AMEP (Private Lesson) Teaching Staff
Flute
Janis Grannell - Grades 6-12
Email: [email protected] Remind: @ flutepri
Janis Grannell was born in Memphis, Tennessee where she received her first musical training in the form of piano lessons. The family moved to North Platte, Nebraska when she was eight and she finished her high school education there. She started to play flute in fifth grade. High school awards earned were principal flute two years in the Hastings Select Honor Band, two years in the Nebraska All-State Band, the John Philip Sousa Band Award, the National Orchestra Award, and the Paderewski Gold Medal for receiving a superior rating for ten years in piano Guild.
Her college years were spent at Texas Christian University as a Nordan Scholarship recipient, where she studied flute under Dr. Ralph Guenther and piano with Keith Mixson. She played with the T.C.U. Symphony Orchestra and was selected twice (eligible every other year) as Honors performer in the concerto competition. She also played in the T.C.U. Woodwind Quintet, coached by Noah Knepper. While at T.C.U., she presented five full flute recitals and several chamber recitals. She graduated Magna Cum Laude, was elected Mu Phi Epsilon president, was tapped for Mortar Board, was the senior scholar in music, and was awarded a Performer’s Certificate. Graduate studies continued at the University of Georgia where she received a teaching assistantship, studying flute with Dr. Ron Waln. She was elected to Phi Kappa Phi, Pi Kappa Lambda and graduated with a 4.0. She was soloist with the University of Georgia Symphony and was a member of the Honors Woodwind Quintet. She played as soloist with the Atlanta Symphony when they were in residency for three days at the University.
Post-graduate studies include many master classes and recitals. Janis has performed at classes with William Bennett, Karl Kraber, Louis Moyse, Trevor Wye, Geoffrey Gilbert, Jean-Pierre Rampal, and Murray Panitz, and studied flute for many years with Dr. George Morey, retired University of North Texas professor.
Janis taught adjunct at Texas Christian University, and seventeen years at the University of Texas at Arlington, where she taught flute, coached ensembles, and taught two courses. Her flute choir once played for the CBS Morning Show out of New York. Her students have gone on to achieve successful graduate studies and good teaching positions. She now teaches middle and high school students and has had many All-Region and All-State players. Janis performed for many years with Michael Reed at the Worthington Hotel in Fort Worth and does free-lance work throughout the metroplex. She played with the now defunct Texas Wind Symphony and is active as a clinician and adjudicator. She balances her musical life with family, raising one daughter with her husband, Stephen.
Email: [email protected] Remind: @ flutepri
Janis Grannell was born in Memphis, Tennessee where she received her first musical training in the form of piano lessons. The family moved to North Platte, Nebraska when she was eight and she finished her high school education there. She started to play flute in fifth grade. High school awards earned were principal flute two years in the Hastings Select Honor Band, two years in the Nebraska All-State Band, the John Philip Sousa Band Award, the National Orchestra Award, and the Paderewski Gold Medal for receiving a superior rating for ten years in piano Guild.
Her college years were spent at Texas Christian University as a Nordan Scholarship recipient, where she studied flute under Dr. Ralph Guenther and piano with Keith Mixson. She played with the T.C.U. Symphony Orchestra and was selected twice (eligible every other year) as Honors performer in the concerto competition. She also played in the T.C.U. Woodwind Quintet, coached by Noah Knepper. While at T.C.U., she presented five full flute recitals and several chamber recitals. She graduated Magna Cum Laude, was elected Mu Phi Epsilon president, was tapped for Mortar Board, was the senior scholar in music, and was awarded a Performer’s Certificate. Graduate studies continued at the University of Georgia where she received a teaching assistantship, studying flute with Dr. Ron Waln. She was elected to Phi Kappa Phi, Pi Kappa Lambda and graduated with a 4.0. She was soloist with the University of Georgia Symphony and was a member of the Honors Woodwind Quintet. She played as soloist with the Atlanta Symphony when they were in residency for three days at the University.
Post-graduate studies include many master classes and recitals. Janis has performed at classes with William Bennett, Karl Kraber, Louis Moyse, Trevor Wye, Geoffrey Gilbert, Jean-Pierre Rampal, and Murray Panitz, and studied flute for many years with Dr. George Morey, retired University of North Texas professor.
Janis taught adjunct at Texas Christian University, and seventeen years at the University of Texas at Arlington, where she taught flute, coached ensembles, and taught two courses. Her flute choir once played for the CBS Morning Show out of New York. Her students have gone on to achieve successful graduate studies and good teaching positions. She now teaches middle and high school students and has had many All-Region and All-State players. Janis performed for many years with Michael Reed at the Worthington Hotel in Fort Worth and does free-lance work throughout the metroplex. She played with the now defunct Texas Wind Symphony and is active as a clinician and adjudicator. She balances her musical life with family, raising one daughter with her husband, Stephen.
Oboe
New teacher coming soon...
Bassoon
Joe McGee – Grades 6-12
Email: [email protected] Remind: @bassoonpr
Joe McGee is a highly respected music educator whose career has left a lasting impact on countless students and the Burleson ISD community. Over the course of his tenure as a band director, Joe developed a reputation for inspiring young musicians to reach their fullest potential, both on and off the stage. Under his leadership, ensembles consistently achieved high levels of performance, earning superior ratings and recognition at contests and festivals across the state.
Known for his dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to excellence, Joe cultivated an environment where students not only learned music, but also discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. His influence extended beyond the rehearsal room, as he mentored fellow educators and fostered a deep appreciation for the arts in the community.
Now enjoying retirement, Joe remains an active supporter of music education and continues to attend performances, encourage young directors, and share his wealth of experience. His legacy lives on through the countless musicians whose lives he has touched.
Email: [email protected] Remind: @bassoonpr
Joe McGee is a highly respected music educator whose career has left a lasting impact on countless students and the Burleson ISD community. Over the course of his tenure as a band director, Joe developed a reputation for inspiring young musicians to reach their fullest potential, both on and off the stage. Under his leadership, ensembles consistently achieved high levels of performance, earning superior ratings and recognition at contests and festivals across the state.
Known for his dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to excellence, Joe cultivated an environment where students not only learned music, but also discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. His influence extended beyond the rehearsal room, as he mentored fellow educators and fostered a deep appreciation for the arts in the community.
Now enjoying retirement, Joe remains an active supporter of music education and continues to attend performances, encourage young directors, and share his wealth of experience. His legacy lives on through the countless musicians whose lives he has touched.
Clarinet
Susan Ishii - Clarinet 6-12
Email: [email protected] Remind: @4eb3ak
Susan Ishii is in her fourteenth year of teaching private clarinet lessons for the Aledo Bands. A native of Kansas City, Mrs. Ishii graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelor of Music Education degree in 1989. She also pursued graduate studies in Clarinet Performance at the University of North Texas.
She moved to Texas in 1990 where she was a public school band director for five years. She then served eight years as Adjunct Instructor of Clarinet at Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth. She has maintained a private music teaching studio for over thirty years.
Mrs. Ishii is a very active musician in the Dallas/Fort Worth metropolitan area. She frequently performs professionally on clarinet, saxophone, and piano. Her performances include orchestras, big bands, pit orchestras, musical directing, piano accompanying, and other various groups. She has also played on numerous radio and television commercials and performs with the American Jazz Composers Orchestra, who recorded two songs featured on the CD of singer Gale Cruz in 2016. She is also currently a member of the Kitchen Sync Jazz Orchestra. She was a member of the Fort Worth Rodeo Band for fourteen years. She also was a member of the Texas Wind Symphony for eight years.
She has performed with numerous artists over the years including: Donny Osmond, Rosemary Clooney, Frank Sinatra Jr., Donald O’Connor, Maureen McGovern, Richard Carpenter, Johnny Green, Roger Williams, and Bill Ramsey
Groups she has performed with include: Dallas Summer Musicals, Casa Manana, The Fort Worth Symphony, The Fort Worth Opera Orchestra, The Fort Worth-Dallas Ballet Orchestra, The Bielefeld Opera Big Band, The Four Tops, The Temptations, The Dallas Jazz Orchestra, Pete Petersen and the Collection Big Band, the Honolulu Big Band, the James Davis Orchestra, and the Bucket List Jazz Band.
Mrs. Ishii has had many students earn a position in the Texas All-State bands, Texas Area Bands, and All-Region Bands. She has also had numerous students earn a superior “I” rating on a solo at the Texas State Solo and Ensemble Contest.
Mrs. Ishii resides in Arlington, Texas with her husband and three children.
Email: [email protected] Remind: @4eb3ak
Susan Ishii is in her fourteenth year of teaching private clarinet lessons for the Aledo Bands. A native of Kansas City, Mrs. Ishii graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelor of Music Education degree in 1989. She also pursued graduate studies in Clarinet Performance at the University of North Texas.
She moved to Texas in 1990 where she was a public school band director for five years. She then served eight years as Adjunct Instructor of Clarinet at Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth. She has maintained a private music teaching studio for over thirty years.
Mrs. Ishii is a very active musician in the Dallas/Fort Worth metropolitan area. She frequently performs professionally on clarinet, saxophone, and piano. Her performances include orchestras, big bands, pit orchestras, musical directing, piano accompanying, and other various groups. She has also played on numerous radio and television commercials and performs with the American Jazz Composers Orchestra, who recorded two songs featured on the CD of singer Gale Cruz in 2016. She is also currently a member of the Kitchen Sync Jazz Orchestra. She was a member of the Fort Worth Rodeo Band for fourteen years. She also was a member of the Texas Wind Symphony for eight years.
She has performed with numerous artists over the years including: Donny Osmond, Rosemary Clooney, Frank Sinatra Jr., Donald O’Connor, Maureen McGovern, Richard Carpenter, Johnny Green, Roger Williams, and Bill Ramsey
Groups she has performed with include: Dallas Summer Musicals, Casa Manana, The Fort Worth Symphony, The Fort Worth Opera Orchestra, The Fort Worth-Dallas Ballet Orchestra, The Bielefeld Opera Big Band, The Four Tops, The Temptations, The Dallas Jazz Orchestra, Pete Petersen and the Collection Big Band, the Honolulu Big Band, the James Davis Orchestra, and the Bucket List Jazz Band.
Mrs. Ishii has had many students earn a position in the Texas All-State bands, Texas Area Bands, and All-Region Bands. She has also had numerous students earn a superior “I” rating on a solo at the Texas State Solo and Ensemble Contest.
Mrs. Ishii resides in Arlington, Texas with her husband and three children.
Saxophone
Lauri Morgan - Grades 6-12
Email: [email protected] Remind: @f8h8eh
Lauri Morgan began playing saxophone at age 12 in Fort Worth, Texas where she grew up. She received many awards and accolades playing saxophone through middle school and high school, including a scholarship to continue playing at Texas Christian University.
Upon completion of her Bachelor of Music Education at TCU, she taught elementary music in Granbury ISD. She and her band director husband raised 2 band kids who still love to play their respective instruments today. The elementary school music teacher schedule allowed Lauri to continue to teach lessons and play saxophone in the DFW area. As a retired teacher, she has expended her saxophone studio and looks forward to working with the students in Aledo ISD.
Lauri currently lives in Granbury with her husband, John, and their sheepadoodle, Chewie.
Email: [email protected] Remind: @f8h8eh
Lauri Morgan began playing saxophone at age 12 in Fort Worth, Texas where she grew up. She received many awards and accolades playing saxophone through middle school and high school, including a scholarship to continue playing at Texas Christian University.
Upon completion of her Bachelor of Music Education at TCU, she taught elementary music in Granbury ISD. She and her band director husband raised 2 band kids who still love to play their respective instruments today. The elementary school music teacher schedule allowed Lauri to continue to teach lessons and play saxophone in the DFW area. As a retired teacher, she has expended her saxophone studio and looks forward to working with the students in Aledo ISD.
Lauri currently lives in Granbury with her husband, John, and their sheepadoodle, Chewie.
John Stevens - Grades 6-12
Email: [email protected] Remind: @a4e34d
John Stevens has been working as a professional musician and music educator for 30 plus years. Having served for 25 years as a Saxophonist with The U.S. Army Band Pershing’s Own in Washington D.C., Mr. Stevens routinely performed for national and international events, nationally-televised concerts and U.S. Presidential ceremonies, and for professional music events in and around the nation’s capital of Washington D.C. He performed in such venues as The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, The Lincoln Center for The Performing Arts, and Carnegie Hall in New York City but was also just as active performing at White House dinners and events, outdoor concerts in and around the nation’s capital, and conferences and conventions throughout the country.
As a member of this elite musical organization, Mr. Stevens performed with both The United States Army Concert Band and The U.S. Army Blues Jazz Band, equally at home with both classical performances and jazz events. He also solemnly performed for countless military ceremonies and funerals of U.S. statesmen and heroes honored in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia, a duty he never took for granted.
For the last half of his Pershing’s Own career and while still performing for some of the most elite music events in the country, Mr. Stevens also served The U.S. Army Band as a saxophone section leader and as a woodwinds performance evaluator, rating performance levels and providing counseling helpful to promoting the professional performance skills required to maintain the honored standing of this prestigious professional music organization and its individual professional musicians. He also oversaw and directed the national searches and auditions for filling the various saxophone vacancies for The U.S. Army Band Pershing’s Own bands including vacancies in The United States Army Concert Band and Orchestra, The U.S. Army Ceremonial Band, and The U.S. Army Blues.
In addition to Mr. Stevens’ prestigious military career with The U.S. Army Band in Washington D.C., Mr. Stevens has worked as a professional saxophonist and woodwinds specialist for over 30 years, having performed with more than 100+ commercial bands, ethnic and chamber music ensembles, and jazz combos. He has performed as a guest saxophonist and clarinetist with several east coast symphony orchestras and recorded a CD with The National Symphony Orchestra out of Washington D.C. He has also played as a multiple woodwinds specialist for seven long-running musical theatre productions and has recorded more than 50 studio sound tracts for movie productions, television documentaries, and commercial CDs and demos and has performed live alongside some of the most well-respected artists and entertainers such as Aretha Franklin, Peabo Bryson, Kenny Loggins, and Quincy Jones.
Mr. Stevens is not only active as a professional saxophonist and multiple woodwinds expert, he is active in multiple musical genres covering styles from symphony and chamber music to ethnic ensembles, jazz and fusion, R&B, Rockabilly, and Texas Country bands. He was recently a member of a Texas Red Dirt band that was the winner of the 2012 “Live Band of the Year Award” at the Texas Music Awards. His performance venues have ranged from elite performance halls and televised events to weddings and business Christmas parties.
Email: [email protected] Remind: @a4e34d
John Stevens has been working as a professional musician and music educator for 30 plus years. Having served for 25 years as a Saxophonist with The U.S. Army Band Pershing’s Own in Washington D.C., Mr. Stevens routinely performed for national and international events, nationally-televised concerts and U.S. Presidential ceremonies, and for professional music events in and around the nation’s capital of Washington D.C. He performed in such venues as The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, The Lincoln Center for The Performing Arts, and Carnegie Hall in New York City but was also just as active performing at White House dinners and events, outdoor concerts in and around the nation’s capital, and conferences and conventions throughout the country.
As a member of this elite musical organization, Mr. Stevens performed with both The United States Army Concert Band and The U.S. Army Blues Jazz Band, equally at home with both classical performances and jazz events. He also solemnly performed for countless military ceremonies and funerals of U.S. statesmen and heroes honored in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia, a duty he never took for granted.
For the last half of his Pershing’s Own career and while still performing for some of the most elite music events in the country, Mr. Stevens also served The U.S. Army Band as a saxophone section leader and as a woodwinds performance evaluator, rating performance levels and providing counseling helpful to promoting the professional performance skills required to maintain the honored standing of this prestigious professional music organization and its individual professional musicians. He also oversaw and directed the national searches and auditions for filling the various saxophone vacancies for The U.S. Army Band Pershing’s Own bands including vacancies in The United States Army Concert Band and Orchestra, The U.S. Army Ceremonial Band, and The U.S. Army Blues.
In addition to Mr. Stevens’ prestigious military career with The U.S. Army Band in Washington D.C., Mr. Stevens has worked as a professional saxophonist and woodwinds specialist for over 30 years, having performed with more than 100+ commercial bands, ethnic and chamber music ensembles, and jazz combos. He has performed as a guest saxophonist and clarinetist with several east coast symphony orchestras and recorded a CD with The National Symphony Orchestra out of Washington D.C. He has also played as a multiple woodwinds specialist for seven long-running musical theatre productions and has recorded more than 50 studio sound tracts for movie productions, television documentaries, and commercial CDs and demos and has performed live alongside some of the most well-respected artists and entertainers such as Aretha Franklin, Peabo Bryson, Kenny Loggins, and Quincy Jones.
Mr. Stevens is not only active as a professional saxophonist and multiple woodwinds expert, he is active in multiple musical genres covering styles from symphony and chamber music to ethnic ensembles, jazz and fusion, R&B, Rockabilly, and Texas Country bands. He was recently a member of a Texas Red Dirt band that was the winner of the 2012 “Live Band of the Year Award” at the Texas Music Awards. His performance venues have ranged from elite performance halls and televised events to weddings and business Christmas parties.
French Horn
Josh Davis- Grades 6-12
Email: [email protected] Remind: @4chac67
Josh Davis is a freelance hornist and private teacher in the DFW area. He has regularly helped students achieve a placement in the Texas all state bands and orchestras since 2002. Josh attended the University of Oklahoma where he studied with Dr. Eldon Matlick and then Texas Christian University with Alton Adkins. When he’s not at the shop or teaching, Josh tries to be on the mountain bike trail.
Email: [email protected] Remind: @4chac67
Josh Davis is a freelance hornist and private teacher in the DFW area. He has regularly helped students achieve a placement in the Texas all state bands and orchestras since 2002. Josh attended the University of Oklahoma where he studied with Dr. Eldon Matlick and then Texas Christian University with Alton Adkins. When he’s not at the shop or teaching, Josh tries to be on the mountain bike trail.
Molly Wood- Grades 6-12
[email protected] Remind: @b927hck
Mrs. Miriam “Molly” Wood has been teaching brass and piano students since 1994. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the University of Southern Mississippi and has worked on her Master’s degree in Music Performance at the University of Illinois.
Mrs. Wood has toured extensively throughout the U.S., Mexico, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and the Philippines with groups such as the American Wind Symphony Orchestra and the horn quartet, The Four Hornsmen of the Apocalypse. Mrs. Wood has also received a number of solo and concerto awards including placing 1st and 2nd, respectively, in the International Horn Society Midwest and International Women’s Brass competitions.
She is a Texas All-State Musician in both 1993 and 1994. She has been involved in musical outreach programs, taking her quartet into public schools throughout the U.S., is the founder of the Bluebonnet Hornfest and UTA Honors Horncamp, was honored to teach horn students from an International School in Switzerland in Spring, 2015, and was a guest artist at Hornswoggle in 2019.
Mrs. Wood currently teaches English at Aledo HS and horn before and after school. She is frequently requested to provide masterclasses, judging and clinics throughout DFW. In her spare time, she is a composer/arranger for Houghton Horns and Brownwood Publishing Co. and helps manage tours for The Four Hornsmen. She resides in Azle, TX with her youngest daughter and her husband, Gerry (Principal Horn of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra).
[email protected] Remind: @b927hck
Mrs. Miriam “Molly” Wood has been teaching brass and piano students since 1994. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the University of Southern Mississippi and has worked on her Master’s degree in Music Performance at the University of Illinois.
Mrs. Wood has toured extensively throughout the U.S., Mexico, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and the Philippines with groups such as the American Wind Symphony Orchestra and the horn quartet, The Four Hornsmen of the Apocalypse. Mrs. Wood has also received a number of solo and concerto awards including placing 1st and 2nd, respectively, in the International Horn Society Midwest and International Women’s Brass competitions.
She is a Texas All-State Musician in both 1993 and 1994. She has been involved in musical outreach programs, taking her quartet into public schools throughout the U.S., is the founder of the Bluebonnet Hornfest and UTA Honors Horncamp, was honored to teach horn students from an International School in Switzerland in Spring, 2015, and was a guest artist at Hornswoggle in 2019.
Mrs. Wood currently teaches English at Aledo HS and horn before and after school. She is frequently requested to provide masterclasses, judging and clinics throughout DFW. In her spare time, she is a composer/arranger for Houghton Horns and Brownwood Publishing Co. and helps manage tours for The Four Hornsmen. She resides in Azle, TX with her youngest daughter and her husband, Gerry (Principal Horn of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra).
Trumpet
Beth Losos - Grades 6-8
Email: [email protected] Remind: @d33ef7f
Beth Losos is a graduate of the University of Illinois with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education. After completing her degree, Beth taught in the Weatherford ISD as a band director for five years. Since that time, Beth has taught private trumpet lessons for 20+ years. She has also been a member of the Aledo Private Enrichment staff since 2009.
Beth and her family reside in Aledo and her children have been very active in the Aledo ISD band program.
Email: [email protected] Remind: @d33ef7f
Beth Losos is a graduate of the University of Illinois with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education. After completing her degree, Beth taught in the Weatherford ISD as a band director for five years. Since that time, Beth has taught private trumpet lessons for 20+ years. She has also been a member of the Aledo Private Enrichment staff since 2009.
Beth and her family reside in Aledo and her children have been very active in the Aledo ISD band program.
Darren Spurgeon- Grades 6-12
Email: [email protected] Remind: @trumpetpri
Darren Spurgeon grew up in the United Kingdom. For twelve years, he served as a professional trumpeter in Her Majesty’s Royal Marine Band. He was very fortunate to have traveled all over the world, performing at iconic places such as; The Edinburgh Tattoo, Sydney Opera House, India Gate, Buckingham Palace and for members of the Royal Family. Whilst in the service, he obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Professional Music Studies, specializing in trumpet performance from Plymouth University. He moved over to Texas from the United Kingdom in 2017, after getting roped by a Texan, marrying her and now currently resides in Fort Worth, TX.
Darren very quickly became involved in the music community, actively performing with the Fort Worth Community Band, Arlington Community Band and Travis Avenue Baptist Church.
Trombone and Euphonium
Reece MacDonald- Grades 6-12
Email: [email protected]
Reece MacDonald, a DFW native, earned a Bachelor of Arts in Trombone Performance from the University of Houston and a Master’s degree from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Reece was a TMEA All-State member in 2017, and has dci experience, marching Carolina Crown in 2018. Currently, Reece is an active trombone teacher and professional performer in the DFW area, dedicated to sharing a passion for music through both performance and education.
Email: [email protected]
Reece MacDonald, a DFW native, earned a Bachelor of Arts in Trombone Performance from the University of Houston and a Master’s degree from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Reece was a TMEA All-State member in 2017, and has dci experience, marching Carolina Crown in 2018. Currently, Reece is an active trombone teacher and professional performer in the DFW area, dedicated to sharing a passion for music through both performance and education.
Larry Reynolds - Grades 6-12
Email: [email protected]
Larry Reynolds is a highly skilled music educator and brass specialist with over 15 years of experience spanning performance and instruction. Throughout his career, Larry has built a reputation for technical excellence, reliability, and a deep commitment to helping students and musicians succeed. As an educator, he has taught brass instruments at multiple levels, guiding students from beginner fundamentals to advanced ensemble performance. His teaching emphasizes strong musicianship, discipline, and confidence, resulting in consistent student growth and long-term engagement in music programs. Larry is the principal trombone for the First Baptist Church at the Fields Orchestra. He remains an active performing musician, with his ongoing performance experience informing and strengthening his teaching. Larry is married to his lovely wife Robbie, and together they share their home with their two dachshunds, Gucci and Versace.
Paul Birk - Grades 6-12
Email: [email protected]
Paul Birk is a freelance trombonist, trombone/low brass lesson teacher, and
composer/arranger in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. He has a Bachelors of Music
(education) from the University of Texas at Arlington and his Masters of Music
(performance) from the University of North Texas. While at Texas Tech University, he
completed a teaching assistantship and the course work in pursuit of a Doctor of Musical
Arts in Trombone performance and pedagogy.
In addition to Aledo ISD, he also teaches trombone and low brass lessons in the Frisco
and Plano Independent School Districts. He has taught previously in the Birdville,
Grapevine-Colleyville, HEB, Rockwall-Heath, and Mansfield ISDs.
Groups in which he regularly plays and has recorded with are the Dallas Jazz Orchestra, Dallas Latin Jazz Orchestra, the Clave con Alma Latin jazz septet, Eric Scortia and the Scorched Earth Horns, Mr. PC jazz sextet, the C3 Big Band, his jazz quartet, Birk's
JazzWerks, Crosswinds Big Band, and the ska band Sallie Majestic.
Other groups which he has often played and recorded with are the John Wasson's Strata Big Band, Memphis Brass big band, Kris Berg's Metroplexity Big Band, Curt Bradshaw Jazz Octet, and the Chris Watson Band.
In addition to jazz, rock, and pop groups, he consistently performs in the pit orchestras for local theater companies, namely Water Tower Theatre in Addison, Lyric Stage in Dallas and Garland Summer Musicals.
Along with performing and teaching, he also composes and arranges for ensembles ranging from jazz combos, trombone ensembles, chamber music, and big bands.
Email: [email protected]
Paul Birk is a freelance trombonist, trombone/low brass lesson teacher, and
composer/arranger in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. He has a Bachelors of Music
(education) from the University of Texas at Arlington and his Masters of Music
(performance) from the University of North Texas. While at Texas Tech University, he
completed a teaching assistantship and the course work in pursuit of a Doctor of Musical
Arts in Trombone performance and pedagogy.
In addition to Aledo ISD, he also teaches trombone and low brass lessons in the Frisco
and Plano Independent School Districts. He has taught previously in the Birdville,
Grapevine-Colleyville, HEB, Rockwall-Heath, and Mansfield ISDs.
Groups in which he regularly plays and has recorded with are the Dallas Jazz Orchestra, Dallas Latin Jazz Orchestra, the Clave con Alma Latin jazz septet, Eric Scortia and the Scorched Earth Horns, Mr. PC jazz sextet, the C3 Big Band, his jazz quartet, Birk's
JazzWerks, Crosswinds Big Band, and the ska band Sallie Majestic.
Other groups which he has often played and recorded with are the John Wasson's Strata Big Band, Memphis Brass big band, Kris Berg's Metroplexity Big Band, Curt Bradshaw Jazz Octet, and the Chris Watson Band.
In addition to jazz, rock, and pop groups, he consistently performs in the pit orchestras for local theater companies, namely Water Tower Theatre in Addison, Lyric Stage in Dallas and Garland Summer Musicals.
Along with performing and teaching, he also composes and arranges for ensembles ranging from jazz combos, trombone ensembles, chamber music, and big bands.
Tuba
Eric Kassay - Grades 6-12
Email: [email protected] Remind: @tubapr
Eric Kassay was born and raised on the east coast in Piscataway, New Jersey. He is a graduate of Rutgers University where he earned his degree in Music Education studying with the musicians of the world-renowned New York Philharmonic. After graduating from Rutgers, Eric was a band director for two years before moving to Texas.
During his summers in college, Eric participated in the Drum Corps International competitive circuit, where he played tuba for Jersey Surf and the Bluecoats and continues to teach marching band to this day. Eric is a proud instructor of Aledo’s very own Bearcat Regiment.
Back home in New Jersey, Eric performed with the North American Brass Band Association (NABBA) champions, the Princeton Brass Band. Eric has also had the opportunity to record music for a videogame soundtrack and performed with The Roots on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
Eric is currently a master’s student at the University of North Texas, pursuing a degree in tuba performance. His primary teachers include Donald Little and Alan Baer.
Eric enjoys tinkering with computers and electronics and considers himself to be an amateur audiophile.
Percussion
Kayla Liptak
Email: [email protected] Remind: @hghf3g
Kayla Liptak is a distinguished percussion educator and performer currently making her mark in the Dallas–Fort Worth area. She holds a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) in Performance from the University of North Texas (UNT), where she also served as a graduate teaching fellow, contributing to both teaching and performance initiatives at the university.
During her tenure at UNT, Kayla was spotlighted as a featured performer on three recordings with the UNT Wind Symphony—an achievement that underscores her musical excellence. She had the privilege of sharing the stage with internationally renowned artists such as Dame Evelyn Glennie and the Barcelona Clarinet Players, further cementing her reputation as a standout percussionist
Prior to her graduate work at UNT, Kayla earned her degrees from Texas A&M University–Commerce and the University of Alabama, laying a strong foundation for her advanced studies and professional development.
Today, Kayla brings her expertise to K–12 music education as the Assistant Director of Percussion for Aledo Independent School District (ISD). In this role, she has been integral to the district’s distinguished music program. Before joining Aledo ISD, she influenced the success of several UIL (University Interscholastic League) and BOA (Bands of America) championship-winning programs, including Flower Mound High School and Hebron High School, where she served as an instructor for both the front ensemble and private lessons.
Email: [email protected] Remind: @hghf3g
Kayla Liptak is a distinguished percussion educator and performer currently making her mark in the Dallas–Fort Worth area. She holds a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) in Performance from the University of North Texas (UNT), where she also served as a graduate teaching fellow, contributing to both teaching and performance initiatives at the university.
During her tenure at UNT, Kayla was spotlighted as a featured performer on three recordings with the UNT Wind Symphony—an achievement that underscores her musical excellence. She had the privilege of sharing the stage with internationally renowned artists such as Dame Evelyn Glennie and the Barcelona Clarinet Players, further cementing her reputation as a standout percussionist
Prior to her graduate work at UNT, Kayla earned her degrees from Texas A&M University–Commerce and the University of Alabama, laying a strong foundation for her advanced studies and professional development.
Today, Kayla brings her expertise to K–12 music education as the Assistant Director of Percussion for Aledo Independent School District (ISD). In this role, she has been integral to the district’s distinguished music program. Before joining Aledo ISD, she influenced the success of several UIL (University Interscholastic League) and BOA (Bands of America) championship-winning programs, including Flower Mound High School and Hebron High School, where she served as an instructor for both the front ensemble and private lessons.
Guitar
Scott Stevens-Grades 7-12
[email protected]
Scott Stevens is a commercial music educator and freelance studio musician. He works with schools and community arts programs, innovative music educators, and jazz band directors to develop driving and cohesive rhythm sections and skilled and knowledgeable rhythm players. Through the use of cutting-edge music tools alongside time-honored teaching principles, Mr. Stevens helps turn contemporary music students into masterful artists, creative musicians, and solid music ensemble players and leaders. He gives them the knowledge and training to turn their passion for music into actual skills that help them become proficient instrumentalists and indispensable band members.
As a professional musician, Mr. Stevens has performed a wide range of music ranging from Blues and Jazz to Rock, Southern Gospel, Contemporary Christian, Country, and Fingerstyle Guitar. He has appeared with Grammy and Dove Award winner Russ Taff and with 9-time Grammy Award winner The Blackwood Brothers Quartet in addition to having been the lead guitarist for Latin and Contemporary Jazz artist Johnny Holliday, Red Dirt Texas Country artist Brendon Kyle, and the Nashville-style country group The Band McGraw, to name a few. He has also been a guest artist for various church and community orchestras, has performed in several pit orchestras for musical show productions, and has performed at Sundance Square in Fort Worth, TX and at the Fort Worth Main Street Arts Festival.
Mr. Stevens studied Jazz Studies at The University of Texas at Arlington which included jazz guitar performance, music theory and keyboard, jazz composition, jazz arranging, and conducting, adding coursework in music media, recording techniques, digital music technology, and music business to provide the aspects of the music industry complimentary to his teaching and performing career. His notable list of private teachers include the legendary Bebop, Jazz, and Country music performer and recording artist Clint Strong; contemporary guitarist Chad Leader, lead guitarist for The United States Army Band Downrange (The U.S. Army Band’s contemporary rock band), and Mario Ramsey, percussionist for The U.S. Army Band Pershing’s Own Concert Band and occasional drummer for The U.S. Army Blues.
In addition to his career in music performance and education, Mr. Stevens enjoys ancient history, photography, and ethnomusicology. Unless he told you, you might never have known he was in an African drum ensemble. He really does enjoy ethnomusicology… and he really was in an African drum ensemble.
Mr. Stevens has been teaching private lessons since 2007 and began working with the Aledo Independent School District band program in 2016. Those interested in studying with Scott Stevens can contact him directly at 571-275-1502 or [email protected].
[email protected]
Scott Stevens is a commercial music educator and freelance studio musician. He works with schools and community arts programs, innovative music educators, and jazz band directors to develop driving and cohesive rhythm sections and skilled and knowledgeable rhythm players. Through the use of cutting-edge music tools alongside time-honored teaching principles, Mr. Stevens helps turn contemporary music students into masterful artists, creative musicians, and solid music ensemble players and leaders. He gives them the knowledge and training to turn their passion for music into actual skills that help them become proficient instrumentalists and indispensable band members.
As a professional musician, Mr. Stevens has performed a wide range of music ranging from Blues and Jazz to Rock, Southern Gospel, Contemporary Christian, Country, and Fingerstyle Guitar. He has appeared with Grammy and Dove Award winner Russ Taff and with 9-time Grammy Award winner The Blackwood Brothers Quartet in addition to having been the lead guitarist for Latin and Contemporary Jazz artist Johnny Holliday, Red Dirt Texas Country artist Brendon Kyle, and the Nashville-style country group The Band McGraw, to name a few. He has also been a guest artist for various church and community orchestras, has performed in several pit orchestras for musical show productions, and has performed at Sundance Square in Fort Worth, TX and at the Fort Worth Main Street Arts Festival.
Mr. Stevens studied Jazz Studies at The University of Texas at Arlington which included jazz guitar performance, music theory and keyboard, jazz composition, jazz arranging, and conducting, adding coursework in music media, recording techniques, digital music technology, and music business to provide the aspects of the music industry complimentary to his teaching and performing career. His notable list of private teachers include the legendary Bebop, Jazz, and Country music performer and recording artist Clint Strong; contemporary guitarist Chad Leader, lead guitarist for The United States Army Band Downrange (The U.S. Army Band’s contemporary rock band), and Mario Ramsey, percussionist for The U.S. Army Band Pershing’s Own Concert Band and occasional drummer for The U.S. Army Blues.
In addition to his career in music performance and education, Mr. Stevens enjoys ancient history, photography, and ethnomusicology. Unless he told you, you might never have known he was in an African drum ensemble. He really does enjoy ethnomusicology… and he really was in an African drum ensemble.
Mr. Stevens has been teaching private lessons since 2007 and began working with the Aledo Independent School District band program in 2016. Those interested in studying with Scott Stevens can contact him directly at 571-275-1502 or [email protected].