Multi-Instrumentalist and Composer, Ryan Leaver received his B.A. in Jazz Composition from Berklee College of Music in 2003 and his M.A. in Modern American Music from the Longy School of Music of Bard College in 2006. He has received instruction in the Feldenkrais Method, the Alexander Technique, Eurythmics, and the Lydian Chromatic Concept of Tonal Organization from leaders in each respective field. Some of his teachers include Dennis Sandole, Charlie Banacos, George Garzone, John Lockwood, Bob Gullotti, Bob Moses, Ran Blake, John Thomas, and Ben Monder.
CMS has developed a reputation in the community for having an excellent faculty. Our instructors have studied at some of the finest music schools and conservatories in the world. But more importantly, CMS instructors truly care about their students and they are committed to providing a learning experience that fosters and develops a life-long love of music. All CMS faculty are subject, in accordance with state and federal law, to a Criminal Background and Child Abuse Clearance check.
Click the (+) to open the faculty for that department, then click on each photo to view that faculty member’s bio.
Brass
Rob Diener - Trumpet
Rob has spent the past 20 years as a professional Trumpet player and educator. Mr. Diener has performed all over the country in every genre of music imaginable. He has played in classical ensembles, jazz groups, rock groups, theater productions, and has even performed for major sporting events such as Nascar. In 2003 Mr. Diener formed his own band Anomaly, which has 2 cds to its credit that were reviewed nationally. Rob has performed with such artists as Greg Karukas, Gerald Veasley, Rick Braun, Chuck Loeb, Jeff Kashiwa, Richard Elliot, Joe McBride, The LA Chillharmonic, Brian Bromberg, The Heads Up Superband, and Chieli Minucci and Special EFX. He has also Played the National tour of the Broadway musical 42nd Street, as well as subbing on the North American tour of The Producers. He has also appeared at the Berks Jazz Fest, The Rehobeth Jazz Fest, the Point Pleasant Jazz and Blues Festival, The Central Pennsylvania Friends of Jazz festival, and Bethlehem Musikfest. Mr. Diener likes to use his vast experience to make learning the trumpet a fun, and positive experience for his students. If you ask Rob, he will tell you that he himself is a constant student of the trumpet, and enjoys passing along his findings to students and colleagues alike. More about Rob…
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Rob Diener
Rob Diener - Trumpet
Rob has spent the past 20 years as a professional Trumpet player and educator. Mr. Diener has performed all over the country in every genre of music imaginable. He has played in classical ensembles, jazz groups, rock groups, theater productions, and has even performed for major sporting events such as Nascar. In 2003 Mr. Diener formed his own band Anomaly, which has 2 cds to its credit that were reviewed nationally. Rob has performed with such artists as Greg Karukas, Gerald Veasley, Rick Braun, Chuck Loeb, Jeff Kashiwa, Richard Elliot, Joe McBride, The LA Chillharmonic, Brian Bromberg, The Heads Up Superband, and Chieli Minucci and Special EFX. He has also Played the National tour of the Broadway musical 42nd Street, as well as subbing on the North American tour of The Producers. He has also appeared at the Berks Jazz Fest, The Rehobeth Jazz Fest, the Point Pleasant Jazz and Blues Festival, The Central Pennsylvania Friends of Jazz festival, and Bethlehem Musikfest. Mr. Diener likes to use his vast experience to make learning the trumpet a fun, and positive experience for his students. If you ask Rob, he will tell you that he himself is a constant student of the trumpet, and enjoys passing along his findings to students and colleagues alike. More about Rob…
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Trumpet
Randy MacIver - Low Brass
My name is Randy MacIver and I have been a tuba playing member of the Montgomery County Concert Band in Lansdale Pa. since it began back in 1995. I was one of many local musicians that came together under the very capable leadership of Mr. Steve Fredrick and Mr. Chuck Neidhardt to play music and share it with the public, because it truly is a gift we can all share in. Mostly, I really love to play the tuba, and it is more fun with many friends. I am returning to the post of Low Brass Instructor with the Community Music School in Trappe which I previously held from 2005 – 2008. I have performed with The Golden Rams Marching Band (West Chester University), Reading Buccaneers Sr. Drum and Bugle Corps, Lansdowne Symphony, Chester County Concert Band, Turke’s Head Brass, Atlantic Brass Band, North Penn Symphony, Southeastern Pennsylvania Symphony Orchestra, Philadelphia German Brass Band, Tuba 4’s, Ringgold Band, Immaculate Symphony, The Quakertown Band, The All American Brass Band, Upper Darby Sousa Band, Bushwhackers Drum Corps, The VAMM Band and many, many other groups that needed a tuba player.
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Randy MacIver
Randy MacIver - Low Brass
My name is Randy MacIver and I have been a tuba playing member of the Montgomery County Concert Band in Lansdale Pa. since it began back in 1995. I was one of many local musicians that came together under the very capable leadership of Mr. Steve Fredrick and Mr. Chuck Neidhardt to play music and share it with the public, because it truly is a gift we can all share in. Mostly, I really love to play the tuba, and it is more fun with many friends. I am returning to the post of Low Brass Instructor with the Community Music School in Trappe which I previously held from 2005 – 2008. I have performed with The Golden Rams Marching Band (West Chester University), Reading Buccaneers Sr. Drum and Bugle Corps, Lansdowne Symphony, Chester County Concert Band, Turke’s Head Brass, Atlantic Brass Band, North Penn Symphony, Southeastern Pennsylvania Symphony Orchestra, Philadelphia German Brass Band, Tuba 4’s, Ringgold Band, Immaculate Symphony, The Quakertown Band, The All American Brass Band, Upper Darby Sousa Band, Bushwhackers Drum Corps, The VAMM Band and many, many other groups that needed a tuba player.
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Low Brass
Erin Sweetsir-Mills - French Horn
Erin Sweetsir-Mills is a graduate of Temple University and holds a Bachelor of Arts in music education. She taught general music, choral music, and hand-bell choir at Haverford Middle School and St. Michael the Archangel Elementary School. Erin conducts the children’s choir and orchestra at Neshaminy Valley Baptist Church. She has been a frequent guest conductor with the Youth Orchestra of Bucks County and is an active French hornist plating in ensembles including the Bucks County Symphony, Delaware Valley Wind Symphony, Pottsgrove Community Band, and Warminster Symphony.
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Erin Sweetsir-Mills
Erin Sweetsir-Mills - French Horn
Erin Sweetsir-Mills is a graduate of Temple University and holds a Bachelor of Arts in music education. She taught general music, choral music, and hand-bell choir at Haverford Middle School and St. Michael the Archangel Elementary School. Erin conducts the children’s choir and orchestra at Neshaminy Valley Baptist Church. She has been a frequent guest conductor with the Youth Orchestra of Bucks County and is an active French hornist plating in ensembles including the Bucks County Symphony, Delaware Valley Wind Symphony, Pottsgrove Community Band, and Warminster Symphony.
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French Horn
Guitar
Brad Rau
Brad Rau’s unique way of learning and teaching makes him one of the most interesting and cutting edge performers and educators of his time. His book ‘Practice: A Guide to Classical Guitar’ expresses his many ideas of “Eliminating Resistance to the Immediate Realization of any Musical Intention.” Brad, a former student of Eliot Fisk, is a living testimony to this method, showing his ability to perform and to teach at a top level.
Rau has performed all over the Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey for over 20 years. He has performed at Student concerts at Swope Hall, Phillips Memorial Hall, Phoenixville Public Library, Kruetz Creek Winery, Chaplin’s music cafe, and Ingrid Larsen Evans Hall as a solo classical guitarist and in ensembles. Brad received a scholarship to attend New England Conservatory (NEC), and received a Master’s degree in 2015 with academic honors. At NEC, he studied classical guitar under Eliot Fisk who was the last pupil of Andres Segovia. Brad was a semi-finalist in the International Texas Guitar Competition of 2008.
In addition to his performing career, Brad has mentored hundreds of students of all ages, styles and levels. Many of Brad’s students have gone on to develop their own music careers and teaching studios.
Brad’s unique teaching style combines music, physics, philosophy and humor, making him a well-rounded instructor for a variety of students.
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Brad Rau
Brad Rau
Brad Rau’s unique way of learning and teaching makes him one of the most interesting and cutting edge performers and educators of his time. His book ‘Practice: A Guide to Classical Guitar’ expresses his many ideas of “Eliminating Resistance to the Immediate Realization of any Musical Intention.” Brad, a former student of Eliot Fisk, is a living testimony to this method, showing his ability to perform and to teach at a top level.
Rau has performed all over the Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey for over 20 years. He has performed at Student concerts at Swope Hall, Phillips Memorial Hall, Phoenixville Public Library, Kruetz Creek Winery, Chaplin’s music cafe, and Ingrid Larsen Evans Hall as a solo classical guitarist and in ensembles. Brad received a scholarship to attend New England Conservatory (NEC), and received a Master’s degree in 2015 with academic honors. At NEC, he studied classical guitar under Eliot Fisk who was the last pupil of Andres Segovia. Brad was a semi-finalist in the International Texas Guitar Competition of 2008.
In addition to his performing career, Brad has mentored hundreds of students of all ages, styles and levels. Many of Brad’s students have gone on to develop their own music careers and teaching studios.
Brad’s unique teaching style combines music, physics, philosophy and humor, making him a well-rounded instructor for a variety of students.
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Edele Rose DeWees, MA, MT-BC
Edele earned both her Bachelor of Science in Music Therapy (2002), and Master of Arts in Music Therapy (2007) from Immaculata University in Immaculata, Pennsylvania. She was awarded membership into the Immaculata chapter of Pi Kappa Lambda (Delta Psi), the national music honor society, in May 2007. She has had extensive experience in the music therapy field, for the past 11 years, working with children with developmental delays, Autism, speech and language disorders, adults with spinal cord injuries, intellectual disabilities, neuromuscular diseases, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), mental illnesses, drug/alcohol addictions, Alzheimer’s disease/dementia as well as tracheotomy, ventilator dependent, and comatose patients. She currently works as the full time music therapist at Foundations Behavioral Health in Doylestown, PA. Edele also teaches Piano, Guitar, Voice, and Clarinet Lessons and is a member of the Bucks County Women’s Chorus.
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Edele Rose DeWees, MA, MT-BC
Edele Rose DeWees, MA, MT-BC
Edele earned both her Bachelor of Science in Music Therapy (2002), and Master of Arts in Music Therapy (2007) from Immaculata University in Immaculata, Pennsylvania. She was awarded membership into the Immaculata chapter of Pi Kappa Lambda (Delta Psi), the national music honor society, in May 2007. She has had extensive experience in the music therapy field, for the past 11 years, working with children with developmental delays, Autism, speech and language disorders, adults with spinal cord injuries, intellectual disabilities, neuromuscular diseases, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), mental illnesses, drug/alcohol addictions, Alzheimer’s disease/dementia as well as tracheotomy, ventilator dependent, and comatose patients. She currently works as the full time music therapist at Foundations Behavioral Health in Doylestown, PA. Edele also teaches Piano, Guitar, Voice, and Clarinet Lessons and is a member of the Bucks County Women’s Chorus.
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Ryan Leaver
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Ryan Leaver
Ryan Leaver
Multi-Instrumentalist and Composer, Ryan Leaver received his B.A. in Jazz Composition from Berklee College of Music in 2003 and his M.A. in Modern American Music from the Longy School of Music of Bard College in 2006. He has received instruction in the Feldenkrais Method, the Alexander Technique, Eurythmics, and the Lydian Chromatic Concept of Tonal Organization from leaders in each respective field. Some of his teachers include Dennis Sandole, Charlie Banacos, George Garzone, John Lockwood, Bob Gullotti, Bob Moses, Ran Blake, John Thomas, and Ben Monder.
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Will Currier
Will Currier is a freelance guitarist, composer, and educator from the Philadelphia area. He studied music at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, with a concentration in jazz performance and composition. Some of his teachers include Nate Radley, Neil Kirkwood, Carver Scott Lee, and Kevin Kjos. Currier frequently gigs in a wide array of musical genres from Jazz, R&B, and rock, to musical theatre. Currently, he plays guitar in the Philadelphia based original R&B group “Sages,” as well as fronting and composing for his own project “Currier Snyder Shaak.” Compositionally his work falls in the category of jazz and contemporary music but draws from a wide range of influences including folk, rock, blues, and classical.
As an educator, Currier is experienced teaching students of all ages and skill levels. Recognizing the fact that no two students learn the same way, he caters his lesson plans and curriculum based on the specific needs and learning style of each student. In lessons, Currier places emphasis on the development and practical application of skills such as guitar technique, music theory, ear training, sight-reading, improvisation, and composition.
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Will Currier
Will Currier
Will Currier is a freelance guitarist, composer, and educator from the Philadelphia area. He studied music at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, with a concentration in jazz performance and composition. Some of his teachers include Nate Radley, Neil Kirkwood, Carver Scott Lee, and Kevin Kjos. Currier frequently gigs in a wide array of musical genres from Jazz, R&B, and rock, to musical theatre. Currently, he plays guitar in the Philadelphia based original R&B group “Sages,” as well as fronting and composing for his own project “Currier Snyder Shaak.” Compositionally his work falls in the category of jazz and contemporary music but draws from a wide range of influences including folk, rock, blues, and classical.
As an educator, Currier is experienced teaching students of all ages and skill levels. Recognizing the fact that no two students learn the same way, he caters his lesson plans and curriculum based on the specific needs and learning style of each student. In lessons, Currier places emphasis on the development and practical application of skills such as guitar technique, music theory, ear training, sight-reading, improvisation, and composition.
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Harp
Manijéh René Pickard
Manijéh René Pickard attended MidAmerica Nazarene University and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in both Music Performance and Music Pedagogy in addition to a Bachelor of Music Education. Her teachers include Deborah Wells Clark, Principal Harpist of the Kansas City Symphony, Tabitha Reist Steiner, Wesley Kelly, and Roseanne Gortenburg. After graduating, she served as the President of the Kansas City Lyra Chapter of the American Harp Society for three years.
Manijéh René Pickard knew she was to be a harpist from the very moment she first saw the harp in the children’s movie Little Nemo’s Adventures in Slumberland. She began studying the harp when she was seven years old. While growing up in Kansas City, she performed with harp ensembles and participated in music festivals. Her performance appearances include the Plaza Arts Festival, Washburn University Symphony Orchestra, MNU String Ensemble and MNU Concert Band. During her senior year in college, Manijéh was selected to perform in the MNU Music Honors Recital 2011.
Manijéh currently resides in Philadelphia where she serves as the President of the Philadelphia Harp Chapter of the American Harp Society. She maintains an active teaching studio in the Philadelphia area and abroad through Skype lessons. Manijéh is on faculty with the Community Music School in Trappe, Pennsylvania, and is the acting director of the Temple University Preparatory Harp Ensemble. Manijéh also remains an active member of the Olathe Music Teacher’s Association, Mid-America Music Association, Kansas City Lyra Chapter, Philadelphia Harp Chapter, and the American Harp Society.
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Manijéh René Pickard
Manijéh René Pickard
Manijéh René Pickard attended MidAmerica Nazarene University and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in both Music Performance and Music Pedagogy in addition to a Bachelor of Music Education. Her teachers include Deborah Wells Clark, Principal Harpist of the Kansas City Symphony, Tabitha Reist Steiner, Wesley Kelly, and Roseanne Gortenburg. After graduating, she served as the President of the Kansas City Lyra Chapter of the American Harp Society for three years.
Manijéh René Pickard knew she was to be a harpist from the very moment she first saw the harp in the children’s movie Little Nemo’s Adventures in Slumberland. She began studying the harp when she was seven years old. While growing up in Kansas City, she performed with harp ensembles and participated in music festivals. Her performance appearances include the Plaza Arts Festival, Washburn University Symphony Orchestra, MNU String Ensemble and MNU Concert Band. During her senior year in college, Manijéh was selected to perform in the MNU Music Honors Recital 2011.
Manijéh currently resides in Philadelphia where she serves as the President of the Philadelphia Harp Chapter of the American Harp Society. She maintains an active teaching studio in the Philadelphia area and abroad through Skype lessons. Manijéh is on faculty with the Community Music School in Trappe, Pennsylvania, and is the acting director of the Temple University Preparatory Harp Ensemble. Manijéh also remains an active member of the Olathe Music Teacher’s Association, Mid-America Music Association, Kansas City Lyra Chapter, Philadelphia Harp Chapter, and the American Harp Society.
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Jazz Studies
Rob Diener - Trumpet
Rob has spent the past 20 years as a professional Trumpet player and educator. Mr. Diener has performed all over the country in every genre of music imaginable. He has played in classical ensembles, jazz groups, rock groups, theater productions, and has even performed for major sporting events such as Nascar. In 2003 Mr. Diener formed his own band Anomaly, which has 2 cds to its credit that were reviewed nationally. Rob has performed with such artists as Greg Karukas, Gerald Veasley, Rick Braun, Chuck Loeb, Jeff Kashiwa, Richard Elliot, Joe McBride, The LA Chillharmonic, Brian Bromberg, The Heads Up Superband, and Chieli Minucci and Special EFX. He has also Played the National tour of the Broadway musical 42nd Street, as well as subbing on the North American tour of The Producers. He has also appeared at the Berks Jazz Fest, The Rehobeth Jazz Fest, the Point Pleasant Jazz and Blues Festival, The Central Pennsylvania Friends of Jazz festival, and Bethlehem Musikfest. Mr. Diener likes to use his vast experience to make learning the trumpet a fun, and positive experience for his students. If you ask Rob, he will tell you that he himself is a constant student of the trumpet, and enjoys passing along his findings to students and colleagues alike. More about Rob…
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Rob Diener
Rob Diener - Trumpet
Rob has spent the past 20 years as a professional Trumpet player and educator. Mr. Diener has performed all over the country in every genre of music imaginable. He has played in classical ensembles, jazz groups, rock groups, theater productions, and has even performed for major sporting events such as Nascar. In 2003 Mr. Diener formed his own band Anomaly, which has 2 cds to its credit that were reviewed nationally. Rob has performed with such artists as Greg Karukas, Gerald Veasley, Rick Braun, Chuck Loeb, Jeff Kashiwa, Richard Elliot, Joe McBride, The LA Chillharmonic, Brian Bromberg, The Heads Up Superband, and Chieli Minucci and Special EFX. He has also Played the National tour of the Broadway musical 42nd Street, as well as subbing on the North American tour of The Producers. He has also appeared at the Berks Jazz Fest, The Rehobeth Jazz Fest, the Point Pleasant Jazz and Blues Festival, The Central Pennsylvania Friends of Jazz festival, and Bethlehem Musikfest. Mr. Diener likes to use his vast experience to make learning the trumpet a fun, and positive experience for his students. If you ask Rob, he will tell you that he himself is a constant student of the trumpet, and enjoys passing along his findings to students and colleagues alike. More about Rob…
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Trumpet
Porter Eidam, III
Porter Eidam has been involved in music most of his life. He was a percussionist with the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra from 1985 to 1986. He graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Instrumental Music Education, and a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Percussion. He has been a timpanist with the Pottstown Symphony since 1993, and has also played with the Allentown Symphony and Reading Pops. He has been a freelance musician in the area for almost 20 years playing with several small ensembles, jazz groups, pit orchestras and rock bands. He has been teaching percussion privately since 1990. He has also done quite a bit of studio session work and presently plays in a local band called Black Rock.
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Porter Eidam, III
Porter Eidam, III
Porter Eidam has been involved in music most of his life. He was a percussionist with the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra from 1985 to 1986. He graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Instrumental Music Education, and a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Percussion. He has been a timpanist with the Pottstown Symphony since 1993, and has also played with the Allentown Symphony and Reading Pops. He has been a freelance musician in the area for almost 20 years playing with several small ensembles, jazz groups, pit orchestras and rock bands. He has been teaching percussion privately since 1990. He has also done quite a bit of studio session work and presently plays in a local band called Black Rock.
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Percussion
Ryan Leaver
Multi-Instrumentalist and Composer, Ryan Leaver received his B.A. in Jazz Composition from Berklee College of Music in 2003 and his M.A. in Modern American Music from the Longy School of Music of Bard College in 2006. He has received instruction in the Feldenkrais Method, the Alexander Technique, Eurythmics, and the Lydian Chromatic Concept of Tonal Organization from leaders in each respective field. Some of his teachers include Dennis Sandole, Charlie Banacos, George Garzone, John Lockwood, Bob Gullotti, Bob Moses, Ran Blake, John Thomas, and Ben Monder.
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Ryan Leaver
Ryan Leaver
Multi-Instrumentalist and Composer, Ryan Leaver received his B.A. in Jazz Composition from Berklee College of Music in 2003 and his M.A. in Modern American Music from the Longy School of Music of Bard College in 2006. He has received instruction in the Feldenkrais Method, the Alexander Technique, Eurythmics, and the Lydian Chromatic Concept of Tonal Organization from leaders in each respective field. Some of his teachers include Dennis Sandole, Charlie Banacos, George Garzone, John Lockwood, Bob Gullotti, Bob Moses, Ran Blake, John Thomas, and Ben Monder.
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Bass, Guitar, Piano & Saxophone
Jeff Ormsby
Jeff has a Bachelor of Music in Percussion Performance from Temple University. He has performed as a percussionist with the Korean Symphony Orchestra, the Hot Springs Music Festival Symphony Orchestra, Opera, and Percussion Ensemble, United Percussion, and the Reading Buccaneers Drum and Bugle Corps. He is also a performing member of the Outside Sound Ensemble, an educational program that implements art and music to work with students and adults with disabilities. Jeff is currently the Percussion Caption Head at Neshaminy High School, as well as percussion and drum teacher at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy.
In 2014, Jeff joined the staff of the North Penn High School Percussion Ensemble. In the past, he has instructed the drum line at Upper Darby and Pennsbury high schools. Jeff has a WGI Percussion Independent Open Gold Medal with United Percussion and a WGI Percussion Scholastic Open Bronze Medal with Upper Darby High School. Jeff is a Grammy-nominated timpanist with the Temple University Orchestra, and he has recorded timpani with the Hot Springs Festival Orchestra on the Naxos label.
Jeff recently released his debut solo electronic EP under the name Duncan in October of 2013, and joined the Philadelphia-based hard rock band Palaceburn as the drummer. He also plays drums for Revolution, I Love You, an up and coming electronic power pop band originally from Wilmington, DE. In 2015, Jeff will be joining the instructional staff of Field of View, a percussion ensemble based out of West Chester, PA.
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Jeff Ormsby
Jeff Ormsby
Jeff has a Bachelor of Music in Percussion Performance from Temple University. He has performed as a percussionist with the Korean Symphony Orchestra, the Hot Springs Music Festival Symphony Orchestra, Opera, and Percussion Ensemble, United Percussion, and the Reading Buccaneers Drum and Bugle Corps. He is also a performing member of the Outside Sound Ensemble, an educational program that implements art and music to work with students and adults with disabilities. Jeff is currently the Percussion Caption Head at Neshaminy High School, as well as percussion and drum teacher at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy.
In 2014, Jeff joined the staff of the North Penn High School Percussion Ensemble. In the past, he has instructed the drum line at Upper Darby and Pennsbury high schools. Jeff has a WGI Percussion Independent Open Gold Medal with United Percussion and a WGI Percussion Scholastic Open Bronze Medal with Upper Darby High School. Jeff is a Grammy-nominated timpanist with the Temple University Orchestra, and he has recorded timpani with the Hot Springs Festival Orchestra on the Naxos label.
Jeff recently released his debut solo electronic EP under the name Duncan in October of 2013, and joined the Philadelphia-based hard rock band Palaceburn as the drummer. He also plays drums for Revolution, I Love You, an up and coming electronic power pop band originally from Wilmington, DE. In 2015, Jeff will be joining the instructional staff of Field of View, a percussion ensemble based out of West Chester, PA.
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Percussion
Bob Schwanger - Saxophone, Clarinet
Bob Schwanger has been a private clarinet, saxophone and flute instructor for over 30 years in the Boyertown, Pottstown, Twin Valley and surrounding areas. He’s a 1976 graduate of Bloomsburg State College. He has played lead clarinet in the Boyertown Alumni Band for nearly 40 years. He especially enjoys playing jazz tenor sax in the Sunnybrook Jazz Band. He also plays with the O’Such Rhythm and Music Band and has been active in worship groups locally.
His students have participated in many local school bands and jazz bands; as well as Inter-County, County, District and State concert and jazz bands. Some of his students have become members of the Penn State Blue Band, Temple University Bands and other college music groups. He enjoys working with students of all ages. Currently their ages range from nine to seventy-two. He also enjoys teaching all styles of music.
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Bob Schwanger
Bob Schwanger - Saxophone, Clarinet
Bob Schwanger has been a private clarinet, saxophone and flute instructor for over 30 years in the Boyertown, Pottstown, Twin Valley and surrounding areas. He’s a 1976 graduate of Bloomsburg State College. He has played lead clarinet in the Boyertown Alumni Band for nearly 40 years. He especially enjoys playing jazz tenor sax in the Sunnybrook Jazz Band. He also plays with the O’Such Rhythm and Music Band and has been active in worship groups locally.
His students have participated in many local school bands and jazz bands; as well as Inter-County, County, District and State concert and jazz bands. Some of his students have become members of the Penn State Blue Band, Temple University Bands and other college music groups. He enjoys working with students of all ages. Currently their ages range from nine to seventy-two. He also enjoys teaching all styles of music.
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Clarinet & Saxophone
Alan Dynin - Piano
Alan has been playing piano professionally for over thirty years. A versatile pianist comfortable performing both jazz and classical, Alan is also skilled at blues and boogie, Latin, Ragtime, showtunes and pop music. Alan has been a featured performer for The North Carolina Jazz and World Music Society, the Circular Church Jazz Vespers Series (Charleston), The Atlanta Symphony Associates, as well for many other concert events.
Alan’s repertoire includes thousands of songs, ranging from Rhapsody in Blue to Chopin Etudes to Scott Joplin pieces, Oscar Peterson style hard swinging numbers, Dr John-ish raging boogie tunes, and stylish versions of Musical Theatre medleys. He has three solo piano CDs, two of them all original compositions, and writes pieces that at times uniquely connect such diverse genres as jazz, impressionism, classical, boogie and gospel. He has created intriguing versions of popular music such as Elton John and Billy Joel songs, and has put on numerous piano based concerts of Beatles music. More about Alan at alandynin.com.
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Alan Dynin
Alan Dynin - Piano
Alan has been playing piano professionally for over thirty years. A versatile pianist comfortable performing both jazz and classical, Alan is also skilled at blues and boogie, Latin, Ragtime, showtunes and pop music. Alan has been a featured performer for The North Carolina Jazz and World Music Society, the Circular Church Jazz Vespers Series (Charleston), The Atlanta Symphony Associates, as well for many other concert events.
Alan’s repertoire includes thousands of songs, ranging from Rhapsody in Blue to Chopin Etudes to Scott Joplin pieces, Oscar Peterson style hard swinging numbers, Dr John-ish raging boogie tunes, and stylish versions of Musical Theatre medleys. He has three solo piano CDs, two of them all original compositions, and writes pieces that at times uniquely connect such diverse genres as jazz, impressionism, classical, boogie and gospel. He has created intriguing versions of popular music such as Elton John and Billy Joel songs, and has put on numerous piano based concerts of Beatles music. More about Alan at alandynin.com.
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Piano
Percussion
Porter Eidam, III
Porter has degrees in Percussion performance and Secondary Instrumental Music Education from Michigan State University. Being from a musical family, he has been performing as a freelance musician since his teens. He was timpanist and pops set-drummer for the Pottstown Symphony in Pennsylvania, and held positions with the Midland and Jackson Symphonies in Michigan.
He has nearly 3 decades of experience teaching percussion and has been with CMS since 2010. He is the percussion editor for JW Pepper & Sons in Exton, PA and digital engraver for Wingert-Jones Publications, also in Exton. He is also a published composer/arranger and plays in a local rock band called Just For Kicks.
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Porter Eidam, III
Porter Eidam, III
Porter Eidam has been involved in music most of his life. He was a percussionist with the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra from 1985 to 1986. He graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Instrumental Music Education, and a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Percussion. He has been timpanist with the Pottstown Symphony since 1993, and has also played with the Allentown Symphony and Reading Pops. He has been a freelance musician in the area for almost 20 years playing with several small ensembles, jazz groups, pit orchestras and rock bands. He has been teaching percussion privately since 1990. He has also done quite a bit of studio session work and presently plays in a local band called Black Rock.
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Jeff Ormsby
Jeff has a Bachelor of Music in Percussion Performance from Temple University. He currently teaches middle school music at Montgomery School in Chester Springs, and he is the Percussion Director at Phoenixville High School. Jeff started his musical journey at Community Music School in 1998 studying flute and percussion, and he has been on the percussion faculty at CMS since 2014.
As a percussionist, Jeff has performed with the Korean Symphony Orchestra, the Hot Springs Music Festival Symphony Orchestra and Opera, the Reading Buccaneers Drum and Bugle Corps, and United Percussion, with which he has a WGI Percussion Independent Open Gold Medal. He is a Grammy-nominated timpanist with the Temple University Orchestra, and has recorded timpani with the Hot Springs Festival Orchestra on the Naxos label.
In the past, Jeff has been on the music faculty at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy, the North Penn High School Percussion Ensemble, the Upper Darby High School Drumline, Field of View Percussion, and the Kutztown University Marching Band. He has been performing electro-acoustic compositions as “Duncan” since 2012, a project that mixes ambient electronic samples with live vibraphone and other percussion.
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Jeff Ormsby
Jeff Ormsby
Jeff has a Bachelor of Music in Percussion Performance from Temple University. He has performed as a percussionist with the Korean Symphony Orchestra, the Hot Springs Music Festival Symphony Orchestra, Opera, and Percussion Ensemble, United Percussion, and the Reading Buccaneers Drum and Bugle Corps. He is also a performing member of the Outside Sound Ensemble, an educational program that implements art and music to work with students and adults with disabilities. Jeff is currently the Percussion Caption Head at Neshaminy High School, as well as percussion and drum teacher at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy.
In 2014, Jeff joined the staff of the North Penn High School Percussion Ensemble. In the past, he has instructed the drum line at Upper Darby and Pennsbury high schools. Jeff has a WGI Percussion Independent Open Gold Medal with United Percussion and a WGI Percussion Scholastic Open Bronze Medal with Upper Darby High School. Jeff is a Grammy-nominated timpanist with the Temple University Orchestra, and he has recorded timpani with the Hot Springs Festival Orchestra on the Naxos label.
Jeff recently released his debut solo electronic EP under the name Duncan in October of 2013, and joined the Philadelphia-based hard rock band Palaceburn as the drummer. He also plays drums for Revolution, I Love You, an up and coming electronic power pop band originally from Wilmington, DE. In 2015, Jeff will be joining the instructional staff of Field of View, a percussion ensemble based out of West Chester, PA.
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Piano
Irene Bernstein
Irene Bernstein earned her Master’s Degree in theory, piano pedagogy, musicology, and composition from St. Petersburg Conservatory in Russia. She is a classically trained pianist with 45 years of teaching experience. For the Past 25 years, she was on the Faculty of The Music Academy and State College Suzuki Program. There she taught piano, theory, and composition to children (starting 4 years old) and adults. Her students range from beginner to advanced levels. Her teaching is a melting pot of European, American, traditional, and Suzuki methods. Irene loves arts, travelling, reading, and cooking. Her real passion lies in teaching piano to young kids. She believes that music training, specifically piano instruction, is very important for the mental development of children. Irene teaches them that music, art, and dance feed the heart and soul. Music is to the brain as physical exercise is to the human body. Learning how to play piano means much more than simply learning to play a song. Her students are doing very well in school. Their piano accomplishments help them to become intelligent, successful, and upstanding people.
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Irene Bernstein
Irene Bernstein
Irene Bernstein earned her Master’s Degree in theory, piano pedagogy, musicology, and composition from St. Petersburg Conservatory in Russia. She is a classically trained pianist with 45 years of teaching experience. For the Past 25 years, she was on the Faculty of The Music Academy and State College Suzuki Program. There she taught piano, theory, and composition to children (starting 4 years old) and adults. Her students range from beginner to advanced levels. Her teaching is a melting pot of European, American, traditional, and Suzuki methods. Irene loves arts, travelling, reading, and cooking. Her real passion lies in teaching piano to young kids. She believes that music training, specifically piano instruction, is very important for the mental development of children. Irene teaches them that music, art, and dance feed the heart and soul. Music is to the brain as physical exercise is to the human body. Learning how to play piano means much more than simply learning to play a song. Her students are doing very well in school. Their piano accomplishments help them to become intelligent, successful, and upstanding people.
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Emilily Kosasih
Emilily received a Bachelor of Music with honors in piano performance from Temple University’s Boyer College of Music and was the Jacobs Music Steinway Award recipient in 2006. While studying piano at Temple, Ms. Kosasih accompanied several choirs including the Temple University Women Chorus and Recital Chorus. Through this exposure, she developed an interest in conducting which led her to pursue a Master of Music in Choral Conducting under the tutelage of Alan Harler. Previously the music director for the Swarthmore Chorale and Ming-de Chorus, Ms. Kosasih is currently the music director of Community Music School’s Cantabile Chorale, a chorus open to high school students and adults. She also teaches piano at Community Music School and is an adjunct conducting instructor at Temple University.
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Emilily Kosasih
Emilily Kosasih
Emilily received a Bachelor of Music with honors in piano performance from Temple University’s Boyer College of Music and was the Jacobs Music Steinway Award recipient in 2006. While studying piano at Temple, Ms. Kosasih accompanied several choirs including the Temple University Women Chorus and Recital Chorus. Through this exposure, she developed an interest in conducting which led her to pursue a Master of Music in Choral Conducting under the tutelage of Alan Harler. Previously the music director for the Swarthmore Chorale and Ming-de Chorus, Ms. Kosasih is currently the music director of Community Music School’s Cantabile Chorale, a chorus open to high school students and adults. She also teaches piano at Community Music School and is an adjunct conducting instructor at Temple University.
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Hye Kyung Choi
We are pleased to welcome pianist and educator Hye Kyung Choi to the Community Music School family. Ms. Choi has over 30 years of teaching and performing experience. She received her Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree, both in Piano Performance, from Hanyang University. She also studied Collaborative Piano Program at the Sungshin Women’s University. In addition to her rich teaching background, she also has held several positions in multiple churches internationally and in the United States. Hye Kyung currently works for the Antioch Church of Philadelphia as the choir accompanist. She is also the founder and music director of the Antioch Youth Orchestra, conductor of the Silver Choir, and an assistant teacher in the Antioch Preschool. Hye Kyung is an active member of the Philadelphia Korean Musicians Association.
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Hye Kyung Choi
Hye Kyung Choi
We are pleased to welcome pianist and educator Hye Kyung Choi to the Community Music School family. Ms. Choi has over 30 years of teaching and performing experience. She received her Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree, both in Piano Performance, from Hanyang University. She also studied Collaborative Piano Program at the Sungshin Women’s University. In addition to her rich teaching background, she also has held several positions in multiple churches internationally and in the United States. Hye Kyung currently works for the Antioch Church of Philadelphia as the choir accompanist. She is also the founder and music director of the Antioch Youth Orchestra, conductor of the Silver Choir, and an assistant teacher in the Antioch Preschool. Hye Kyung is an active member of the Philadelphia Korean Musicians Association.
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Ryan Leaver
Multi-Instrumentalist and Composer, Ryan Leaver received his B.A. in Jazz Composition from Berklee College of Music in 2003 and his M.A. in Modern American Music from the Longy School of Music of Bard College in 2006. He has received instruction in the Feldenkrais Method, the Alexander Technique, Eurythmics, and the Lydian Chromatic Concept of Tonal Organization from leaders in each respective field. Some of his teachers include Dennis Sandole, Charlie Banacos, George Garzone, John Lockwood, Bob Gullotti, Bob Moses, Ran Blake, John Thomas, and Ben Monder.
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Ryan Leaver
Ryan Leaver
Multi-Instrumentalist and Composer, Ryan Leaver received his B.A. in Jazz Composition from Berklee College of Music in 2003 and his M.A. in Modern American Music from the Longy School of Music of Bard College in 2006. He has received instruction in the Feldenkrais Method, the Alexander Technique, Eurythmics, and the Lydian Chromatic Concept of Tonal Organization from leaders in each respective field. Some of his teachers include Dennis Sandole, Charlie Banacos, George Garzone, John Lockwood, Bob Gullotti, Bob Moses, Ran Blake, John Thomas, and Ben Monder.
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Christopher Macy
Christopher Macy is an active performing artist, composer, educator, author, and personal coach. His piano students benefit from his integrated approach to developing artistry, skill mastery, literacy, and knowledge. His coaching-teaching style also fosters personal awareness, and a continuous growth mindset. Raised in Pottstown, Christopher studied piano with Dorothy Sutton. Under her guidance he was a prize winner in several competitions and festivals, including the Music Teachers National Association Young Artists Regional Competition, and The Reading Symphony Foundation Competition, performing Felix Mendelssohn’s G minor Piano Concerto, and Franz Liszt’s E-flat Piano Concerto. His formal music education includes undergraduate and graduate studies in music composition, piano performance and piano pedagogy at The Philadelphia College of Performing Arts, San Francisco State University and West Chester University.
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Christopher Macy
Christopher Macy
Christopher Macy is an active performing artist, composer, educator, author, and personal coach. His piano students benefit from his integrated approach to developing artistry, skill mastery, literacy, and knowledge. His coaching-teaching style also fosters personal awareness, and a continuous growth mindset. Raised in Pottstown, Christopher studied piano with Dorothy Sutton. Under her guidance he was a prize winner in several competitions and festivals, including the Music Teachers National Association Young Artists Regional Competition, and The Reading Symphony Foundation Competition, performing Felix Mendelssohn’s G minor Piano Concerto, and Franz Liszt’s E-flat Piano Concerto. His formal music education includes undergraduate and graduate studies in music composition, piano performance and piano pedagogy at The Philadelphia College of Performing Arts, San Francisco State University and West Chester University.
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Milena Urban, CAGO, Department Chair
Milena graduated with honors from the Chopin Academy of Music in Warsaw and was awarded a scholarship from the German Academy Exchange Service to continue her studies with Laszlo Simon at the University of the Arts in Berlin where she received the Master of Music degree. An award winning chamber musician, Urban has performed in numerous concert venues throughout Europe, most recently with the Villa Musica Ensemble based in Mainz, Germany. Ms. Urban was a member of the Mühlenberg Piano Quartet at Community Music School and the Aurora Piano Quartet, an ensemble of four pianists who performed throughout Germany. Milena is the Director of Sacred Music at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Royersford. In January 2020 Milena earned the certificate of Colleague of the American Guild of Organists. Milena currently teaches over 20 piano students at Community Music School where she also serves as the staff accompanist. Milena is a Master Level Faculty member at CMS.
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Milena Urban
Milena Urban, Department Chair
Milena graduated with honors from the Chopin Academy of Music in Warsaw and was awarded a scholarship from the German Academy Exchange Service to continue her studies with Laszlo Simon at the University of the Arts in Berlin where she received the Master of Music degree. An award winning chamber musician, Urban has performed in numerous concert venues throughout Europe, most recently with the Villa Musica Ensemble based in Mainz, Germany. Ms. Urban was a member of the Mühlenberg Piano Quartet at Community Music School and the Aurora Piano Quartet, an ensemble of four pianists who performed throughout Germany. Milena currently teaches over 30 piano students at Community Music School where she also serves as the staff accompanist. Milena is a Master Level Faculty member at CMS.
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Department Chair
Alan Dynin
Alan has been playing piano professionally for over thirty years. A versatile pianist comfortable performing both jazz and classical, Alan is also skilled at blues and boogie, Latin, Ragtime, showtunes and pop music. Alan has been a featured performer for The North Carolina Jazz and World Music Society, the Circular Church Jazz Vespers Series (Charleston), The Atlanta Symphony Associates, as well for many other concert events.
Alan’s repertoire includes thousands of songs, ranging from Rhapsody in Blue to Chopin Etudes to Scott Joplin pieces, Oscar Peterson style hard swinging numbers, Dr John-ish raging boogie tunes, and stylish versions of Musical Theatre medleys. He has three solo piano CDs, two of them all original compositions, and writes pieces that at times uniquely connect such diverse genres as jazz, impressionism, classical, boogie and gospel. He has created intriguing versions of popular music such as Elton John and Billy Joel songs, and has put on numerous piano based concerts of Beatles music. More about Alan at alandynin.com.
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Alan Dynin
Alan Dynin
Alan has been playing piano professionally for over thirty years. A versatile pianist comfortable performing both jazz and classical, Alan is also skilled at blues and boogie, Latin, Ragtime, showtunes and pop music. Alan has been a featured performer for The North Carolina Jazz and World Music Society, the Circular Church Jazz Vespers Series (Charleston), The Atlanta Symphony Associates, as well for many other concert events.
Alan’s repertoire includes thousands of songs, ranging from Rhapsody in Blue to Chopin Etudes to Scott Joplin pieces, Oscar Peterson style hard swinging numbers, Dr John-ish raging boogie tunes, and stylish versions of Musical Theatre medleys. He has three solo piano CDs, two of them all original compositions, and writes pieces that at times uniquely connect such diverse genres as jazz, impressionism, classical, boogie and gospel. He has created intriguing versions of popular music such as Elton John and Billy Joel songs, and has put on numerous piano based concerts of Beatles music. More about Alan at alandynin.com.
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Strings
Odessa Balan - Violin & Viola
Odessa has a degree in Music Composition with a Violin Concentration from Temple University’s Ester Boyer College of Music and Dance. Ms. Balan is a certified Suzuki teacher with certifications through Book 5. Ms. Balan is a unique voice in the contemporary music scene. Her musical genres include, but are not limited to, classical, jazz, folk, and adult contemporary rock. Over the past 20 years she has composed music for Group Motion Modern Dance Company, collaborating with Andrea Clearfield and Manfred Fischbeck; she collaborated on classical-jazz fusion projects with jazz pianist and recording artist Dave Burrell; she had many performances in the Philly Fringe Festivals, and performed at the Kimmel Center, the Jazz Clef Club, Chris’ Jazz Café, the Annenberg Theater at University of Pennsylvania, and the Arts Bank in Philadelphia, and at Carnegie Hall in NYC. Her orchestral work Winter Dance was played by the Romanian Symphony Orchestra on their tour of Romania and Italy. Her compositions have been used in independent films and television shows, and have been played on NPR’s Creatively Speaking on 90.1 FM, and UPenn Radio 88.5 FM. She is now a proud mother of two boys, and keeps busy performing, recording, and teaching violin, viola and music theory at CMS.
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Odessa Balan
Odessa Balan - Violin & Viola
Odessa has a degree in Music Composition with a Violin Concentration from Temple University’s Ester Boyer College of Music and Dance. Ms. Balan is a certified Suzuki teacher with certifications through Book 5. Ms. Balan is a unique voice in the contemporary music scene. Her musical genres include, but are not limited to, classical, jazz, folk, and adult contemporary rock. Over the past 20 years she has composed music for Group Motion Modern Dance Company, collaborating with Andrea Clearfield and Manfred Fischbeck; she collaborated on classical-jazz fusion projects with jazz pianist and recording artist Dave Burrell; she had many performances in the Philly Fringe Festivals, and performed at the Kimmel Center, the Jazz Clef Club, Chris’ Jazz Café, the Annenberg Theater at University of Pennsylvania, and the Arts Bank in Philadelphia, and at Carnegie Hall in NYC. Her orchestral work Winter Dance was played by the Romanian Symphony Orchestra on their tour of Romania and Italy. Her compositions have been used in independent films and television shows, and have been played on NPR’s Creatively Speaking on 90.1 FM, and UPenn Radio 88.5 FM. She is now a proud mother of two boys, and keeps busy performing, recording, and teaching violin, viola and music theory at CMS.
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Violin & Viola
Cynthia Campetti - Violin
Ms. Campetti is a former member of the Philadelphia Orchestra, Philadelphia Opera Orchestra, Pennsylvania Ballet Company and the Concerto Soloists of Philadelphia. A graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music with a degree in violin performance, Ms. Campetti studied with world-renowned teachers, Ivan Galamian and Jascha Brodsky. For the past 35 years, Ms. Campetti has committed her time to teaching private students in the Philadelphia region. Ms. Campetti is on staff at Eastern University, Darlington Fine Arts Center and Community Music School. Cindy is a Master Level Faculty member at CMS.
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Cynthia Campetti
Cynthia Campetti - Violin
Ms. Campetti is a former member of the Philadelphia Orchestra, Philadelphia Opera Orchestra, Pennsylvania Ballet Company and the Concerto Soloists of Philadelphia. A graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music with a degree in violin performance, Ms. Campetti studied with world-renowned teachers, Ivan Galamian and Jascha Brodsky. For the past 35 years, Ms. Campetti has committed her time to teaching private students in the Philadelphia region. Ms. Campetti is on staff at Eastern University, Darlington Fine Arts Center and Community Music School. Cindy is a Master Level Faculty member at CMS.
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Violin
Michael Chaffin - Bass
Michael Chaffin graduated from Temple University with both a Bachelors and Masters Degree in Bass Performance. During his time at Temple he studied with Rob Kesselmann and Joe Conyers; both members of the Philadelphia Orchestra. While at Temple, Michael performed in all major ensembles and was selected to tour with the Wind Symphony to Boston, Nashville and San Jose. In San Jose, he performed Francaix’s Mozart New-Look for Solo Double Bass and Wind Ensemble. As an active freelancer, he performs regularly with the Delaware Symphone, Lancaster Symphony and records for NFL Films. Other ensembles include the Pennsylvania Philharmonic and South Florida Symphony. In December 2011, Michael toured China for 3 weeks with the Philadelphia National Symphony. Other notable performances abroad include the Sienna Music Festival in Sienna, Italy and the AIMS Music Festival in Graz, Austria. In addition to teaching at CMS, Michael maintains an active private teaching studio.
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Michael Chaffin
Michael Chaffin - Bass
Michael Chaffin graduated from Temple University with both a Bachelors and Masters Degree in Bass Performance. During his time at Temple he studied with Rob Kesselmann and Joe Conyers; both members of the Philadelphia Orchestra. While at Temple, Michael performed in all major ensembles and was selected to tour with the Wind Symphony to Boston, Nashville and San Jose. In San Jose, he performed Francaix’s Mozart New-Look for Solo Double Bass and Wind Ensemble. As an active freelancer, he performs regularly with the Delaware Symphone, Lancaster Symphony and records for NFL Films. Other ensembles include the Pennsylvania Philharmonic and South Florida Symphony. In December 2011, Michael toured China for 3 weeks with the Philadelphia National Symphony. Other notable performances abroad include the Sienna Music Festival in Sienna, Italy and the AIMS Music Festival in Graz, Austria. In addition to teaching at CMS, Michael maintains an active private teaching studio.
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Bass
Hsiao-Ming Chen - Cello
Hsiao Ming Chen received both her bachelor and master degrees in Performance from Temple University. She has been teaching cello since 1992 . She starts out teaching at the community program at Temple University where she was graduating at the same year with her bachelor degree. She ,at the same time ,was teaching at the Temple Music Preparatory school from 1992 till the summer of 2002. During that time, she was mentored by both of her teachers, Orlando Cole (founding member of the Curtis Quartet and New School of Music) and Metta Watts, his assistant teacher of some 50 years. In addition to her private lessons at Temple, one of her many joys was to coach the young cello ensemble group. She also taught at the Kimberton Waldorf School as well as the Community Music School in Trappe.
In the summer of 2002, she moved to Colorado where her son was born in Jan. of 2003. While she was busy being a mom, she helped out with the local Taiwanese chorus where children learn Chinese and Taiwanese through songs. She also performed with a piano/harp , violin and cello trio. They, in addition to the standard repertoire, also worked on traditional music from Taiwan and China as well as pieces composed by Taiwanese composers. In 2007, she moved back from Colorado and resumed teaching at the Kimberton Waldorf School and the Community Music School. Although her focus is on teaching, she has performed in solo and chamber music recitals as well as in church settings with choirs.
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Hsiao-Ming Chen
Hsiao-Ming Chen - Cello
Hsiao Ming Chen received both her bachelor and master degrees in Performance from Temple University. She has been teaching cello since 1992 . She starts out teaching at the community program at Temple University where she was graduating at the same year with her bachelor degree. She ,at the same time ,was teaching at the Temple Music Preparatory school from 1992 till the summer of 2002. During that time, she was mentored by both of her teachers, Orlando Cole (founding member of the Curtis Quartet and New School of Music) and Metta Watts, his assistant teacher of some 50 years. In addition to her private lessons at Temple, one of her many joys was to coach the young cello ensemble group. She also taught at the Kimberton Waldorf School as well as the Community Music School in Trappe.
In the summer of 2002, she moved to Colorado where her son was born in Jan. of 2003. While she was busy being a mom, she helped out with the local Taiwanese chorus where children learn Chinese and Taiwanese through songs. She also performed with a piano/harp , violin and cello trio. They, in addition to the standard repertoire, also worked on traditional music from Taiwan and China as well as pieces composed by Taiwanese composers. In 2007, she moved back from Colorado and resumed teaching at the Kimberton Waldorf School and the Community Music School. Although her focus is on teaching, she has performed in solo and chamber music recitals as well as in church settings with choirs.
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Cello
Eric Coyne - Cello; String Department Chair
Eric has been an active teacher, performer, and chamber musician in the Philadelphia region since 2001. In addition to his work at Community Music School since 2002, he has been a faculty member of the Westminster Choir College Conservatory, the Nelly Berman School of Music, and The Music School of Delaware. He currently teaches music theory and chamber music at The Music School of Delaware, and has been a Master Faculty member of the Community School since 2009. From 2002-2005, he was ‘cellist of CMS’s ensemble-in-residence, the Mühlenberg Piano Quartet, and is currently ‘cellist of the Illustra Trio. Other performing commitments include Symphony in C, Classical Revolution Philadelphia, and the Murmuration Improvisation Ensemble. He holds a B.M. in Cello Performance from the University of Iowa, and an M.M. and Performance-Pedagogy Professional Certificate from Temple University. Eric is also a certified Suzuki instructor. Eric is a Master Level Faculty member at CMS.
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Eric Coyne
Eric Coyne - Cello; String Department Chair
Eric has been an active teacher, performer, and chamber musician in the Philadelphia region since 2001. In addition to his work at Community Music School since 2002, he has been a faculty member of the Westminster Choir College Conservatory, the Nelly Berman School of Music, and The Music School of Delaware. He currently teaches music theory and chamber music at The Music School of Delaware, and has been a Master Faculty member of the Community School since 2009. From 2002-2005, he was ‘cellist of CMS’s ensemble-in-residence, the Mühlenberg Piano Quartet, and is currently ‘cellist of the Illustra Trio. Other performing commitments include Symphony in C, Classical Revolution Philadelphia, and the Murmuration Improvisation Ensemble. He holds a B.M. in Cello Performance from the University of Iowa, and an M.M. and Performance-Pedagogy Professional Certificate from Temple University. Eric is also a certified Suzuki instructor. Eric is a Master Level Faculty member at CMS.
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Cello; String Department Chair
Julienne Ikegami - Violin
Julienne Ikegami received her Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance and her Master of Music in String Pedagogy at Temple University, Boyer College of Music and Dance. While studying at Temple, she actively participated in many ensembles, including the Temple University Symphony Orchestra, where they have performed at the Kimmel Center, Lincoln Center, and Carnegie Hall. Julienne also participated in many notable music festivals, such as the Pennsylvania Governor’s School for the Arts, and Domaine Forget International Music Festival. Additional opportunities also allowed her to perform overseas throughout Europe and Asia. Julienne enjoys performing solo, chamber music, and in orchestras and actively freelances in the Philadelphia area. Julienne teaches violin students beginner through advanced levels and is a certified Suzuki instructor. In addition to Community Music School, she also teaches at the Malvern School of Music.
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Julienne Ikegami
Julienne Ikegami - Violin
Julienne Ikegami received her Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance and her Master of Music in String Pedagogy at Temple University, Boyer College of Music and Dance. While studying at Temple, she actively participated in many ensembles, including the Temple University Symphony Orchestra, where they have performed at the Kimmel Center, Lincoln Center, and Carnegie Hall. Julienne also participated in many notable music festivals, such as the Pennsylvania Governor’s School for the Arts, and Domaine Forget International Music Festival. Additional opportunities also allowed her to perform overseas throughout Europe and Asia. Julienne enjoys performing solo, chamber music, and in orchestras and actively freelances in the Philadelphia area. Julienne teaches violin students beginner through advanced levels and is a certified Suzuki instructor. In addition to Community Music School, she also teaches at the Malvern School of Music.
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Violin
Lorenzo Raval, violin & viola
Born and raised in Quezon City, Philippines, Lorenzo received his Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees from the Boyer College of Music and Dance at Temple University Prior to his move to the United States, he attended the University of the Philippines as a violin and music education major and was also a scholar at the Philippine High School for the Arts. Lorenzo currently performs as violinist and violist with the Prometheus Chamber Orchestra. He is also a dedicated teacher, maintaining a small private studio in South Philadelphia, and his faculty position at Community Music School in Trappe, PA. His major teachers include Alfonso Bolipata, Helen Kwalwasser, Che-Hung Chen and Odin Rathnam.
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Lorenzo Raval
Lorenzo Raval, violin & viola
Born and raised in Quezon City, Philippines, Lorenzo received his Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees from the Boyer College of Music and Dance at Temple University Prior to his move to the United States, he attended the University of the Philippines as a violin and music education major and was also a scholar at the Philippine High School for the Arts. Lorenzo currently performs as violinist and violist with the Prometheus Chamber Orchestra. He is also a dedicated teacher, maintaining a small private studio in South Philadelphia, and his faculty position at Community Music School in Trappe, PA. His major teachers include Alfonso Bolipata, Helen Kwalwasser, Che-Hung Chen, and Odin Rathnam.
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Violin & Viola
Casey Cassel, Violin
Casey Cassel was born and raised in Montgomery County where her development as a musician became intertwined with the vibrant arts and culture of the Greater Philadelphia area. She studied violin with Dr. Elizabeth Guerriero and gained orchestral experience as a member of the Philadelphia Sinfonia under the baton of Gary White and Yannick Nézet Sgéuin, performing at the Kimmel Center, Temple Performing Arts Center, and various community institutions. She went on to cultivate her love for pedagogy by earning her Bachelor of Music Education at the Crane School of Music, located at the State University of New York. At Crane, Casey studied with Dr. Sarah Hersh, whose focus on body mapping sparked Casey’s passion for education focused on physical barriers associated with playing string instruments. Continuing to develop her orchestral skills, Casey performed under the baton of Dr. Ching-Chun Lai, Dr. Joel Schut, and Maestro Antony Walker with the Crane Symphony Orchestra. After winning the Potsdam Presidential Scholars research grant, Casey attended Violin Suzuki teacher training with Christie Felsing at Ithaca College. Inspired by the work and research of Jennifer Johnson and Susan Kempter, it is Casey’s personal mission to set up students with a well rounded understanding of how to maneuver their instruments. In doing so, they will be liberated to find a deeper exploration of musical content that goes beyond simply playing notes. Casey’s philosophy, at its core, is to foster the growth of life long thinkers, problem solvers, and music-makers in a holistic and nurturing way.
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Casey Cassel
Casey Cassel, Violin
Casey Cassel was born and raised in Montgomery County where her development as a musician became intertwined with the vibrant arts and culture of the Greater Philadelphia area. She studied violin with Dr. Elizabeth Guerriero and gained orchestral experience as a member of the Philadelphia Sinfonia under the baton of Gary White and Yannick Nézet Sgéuin, performing at the Kimmel Center, Temple Performing Arts Center, and various community institutions. She went on to cultivate her love for pedagogy by earning her Bachelor of Music Education at the Crane School of Music, located at the State University of New York. At Crane, Casey studied with Dr. Sarah Hersh, whose focus on body mapping sparked Casey’s passion for education focused on physical barriers associated with playing string instruments. Continuing to develop her orchestral skills, Casey performed under the baton of Dr. Ching-Chun Lai, Dr. Joel Schut, and Maestro Antony Walker with the Crane Symphony Orchestra. After winning the Potsdam Presidential Scholars research grant, Casey attended Violin Suzuki teacher training with Christie Felsing at Ithaca College. Inspired by the work and research of Jennifer Johnson and Susan Kempter, it is Casey’s personal mission to set up students with a well rounded understanding of how to maneuver their instruments. In doing so, they will be liberated to find a deeper exploration of musical content that goes beyond simply playing notes. Casey’s philosophy, at its core, is to foster the growth of life long thinkers, problem solvers, and music-makers in a holistic and nurturing way.
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Violin
Voice
Alessandra Gabbianelli - Soprano
Alessandra Gabbianelli is a Dramatic Coloratura Soprano from Pittsburgh, PA. Alessandra is very excited to be coming on board as a vocal teacher with Community Music School. She received her bachelor’s degree in vocal performance from Baldwin-Wallace College. There she made her operatic debut as Miss Titmouse in Too Many Sopranos. She then went on to sing Musetta in La Bohème, and Donna Anna in Don Giovanni. She received her Master’s of Music in Opera Performance from the Boston Conservatory. There she starred as Madame Goldentrill in The Boston Conservatory’s production of Mozart’s The Impresario, Chocholka in Leo Janacek’s The Cunning Little Vixen, and The Queen of the Night in Mozart’s Magic Flute. In summer 2014, she made her professional debut as Irina Arkadina in Pasatieri’s The Seagull with Opera del West. Recently, she performed the role of the Queen of the Night in the Gilded Angel Opera’s production of The Magic Flute.
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Alessandra Gabbianelli
Alessandra Gabbianelli - Soprano
Alessandra Gabbianelli is a Dramatic Coloratura Soprano from Pittsburgh, PA. Alessandra is very excited to be coming on board as a vocal teacher with Community Music School. She received her bachelor’s degree in vocal performance from Baldwin-Wallace College. There she made her operatic debut as Miss Titmouse in Too Many Sopranos. She then went on to sing Musetta in La Bohème, and Donna Anna in Don Giovanni. She received her Master’s of Music in Opera Performance from the Boston Conservatory. There she starred as Madame Goldentrill in The Boston Conservatory’s production of Mozart’s The Impresario, Chocholka in Leo Janacek’s The Cunning Little Vixen, and The Queen of the Night in Mozart’s Magic Flute. In summer 2014, she made her professional debut as Irina Arkadina in Pasatieri’s The Seagull with Opera del West. Recently, she performed the role of the Queen of the Night in the Gilded Angel Opera’s production of The Magic Flute.
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Soprano
Thad Shirey - Baritone
Thad received a Bachelor of Music from Combs College of Music in Philadelphia, PA. On the operatic stage Mr. Shirey’s rich baritone has been heard in major roles including those in Pagliacci, Cavelleria Rusticana, La Boheme, La Traviata, Lucia di Lammermoor, Massenet’s Manon, Madama Butterfly, Carmen, The Merry Widow, Die Fledermaus, The Student Prince and Land of Smiles. Equally at home in crossover work, Thadd’s Broadway and light opera repertoire includes principal roles in Carousel, Kiss Me Kate, A Little Night Music, Showboat, Man of La Mancha, 1776, Old Man and the Thief, Amahl and the Night Visitors, The Telephone, H.M.S. Pinafore and The Mikado at Philadelphia’s famed Academy of Music. International performances and cruise circuits have brought Thad to Iceland, Scotland, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Viet Nam and Paris. He has appeared as guest soloist in the Mozart Requiem, The Brahms Requiem and Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. At home, he has appeared as guest artist at Carnegie Hall, with The New York Grand Opera, the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra, The Ocean City Pops, The Kennett Symphony, The Syracuse Symphony and The Orchestra of St. Peter by the Sea.
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Thad Shirey
Thad Shirey - Baritone
Thad received a Bachelor of Music from Combs College of Music in Philadelphia, PA. On the operatic stage Mr. Shirey’s rich baritone has been heard in major roles including those in Pagliacci, Cavelleria Rusticana, La Boheme, La Traviata, Lucia di Lammermoor, Massenet’s Manon, Madama Butterfly, Carmen, The Merry Widow, Die Fledermaus, The Student Prince and Land of Smiles. Equally at home in crossover work, Thadd’s Broadway and light opera repertoire includes principal roles in Carousel, Kiss Me Kate, A Little Night Music, Showboat, Man of La Mancha, 1776, Old Man and the Thief, Amahl and the Night Visitors, The Telephone, H.M.S. Pinafore and The Mikado at Philadelphia’s famed Academy of Music. International performances and cruise circuits have brought Thad to Iceland, Scotland, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Viet Nam and Paris. He has appeared as guest soloist in the Mozart Requiem, The Brahms Requiem and Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. At home, he has appeared as guest artist at Carnegie Hall, with The New York Grand Opera, the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra, The Ocean City Pops, The Kennett Symphony, The Syracuse Symphony and The Orchestra of St. Peter by the Sea.
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Baritone
Cecelia Dempsey Sullivan - Soprano
MM in voice performance, Temple University. BM in oboe and voice performance, Temple University. Performance Certificate, Academy of Vocal Arts.
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Soprano
Winds
Cindy Durrell - Flute
Cindy is a music educator with experience teaching students of all ages; from private and group instruction to directing bands and choirs. Currently, she teaches instrumental music at Holy Cross and Mater Dei Catholic Schools, where some of her students have been selected for Festival and Honors Bands. She is adjunct faculty on flute at Ursinus College. As a soloist and chamber musician, Cindy performs with the Audubon Symphony Orchestra, where she is also Associate Director, occasionally with the Anthracite Philharmonic, and other chamber ensembles. An active church musician, Cindy can be heard at St. Eleanor’s where she directs the Contemporary Ensemble and as a guest performer in churches around the area. She has performed in a variety of ensembles and recorded a CD as part of a flute and guitar duo. Cindy holds a B.S. in Music Education from the Pennsylvania State University and has completed graduate courses in Music Education at West Chester University and Duquesne University. At Penn State, she studied with Dr. Eleanor Armstrong. She has also studied with Michel Debost at an Oberlin Flute Institute and performed in a masterclass for Jeffery Khaner(principal flutist of the Philadelphia Orchestra).
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Cind Durrell
Cindy Durrell - Flute
Cindy is a music educator with 15 years of experience teaching students of all ages; from private and group instruction to directing bands, choirs and musical theater. While teaching middle school band in the Pittsburgh Diocese, a number of her students were selected to honors bands, including three 1st chairs. As a flutist, Cindy can be heard in the Red Hill Band and at St. Eleanor’s Church, where she directs the Contemporary Ensemble and Youth Choir. She has performed in a variety of ensembles(orchestra, pit orchestra, chamber music, concert and marching band) and recorded a CD as part of a flute and guitar duo.
Cindy holds a B.S. in Music Education from the Pennsylvania State University and has completed graduate courses in Music Education at both West Chester University and Duquesne University. While at Penn State, she studied flute with Dr. Eleanor Armstrong. She has also studied with Michel Debost at an Oberlin Flute Institute and performed in masterclasses for Jeffery Khaner, Andreas Kroper, and Eric Hoover.
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Flute
Ryan Leaver - Saxophone, Flute
Multi-Instrumentalist and Composer, Ryan Leaver received his B.A. in Jazz Composition from Berklee College of Music in 2003 and his M.A. in Modern American Music from the Longy School of Music of Bard College in 2006. He has received instruction in the Feldenkrais Method, the Alexander Technique, Eurythmics, and the Lydian Chromatic Concept of Tonal Organization from leaders in each respective field. Some of his teachers include Dennis Sandole, Charlie Banacos, George Garzone, John Lockwood, Bob Gullotti, Bob Moses, Ran Blake, John Thomas, and Ben Monder.
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Ryan Leaver
Ryan Leaver - Saxophone & Flute
Multi-Instrumentalist and Composer, Ryan Leaver received his B.A. in Jazz Composition from Berklee College of Music in 2003 and his M.A. in Modern American Music from the Longy School of Music of Bard College in 2006. He has received instruction in the Feldenkrais Method, the Alexander Technique, Eurythmics, and the Lydian Chromatic Concept of Tonal Organization from leaders in each respective field. Some of his teachers include Dennis Sandole, Charlie Banacos, George Garzone, John Lockwood, Bob Gullotti, Bob Moses, Ran Blake, John Thomas, and Ben Monder.
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Saxophone
Bob Schwanger - Saxophone, Clarinet
Bob Schwanger has been a private clarinet, saxophone and flute instructor for over 30 years in the Boyertown, Pottstown, Twin Valley and surrounding areas. He’s a 1976 graduate of Bloomsburg State College. He has played lead clarinet in the Boyertown Alumni Band for nearly 40 years. He especially enjoys playing jazz tenor sax in the Sunnybrook Jazz Band. He also plays with the O’Such Rhythm and Music Band and has been active in worship groups locally.
His students have participated in many local school bands and jazz bands; as well as Inter-County, County, District and State concert and jazz bands. Some of his students have become members of the Penn State Blue Band, Temple University Bands and other college music groups. He enjoys working with students of all ages. Currently their ages range from nine to seventy-two. He also enjoys teaching all styles of music.
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Bob Schwanger
Bob Schwanger - Saxophone, Clarinet
Bob Schwanger has been a private clarinet, saxophone and flute instructor for over 30 years in the Boyertown, Pottstown, Twin Valley and surrounding areas. He’s a 1976 graduate of Bloomsburg State College. He has played lead clarinet in the Boyertown Alumni Band for nearly 40 years. He especially enjoys playing jazz tenor sax in the Sunnybrook Jazz Band. He also plays with the O’Such Rhythm and Music Band and has been active in worship groups locally.
His students have participated in many local school bands and jazz bands; as well as Inter-County, County, District and State concert and jazz bands. Some of his students have become members of the Penn State Blue Band, Temple University Bands and other college music groups. He enjoys working with students of all ages. Currently their ages range from nine to seventy-two. He also enjoys teaching all styles of music.
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Clarinet & Saxophone
Cecelia Dempsey Sullivan - Soprano
MM in voice performance, Temple University. BM in oboe and voice performance, Temple University. Performance Certificate, Academy of Vocal Arts.
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Cecelia Dempsey Sullivan
Cecelia Dempsey Sullivan - Oboe & Soprano
MM in voice performance, Temple University. BM in oboe and voice performance, Temple University. Performance Certificate, Academy of Vocal Arts.
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Oboe
Music Therapy
Edele Rose DeWees - MA, MT-BC
Edele earned both her Bachelor of Science in Music Therapy (2002), and Master of Arts in Music Therapy (2007) from Immaculata University in Immaculata, Pennsylvania. She was awarded membership into the Immaculata chapter of Pi Kappa Lambda (Delta Psi), the national music honor society, in May 2007. She has had extensive experience in the music therapy field, for the past 11 years, working with children with developmental delays, Autism, speech and language disorders, adults with spinal cord injuries, intellectual disabilities, neuromuscular diseases, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), mental illnesses, drug/alcohol addictions, Alzheimer’s disease/dementia as well as tracheotomy, ventilator dependent, and comatose patients. She currently works as the full time music therapist at Foundations Behavioral Health in Doylestown, PA. Edele also teaches Piano, Guitar, Voice, and Clarinet Lessons and is a member of the Bucks County Women’s Chorus.
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Edele Rose DeWees
Edele Rose DeWees - MA, MT-BC
Edele earned both her Bachelor of Science in Music Therapy (2002), and Master of Arts in Music Therapy (2007) from Immaculata University in Immaculata, Pennsylvania. She was awarded membership into the Immaculata chapter of Pi Kappa Lambda (Delta Psi), the national music honor society, in May 2007. She has had extensive experience in the music therapy field, for the past 11 years, working with children with developmental delays, Autism, speech and language disorders, adults with spinal cord injuries, intellectual disabilities, neuromuscular diseases, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), mental illnesses, drug/alcohol addictions, Alzheimer’s disease/dementia as well as tracheotomy, ventilator dependent, and comatose patients. She currently works as the full time music therapist at Foundations Behavioral Health in Doylestown, PA. Edele also teaches Piano, Guitar, Voice, and Clarinet Lessons and is a member of the Bucks County Women’s Chorus.
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MA, MT-BC