The Wilmington Music School offers the highest-caliber of talented faculty in the area. Many of our dedicated faculty not only teach at WMS, but also perform on the professional level and are featured as artists during our concert season.

Please select a department:

Strings Piano and Keyboard Vocal & Choral Wind/Brass Guitar & Percussion	Ensembles Vocal/Choral Ensemble Instrument Conductors Other Ensembles	Early Childhood Music Accompanists Music Theory & Music Appreciation Drama/Music Theater Classes Music Therapy Jazz

For an alphabetical listing of faculty with biographies, select the appropriate letter:
A-F
G-L
M-R
S-Z

(A), Artist Faculty; (A-SA), Artist Faculty by Special Arrangement; (M), Master Faculty; (SD), Special Distinction; (D), Distinction.

STRINGS
Sylvia Ahramjian, violin (A-SA)
Shelley Beard, Suzuki Violin
Ross Beauchamp, cello
Jennifer Crowell Stomberg, cello/Suzuki cello/violin & groups (M)
Patrick Desrosiers, violin
Carolyn Ellman, cello
Gwen Fuller, Suzuki cello, Orchestral Prep for Strings
Amy Leornard, violin/viola
Lingchin Liao Hacker, Suzuki Violin, Violin
Ovidiu Marinescu, String Department Head, cello (A)
Luigi Mazzocchi, violin
Ingrid Rosenback, violin, Suzuki violin
Petula Perdikis, violin/viola, Suzuki violin
Janka Pernisz, violin
Christina von Duyke, violin, Suzuki violin
Amanda Weinberg, Suzuki cello, theory
Yehong Xiong, violin
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PIANO & KEYBOARD
Donna Muzlet Beech (M,D)
David Brown (A-SA)
Natalie Nam Chang
Lotus Cheng (M,D)
Darlene Colavecchi-Smith
Estella Elesh, Instrumental Discovery
Jenny Ellis
Joan Fasullo, class piano (D)
Jacqueline Beach Faulcon (SD)
Richard Gangwisch (D)
Liliya Maslov
Oleg Maslov
Constance Moore (M)
Mary Kate Newell, piano, class piano
Ethel M. Olsen (D)
Daphne Pantelopulos
Elaine Soltz Penn (SD)
Tracy Richardson (M)
David Schelat, organ
Dawn Stevens, Piano Department Head
Ron Thomas, Jazz Piano; Theory
Paula Reynolds Tyler, piano, class piano for children
Benjamin Whitten (A-SD)
Hiroko Yamazaki (M,D)
Angela Zullinger
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VOCAL/CHORAL
Jennifer DiGuiseppe, voice
Jacqueline Beach Faulcon, voice (SD)
Marian Johnson-Healy, voice
Elliot Jones, voice, class voice (M)
Michael Larkin, Vocal/Choral Department Head,choral conducting, voice, class voice (A,D)
Marybeth Miller, Early Childhood, Conductor, Wilmington Youth Chorale, Delaware Children's Chorus
Elayne Soltz Penn, voice (SD)
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WIND/BRASS
Cheri Astolfi, horn
Barabara J. Benedett, clarinet/saxophone
Melinda Bowman, flute, Suzuki flute (D)
Lynne Cooksey, flute, Suzuki flute (A,D)
Charles Holdeman, bassoon (M)
Paula Nelson, flute (D)
Susan Nowaczyk Ritter, oboe
Lloyd Shorter, oboe
Rachel Thompson, flute, Suzuki flute (D)
Jason Shapiro, saxophone/clarinet
Robert Skoniczin, trumpet, Wind/Brass/Percussion Department Head
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GUITAR
Christopher Braddock (D)
Alex Dramis

DRUMS & PERCUSSION
Walter Rohrich (D)
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ENSEMBLES
Vocal/Choral Ensemble Directors
Michael Larkin, Select Choral Ensemble, Delaware Women's Chorus A)
Marybeth Miller, Wilmington Youth Chorale and Delaware Children's Chorus

Instrumental Conductors
Gwen Fuller, Orchestral Prep for Strings
Ovidiu Marinescu, Wilmington Community Orchestra (A)
Gary White, Delaware Youth Orchestra , Delaware Youth Symphony

Other Ensembles
Christopher Braddock, Guitar Ensemble (D)
Walter Rohrich, Percussion Ensemble (D)
Jason Shapiro, Jazz Ensemble
Rachel Thompson, Flute Ensemble
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EARLY CHILDHOOD MUSIC
Melinda Bowman, Instrumental Discovery (D)
Angela Burns
Susan Burnstein
Helen Carnevale (D)
Adrienne Harding, Instrumental Discovery
Mary Pat Hopkins
Margaret Love (SD)
Tina Maclary, Early Childhood Department Head (D)
Marybeth Miller, Instrumental Discovery
Mary Ellen Moser (SD)
Utta Plass
Marjorie D. Ripsom
Jacqueline Short, Early Childhood Outreach Coordinator
Linda Swears, Instrumental Discovery (D)
Rachel Thompson (D)
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ACCOMPANISTS
David Smith, Wilmington Youth Chorale, Delaware Children's Chorus, Select Choral Ensemble
Bethany Faiz, Delaware Women's Chorus
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MUSIC THEORY & MUSIC APPRECIATION
David Brown, Music Theory/Composition
Ethel Olsen, Music Theory
Susan Ritter, Music Theory
Elayne Soltz Penn, music theory (SD)
Rachel Thompson, Music Theory Department Head (D)
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DRAMA/MUSIC THEATER CLASSES
Allan Carlsen, drama workshop
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MUSIC THERAPY
Joseph Reilly, Musical Memory Lane
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JAZZ
Jason Shapiro, Jazz Ensemble
Ron Thomas, jazz pianist
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A-F

SYLVIA AHRAMJIAN, Artist Faculty by Special Arrangement
(violin)
B.M., Juilliard School of Music; M.M., Indiana University. Studied with Ivan Galamia and Joseph Gingold. WMS Teacher of the Year, 1990-91. Faculty member: Temple University Talented and Gifted Program; Luzerne Music Center; and Associate Professor, violin and viola, West Chester University. Current Concertmaster, Lancaster Symphony. Past assistant Concertmaster, Delaware Symphony. Performances with numerous orchestras as soloist and in chamber music recitals throughout the USA and Europe.

CHERI ASTOLFI
(horn)
M.M. and B.M., University of Delaware. Studied with: Cynthia Carr, Michael Johns and Francis Orval. Early childhood training. Managing Director, Astral Artistic Services.

ROSS BEAUCHAMP
(cello)
M.M. and B.M. of Music, Boston University; B.S., Civil Engineering, University of Delaware. Studied with: Michael Reynolds, Marion Feldman, Douglas McNames, and Louisa Marks. Former faculty: Bryn Mawr Conservatory, University of Delaware Community Music School, and Delaware Music School. Orchestral and chamber music experience: Delaware Symphony Orchestra, Lancaster Symphony Orchestra, Kennett Square Symphony Orchestra, Reading Symphony Orchestra, Lehigh Valley Chamber Orchestra, Bridgeton Symphony Orchestra, Trio Jeudi, Trio des Amis, Apple Hill Center for Chamber Music, Kythia String Quartet, and Downcast Chamber Music Center.

DONNA MULZET BEECH, Master Faculty
(piano)
B.S., Music Education; M.M., Performance, West Chester University; D.M.A., Catholic University. Studied with: Thomas Mastroianni, William Masselos, Robert Bedford. Music Director, Lower Brandywine Presbyterian Church. Performances: soloist with the Kennett, Wilmington Community & West Chester University Symphony Orchestras; Lorin Hollander and Bela Nagy masterclasses; frequent chamber musician with string and woodwind chamber groups; soloist throughout the Mid Atlantic States. Lecture topics include: Development of Pianism, and Learning & Memory. Students have included winners, finalists, and semi-finalists in local, state, national, and international competitions.

BARBARA J. BENEDETT
(clarinet, saxophone, music theory)
M.M., Clarinet Performance, University of Delaware. Studied with: Charles Salinger, David Weber, Vincent Marinelli, Anthony Gigliotti. Member: International Clarinet Association and Early Childhood Music and Movement Association. Freelance musician: clarinet, flute, saxophone with Delaware Symphony Orchestra, Lancaster Symphony, Media Theater, Villanova Theater, Brandywiners.

MELINDA BOWMAN, Faculty with Distinction
(flute, Suzuki flute, Music in Early Childhood)
B.M., Flute Performance; B.M., Choral Education, University of Delaware. Suzuki training: E. Tennessee State University with Pandora Bryce. Trained teacher: Kindermusik Beginnings, Growing with Kindermusik and Kindermusik I. Studied with: Kazuo Tokito, Carol Brown. Awards: Two time recipient, The Presser Scholarship. Member: Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. Performances: Delaware Valley Orchestral,Band and chamber music, and with the Bowman-Braddock Flute and Guitar Duo, Delaware Symphony Orchestra. Former elementary music teacher, Independence School; former Lower School Music Director, Friends Central School, Philadelphia.

CHRISTOPHER BRADDOCK, Faculty with Distinction
(guitar, Guitar Ensemble)
B.M. cum laude, Classical Guitar Performance, University of Delaware. Studied with: Christiaan Taggart. Performances: Bowman-Braddock Flute & Guitar Duo; Tidewater Brass Band; Right as Rain Acoustic Guitar Trio; solo recitals. Awards: 2002 Individual Artist Fellowship in Music Composition, Delaware Division of the Arts. Teaching experience: Teaching Artist, Delaware Institute for the Arts in Education. Artistic Director, Delaware Classical Showcase, Inc.

DAVID BROWN, Artist Faculty by Special Arrangement
(piano, composition)
B.M. Piano Performance, M.M. Composition, Curtis Institute. Studied with: Rudolf Serkin, Mieczyslaw Horszowski, composer Myron Fink. First prize winner, National Merriweather-Post Competition; Bloch Award; two grants, Philadelphia Friends of Fine Arts. WMS Teacher of the Year, 1988-89. Performances: soloist with Concerto Soloists (Philadelphia), Delaware, Lancaster, National & Utah Symphony Orchestras; extensive solo, duo-piano & chamber music recitals. 1976 commission, Delaware Symphony Orchestra, piano concerto composer & soloist, premiere performance recorded, broadcast worldwide over “Voice of America”. Former faculty: U of DE, West Chester State University, Snowbird SummerArts Institute (UT). Students have included winners of national & international competitions.

ANGELA BURNS
(Music in Early Childhood)
B.A., Elementary Education, Eastern College. Certifications: elementary and early childhood education in Delaware and Pennsylvania.

SUSAN BURSTEIN
(Music in Early Childhood)
B.S., Speech Pathology, Pennsylvania State University; M.A., Trenton State University. Early Childhood training: Kindermusik Beginnings and Growing with Kindermusik with Sherri Grimsby, Kindermusik II and Village training in August 1998 with Erin Maurer, and Colorado Suzuki Institute. Licensed in Delaware and New Jersey as speech and language specialist; Nationally certified, American Speech-Hearing-Language Association. Experience includes: Twenty-eight years as public school speech specialist (pre-K - 8th grade), private practice, five years with Head Start programs in New Jersey (children ages 3-5). Currently works with children with developmental delays and special education needs.

ALLAN CARLSEN
(drama workshop)
Directing credits: On and off-Broadway and in many regional theaters throughout the United States; WMS, Amahl and the Night Visitors (2002 & 2003); Delaware Theatre Company, The Cocktail Hour (A.R. Gurney). Acting credits: Leading roles on and off-Broadway, television, regional theaters in United States and Canada; Delaware Theatre Company, Glengarry Glen Ross (D. Mamet). Teaching experience: University of Delaware, Wilmington Friends School, Cab Calloway School for the Arts.

HELEN CARNEVALE, Faculty with Distinction
(Music in Early Childhood)
B.M., Percussion, University of Delaware; M.M., Percussion, University of the Arts. Studied with: Michael Bookspan. Professional experience: Teaching Artist, Delaware & Philadelphia Institute for the Arts in Education; Artist-in-Residence, Delaware State Arts Council; Philadelphia Orchestra; toured internationally with Relache. Director and producer, 3plus1. Arranger/composer: recently completed production the audio portion of the new Growing with Kindermusik education series.

NATALIE NAM CHANG
(piano)
B.M. magna cum laude, Piano Performance, and M.M. Piano Pedagogy, West Chester University. Studied with: Dr. Richard Veleta, Ellen Mack, Keiko Sato. Awards: Michael Morochko Memorial Piano Scholarship Competition; 1st place, Hornam Piano Competition. Member: Pi Kappa Lambda and Music Teachers National Association.

LOTUS CHENG, Master Faculty with Distinction
(piano)
B.M.,Piano Performance, University of Delaware; M.M., Piano Pedagogy/Accompanying, Temple University. Studied with: Alexander Fiorillo, Lambert Orkis & David Brown. WMS 1991-92 Teacher of the Year. Prize winner: 1980 JCC Young Musicians Competition; 1983 Temple University Concerto Competition; first prize winner, 1987 National Bartok-Kabalevsky Piano Competition. Accompanying & teaching scholarship grants, Temple University. Former faculty member, U of DE. Performances: Augustin Anievas, Leon Fleisher, Natalie Hinderas, Russell Sherman masterclasses, solo recitals, duets, two piano works with her husband, David Brown, Salt Lake City, Paris, and Straubing (Germany).

DARLENE COLAVECCHI-SMITH
(piano)
B.M., Piano Performance, University of Delaware; M.M., Piano Performance, West Chester University. Studied with: David Brown, Dr. Richard Veleta. Teaching experience: West Chester University: lectures, Music Appreciation, Music Literature, Music History, Music Theory classes, coaching chamber & vocal ensemble groups. Member: Kappa Delta Pi, Honor Society in Education, Pi Kappa Lambda, National Music Honor Society. Former Assistant Music Director, Delaware County Community College. Performances: soloist, chamber musician, accompanist & orchestral pianist in various recitals and concert series. Premiered 20th Century Compositions and a Musical Stage Production. Active in state-sponsored lecture/recitals, workshops, festivals. Member at Large of Concord Friends of Music Executive Committee. Official Accompanist for all Choral Groups at Concord High School.

LYNNE COOKSEY, Artist Faculty
(flute, Suzuki flute)
B.M., Southern Methodist University; M.M., Manhattan School of Music; D. M. A., North Texas State University. WMS 1989-90 Teacher of the Year. Former faculty: Hastings College, Kearney State College, Southwest Missouri State University, North Texas State University, Temple University-Center City Campus. Former president, Greater Philadelphia Suzuki Association. Performance experience: Dallas Symphony, Fort Worth, OperaDelaware, Delaware Symphony, Spoleto Festival Orchestras. Soloist: Nebraska Chamber Orchestra, Dallas Civic Symphony, Hastings Civic Symphony, Wilmington Community Orchestra.

PATRICK DESROSIERS
(violin)
B. M., M.M., Artist Certificate Violin Performance, Temple University. Studied violin with: Jascha Brodsky, David Arben, Helen Kwalwasser. Principal Orchestral teachers: Luis Biava, Larry Grika, & David Arben. Chamber music studies with: Emmanuel Vardi, Orlando Cole, Lambert Orkis, Charles Abramovic, Jeffrey Solow, & Alexander Fiorillo. Master classes: Joseph Silverstein & Mary Lou S. Churchill. Orchestral Experience: Philadelphia Pops, Delaware Symphony, Harrisburg Symphony, Philadelphia Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra, Allentown Symphony, Reading Symphony, South Jersey Symphony, Temple University Orchestra & Opera. Music Festival Fellowships: National Repertory Orchestra, Tanglewood & Aspen; American Institute for Musical Studies, Gratz, Austria, & Spoleto, Italy; N.C. School of Arts International European tours. Teaching experience: Bryn Mawr Conservatory; private studio.

JENNIFER DIGUISEPPE
(voice)
B.A., Music, St. Mary's College of Maryland; M.M., Vocal Performance, University of Delaware. Studied with: Marie Robinson, Sarah Adams Hoover, Elaine Bonazzi & Larry Vote. Awards & Honors: Austrian American Society Competition, third prize; DE Contest for Young Musicians, first prize; Tuition Scholar, U. DE. Teaching experience: U. DE, private & class instruction; Tatnall School; Pike Creek Academy, Trinity Music Camp; private studio. Recitals throughout the area. Theater experience: Candlelight Theater, Three Little Bakers, U. DE, Delaware Children's Theater.

ALEX DRAMIS
(guitar)
Studied with: Dennis Sandole, Joseph Sgro, Romeo Cascarino, Edward Delucca.
Teaching experience: Combs College of Music, Phildelphia; Granoff School of Music, Neupauer Conservatory (Haddonfield Conservatory).

ESTELLA MUNSON ELESH
(piano class)
B.M., New England Conservatory of Music; M. Ed., Temple University. Additional studies: American Academy of Dramatic Arts Summer Program. Teaching experience: Lincoln University, voice. Writer, producer & direction of plays, opera & musicals. Acting experience on Broadway & professional regional theatres. Currently writing curricula for teaching of languages through TV & classroom teaching. Vocal roles: Help, Help the Globolinks (Menotti); Susanna in Marriage of Figaro; Gilbert & Sullivan roles; Micaela in Carmen; Marias in West Side Story & Sound of Music.

JENNY ELLIS
(piano)
B.M., Music Education, University of Delaware. Teaching certification: Delaware and Pennsylvania. Awards: Pi Kappa Lambda; E.V. Quigley Scholarship; Nields Scholarship. Teaching experience: University of Delaware Community Music School.

CAROLYN ELLMAN
(cello)
B. M., (magna cum laude), Boston University. Studied with: cello, Leslie Parnas; chamber music with Eugene Lehner. Further chamber music study at Kneisel Hall with Raphael Bronstein and Michael Tree. Master classes with: Gregor Piatagorsky, Maurice Gendron, & Mstislav Rostropovich. Performed in Switzerland with the Geneva Opera, the Neuchâtel Orchestra & the Lausanne Chamber Orchestra. Teaching experience: Settlement Music School, Philadelphia. Member: Delaware Symphony & the Serafin String Quartet.

JOAN FASULLO, Faculty with Distinction
(class piano)
B.M. Marywood College; M.M. New School for Music Study. Professional Teacher Training Course, Princeton. Studied with: Sister Immaculate Severino, Sam Holland, Frances Clark & Louise Goss. Former Faculty Chair, New School’s Elementary Department; Bay Area Music Center & Brandywine Piano Studio. Former owner, Clear Lake Piano Studio. Founder and first President, Northern DE Music Teachers’ Association.

JACQUELINE BEACH FAULCON, Faculty with Special Distinction
(voice, piano)
B.S., Temple University; M.Ed., Music Supervision, West Chester University; Honorary Doctorate in Philosophy of Music, World University. Conductor: International Choir of the Congress on Arts and Communications; Skyline Middle School. Former Choral and Band Director. Awards: Recipient of the 2002 Patricia Grasty Gaines Leadership Award given by the Frederick Douglass Institute of West Chester University of Pennsylvania, nominated 1999 National Teacher Hall of Fame; 1998-1999 MBNA Excellence in Education Grant, 1999 MacDonald's Classroom Grant. International Biographical Centre (Cambridge, England): Gold Medal of Congress; 1996 Ernest Kay International Foundation Award. Solo performances: Europe, Africa, Asia, North America, Oceana, and throughout the USA. Member: Board of Trustees of the Grand Opera House, Wilmington, DE; The Philadelphia Musical Fund Society. President of the Delaware State Music Teachers Association (MTNA affiliate) 2003-2005. Studied piano with: Blanche Taylor Burton; Agi Yambor and Helene Diedrich ad the Philadelphia Musical Academy. Studied piano with: Elaine Browri and Temple University, Elizabeth Westmoreland Briggs of Curtis Institute, Igor Chichagove Associate and accompanist of Rose Ponselle, and Madame Landver of the Academy of Vocal Arts faculty at the Metropolitan Opera staff.

GWEN FULLER
(cello, Suzuki cello, Orchestral Prep for Strings)
B.M., Cello Performance, Oberlin Conservatory of Music; M.M., Education, Wichita State University. Suzuki Training: master classes with Dr. Suzuki at Oberlin, Catholic University, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Ithaca College. Performances: Pierre Montreux training orchestra, Hancock, Maine, Wichita Symphony and Delaware Symphony. Teaching: Began cello Suzuki program at WMS. String specialist in the Rose Tree Media School District, Wilmington Public Schools, String Coordinator for the Red Clay Consolidated School District (1990-2000). Membership: Educational Advisory Council of the Philadelphia Orchestra.
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G-L

RICHARD GANGWISCH, Faculty with Distinction
(piano)
B.S., Music Education, West Chester University, M.M., Accompanying, Manhattan School of Music. Former faculty, West Chester University, piano/class piano, music theory and ear training; Gesamthochschule Kassel (Germany); Loire Valley Music Institute (France); Eurhythmy pianist, Freie Waldorfschule Kassel. Performances: piano soloist, Germany; chamber music concerts; and faculty and student accompanist at West Chester University.

LINGCHIN LIAO HACKER
(Suzuki Violin, Violin)
B.M., Violin Performance & Music Education, National Taiwan Normal University; M.M., Violin Performance, Temple University. Additional studies: Suzuki training; Gordon Institute for Music Learning Theory; Professional Studies in Violin Performance, Temple University. Orchestral experience: Haddonfield Symphony; and Taipei city Symphony. Chamber music experience: Trio Jeudi. Faculty: Darlington Fine Arts Center; Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church. Former faculty: Philadelphia Biblical University and Temple University Music Prep.

ADRIENNE HARDING
(Music in Early Childhood)
B. M., M. M., Flute Performance, University of Delaware. Studied with: Eileen Grycky, Carol Brown Beste, and Kimberly Reighley. Awards: Sommerakademie Mozarteum Scholarship Competition prizewinner; Delaware Contest for Young Musicians, 2nd place. Teaching experience: Community Music School, U. DE; U. DE, private instruction for non-majors and minors and conductor of flute choir. Performances: National Festival Orchestra, U. DE Symphony Orchestra, Delaware Community Showcase Performances.

CHARLES HOLDEMAN, Master Faculty
(bassoon)
B.M., Curtis Institute of Music. Studied with: Sol Schoenbach , Maurice Allard in Paris. Principal bassoonist, Delaware Symphony Orchestra. Awards: 2003 Delaware Symphony Players' Award; 2000 Delaware Division of the Arts Master Arts Fellowship; 1999 Composer of the Year from Pennsylvania and Delaware State Music Teachers Associations; Meet-The-Composer program. Residencies with Delaware Division of the Arts, VSA, DIAE, Delaware Wolf Trap, and Centrum in Washington State. Recordings: Bassoon Seul (1998) and Buffet Trio (2000).

MARY PAT HOPKINS
(Music in Early Childhood)
B.A. in Special and Elementary Education from Catholic University (summa cum laude); Kindermusik® training.

MARIAN JOHNSON-HEALY
(voice)
B.M., University of Delaware; Artist Diploma, Curtis Institute of Music. Studied with Joanna Levy and Raquel Adonalyo (voice); Sharon Daniels and Jay Lesinger (stage). Faculty member: Tatnall School, Greenville, Delaware. Professional memberships: National Association of Teachers of Singing; Delaware State Music Teachers Association; Chair, Delaware State Music Teachers Association Vocal Festival. Soloist with OperaDelaware, Curtis Institute Orchestra, Peabody Conservatory Chamber Orchestra, Concerto Soloists of Philadelphia, Delaware Valley Opera, Brooklyn Lyric, Harrisburg Opera, Pennsylvania Opera Theater, and Newark Symphony Orchestra. Active recitalist on the East Coast.

ELLIOT JONES, Master Faculty
(voice, class voice)
Degrees from Indiana University and New York University. Leading and supporting roles: OperaDelaware, Indiana Opera Theater, The New Federal Theater, Merkin Concert Hall in New York City, in a national tour of Amahl & the Night Visitors. Oratorio soloist under conductors LeonardSlatkin and Sir David Willcocks. Mr. Jones is Assistant Professor of Music at Wesley College where he conducts the Wesley College Choir, Chamber Choir and Women's Choir. He has served on the voice faculty at West Chester University and Saint Andrews School and is the repertoire and standards chairperson for college and university choirs for the Delaware American Choral Directors Association. He has led choirs at the Washington National Cathedral and conducted musical theater performances including the first New York City revival of Stephen Sondheim's Merrily We Roll Along. Founding artistic director of the Rainbow Chorale of Delaware. Has led the East Coast permiere of Jake Heggie's Anna Madrigal Remem bers in Philadelphia, followed by a repeat performance at the GALA VII Festival in Montreal.

ELLEN LAPORTE
(piano, theory)
M.A., Music History, Yale University; B.A., Music, Barnard College of Columbia University; preceded by Piano Performance studies, Manhattan School of Music. Awards: Yale U. Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, full scholarship; Phi Beta Kappa; Ethel Lefrak Prize for Distinction in Music and for Excellence in the Field of the Arts, Columbia U.; Consulate of Germany, Achievement in Language & Literature.

AMY K. LEONARD
(violin/viola)
B.M., Oberlin Conservatory of Music; M.M., Manhattan School of Music.

MICHAEL LARKIN, Artist Faculty
(vocal, class vocal, Select Choral Ensemble, Vocal/Choral Department Head)
B.M., University of Delaware; M.M., Catholic University; D.M.A., Temple University. Founder/music director, the New Ark Chorale. Former faculty: teaching and research assistant, music education and therapy, Temple University; Assistant Professor of vocal/choral music, Misericordia College, PA. Eastern Division Chairperson for Music in Worship for the American Choral Directors Association. Appointed to the Bishop’s Commission on Liturgy and Music for the Episcopal Diocese of Easton, MD. Guest conductor, choral/vocal clinician and music festival adjudicator. Compositions published by leading publishing houses.

MARGARET LOVE, Faculty with Special Distinction
(Music in Early Childhood)
B.M., Music Education, Florida State University; M.M., Kansas State University. Studied with: Ramona Beard, Marion Pelton, Barbara Gray and Robert Plimpton. Director, Adult Choir and Handbell Choir/Ensemble, Hope Lutheran Church; organist/music director in various churches throughout the area. Former faculty: Birmingham (AL), Caravel Academy and Holy Angels Catholic Schools. Member, Board of Directors, Kindermusik Educators Association.
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TINA MACLARY, Faculty with Distinction
(Music in Early Childhood, Early Childhood Department Head)
B.S., Elementary Education, University of Delaware. Kindermusik® training with Linda Swears, Karen McGiver. Attended Dalcroze workshops at Westminster Choir College. Performs children's programs frequently in Newark area. Consulted with Linda Swears on the Kindermusik Music Box® series. Consulted with Helen Carnevale on the Tiny Turtles curriculum. Former Workshop Administrator with Kindermusik® International. Performed with Delaware Children's Chorus. Former faculty: Cecil County Public Schools.

OVIDIU MARINESCU, Artist Faculty
(cello, String Department Head, conductor - Wilmington Community Orchestra)
B.M., Bucharest Academy of Music; M.M., Performance/Pedagogy, University of Wisconsin (Milwaukee), D.M.A., Temple University. Performances: Carnegie Hall, Merkin Hall (New York), Philadelphia, Moscow, Paris, Bucharest, Rome, Venice. Solo performances: New York Chamber Symphony, Russian Philharmonic Orchestra, National Radio Orchestra of Romania. Conductor: West Chester University Orchestra, Goppisberg Festival, Switzerland; Bacau Philharmonic, Romania; Manalapan Symphony, Russian Philharmonic. Faculty: West Chester University - cello, conducting, orchestra.

LILIYA MASLOV
(piano)
B.M., Piano Performance, Kharkov Special Music School for Gifted Children, Ukraine; M.M., Kharkov State Conservatory, with additional studies in chamber music and pedagogy, Ukraine; M.M., Piano Performance, Temple University. Studied with: Harvey Wedeen, Regina Horowitz, Arkady Sevidov, Natan Perelman. Current & former faculty: Temple University Preparatory; Temple University; Arad State Conservatory, Israel; Kharkov Special Music School for Gifted Children. Performance: Duo-piano recitals; chamber music in Israel, Ukraine and United States; solo recitals; duo-piano and chamber music for WFLN radio, Philadelphia. Soloist: Kharkov Philharmonic Orchestra. Awards: Winner, Kharkov Piano Competition; winner, Ukrainian National Piano Competition; Israel Cultural Chamber Music Award.

OLEG MASLOV
(piano)
B.M., Piano Performance, Kharkov Special Music School for Gifted Children, Ukraine; M.M., Piano Performance, Kharkov State Conservatory, Ukraine (with additional qualifications as a chamber performer and piano teacher); Doctoral Diploma in Piano Performance, National Academy of Music, Kiev, Ukraine; D.M.A., Piano Performance, Temple University. Studied with: Harvey Wedeen, Alexander Snegiriov, Natan Perelman & Regina Horowitz. Master classes: Alexander Volkov, Christofer Kait, Misha Dichter & Jerome Lowenrhal. Awards & Honors: Israel Cultural chamber Music Award, 1992; graduation with Distinction, Kharkov State Conservatory, 1984; Winner, Kharkov Piano Competition, 1983; Winner, Ukrainian National Music Competition, 1979. Research: "Romantic German Literature and Schumann's Carnaval, Op. 9: an interconnection" (National Academy of Music, Kiev, 1990); "Rachmaninoff's early works for two pianos: nationalistic icons?" (Temple University, 2001, published by Liszt Society). Performances: Temple Unive rsity; Lincoln Center; WFLN Radio, Philadelphia; Haverford, 40 chamber music performances as resident pianist with Arad String Quartet, Israel. Teaching experience: Temple University; National Academy of Music, Kiev, Ukraine; Kharkov State Conservatory, Ukraine. Artist in Residence, Temple University, Philadelphia.

LUIGI MAZZOCCHI
(violin)
Latin American Academy of Violin, Caracas; M.M. and current doctoral studies, Temple University. Studied with: J.F. del Castillo, Helen Kwalwasser, William de Pasquale, and Lambert Orkis. Orchestral experience: Lara State and Simon Bolivar Orchestras, Venezuela; and Philadelphia Orchestra. Concerto soloist and in chamber music ensembles in South American, Europe and USA. Competitions: Temple U. Solo Competitions, first place; Latin American Violin Competition, second place.

MARYBETH MILLER
(Conductor, Wilmington Youth Chorale, Delaware Children's Chorus; Music in Early Education)
B.A., Music, University of Delaware; B.S., Apparel Design. Faculty: Wilmington Christian School. Associations: Repertoire & Standards Chair, Women's Choirs, Delaware American Choral Directors Association; & editor, Da Capo (DACD).

CONSTANCE MOORE, Master Faculty
(piano, chamber music)
B.M., M. M., Piano Performance, University of Louisville. Studied with: Lee Luvisi; Juilliard School, Instrumental Accompanying. Faculty: Juilliard Pre-College, Bowdoin Summer Music Festival. Former faculty: Hunter College. Chairman, Juilliard Pre-College Chamber Music Program. Accompanying: Mannes School of Music; Juilliard School; Mozarteum, Salzburg; and Munich International Violin Competition. Performances in recital and chamber music ensembles throughout the USA, France, Austria.

MARY ELLEN MOSER, Faculty with Special Distinction
(Music in Early Childhood)
B.S., Elementary Education, cum laude, University of Wisconsin; M.S., Geographic Education, University of Kansas, Lawrence. Studied with: Lois Fisher, UW-Madison. Kindermusik training: Westminster Choir College with authors Linda Swears and Lorna Heyge. Performances: leading roles in musical theater, roles in opera and community choruses. Soloist, Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd Choir and guest soloist with area churches. Former faculty: Wisconsin and Kansas public schools. Licensed Kindermusik teacher, certified in Delaware.

PAULA NELSON
(flute)
B.A. summa cum laude, University of Maryland; M.M., D.M.A., University of North Texas. Studied with: Mary Karen Clardy, William Montgomery, Kathleen Chastain, and James Walker. Faculty: West Chester University, Immaculata University. Second Flute, Pottstown Symphony Orchestra; former Second Flute, Irving (TX) Symphony Orchestra. Soloist: Wilmington Community Orchestra, Lansdowne Symphony Orchestra, Philadelphia Classical Symphony. Competitions: Winner, 1992 National Flute Association Masterclass Performer's Competition, 1987 Maryland MTNA-Wurlitzer Collegiate Artist Competition. Performances: Nelson-Sessler flute and classical guitar duo, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Norristown Senior Octave Club, Afternoon Music Club, various solo and chamber music appearances. Articles published in Flute Talk magazine.

MARY KATE NEWELL
(piano, class piano, steel drums)
B. M. Education, University of Delaware, with concentration in piano. Music Director: St. Margaret of Scotland, R. C. Church. Teaching experience: Masters in Music Education, teaching concentration Teaching Experience: University of Delaware, Settlement Music School in Philadelphia, Tatnall School concentration: Early Childhood, Piano, Steel Drums. Member of Royal Palm Steelband.

ETHEL M. OLSEN, Faculty with Distinction
(piano)
B.A., Edison State College. Graduate work: Westminster Choir College, Rowan College. Additional studies: Tanglewood Summer Institute, Boston University. Studied with: Bela Nagy, Steven Romanio, Yoheved Kaplinsky, Jacques Voois. Former Faculty: St. Andrew's School; Westminster College Piano Preparatory Department. Memberships: MTNA, NGPT, MSMTA, MTAGB. Accompianist: Zhi-yin Chorus, FCCS-Newark.

DAPHNE PANTELOPULOS
(piano)
B.M., Piano Performance, Philadelphia College of the Performing Arts; M.M. candidate, Indiana University. Studied with: Clement C. Petrillo, Susan Starr; Bloomington student of Sidney Foster. Additional studies: Mozarteum Hochschule Für Musik, Salzburg; Sommerakademie chamber music master classes with Antonio Janigro, studied piano and German language, two semesters. Teaching experience: Hill Piano Studios (Wilmington); Darlington Fine Arts Center; West Catholic High School (Philadelphia). Awards: Two-time winner, piano division, Austrian-American Society.

ELAYNE SOLTZ PENN, Faculty with Special Distinction
(voice, piano, music theory)
B.M., Education, West Virginia University; M.M., Voice Performance, S.U.N.Y. at Stony Brook. Studied with: voice, Adele Addison, Hans Heinz, Margaret Harshaw; piano, Susan Starr, Robert Bedford. Nationally certified in voice and piano by MTNA. Member: NATS. Performances: Soprano soloist and Choir Director, Beth Judah Congregation, Ventnor, NJ; Delaware Symphony Chamber Series; Delaware Children's Theatre; University of Delaware; OperaDelaware; equity productions. WMS Music Masters performer. DSMTA Festival Chairperson: Piano (1984-1985) and Co-Chairperson (2002-2005); Vocal (1985-1991, 1996); Piano Ensemble Chair (2001, 2002); V.P., Student Activities (2001-2003); V.P., Membership (2003-2005); Theory Festival Co-chair (1992). Solo performances: Delaware, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania; President of Nrothern Delaware Music Teachers' Association (NDMTA) (2005-2007).

PETULA PERDIKIS
(violin, viola, Suzuki violin)
B.M., Performance, West Chester University; M.M., Performance, Eastman School of Music. Studied with: violin, Estella Frankel; viola, Sylvia Ahramjian, John Graham, Sidney Curtiss, and Heidi Castleman. Aspen Music Festival, full fellowship participant, Suzuki teaching certificate, School for Strings (NYC) with Louise Behrend. Performances: American Symphony (NY), Princeton Chamber Orchestra, Philadelphia Singers/ Concerto Soloists, 1994 Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival, Chita Rivera Show (Atlantic City). Orchestral experience: Delaware Symphony, Harrisburg Symphony, Hudson Valley Philharmonic, Lancaster Symphony, and Baltimore Symphony. Tours: Japan with Porgy and Bess, Germany and Denmark under Mstislav Rostropovich, France with Mannes Orchestra, and Spain with American Festival Orchestra.

JANKA PERNISZ
(viola)
B. M., Violin Performance, Eastman School of Music. M.M., Violin Performance, University of Delaware.. Additional graduate studies in Music Education, Eastman School of Music. Studied with: Charles Haupt, Charles Castleman, Camilla Wicks, Lynn Blakeslee & Susan Dersnah-Fee. Performance experience: Quartet performances for Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra Special Events; Concertmaster, Eastman School Symphony Orchestra; substitute in Michigan and Western New York orchestras; Saginaw-Bay Orchestra & Midland Symphony Orchestra. Teaching experience: private studio; sectional rehearsals & group lessons for high school & college orchestras.

UTTA PLASS
(Music in Early Childhood)
B.A., Interior Design & Cabinetmaking & diploma in engineering, University of Innsbruck/Tirol (Austria); A. S., Architectural Engineering Technology (summa cum laude), Delaware Technical & Community College. Kindermusik training.

JOSEPH REILLY
(music therapy)
B.A., West Chester University; M.A., summa cum laude, Immaculata College; Certified Music Therapist, Immaculata College.

TRACY RICHARDSON, Master Faculty
(piano, harpsichord, organ, Program Director)
B.M., Oberlin Conservatory; M.M., New England Conservatory. Additional studies: Sweelinck Conservatorium (Amsterdam), Boston University. Studied with: harpsichord, Kees Rosenhart, Lenora McCroskey; organ, Yuko Hayashi, Fenner Douglass, William Porter. Additional studies: Music theory, counterpoint and contemporary music study and performance. Faculty: Immaculata College. Teaching Artist, Delaware Institute for the Arts in Education; harpsichordist, Delaware Division of the Arts, Arts-in-Education residence program. 1991-1992 Delaware Division of the Arts Individual Artist Fellowship. Performances: Mélomanie, Newark Symphony, Immaculata College Orchestra, Delaware County Orchestra, Triomphe d'Amore, Brandywine Baroque, throughout the eastern U.S. Records with Lyrichord Discs.

MARJORIE D. RIPSOM
(Music in Early Childhood)
B.S., Duke University. Trained in all levels of Kindermusik® curriculum, with Erin Mauer, Suzanne Tips. Additional studies: Piano and voice; summer session, Westminster Choir College. Performed in church and school choirs, and with Up With People in Sweden, Denmark, 70 U.S. cities. Currently sings with Center City Chorale.

SUSAN NOWACZYK RITTER
(oboe)
B.A., Music, University of Delaware; B.A., Anthropology, Northwestern University. Studied with: Lloyd Shorter, Louis Rosenblatt. Teaching experience: University of Delaware Community Music School. Awards: American Association of University Women academic scholarship; University of Delaware Woman of Promise Certificate of Distinction. Orchestral experience: Principal oboist, Newark Symphony; Orchestral Society of Philadelphia, Delaware Symphony Orchestra. Chamber music experience: Relâche Ensemble, Quintessence Woodwind Quintet.

WALTER ROHRICH, Faculty with Distinction
(percussion)
B.M., Indiana University. Performances with: Dianne Schurr, Steve Allen, Charlie Byrd, and Valery Pomonarev. Member: Chanson Noir, Swing Plus, Kim Milliner Band (performed on KYW-TV3), Doug Lalli Trio. 1993 Individual Artist Fellowship, Delaware Division of the Arts.

INGRID ROSENBACK
(violin, Suzuki violin)
B.M., Temple University; B.A., University of Delaware; B.S., Philadelphia College of Pharmacy & Science. Suzuki training: Suzuki Institute, Ithaca College. Studied with: Helen Kwalwasser. Faculty: Suburban Music School, Temple Music Prep. Performances: New Brunswick Chamber Orchestra, Philadelphia Doctors Chamber Orchestra, masterclass with Emerson String Quartet, chamber groups in Philadelphia area.
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JASON SHAPIRO
(saxophone, clarinet)
BM., Jazz Studies, Indiana University. Studied with: Greg Osby, Lou Marini, Malcolm Baker, Eugene Rousseau, Tridib Pal, Tony Salicandro, Anthony Ciccarrelli. Performances: Jason Shapiro Quartet, Black Tie Orchestra, Jerry Boyle Orchestra, Johnny Socko, Dominic Spera Jazz Ensemble, David Baker Jazz Ensemble, Bloomington Pops Orchestra, S.S. Seabreeze Orchestra, Byron Isaacs Quartet, Monica Herzig Group. Studio dates: Skylite Productions and Leo and Brook. Faculty: Friends Central School, Shipley School, Rosemont School of the Holy Child, Pennsville Music Academy (NJ).

JACQUELYN SHORT
(Music in Early Childhood, Early Childhood Outreach Coordinator)
B.A., Hunter College, City University of New York. Kindermusik® I training, Manhattan, with Linda Lockhart. Kindermusik® II training and Village in Philadelphia with Erin Maurer. Additional studies: Piano, participated in school and church choirs. Former Regional Leader and Counseling Coordinator for Nursing Mothers, Inc. Substitute teacher, grades K-4 in New York. Former president of Newark Cooperative Preschool. Lower Music School teacher, Mt. Aviat Academy.

LLOYD SHORTER
(oboe)
B.F.A., Ithaca College; Artistic Co-Director, Relache Ensemble.

ROBERT SKONICZIN
(trumpet, Wind/Brass/Percussion Department Head)
M.M. in Orch. Perf., Manhattan School of music, studied with Vince Penzarella. B.S. in Music Ed., Gettysburg College, studied with Christopher Tranchitella. Orchestral Experience: The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, Delaware Symphony Orchestra, OperaDelaware, Bach Choir Orchestra of Bethlehem (PA), Reading Symphony, Ocean City Pops, Sammy Kaye Orchestra, and Brian Pastor Big Band. Chamber Experience: The Brass Experience, Gramercy Brass Orchestra, and Wilmington String Ensemble. Member: Music Educators National Conference, Pennsylvania Music Educators Association, National Band Association, International Trumpet Guild, American Federation of Musicians, and Phi Beta Kappa.

DAWN STEVENS
(piano, Piano Department Head)
B.M., Piano Performance, Northwestern University. Studied with: Gui Mombaerts, Donald IsaakFurther pedagogical workshops with: piano, Dennis Alexander, Williard Palmer, Lori Bastien, Jane Tan, Ingrid Clairfield; organ, Timothy Nelson, Mary Jane Holstein; accompanying, Lawrence Davis, Paul Kiesgen. Director of Music, Newtown Square Presbyterian Church. Teaching experience: private piano studio.

JENNIFER CROWELL STOMBERG
(cello, Suzuki cello, Suzuki violin & cello groups)
B.M., magna cum laude, Cello Performance, University of Michigan; M.M., Rice University

LINDA SWEARS
(Music in Early Childhood)
B.M., Michigan State University; M.A., Central Michigan University. Certificate in Early Childhood Music, University of Hartford. Certified Kindermusik teacher and teacher-trainer. Nationally recognized clinician and lecturer in areas of vocal development and Music in Early Childhood. Published composer and the author of numerous articles and books in music education. Co-author of nationally known curriculum, Kindermusik Beginnings; Principal author, Growing with Kindermusik.

RACHEL THOMPSON
(flute, Flute Ensemble, Suzuki flute, Suzuki flute group, Music in Early Childhood, theory, Theory Department Head)
B.M., Flute Performance, University of Delaware. Studied with: Jeffery Khaner, Eileen Grycky, Kim Trolier. Teaching experience: The Grand Opera House Arts (Early Childhood classes; instructor of flute and woodwinds; director of Grand Flute Ensemble); private studio. Honors: MTNA National Finalist Collegiate Artist Competition; and Winner, Local and Regional Collegiate Competition. Performance experience: local and regional concert series as soloist and in chamber music. Certified Suzuki and Kindermusik® teacher.

PAULA REYNOLDS TYLER
(piano, Piano Class for Children)
B.M, M.M., New England Conservatory of Music. Additional piano coaching: Bela Siki, Ilona Kobosh. Teaching experience: Lincoln University, University of Idaho, and University of Southern Illinois. Piano coaching experience for prize-winning students: MTNA Young Artists Competition, Inland Empire Music Festival, and Interlochen School of the Arts. Organist: First Church of Christ, Scientist, Ardmore, PA. Additional experience: President, Tyler Artists Management; and Assistant to the President, Rile Artists Management. Performances: solo recitals, including Town Hall, NY, and Wigmore Hall, London. Award: Lincoln University School of Humanities Award.

CHRISTINA von DUYKE
(violin, Suzuki violin)
B.M. studies, Violin Performance, University of Delaware. Studied with: Xiong Gao, Kathleen Hastings, Linda Fiore, Clorinda Noyes. Suzuki Certification. Orchestral experience: Newark Symphony, University of Delaware Orchestra, All-State Orchestra (including Senior Soloist). Teaching experience: Private studio, Suzuki group class. Chamber music experience: Active string ensemble.

AMANDA WEINBERG
(Suzuki cello, theory)
B.A., Barnard College, Columbia University; coursework towards B.A., Cello Performance, S.U.N.Y. Purchase; M.S., Elementary Education, St. Joseph's University. Studied cello with: Ardyth Alton, Elliot Bailen, Irene Sharp, Martha Williams. Additional studies: School for Strings Teacher Training (NY); Suzuki Certification through Book VIII with Katharine Brainard. Teaching experience: School for Strings Special Program; Port Jefferson (NY) Music Academy; Brooklyn Friends School. Orchestral experience: Riverside Orchestra, New England Symphonic Ensemble, Connecticut Grand Opera.

GARY WHITE
(Conductor, Delaware Youth Orchestra & Delaware Youth Symphony)
B.M., M.M., Peabody Conservatory, Johns Hopkins University.B.M., M.M., Peabody Conservatory, Johns Hopkins University.

BENJAMIN WHITTEN, Artist Faculty
(piano)
B.M., M.M., Peabody Conservatory, Johns Hopkins University. Studied with Austin Conradi and Leon Fleisher. Professor Emeritus, West Chester University; Adjunct professor of piano, Elizabethtown College. Teacher of the Year: Delaware State Music Teachers Association, Pennsylvania Music Teachers Association and WMS. Active PMTA and DSMTA member, recently elected to the Board of Trustees, MTNA Foundation.

YEHONG XIONG
(violin)
B.A., Central Conservatory of Music, China. Additional studies: Juilliard School Advanced Certificate; Brooklyn College Conservatory; Aspen Festival & School of Music. Studied with: Han Li, Masao Kawasaki. Master classes: Dorothy Delay, Itzhak Perlman. Teaching experience: Harford Community College. Awards: Scholarship, Aspen Festival; scholarship, Juilliard School; prize winner, First National Violin Competition; prize winner, First Violin Competition for Chinese Composition. Orchestral experience: Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia; Harrisburg Symphony; Delaware Symphony Orchestra; St. Louis Symphony.

HIROKO YAMAZAKI
(piano)
B.M., cum laude, Piano Performance, U. Maryland; M. M., Collaborative Piano, U. Maryland. Studied with: Rita Sloan, Anne Koscielny, Carol Ann Cahn & Marcantonio Barone. Chamber music coaching: members of the Philadelphia Orchestra & Guarneri String Quartet. Member: Pi Kappa Lambda. Winner: Presser Foundation Award; 1994 national audition, the Rome Festival; first place winner, 1995 Austrian-American Society Mozarteum Scholarship Competition. Former faculty: Luzerne Music Center; Aspen Festival (recipient, Chamber Music Teaching Fellowship).

ANGELA ZULLINGER
(piano)
B.M., Music Education, San Francisco State University. Teaching experience: University of Delaware Community Music School; Lisa Spector Music School, Half Moon, CA. Director of Children's Music, First Presbyterian Church of Newark: choir & general music.