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
Lauren Hanifan – Grades 6-12
Email: [email protected]
Lauren Hanifan is a recent graduate of Texas Christian University, where she earned her Bachelor of Music Education degree with instrumental concentration. She has taught private oboe lessons at Ed Willkie Middle School, McLean Middle School, and Germantown Middle School, working with beginner and intermediate students. She also served as a Masterclass teacher for high school and middle school oboes at the TCU Music and Leadership Experience and worked as a student teacher at McLean Middle School and Overton Park Elementary.
As a performer, Lauren has played oboe and English horn in the TCU Symphony Orchestra and Wind Symphony, and currently plays with the Mansfield Philharmonic. In high school, she was a TMEA All-State musician and served as principal oboist for the Lone Star Youth Winds and Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra Wind Symphony. She also performed in the TCU Basketball Band and Horned Frog Marching Band, where she was color guard captain.
Beyond performing and teaching, Lauren has taken on leadership roles in music organizations. She served as Vice President of Membership for Kappa Kappa Psi, organizing recruitment and membership education. Her contributions to TCU’s band program earned her multiple awards, including TCU Band Outstanding Musician and Outstanding Visual Leader.
Email: [email protected]
Lauren Hanifan is a recent graduate of Texas Christian University, where she earned her Bachelor of Music Education degree with instrumental concentration. She has taught private oboe lessons at Ed Willkie Middle School, McLean Middle School, and Germantown Middle School, working with beginner and intermediate students. She also served as a Masterclass teacher for high school and middle school oboes at the TCU Music and Leadership Experience and worked as a student teacher at McLean Middle School and Overton Park Elementary.
As a performer, Lauren has played oboe and English horn in the TCU Symphony Orchestra and Wind Symphony, and currently plays with the Mansfield Philharmonic. In high school, she was a TMEA All-State musician and served as principal oboist for the Lone Star Youth Winds and Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra Wind Symphony. She also performed in the TCU Basketball Band and Horned Frog Marching Band, where she was color guard captain.
Beyond performing and teaching, Lauren has taken on leadership roles in music organizations. She served as Vice President of Membership for Kappa Kappa Psi, organizing recruitment and membership education. Her contributions to TCU’s band program earned her multiple awards, including TCU Band Outstanding Musician and Outstanding Visual Leader.
Bassoon
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.
Evgeni Karelin- Grades 6-12
Email: [email protected] Remind: @heehk3c
Evgeni Karelin was born in 1990. he started his clarinet studies at age of 10 in Ashkelon conservatory with Prof. Yuri Burmas. In 2003 he won 2nd prize in youth competition “Maestro”. In the same year he continued his studies with Former principal clarinet of Israeli philharmonic orchestra Prof. Richard Lesser.
In 2005 Evgeni got accepted to Ministry of Education youth orchestra for principal clarinet and performed all around the country and the globe in the biggest events including concerts for the president of Israel. The orchestra recorded a CD in which Evgeni performed as a soloist.After 3 year of studying with Prof. Lesser Evgeni continued his studies with principle of Israeli national Opera Prof. Michel Gurfinkel.
In 2006 Evgeni won a scholarship from America-Israel cultural foundation (keren-sharet) for musical excellence, the biggest and the most honorable cultural foundation in Israel which he received twice more in 2010 and 2014.
In 2007 Evgeni participated in a big music festival in Boston, “Duxbury Music Festival” and won 1st prize in the festivals solo competition. In 2008 Evgeni won a scholarship from Buchman-Heyman foundation for musical excellence. In the same year Evgeni went for an orchestral tour to Germany with the Ministry of Education orchestra as a soloist. He performed in Frankfurt, Munich, Stuttgart, and more for very influential people as the Countess von Stauffenberg. Evgeni participated with the same orchestra with more orchestral tours in Germany and Moscow.
In 2009 Evgeni got accepted to Jerusalem Academy of Music and immediately become principal clarinet in the Academy’s symphony orchestra (JASO). In the second year of his studies Evgeni got accepted to Academy’s prestige chamber music excellence program and received a full scholarship for all the period of his studies in the academy. In 2011 Evgeni became part of the Jerusalem Academy representative woodwind quintet and performed all over the country in most prestigious halls as Jerusalem music center, Tel-Aviv museum of arts, Jerusalem theater, Ein Kerem and more. Among the performances the quintet won 1st prize in Jerusalem Chamber competition in 2014 and performed a world premiere of Marc Lavry woodwind quintet commissioned by “The Marc Lavry Heritage Society”.
In 2011 Evgeni participated in the academy’s most prestige project the Jerusalem-Weimar symphony orchestra where Evgeni played principal clarinet. The orchestra combined best students from Jerusalem academy and Franz Liszt Academy in Weimar and took place in Jerusalem and Germany in 2011-2013. The Orchestra performed under baton of very famous conductors as Michael Sanderling (Staatskapelle Dresden) and David Afkham (Spanish National Orchestra Madrid) and performed in the leading venues as Berlin concert house, Dresden Frauenkirche, Staatskapelle Weimar, Tel-Aviv museum of arts and more.
In 2012 Evgeni Participated in a prestigious festival in Germany under direction of Krzystof Penderecki. Later that year Evgeni got accepted to Ashdod symphony orchestra for permanent position. In 2013 Evgeni performed as a soloist the famous Mozart Clarinet Concerto with Ashdod Symphony Orchestra and later that year went on an Operaic tour with the Orchestra to Perugia Italy.
In 2014 Evgeni Began working in Israel Chamber Orchestra and Joined the Jerusalem Conservatory as a Clarinet instructor.
Evgeni was one of the leading clarinet students in Jerusalem academy and in 2015 he finished his studies and obtained both Bachelor and Master degrees with excellence. Evgeni Continued working as substitute Clarinet in Jerusalem symphony orchestra, Ashdod Symphony orchestra, Israel Chamber Orchestra and teaching in Maale Adumim Music School where he served both as a Clarinet and chamber music instructor and as an Administrative assistant.
In 2016 Evgeni decided to move to United States and Received full tuition scholarships in several prestigious establishments as Indiana University, Michigan university, Boston University, University of Miami and eventually decided to continue his Artist Diploma studies as a Teaching Assistant at Columbus State University with Dr. Lisa Oberlander.
While in USA Evgeni received fellowships in few prestigious music festivals, Miami Music Festival and Crested Butte Music Festival where he performed as a principal Clarinet under baton of U.S leading conductors as Caren Levine(Metropolitan Opera), Bradley Moore(Houston Grand Opera), David Effron(New york city opera),Yuri Bekker(Charleston Symphony Orchestra) and Tito Munoz (Phoenix Symphony Orchestra).
Currently Evgeni Attending Texas Christian University in Fort Worth Texas as a Teaching assistant and works as a Clarinet and Chamber music instructor in several High schools in the area. He recently won an audition in Odysseus Chamber Orchestra and performs as a substitute Clarinet in Plano Symphony and Abilene Symphony Orchestra.
Evgeny performed in almost every orchestra in Israel: Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra, Israel Chamber Orchestra, Raanana symphony orchestra, Israeli Opera, Netanya Kibbutzit Orchestra, Jerusalem opera, Jerusalem festival orchestra, Hadera chamber orchestra, Ashdod symphony orchestra Haifa symphony orchestra and more.
He played with the most famous soloists and conductors as Michel Legrand, Sergey Stadler, Misha Katz, Michael Sanderling, Vag Papian, Salvador Brotos, Gil Shohat, David Afkham, Dan Ettinger, Frederic Chaslin, Caren Levine, Bradley Moore, Sergei Ostrovsky, David Effron, Igudesman and Joo and many more. Evgeni also participated in many master classes with very famous musicians as Martin Spangenberg, Wolfgang Meyer, Shirley Brill, Chen Halevi, Evgeny Petrov, Reiner Wehle, Antony Pay, Guy Deplus, Jessica Phillips and more.
Evgeni is very promising and ambitious musician, he was very active and well known musician in the Israeli scene and striving to become one in the U.S.
Email: [email protected] Remind: @heehk3c
Evgeni Karelin was born in 1990. he started his clarinet studies at age of 10 in Ashkelon conservatory with Prof. Yuri Burmas. In 2003 he won 2nd prize in youth competition “Maestro”. In the same year he continued his studies with Former principal clarinet of Israeli philharmonic orchestra Prof. Richard Lesser.
In 2005 Evgeni got accepted to Ministry of Education youth orchestra for principal clarinet and performed all around the country and the globe in the biggest events including concerts for the president of Israel. The orchestra recorded a CD in which Evgeni performed as a soloist.After 3 year of studying with Prof. Lesser Evgeni continued his studies with principle of Israeli national Opera Prof. Michel Gurfinkel.
In 2006 Evgeni won a scholarship from America-Israel cultural foundation (keren-sharet) for musical excellence, the biggest and the most honorable cultural foundation in Israel which he received twice more in 2010 and 2014.
In 2007 Evgeni participated in a big music festival in Boston, “Duxbury Music Festival” and won 1st prize in the festivals solo competition. In 2008 Evgeni won a scholarship from Buchman-Heyman foundation for musical excellence. In the same year Evgeni went for an orchestral tour to Germany with the Ministry of Education orchestra as a soloist. He performed in Frankfurt, Munich, Stuttgart, and more for very influential people as the Countess von Stauffenberg. Evgeni participated with the same orchestra with more orchestral tours in Germany and Moscow.
In 2009 Evgeni got accepted to Jerusalem Academy of Music and immediately become principal clarinet in the Academy’s symphony orchestra (JASO). In the second year of his studies Evgeni got accepted to Academy’s prestige chamber music excellence program and received a full scholarship for all the period of his studies in the academy. In 2011 Evgeni became part of the Jerusalem Academy representative woodwind quintet and performed all over the country in most prestigious halls as Jerusalem music center, Tel-Aviv museum of arts, Jerusalem theater, Ein Kerem and more. Among the performances the quintet won 1st prize in Jerusalem Chamber competition in 2014 and performed a world premiere of Marc Lavry woodwind quintet commissioned by “The Marc Lavry Heritage Society”.
In 2011 Evgeni participated in the academy’s most prestige project the Jerusalem-Weimar symphony orchestra where Evgeni played principal clarinet. The orchestra combined best students from Jerusalem academy and Franz Liszt Academy in Weimar and took place in Jerusalem and Germany in 2011-2013. The Orchestra performed under baton of very famous conductors as Michael Sanderling (Staatskapelle Dresden) and David Afkham (Spanish National Orchestra Madrid) and performed in the leading venues as Berlin concert house, Dresden Frauenkirche, Staatskapelle Weimar, Tel-Aviv museum of arts and more.
In 2012 Evgeni Participated in a prestigious festival in Germany under direction of Krzystof Penderecki. Later that year Evgeni got accepted to Ashdod symphony orchestra for permanent position. In 2013 Evgeni performed as a soloist the famous Mozart Clarinet Concerto with Ashdod Symphony Orchestra and later that year went on an Operaic tour with the Orchestra to Perugia Italy.
In 2014 Evgeni Began working in Israel Chamber Orchestra and Joined the Jerusalem Conservatory as a Clarinet instructor.
Evgeni was one of the leading clarinet students in Jerusalem academy and in 2015 he finished his studies and obtained both Bachelor and Master degrees with excellence. Evgeni Continued working as substitute Clarinet in Jerusalem symphony orchestra, Ashdod Symphony orchestra, Israel Chamber Orchestra and teaching in Maale Adumim Music School where he served both as a Clarinet and chamber music instructor and as an Administrative assistant.
In 2016 Evgeni decided to move to United States and Received full tuition scholarships in several prestigious establishments as Indiana University, Michigan university, Boston University, University of Miami and eventually decided to continue his Artist Diploma studies as a Teaching Assistant at Columbus State University with Dr. Lisa Oberlander.
While in USA Evgeni received fellowships in few prestigious music festivals, Miami Music Festival and Crested Butte Music Festival where he performed as a principal Clarinet under baton of U.S leading conductors as Caren Levine(Metropolitan Opera), Bradley Moore(Houston Grand Opera), David Effron(New york city opera),Yuri Bekker(Charleston Symphony Orchestra) and Tito Munoz (Phoenix Symphony Orchestra).
Currently Evgeni Attending Texas Christian University in Fort Worth Texas as a Teaching assistant and works as a Clarinet and Chamber music instructor in several High schools in the area. He recently won an audition in Odysseus Chamber Orchestra and performs as a substitute Clarinet in Plano Symphony and Abilene Symphony Orchestra.
Evgeny performed in almost every orchestra in Israel: Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra, Israel Chamber Orchestra, Raanana symphony orchestra, Israeli Opera, Netanya Kibbutzit Orchestra, Jerusalem opera, Jerusalem festival orchestra, Hadera chamber orchestra, Ashdod symphony orchestra Haifa symphony orchestra and more.
He played with the most famous soloists and conductors as Michel Legrand, Sergey Stadler, Misha Katz, Michael Sanderling, Vag Papian, Salvador Brotos, Gil Shohat, David Afkham, Dan Ettinger, Frederic Chaslin, Caren Levine, Bradley Moore, Sergei Ostrovsky, David Effron, Igudesman and Joo and many more. Evgeni also participated in many master classes with very famous musicians as Martin Spangenberg, Wolfgang Meyer, Shirley Brill, Chen Halevi, Evgeny Petrov, Reiner Wehle, Antony Pay, Guy Deplus, Jessica Phillips and more.
Evgeni is very promising and ambitious musician, he was very active and well known musician in the Israeli scene and striving to become one in the U.S.
Christian Lackey - Grades 6-12
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 817-575-9967
Christian Lackey is a recent graduate of Texas Christian University, where he earned a degree in Music Education with an instrumental concentration. During his time at TCU, Christian was an active member of various ensembles, including the Wind Symphony, Symphony Orchestra, Clarinet Choir, Horned Frog Marching Band, and Frog Corps (Men's Choir). Through these groups, he performed at prestigious conventions such as TMEA, ICA, and Midwest. Additionally, he was a featured soloist with the TCU Jazz Band at Sundance Square.
Christian held several leadership roles at TCU, including Section Leader, Drum Major for the Horned Frog Marching Band, and Historian and Vice President of Service for his fraternity, Kappa Kappa Psi, and received the Outstanding Section Leader award.
Before attending TCU, Christian graduated from Chisholm Trail High School in Fort Worth, Texas. There, he served as a Section Leader and Drum Major, was a member of the TMEA 5A All-State Band, and received the John Philip Sousa Award.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 817-575-9967
Christian Lackey is a recent graduate of Texas Christian University, where he earned a degree in Music Education with an instrumental concentration. During his time at TCU, Christian was an active member of various ensembles, including the Wind Symphony, Symphony Orchestra, Clarinet Choir, Horned Frog Marching Band, and Frog Corps (Men's Choir). Through these groups, he performed at prestigious conventions such as TMEA, ICA, and Midwest. Additionally, he was a featured soloist with the TCU Jazz Band at Sundance Square.
Christian held several leadership roles at TCU, including Section Leader, Drum Major for the Horned Frog Marching Band, and Historian and Vice President of Service for his fraternity, Kappa Kappa Psi, and received the Outstanding Section Leader award.
Before attending TCU, Christian graduated from Chisholm Trail High School in Fort Worth, Texas. There, he served as a Section Leader and Drum Major, was a member of the TMEA 5A All-State Band, and received the John Philip Sousa Award.
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
James McNair- Grades 6-12
Email: [email protected] Remind: @29a22d4
James McNair is excited to begin his first year as the trombone and euphonium private lesson instructor for the Aledo ISD Band Program. Mr. McNair’s experience as a musician and music educator over the past 32 years is as vast as it is varied ranging from military musician to middle school band director to elementary music teacher to private lesson teacher to college professor.
Prior to his arrival in Aledo, Mr. McNair taught elementary music, middle school band, and high school band for 14 years in the Argyle ISD. During this time, the Argyle HS Marching Band was a 5-time UIL State Marching Band Gold Medalist and a 2-time Silver Medalist. Additionally, the Argyle Middle School Band performed at the prestigious Music For All Concert Band Festival in Indianapolis and the Argyle High School Wind Ensemble was named the 2022 TMEA 4A State Honor Band. Prior to his arrival in Argyle, Mr. McNair served as Assistant Professor of Music, Associate Director of Bands and Coordinator of Instrumental Music Education at Texas Christian University.
Previous to this appointment at TCU, Mr. McNair taught at Lake Highlands High School, The Colony High School and Cross Timbers Middle School. Mr. McNair is an active clinician, consultant, and adjudicator throughout the state and has been a clinician for the Texas Music Educators Convention and Texas Bandmasters Conventions in San Antonio. Mr. McNair is a former member of The “President’s Own” United States Marine Band in Washington, D.C. where he performed regularly at the White House for the President of the United States, on many Marine Band recordings, and on national tours. Mr. McNair is also in high demand as one of the most versatile freelance trombonists in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, performing regularly with the East Texas Symphony Orchestra, the Lewisville Lake Symphony Orchestra, the Plano Symphony Orchestra, and Imperial Brass. He has also performed with the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, the Dallas Opera, the Dallas Winds, the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, the Richardson Symphony Orchestra, the Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra, and the Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra.
As a soloist, he has appeared with the Argyle High School Wind Ensemble and the Coyle Middle School Band on their TMEA Honor Band performances. He has also performed as a soloist with The Colony High School Wind Symphony and the Rowlett High School Brass Quintet at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago. Mr. McNair is a two-time winner of the Eastern Trombone Workshop National Classical Solo Competition in Washington, D.C. Mr. McNair has maintained a private trombone studio throughout his career and has had multiple students make various All-State groups at TMEA. Mr. McNair’s students have been accepted to the University of North Texas, Southern Methodist University, Baylor University, Oklahoma State University, Indiana University, the Eastman School of Music, and the Manhattan School of Music. Mr. McNair was recognized at the 2016 TCU Trombone Summit and presented the “Unsung Hero Award” for his contributions to the trombone community through teaching and performance. Also in 2016, he was named Teacher of the Year for Argyle Intermediate School.
Email: [email protected] Remind: @29a22d4
James McNair is excited to begin his first year as the trombone and euphonium private lesson instructor for the Aledo ISD Band Program. Mr. McNair’s experience as a musician and music educator over the past 32 years is as vast as it is varied ranging from military musician to middle school band director to elementary music teacher to private lesson teacher to college professor.
Prior to his arrival in Aledo, Mr. McNair taught elementary music, middle school band, and high school band for 14 years in the Argyle ISD. During this time, the Argyle HS Marching Band was a 5-time UIL State Marching Band Gold Medalist and a 2-time Silver Medalist. Additionally, the Argyle Middle School Band performed at the prestigious Music For All Concert Band Festival in Indianapolis and the Argyle High School Wind Ensemble was named the 2022 TMEA 4A State Honor Band. Prior to his arrival in Argyle, Mr. McNair served as Assistant Professor of Music, Associate Director of Bands and Coordinator of Instrumental Music Education at Texas Christian University.
Previous to this appointment at TCU, Mr. McNair taught at Lake Highlands High School, The Colony High School and Cross Timbers Middle School. Mr. McNair is an active clinician, consultant, and adjudicator throughout the state and has been a clinician for the Texas Music Educators Convention and Texas Bandmasters Conventions in San Antonio. Mr. McNair is a former member of The “President’s Own” United States Marine Band in Washington, D.C. where he performed regularly at the White House for the President of the United States, on many Marine Band recordings, and on national tours. Mr. McNair is also in high demand as one of the most versatile freelance trombonists in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, performing regularly with the East Texas Symphony Orchestra, the Lewisville Lake Symphony Orchestra, the Plano Symphony Orchestra, and Imperial Brass. He has also performed with the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, the Dallas Opera, the Dallas Winds, the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, the Richardson Symphony Orchestra, the Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra, and the Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra.
As a soloist, he has appeared with the Argyle High School Wind Ensemble and the Coyle Middle School Band on their TMEA Honor Band performances. He has also performed as a soloist with The Colony High School Wind Symphony and the Rowlett High School Brass Quintet at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago. Mr. McNair is a two-time winner of the Eastern Trombone Workshop National Classical Solo Competition in Washington, D.C. Mr. McNair has maintained a private trombone studio throughout his career and has had multiple students make various All-State groups at TMEA. Mr. McNair’s students have been accepted to the University of North Texas, Southern Methodist University, Baylor University, Oklahoma State University, Indiana University, the Eastman School of Music, and the Manhattan School of Music. Mr. McNair was recognized at the 2016 TCU Trombone Summit and presented the “Unsung Hero Award” for his contributions to the trombone community through teaching and performance. Also in 2016, he was named Teacher of the Year for Argyle Intermediate School.
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.
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
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].