passion, Handel's Messiah, Mozart's Requiem and Mahler's Third Symphony. She is the artistic director for a popular cabaret in Ann Arbor, Michigan called Wine, Women and Song, now in its seventh year, and has created a solo recital, The New American Songbook. 2007 marked her first appearances with the Santa Fe Desert Chorale as well as with Conspirare in Austin, Texas. She will appear in a PBS special with Conspirare in the spring of 2009. She is currently building a studio in Michigan to help prepare professional singers for auditions, roles, and solo performances.
Carla Margolis (Voice, Dalcroze, Early Childhood Arts, Individual Instruction) is currently studying voice at Easter Michigan University. In addition, Ms. Margolis has studied Dalcroze Technique at the Dalcroze School of Music in NYC, Westminster Choir College and the Julliard School of Music. Ms. Margolis has also studied vocal technique and jazz vocal technique at Indiana School of Music and has studied privately with Charles Preston, Janet Lawson and Diane Estes. Ms. Margolis has worked with the Ann Arbor Public Schools, the Chelsea Center for the Arts and Young People's Theatre. Ms. Margolis teaches voice and group classes in Dalcroze Technique at AASPA.
TRUMPET
Paul Finkbeiner ((Trumpet, Jazz Studies Program, Interim Program Director) was the fourth Jazz Major to graduate from Western Michigan University. He's performed in various jazz groups all over the world, including on cruise ships, the Orange County Jazz Festival in Los Angeles, the Evergreen Jazz Festival in Colorado, the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland and the symphonic hall of the Auditorio Nacional de Música in Madrid, Spain. He has also appeared on several CD's with Paul Keller, Jan Krist, Bess Bonnier, Glenn Tucker, Steve Fentriss and Phil Ogilvie's Rhythm Kings.
DRUMS
Steve Fentriss (Drums, Individual Instruction) a graduate of the AASPA jazz program, is now a jazz faculty member. Mr. Fentriss is an active performer and teacher in the Ann Arbor area; has performed on several professional recordings and performs regularly with Phil Olgivie's Rhythm Kings. Mr. Fentriss is also the recipient of a Clifford Brown/Stan Getz All-Star Award.
FLUTE
Penelope Fischer (AASPA Founder, Flute, Individual Instruction) holds a Bachelor of Music from the University of Iowa, a Master of Music, cum laude from the University of Michigan, and a Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Maryland. Dr. Fischer is principal flutist of the Ann Arbor Symphony, member of Detroit Chamber Winds and Strings, the Great Lakes Woodwind Quintet, the Melrose Ensemble and the Arbor Baroque Ensemble. In the summers, Dr. Fischer teaches and performs at the Pine Mountain Music Festival and Interlochen Center for the Arts Adult Chamber Music Camp. Dr; Fischer also regularly serves as clinician and adjudicator of national and regional competitions and festivals. Dr. Fischer is a founder of AASPA and served as Executive Director for years.
Emily Perryman Bugala (Flute, Individual Instruction) holds a Master of Music and a Bachelor of Music from the University of Michigan in flute performance and Bachelor of Music Education, summa cum laude, from Ohio State University. She joined the AASPA flute faculty in 2005 and maintains an active teaching and performance schedule. In Fall 2008, Ms. Perryman joined the administrative team as Student Services Manager.
CLARINET
Justin Stanley Clarinet, Individual Instruction) is a candidate for the Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the University of Michigan in clarinet performance. He earned his Master of Music degree from Yale University and his Bachelor of Music degree from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music in clarinet performance. An active orchestral musician, Mr. Stanley performs with the Plymouth Symphony Orchestra and Orchestra Canton, and has appeared with the West Shore Symphony Orchestra, the Dearborn Symphony Orchestra, and the Adrian Symphony Orchestra. He teaches clarinet at the Ann Arbor School for the Performing Arts, the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, and at Dexter and Belleville High Schools. He joined the AASPA wind faculty in 2006.
SAXOPHONE
Robert Young (Saxophone, Individual Instruction) holds a Master of Music in saxophone performance from the University of Michigan, a Bachelor of Music, cum laude, in saxophone performance from the University of South Carolina, and is currently a candidate in the Doctor of Musical Arts program at the University of Michigan. His principal teachers include: Donald Sinta, Andrew Bishop, and Bert Ligon, and he is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Society of Musical Arts Young Artist Competition, the Tuesday Musicale of Detroit Performance awards, the Lawrence Teal award at the University of Michigan, a finalist in the U-M Concerto competition, 1st prize in the Josie Etta Daley Young Artist Competition, 3rd prize in the MTNA National Collegiate Woodwind Solo Competition, and many others. He maintains an active performance and teaching schedule and has been a member of the AASPA wind faculty since Fall 2008.
Jack Wagner Saxophone, Individual Instruction) holds a Master in Music from Ithaca College, NY in music education and a Bachelor of Music in jazz performance from William Paterson University, New Jersey, where he was the Jazz Assistant. Mr. Wagner studied with Steven Mauk, Jerry Bergonzi, Gary Smulyan, Steve Wilson, Steve Brown, David Demsey, Rufus Reid, and Kenny Burrell. He has guest-lectured at universities, camps, and public schools on jazz pedagogy and curricula. He has performed in Belgium, Holland, Mexico, and throughout the U.S., including NY City Jazz Clubs such as Birdland and the 55 Bar. Mr. Wagner served as the AASPA Jazz Program Manager for seven years, and is currently the Jazz Program Director at Ann Arbor's Community High School.
TROMBONE
Benjamin Allen (Trombone, Individual Instruction, Youth Orchestras Assistant Conductor) holds a Master of Music Education from the University of Michigan and a Bachelor of Music, magna cum laude, in General Music from Washington University in St. Louis. Mr. Allen joined the AASPA faculty in 2005 and has specialized in curriculum design for young children. Currently, Mr Allen and currently teaches individual trombone lessons and serves as Assistant Conductor to the SSO and JSO.
EARLY CHILDHOOD ARTS-MUSIC THERAPY
Monica Fry (Cello, Individual Instruction, KinderStrings)- see description under Cello
Debra Gombert (Music Therapy, Recorder Club, beginning Flute) studied flute at Vassar College, and at the University of Michigan. Ms. Gombert studied flute with John Solum, Amy Porter and Julie Stone. She received a Bachelor of Music, suma cum laude, from Eastern Michigan University in music therapy, and is currently working toward her Masters of Arts in music therapy from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College.
In addition to her expertise as a flutist, Ms. Gombert is a practicing music therapist employed by the University of Michigan and other clinics, maintains a music therapy studio for private clients, and teaches music at the Hebrew Day School of Ann Arbor.
Sarah Malick (Piano, Individual Instruction, Kindermusik, Keyboard Musicianship Club)-See description under Individual Instruction (piano)
Carla Margolis (Dalcroze, voice) - see description under Voice
Brenda Marshall (Piano, MusicPlay) is an experienced piano teacher who has taught in the Ann Arbor area since 1981. Ms. Marshall holds a Master of Arts from Eastern Michigan University and a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the University of Michigan. In addition, she has been certified in Music Learning Theory since 2005.
YOUTH ORCHESTRA PROGRAM
Benjamin Allen (Orchestra Personnel Manager and SSO Assistant) - see description under Trombone
Leslie Capozzoli (Violin, JSO and SSO Conductor) - see description under violin
Nicholas Finch (Cello, YSO Assistant Conductor)
John Goodell (Piano, Youth Orchestra Program Manager, YSO Conductor)
JAZZ STUDIES
Paul Finkbeiner (Trumpet, Interim Jazz Studies Director)-see description under Trumpet
Steve Fentriss (Drums, Individual Instruction)-see description under Drums
Kurt Krahnke (Acoustic and Electric Bass) - see description under Bass
ADULT STUDIES
Sharon Quint (Violin Individual Instruction, Chamber Music Studies, String Orchestra for Adults) - see description under Violin
Erven Thoma (Piano Individual Instruction, Adult Piano Class) - see description under Piano
COMP PROGRAM TUTORS
Strings/Orchestra:
Nicholas Finch (cello)
Krista Knight (violin)
Ann Savaglio (violin)
Winds/Band:
John Eros
Laura Perkett
Chad West
