WVMEA Clinicians 2016
Brian Baldauff
Brian Baldauff is currently Assistant Professor of Percussion at West Liberty University in West Virginia.
In addition to directing the percussion ensemble, teaching applied lessons, percussion literature and
pedagogy courses, and percussion fundamentals for music education majors, he also directs the athletic
bands including the Marching Hilltoppers and the WLU Pep Band. Brian is a multifaceted performer and
pedagogue whose interests span contemporary and historic percussion literature, electronic sound, and
chamber music. Brian is active in the Percussive Arts Society community, currently serving as President
of the West Virginia Chapter. He holds degrees from the University of Central Florida and the University
of Michigan in Ann Arbor. His primary percussion teachers include Jeffrey Moore, Michael Udow, Joseph
Gramley, and John W. Parks IV. He is currently a Doctor of Music candidate at The Florida State
University. Please visit www.brianbaldauff.com for more information.
Sponsored by West Liberty University, Innovative Percussion, Sabian Ltd., Remo Inc., and Black Swamp
Percussion
Jessica Baldwin
From a young age, Jessica has loved singing, playing, and listening to very different styles of music.
Since she couldn't pick just one style to study, she earned classical singing and voice pedagogy degrees
from Alderson-Broaddus University and Meredith College and then studied at the CCM Voice Pedagogy
Institute in CCM genres like soul, R&B, blues, jazz, funk, country, and musical theatre. In her private
studio, she teaches students of all ages, skill levels, and genres. She also teaches voice pedagogy at
Marietta College. She is an Advanced Voice Specialist Certified Teacher in the Royal Conservatory Music
Development Program and has completed the highest certification in Somatic Voicework™ The LoVetri
Method, a scientifically-based approach that keeps voices healthy in whatever genres singers choose.
She is a member of NATS, The Voice Foundation, MENC, and ACDA.
Samuel Barbara
Dr. Samuel Barbara is Director of Choral Activities and assistant professor of music at Westminster
College in New Wilmington, Pennsylvania, where he conducts the Chamber, Concert and Men’s Choirs,
and teaches choral methods, literature and conducting. He completed his doctorate in choral music at the
University of Southern California, where he was senior teaching assistant in the Department of Choral
and Sacred Music and assistant conductor of the renowned USC Thornton Chamber Singers. Before
arriving in Southern California, Dr. Barbara served as Director of Choirs at Cleveland High School in
Portland, Oregon where he was awarded the “Golden C” for excellence in teaching. Under his direction,
the Cleveland “A” Choir won the 5A Oregon State Choir Championships three times. Samuel earned his
Bachelor of Arts in Music and Master of Arts in Teaching degrees from the University of Portland. After
completing his undergraduate work, Samuel was awarded a Fulbright Grant to teach English and study
music in Weimar, Germany.
Jonathan Robert Bucci
Jonathan Robert Bucci holds a BFA in Theatre Arts from Point Park University and is a Theatrical
Systems Integrator/Director of Operations for Integrated Theatre Systems in Pittsburgh PA. With
education and outreach being core tennants of his current position, his goal is to leverage his practical
theatre experience to empower educators. He uses his experience as a Stage Manager, Audio Designer,
Lighting Designer, and Production Manager to facilitate master classes and educational seminars with
many of his clients.
Sponsored by Integrated Theater Systems
Mike Christiansen
Mike Christiansen is Professor Emeritus in the Music Department at Utah State University. Mike founded
the guitar program at USU, and was Director of Guitar Studies at USU for 39 years. Mike received the
ASTA (American String Teachers Association) Utah Chapter Outstanding Collegiate Educator of the Year
Award in 2006. In December of 2012, Mike was selected as one of the U.S. Carnegie Professors of the
Year, and was also selected as the USU Caine College of the Arts Professor of the Year. Mike is a
renowned guitar educator and has taught workshops at many schools, and is a frequent clinician for
guitarists and educators at across the globe.
Sponsored by Consonus Music Institute
Shelby Clark
Shelby Clark is currently in her fourth year teaching strings at the elementary, middle, and high school
level in Marshall County, WV. She holds a B.M. in Music Education from Grove City College and is
working to complete the Master of Music in Music Education degree from Anderson University. She also
has earned a Level I Certificate in World Music Drumming. Ms. Clark is serving her first term as the
WVMEA Orchestra President and also chairs the WVMEA Middle School Orchestra which made its debut
at the West Virginia Music Educators Conference 2015.
Giovanna Cruz
Giovanna Cruz, MakeMusic Education Services Specialist is a cellist and educator with extensive
experience as an orchestral and chamber musician, college and private studio teacher, and public school
teacher. Giovanna was the Orchestra Director at James Bowie High School in the Austin Independent
School District from 2007 to 2014, where she taught more than 120 students annually in four orchestras.
Her varsity group earned sweepstakes at UIL Concert and Sight-Reading contest in 2009, 2010, 2011,
2012 and 2014 and performed in festivals across the country, namely in Corpus Christi and Richmond,
VA. Her other groups earned excellent ratings at the same competitions. She was and continues to be a
champion of SmartMusic and fully implemented the use of the software with all of her students. Giovanna
holds the degrees of Bachelor of Education from the Universidad Metropolitana in Caracas, Venezuela,
and Master and Doctor of Musical Arts in cello performance from the University of Iowa. Since joining
MakeMusic in July of 2014, Giovanna has presented SmartMusic clinics and training workshops in
Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Kentucky, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Texas and Wisconsin.
She also had an article published in the 2015 January issue of the SBO magazine titled “Technology
Tools to Help Orchestra Students Develop Critical Thinking Skills.”
Sponsored by MakeMusic Inc., including Finale, Garritan, Music XML, and SmartMusic
Adam Dalton
Adam Dalton is currently the Director of Athletic Bands for Marshall University where he oversees the
Marching Thunder and basketball pep bands. He also conducts the Marshall Symphonic Band and serves
as the recruitment director for the music department.
Andrea Hasley
Andrea “Andi” Hasley is currently in her 14th year as a music educator in West Virginia. Originally from
Keyser, WV, Mrs. Hasley obtained her bachelor’s of Music degree from West Virginia University in 2002.
She received her Master’s of Arts in Teaching (Instructional Leadership) from American Public University
in May of 2012. Upon completion of her Bachelor’s Degree, she taught general music and beginning
band in Mineral County, WV before accepting the general music position at Opequon Elementary in
Berkeley County, where she taught for eight years. Mrs. Hasley is currently in her fourth year as choir
director at Martinsburg North Middle School, in Martinsburg, WV. In addition to her teaching duties, she
serves at the Berkeley County Music Coordinator, overseeing curriculum and staff development for the 56
music teachers in the county. In addition, Mrs. Hasley has been a Teacher of the Year nominee for
Opequon Elementary (2011) and North Middle School (2015), and was chosen as a top 5 finalist for
Berkeley County in 2015. She has presented various sessions on arts integration at the county, state and
regional level, and was a Goldan Holtan award winner at the WV Center for Teaching Math conference.
Andi serves as President-Elect of WVMEA.
Andi is married to James Hasley, who serves at the band director at North Middle. They have two
children; Audrey and Grant. Andi is a member of Arden United Methodist Church, where she coordinates
the children’s music activities and serves on the pastor/parish relations committee.
Paul D. Head
Sponsored by West Virginia University
Richard Mark Heidel
Richard Mark Heidel is Director of Bands in the School of Music at The University of Iowa where he
conducts the Symphony Band, teaches graduate courses in conducting and band literature, guides the
graduate band conducting program, and oversees all aspects of the University of Iowa band program.
Ensembles under Dr. Heidel’s direction have performed at national, regional, and state conferences
including those of the College Band Directors National Association, Music Educators National
Conference, Iowa Bandmasters Association, Wisconsin Music Educators Association, Illinois Music
Educators Association, and National Band Association-Wisconsin Chapter. He has also led concert tours
to Ireland and England as well as throughout the Midwest.
Sponsored by the University of Iowa
John Hendricks, III
John Hendricks, III is presently serving as Assistant Dean for the College of Creative Arts at West Virginia
University, in addition to serving as Director of Bands for the School of Music. His teaching duties include
serving as conductor of the Wind Symphony and instructing conducting courses on the graduate level.
His past duties at WVU include serving as Associate Director of Bands, Director of the Mountaineer
Marching Band, Conductor of the Symphonic Band, Assistant Chair for the School of Music, and
coordinator of all undergraduate music academic advising. Prior to his appointments at WVU, he held the
position of Assistant Director of Bands at Rutgers University in New Jersey. He received his Masters
Degree in Conducting and his Bachelors Degree in Music Education from West Virginia University. He
also served for five years as the band director at Spencer High School in Spencer, WV. Besides his
current administrative and teaching duties, Professor Hendricks is active as a guest conductor for various
honor groups on the county, district, regional, and all-state levels. He also serves frequently as an
adjudicator and clinician throughout the eastern United States. He has had chapters published in several
volumes of the popular Teaching Music Through Performance in Band series by GIA Publications. His
current research is focused upon the use of hymns in wind band music. He is a member of several
professional music affiliations including the College Band Directors National Association, National Band
Association, National Association for Music Education, Phi Beta Mu, and Kappa Kappa Psi. Professor
Hendricks is a past recipient of the “West Virginia Band Director of the Year” award presented by the Tau
Chapter of Phi Beta Mu. Professor Hendricks has been an arranger for university and high school bands,
as well as a coordinator for various events and conferences. He is active in the music program at Wesley
United Methodist Church in Morgantown.
Cody Hunter
Cody Hunter is currently the director of bands for East Hardy schools in Baker, West Virginia. He is also a
doctoral candidate in bassoon at the University of Memphis, with a minor concentration in music theory.
Prior to studying in Memphis, Cody earned his Master of Music degree from the University of Minnesota
and his Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. In addition
to West Virginia, Cody has held secondary and collegiate teaching positions in Wisconsin, Tennessee,
and Arkansas. As a bassoonist, Cody has performed with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, Arkansas
Symphony, Symphony Orchestra Augusta, and the Central Wisconsin Symphony. Cody’s dissertation is
on the history and current use of bassoon speaker keys, an essential, yet overlooked, technique for
beginning bassoonists. His bassoon teachers include Lecolion Washington, John Miller, Norbert
Nielubowski, and Patricia Holland.
Joseph Jancura
Joe Jancura is a graduate student pursuing his master’s degree in music education at the School of
Music at West Virginia University. He holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from West Virginia
University, as well. Joe was previously the choral director and assistant marching band director at
Barnesville Exempted Village Schools in Barnesville, Ohio from 2010 – 2014. During this time, Joe taught
three choruses (5th and 6th grade, 7th and 8th grade, and 9th-12th grade) and produced/directed four
high school musicals.
Justin Jones
Justin Jones graduated Summa Cum Laude with honors from Youngstown State University in 2010 with a
Bachelor of Music in Music Education where he was member of the Honors and University Scholars
Programs. Currently is in his sixth year of teaching in Marshall County Schools, Justin teaches
elementary, middle, and high school strings as well as middle school guitar. Additionally, he serves as
conductor for the Wheeling Symphony Youth Orchestra Sinfonietta and is music director at the Middle
Grave Creek Church of God in Moundsville. For the past nine years, Justin has served as music director
for the Strand Theater. Justin has completed Level I of World Music Drumming and GAMA Teaching
Guitar Workshop.
Brian Lange
Brian Lange is the choir director, assistant band director, and Fine Arts Department Chair at Spring Mills
High School in Martinsburg (Berkeley County). Mr. Lange holds a M.M in Wind Conducting from The
Peabody Conservatory and a B.M. in Music Education and Tuba Performance from Oberlin College.
Before coming to West Virginia, Mr. Lange taught Band and Orchestra in the Baltimore County Schools
for eight years.
Raymond Lowther
Ray Lowther joined the West Virginia Department of Education in November 2914 as the Coordinator of
Professional Learning and Educator Effectiveness. An advocate of professional learning communities and
dcollaborative teaming, he led the Catalyst School Project through the WVDE. Having a background and
passion for arts education, he recently transitioned to the Arts Coordinator position within the department.
Dr. Lowther has served students, teachers and administrators in five states as a teacher, principal (of a
visual and performing arts magnet school), and a district office and state level administrator. He is the
author of multiple ESEA grants, participated in an administrator exchange to Russia with the United
States Information Agency (USIA) and was a Kennedy Center Teacher Fellow. A published composer
and choral conductor, he holds degrees in music educaiton, gifted education and curriculum and
instruction from Ohio University and Ashland University and a doctorate in administration and policy from
The George Washington University.
Sponsored by the West Virginia Department of Education
Jason Noland
Jason teaches General Music, Strings, Band, and Choir at Simpson Elementary in Harrison County. He
holds a B.A. in Music Education, as well as a M.Ed in Online Learning from Fairmont State University.
Jason is currently pursuing an Ed.D in Curriculum & Instruction from West Virginia University where his
major research emphases are curriculum evaluation of Music courses in online K-12 schools- especially
concentrating on their alignment with the National Standards for Music Education, and developing a
curriculum incorporating Middle Eastern Music in the General Music classroom. Some of his accolades
include the 2015 WVSGM Teacher of the Year, 2015 Fairmont State University Outstanding Young
Alumnus in Music Award, and Southern Division ACDA Colleen Kirk Award (2010). Jason has recently
completed Orff Level 1 Certification at Baldwin-Wallace University under Tim Purdum, Alan Purdum, and
Laura Webster; as well as Smithsonian Folkways Certification in World Music Pedagogy at West Virginia
University.
Brian Peterson
Brian Peterson (BA, BA II, MA, EdM) has taught instrumental, choral, and elementary music in California
public, private, and charter schools since 1999. He presently teaches at William Finch Charter High
School (Orland, CA) and in an adjunct capacity at Shasta College (Redding, CA). His ensembles earned
“superior” ratings at CMEA region festivals and bronze, silver, and gold certificates at CMEA State Solo
and Ensemble events. In addition to teaching, Mr. Peterson is an active performer (woodwinds), church
organist, and conductor (choral) in the Northern California. His current research interests involve
facilitating collaborative relationships among experienced music educators with pre-service/entering
candidates in order to promote optimal retention. Recent presentations include: Massachusetts Music
Educators Association (MMEA) state conference, Mississippi Music Educations Association/American
Choral Directors (MMEA/ACDA) state conference, Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA), Pacific
Northwest Music Educators Association, Rhode Island Music Educators Association (RIMEA), and the
Nevada Music Educators Association (NMEA).
James Reddan
Dr. James Reddan is the Director of Choral Activities and Choral Music Education at Frostburg State
University in Frostburg, Maryland. Ensembles under Reddan’s direction have been recognized both
domestically and international with performances at Christchurch Cathedral in Dublin, London’s Royal
Academy of Music, the 2008 (Beijing) and 2012 (London) Summer Olympics, and Champions of the
Open Competition – Mixed Chamber Choirs category of the 8th World Choir Games in Riga, Latvia. An
active conductor, scholar, and clinician, Reddan received the citation for “Excellence in Music Education”
and recognized as the conductor for the first Honored Artist Choral Ensemble by the American Prize in
Choral Performance. Reddan received the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Music Education from Boston
University, the Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting and Music Education from the University of
Oregon (Eugene), and the Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from McDaniel College (Westminster,
Maryland).
Gregory Roman
Gregory Roman joined QuaverMusic.com in 2012 as Key Account Representative for Florida and the
Mid-Atlantic States. Gregory is highly sought after as a presenter and clinician on the local, state and
national level and is a specialist in general music and choral music pedagogy. Gregory holds a bachelors
and masters degree from the University of South Florida in music performance and education. He holds
certifications in Orff and Kodaly process. Gregory is a professional tenor, conductor and instrumentalist.
He resides in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Sponsed by QuaverMusic
Rob Sanderl
Robert Sanderl is a native of upstate New York and is a percussion performer, educator, composer, and
pedagogue in the United States. Currently Sanderl is Associate Professor of Music at Radford University
in Radford Virginia, where he is director of the award winning Radford University Percussion Ensemble.
Sanderl received his bachelors of Music Education with a Performers Certificate from the Crane School of
Music, and his MM and DMA from The Eastman School of Music along with the coveted Performers
Certificate.
Sponsored by Yamaha, Sabian, Innovative Percussion, and Remo
Kym Scott
Dr. Kym Scott is the Director of Choral Activities at West Virginia University where she conducts four
choirs, teaches undergraduate conducting, and graduate choral literature, choral techniques, and choral
conducting. She graduated from the University of Southern California in 2015 where she received a
Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Choral Music. Having only recently arrived in West Virginia, Kym is
eager to connect with music educators and students throughout the state. She was thrilled to conduct the
WVACDA All-State High School Honor Choir in January and to host the WVU High School Choral Festival
with Eric Whitacre in February. As a native of Australia, Kym is very passionate about the music of her
country and enjoys sharing this great repertoire with music educators throughout the United States and
beyond. In 2014, she presented on this topic at the World Choral Symposium in Seoul, South Korea and
continues to present throughout the United States on a regular basis.
Katie Smith
Originally from Salisbury, MD, Katie Smith is a 2012 graduate of West Virginia University, where she
received her B.M. in Music Education with an emphasis in voice. Smith studied voice with Dr. Hope
Koehler and both choral and orchestral conducting with Dr. Mitchell Arnold and Dr. Kathleen Shannon.
After graduation, Smith studied abroad in Ghana, Africa with Dr. Mike Vercelli, where she spent time
collecting children's game songs and studying drum and dance. Smith began her teaching
career at Martinsburg North Middle School, where she taught general music, directed an African drum
and dance ensemble, and assistant directed the show choir. While at North, she acquired many world
percussion instruments through grant money. Currently in her third year as choir director at Martinsburg
High School, Smith directs and accompanies Lady Choraliers, Good Times Show Choir, Perfect
Harmony, and Concert Choir, as well as teaches Music Appreciation. Under her direction, the MHS
ensembles have received multiple awards and superior ratings, as well as been awarded numerous
grant monies. Additionally, Ms. Smith is the Region 8 chair for WVVMA and manages the MHS Concert
and Show Choir Festival.
Jeannine A. Sturm
Dr. Jeannine A. Sturm teaches strings in Martinsburg (Berkeley County) at Potomack Intermediate
School, Spring Mills Middle School and Spring Mills High School. She holds a Ph.D. in Music Education
with a minor in Orchestral Conducting from The University of Arizona (Tucson). While in Arizona, Dr.
Sturm served as the director of the UA String Project, a musical outreach program for local Tucson
children ages 3-14, supervised student teachers, and taught string techniques to undergraduate students.
An upper string specialist (violin and viola), Dr. Sturm has taught strings in several school districts across
Long Island, New York and in Tucson, Arizona. She is published in the Journal of Historical Research in
Music Education and the national journal for the American String Teachers Association (AST). Dr. Sturm's
research interest is the history of string education in the United States.
Jim Tinter
Jim Tinter is a composer, clinician, publisher and retired public school music educator from Medina, Ohio.
He has presented dozens of workshops for The National Association for Music Education, The American
Orff-Schulwerk Association, The American Recorder Society and The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and
Museum. His six publications have received rave reviews from American Recorder, and the Jazz
Education Journal as well as from teachers and students in the U.S., Canada and Taiwan. Jim’s dynamic
and interactive presentations incorporate moving, singing, and playing instruments, in addition to an
inspiring and entertaining multi-media presentation with audio and video clips of his students in action.
Sponsored by Peripole
Jody Underwood
Jody has been working in the field of music education technology for nearly 15 years. His cutting-edge
product knowledge (of music, audio, video and computer technology) is evident in his daily interactions
with teachers. Because of his love of music, Jody also devotes many non-working hours to utilizing his
musical gifts at church. In addition to leading the church band from the piano during weekly services, he
also writes and records new worship songs in his home studio. Jody resides in Murfreesboro, TN with his
wife, Roxanne, and 2 beautiful daughters, Ryley and Delaney. Jody earned his BA in Commercial
Keyboard with a Technology Emphasis at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee.
Sponsored by Romeo Music
Brian Wagner
Brian Wagner received his BA and MSED in Music Education from the Aaron Copland School of Music.
He is currently split between two schools in Brooklyn, NYC, where he teaches students with severe
special needs, in addition to students who are gifted and talented. Mr. Wagner has taught k-6 general
music, string orchestra, and musical theatre. He has presented, and co-presented, at the past two
NYSSMA Winter Conferences, in addition to presenting for NYC, NAfME Biennial Eastern Division
Conference, and an online webinar professional development for NAfME. He has also had an article
published in School Music News. He is a classically trained cellist, and is currently principal cellist of the
New York Symphonic Arts Ensemble.
Kyle J. Weary
Recognized as a leader in teaching music literacy and contemporary commercial music, Kyle J. Weary
has been invited to present educational sessions in Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey,
Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Texas. Kyle’s articles on teaching music literacy and vocal pedagogy in
the choral rehearsal have appeared in Choral Director Magazine. In 2013, Kyle has had the honor of
being nominated for the new GRAMMY music educator award. In 2015, Kyle has been nominated for
Washington County’s Teacher of the Year and has been selected as a quarterfinalist for the 2016
GRAMMY music educator award. Kyle is the Lead Teacher of the Vocal Music Department at Barbara
Ingram School for the Arts. Kyle also maintains a private studio teaching voice and previously served on
the faculty at Shepherd University. As guest conductor, Kyle has conducted honor choirs in Allegany
County (MD) Washington County (MD), Vermont, and with The Maryland Symphony Orchestra. The
Barbara Ingram Choral ensemble had their first Carnegie Hall appearance in 2010. Kyle's students have
been selected as members for Maryland All State Junior and Senior choirs, All Eastern Choir, and All
National Choir. Kyle's choral ensembles are consistently rated superior at District and State choral
festivals. Kyle has a Bachelor of Music Education and Master of Music in Conducting from Shenandoah
Conservatory of Music. Kyle is also a graduate of the Contemporary Commercial Musical Theatre Vocal
Pedagogy Institute - Level III Certified Somatic™ Voicework - The LoVetri Method.
Laura Webster
Laura Webster B.A., MMEd., has taught K-12 general and choral music for 18 years at Hathaway Brown
School in Ohio. Laura has Orff Schulwerk and Kodaly Certification . Webster teaches movement for all
three Levels of Orff certification and has been published in the Orff Echo.
George Willis
George Willis has been the director of the WVU percussion department since 2004. His background is in
orchestral percussion and contemporary music. Over the past 30 years, Associate Professor Willis has
performed around the world with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. He performed countless
contemporary music works with the Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble and the WVU Faculty Chamber
Group. He has solo marimba and percussion recordings on the MMC label. Professor Willis has
performed fife and drum music around the United States and in Switzerland. He directs the WVU fife and
drum corps as a performing, educational, and outreach ensemble. The WVU fife and drum corps is
capturing a lost musical and historical art form. Students, faculty, and administrators are very excited for
this program since it touches many important educational points including musical concepts, WV history,
and outreach to the community.
Sponsored by West Virginia University
Rachel Whitcomb
Rachel Whitcomb is Associate Professor of Music Education at Duquesne University where she teaches
undergraduate and graduate courses in music education on the topics of early childhood and elementary
general music, creativity, and music for students with special needs. Dr. Whitcomb’s professional
interests have included improvisation in elementary general music and the role of music in preschools.
She has recently conducted studies focusing on the nature and extent to which improvisation is occurring
in elementary general music classrooms. She has also studied preschool teachers’ perceptions of the
role of music in early childhood instruction. Her work has been published in Journal of Research in Music
Education, Music Educators Journal, Research and Issues in Music Education, Teaching Music, The Orff
Echo, The Kodály Envoy, and General Music Today. She is a frequent presenter at international, national,
regional, state, and local professional development conferences for music educators and early childhood
teachers.
Lindsey Williams
Lindsey Williams joined the music education faculty at West Virginia University in fall 2015. At WVU, Dr.
Williams teaches courses in music education and conducting, coordinates the Access program for the
College of Creative Arts and facilitates outreach activities throughout the state. Prior to his appointment at
WVU, he was a member of the music education faculty at UMKC. Dr. Williams' public school teaching
includes elementary, junior high, and high school instrumental and choral music. He is an active
performer, conductor and clinician for music educators and musicians from junior high to senior adults
throughout the United States and Southeast Asia. Williams earned his music education degrees from
Florida State University and University of Kansas. In 2012, Williams was named a Fulbright Scholar and
worked with music education students and researchers in Thailand. A respected researcher, his interests
include musicians' focus of attention, musical complexity, life-long learning and music teacher training.
Guest Performance
Slide Advantage Sponsored by Murray State University
Slide Advantage is a unique chamber ensemble featuring five to nine trombonists selected from the
Studio and the Trombone Choir. Slide Advantage performs both Classical and Jazz Repertoire. Slide
Advantage and the Trombone Choir have been selected to perform at numerous state, national and
international conferences. Recent and forthcoming concerts include the National Association for Music
Educators Conference (October 2015 – Nashville, TN), the West Virginia Music Educators Conference
(March 2015 – Charleston, WV), and the American Trombone Festival (March 2015 – Washington D.
C./Arlington, VA).
Ray Conklin, Conductor
Ray Conklin joined the Murray State University faculty in 1973 and currently holds the rank of professor.
He has served in administrative positions as the chair of the Depart- ment of Music and the president of
the Faculty Senate. Conklin presently teaches Low Brass (Trombone, Bass Trombone, Euphonium, and
Tuba), Brass Repertoire and Pedagogy, and conducts/coaches Brass Chamber Music. His
conducting/coaching responsibilities include the Brass Choir, the Brass Quintets, the Trombone Choir
and Slide Advantage, and the Tuba Euphonium Ensemble and the Tuba Euphonium Quartets. Conklin
received Murray State University’s most prestigious award, the Board of Regents Teaching Excellence
Award. He has performed with many orchestras in Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, New
York, and Texas. Conklin has also been a freelance/commercial trombonist and performed with many
major jazz artists as well. He has also taught on college and university music faculties in Iowa,
Pennsylvania and Texas, and has been on the faculty of the Sewanee Summer Music Institute. Conklin’s
students are currently teaching in colleges/universities in the United States and Europe and in the public
schools throughout the United States, Canada, and Australia. His students are also performing in
orchestras and bands throughout the United States and Europe. Conklin has toured Europe, China,
Japan, Australia and New Zealand presenting solo and ensemble recitals and master classes. He
received his education at the University of Louisville and the University of North Texas. His teachers
include Ernest Lyon, Leon Brown, Louis Van Haney, Mel Jernigan, Arnold Jacobs, et al. Conklin has
studied Jazz Improvisation/Education with Jamey Aebersold, David Baker, and Rich Matteson. He has
also studied conducting with David Livingston and Anshel Brusilow.
Sim Flora, Guest Artist, Trombone/Flute
Gifted trombonist and flautist Dr. Sim Flora is professor emeritus of music theory and composition at
Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, where he taught music theory, jazz studies, and
music technology courses. A native of Southern Illinois, Flora earned his Ph.D. in music education from
The University of Oklahoma, his master of Master of Music education from Ouachita Baptist University,
and a Bachelor of Music from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.
His unique and varied career has included public school teaching in Illinois, free-lance trombone work on
the West Coast and St. Louis area and a seven – year tenure as musical director at Six Flags Over St.
Louis. Currently, Flora works throughout the United States as an active soloist/clinician in the areas of
jazz education and trombone performance, working with high school, college and professional
organizations. He has also served on the faculty of Clark Terry’s All – American jazz Camps and held
college teaching positions at the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma Baptist University. Flora also
served on the faculty of the Joe Alessi Seminar in the summer of 2011.
Flora has instrumental arrangements published by Southern Music, choral anthems published by the G.
Lorenz Company, and children’s songs published by LifeWay Christian Resources. Flora plays custom
trombones built by Michael Rath of England.
ENSEMBLE CONDUCTORS/ACCOMPANISTS
All-State Band Conductor
David Saleeba Albert
David Saleeba Albert started his musical career in Elizabeth City, North Carolina under the direction of
Scott C. Callaway playing Trombone, Flute, Bassoon and Percussion in the School Band. He attended
Berklee College of Music in Boston Mass during which time he was also a studio drummer. He finished
his Music Education Degree at East Carolina University in Greenville, NC and became the Conductor of
the Band Program in Elizabeth City after Mr. Callaway retired. Ten years later, he moved to Raleigh, NC,
where he was selected to start the Band Program and Chair the Arts Department of Leesville Road High
School.
Bands under Mr. Albert’s baton have performed at numerous State Conventions and performed in many
major cities in the U.S including the Midwest Clinic in Chicago. Il. Mr. Albert retired from North Carolina
Public Schools on 1 July 11 with 31 years of service. Mr. Albert has mentored with Buddy Rich and
performed with the Dorsey Brothers Orchestra as well as with Butch Miles, Joe Ascione, Milt Hinton, Don
Menza, Buddy Baker, and Tommy Newsome. Mr. Albert was a student of the “Tonight Show” drummer,
Ed Shaughnessy. Along with teaching, conducting, and performing clinics, Mr. Albert can be heard in a
variety of Symphony, Symphonic Band, and Jazz settings as well as being the co-leader and holding
down the drum chair of Albert-Hobbs Big Band.
Mr. Albert served as President of the North Carolina Bandmasters Association and is now Past President
of The North Carolina Music Educators Association. He is a member of The American School Band
Directors Association and is an Honorary Member of Phi Mu Alpha. In 1998, he was appointed by the
Governor of North Carolina to serve on the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Music
Committee to develop the National Standards for NBPTS. He has been a member of the North Carolina
Music Educators Association and the North Carolina Association of Educators for thirty-three years. Mr.
Albert recently served the North Carolina Symphony as Director of Education.
Mr. Albert is an Endorsing Artist/Clinician for Ludwig/Musser, a division of Conn-Selmer. In addition, he
often guest conducts Honor Bands, presents seminars in Student Leadership, and adjudicates festival
events.
Mr. Albert is married to the former Margaret Cowan has two sons, Joseph Taylor and Christopher David
and, one step-son, John Christian. Taylor and Christopher David and one step-son,
John Christian
All-State Children’s Chorus Conductor
Michael Wu
Michael Wu has served as a guest conductor, adjudicator and presenter for middle school and children’s
choirs extensively in Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania. He works at Landon School, Bethesda,
Maryland, where he teaches choral and general music to grades 6-12. At Faith United Methodist Church,
Rockville, Maryland, he serves as Director of Music. From 2006 – 2014, he led Bel Canto Chorus for the
Children’s Chorus of Washington (CCW). His ensembles sang for John Rutter, toured New York,
Chicago, Philadelphia and Boston, and collaborated with Anima Young Singers of Greater Chicago,
Virginia Children’s Chorus, Boston Children’s Chorus, Princeton Girl Choir, and the Pennsylvania Girl
Choir. He has composed and arranged music (member ASCAP), and has been published by Boosey &
Hawkes. He is currently a doctoral candidate in choral conducting at George Mason University. He has
earned Artist-Teacher Certification from the Choral Music Experience at Ithaca College and in Chicago;
he has completed OAKE Kodaly Music Education courses at Westminster Choir College, and he holds
degrees in music from Northwestern University and Peabody Conservatory.
All-State Children’s Chorus Accompanist
John Morrison
John Morrison is a member of the music faculty in the School of Fine Arts of Fairmont State University. At
FSU Mr. Morrison teaches piano and strings, and serves as choir and recital accompanist. He has
performed with the FSU choir on tours in Toronto, northern Virginia, and Miami, FL. Prior to FSU, he was
an accompanist for WVU’s Choral Union and a staff accompanist at the Interlochen Arts Camp in
Michigan. A member of WVMTA, in the Fall of 2014 he was the site coordinator for the WVMTA State
Conference hosted at FSU. Mr. Morrison is the music director and organist of First Presbyterian Church
in Fairmont where he directs the Chancel and Cambridge Handbell Choirs and plays the Moller pipe
organ for services. During the summers he has music directed and performed shows at FSU and West
Virginia Public Theatre. He is an active freelance accompanist in the area, as well violinist. John holds a
double Bachelor's Degree in Piano Performance and French and a Master's Degree in Piano
Performance from WVU. His piano studies were with Dr. Marina Schmidt, Dr. Peter Amstutz, and Dr.
Christine Kefferstan.
All-State Chorus Conductor
Tim Sharp
Tim Sharp is Executive Director of the American Choral Directors Association. Dr. Sharp pursues an
aggressive agenda of progressive initiatives to keep ACDA energized and relevant in the 21st century,
inspiring ACDA’s membership to excellence in choral music performance, education, composition, and
advocacy. Tim is also in his fifth season as Artistic Director of the Tulsa Oratorio Chorus, Tulsa, where
critics characterize his performances as having “stunning power” and “great passion and precision”.
Before coming to ACDA, Sharp was Dean of Fine Arts at Rhodes College, Memphis, where he conducted
the Rhodes Singers and MasterSingers Chorale. Earlier, he was Director of Choral Activities at Belmont
University where he conducted the Belmont Chorale and Oratorio Chorus.
Sharp’s publications include Mentoring in the Ensemble Arts, Precision Conducting, Up Front! Becoming
the Complete Choral Conductor, Achieving Choral Blend and Balance, Memphis Music Before the Blues,
Nashville Music Before Country, Jubilate! Amen!, Collaborative Creativity, and a variety of articles,
essays, and CD liner notes. His most recent publication is the historical-critical edition Johannes Herbst:
Hymns to be Sung at the Pianoforte. Published compositions and arrangements exhibit his interest in
conceptual programming as seen in the collections Salvation is Created, An Early American Service of
Lessons and Carols, the young voices series including Christmas Messiah for Young Voices, his own
choral series through Gentry Publications, and A High Lonesome Bluegrass Mass, in which he regularly
performs as a guest banjo player.
Tim received undergraduate degree at Belmont University, and his MCM and DMA degree from The
School of Church Music, Louisville, KY. His post-doctoral work has taken place at the Aspen Music
School, Aspen; the NEH Medieval Studies program at Harvard University; throughout Belgium on a
Rotary Scholarship; and at Cambridge University, where he is a Clare Hall Life Fellow.
All-State Chorus Accompanist
Jan Corrothers
Jan Corrothers is a Collaborative Pianist and Organist based in the Greater Cincinnati region where she
is a member of the Xavier University music faculty as Choral Staff Accompanist and Instructor of Music,
as well as Principal Accompanist of the award-winning Cincinnati Children’s Choir, under the direction of
Robyn Lana, in residence at the University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music.
In demand as a collaborative pianist, Jan performs regularly as accompanist for many choral conventions,
workshops and reading sessions across the United States, including the 2014 ACDA Southern Division
Director’s Chorus, the 2013 National ACDA Community Youth/Boy Choir Honor Choir in Dallas, TX, the
2012 Southern Division ACDA Children’s Honor Choir, MENC All State Choruses in KY and WV, and the
Fellowship of American Baptist Musician’s (FABM) national conference among others. She regularly
collaborates with the Festival Singers of Florida, under the direction of Dr. Kevin Fenton, and Cincinnati’s
Vocal Arts Ensemble (VAE), under the direction of Craig Hella Johnson.
Jan has presented workshops on the art of choral collaboration for organizations including Chorus
America and the West Virginia Baptist Convention. She currently serves as national Board President of
the Fellowship of American Baptist Musicians.
Previously, Jan held positions as Staff Accompanist and Adjunct Lecturer of Music at Northern KY
University, Alderson Broaddus University and Marietta College. She also served as Director of Music and
organist at the First Baptist Church of Parkersburg, WV.
Jan received the Master of Music degree in Organ Performance from Shenandoah University
Conservatory of Music and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Organ Performance and Church Music from
Alderson Broaddus University. In 2008, Jan was the recipient of the Alderson Broaddus University
Outstanding Young Alumni Award.
All-State Middle School Orchestra Conductor
Leo Ficks
Born in Pittsburgh, Leo Ficks holds a Bachelor of Music in violin performance from Indiana University and
Masters of Music in conducting from Youngstown State University. His violin teachers have included
Josef Gingold, David Cerone, Christian Ferras, Andres Cardenes and Aaron Rosand. He has attended
the Tanglewood, National Repertory Orchestra and Internationale Academie d’Ete in Nice France music
festivals. Currently Ficks is the Orchestra Director at New Canaan High School where he also teaches
Music Technology. He has also held teaching positions at Slippery Rock University in PA, University of
Bridgeport CT, West Liberty State University in WV, and Trumbull CT Public Schools. His conducting
credits include the Pittsburgh Opera, Ovations Youth Orchestra, and the Bridgeport Youth Symphony
Orchestra. Leo and his family lived in Wheeling WV from 1992-95 as he was the concertmaster of the
Wheeling Symphony and Music Director of the Ovations Youth Orchestra. Ficks was a violinist in the
Honolulu HI Symphony from 1985-91. Mr. Ficks has been privileged to perform with Leonard Bernstein,
Seji Ozawa, Dizzy Gillespie, Page/Plant, and Frank Sinatra among others.
All-State High School School Orchestra Conductor
Dr. Kevin M. Geraldi
DR. KEVIN M. GERALDI is Associate Professor of Conducting at the University of North Carolina at
Greensboro. As Director of Orchestral Activities and Associate Director of Bands, he conducts the UNCG
Symphony Orchestra, Symphonic Band, and Casella Sinfonietta, and is associate conductor of the UNCG
Wind Ensemble. In addition, he teaches graduate and undergraduate conducting, coordinates the
Southeast Honors String Festival, is associate director of the UNCG Summer Music Camp, and co-directs
the Carolina Band Festival and Conductors Conference. Previously, he taught at Lander University in
Greenwood, SC, in the public schools of Westchester, IL, and served as assistant conductor of the
Central Illinois and Michigan Youth Symphonies.
Dr. Geraldi appears regularly as a guest conductor and he maintains an active schedule as a clinician
and adjudicator throughout the country. He has presented clinics at the North Carolina and South
Carolina Music Educators Association Conferences, and at National and Southern Division CBDNA
Conventions. With UNCG ensembles, he has performed in the Music Center at Strathmore, at the
national CBDNA conventions in Austin, TX, and Greensboro, NC, at the American Bandmasters
Association convention in Norfolk, VA, twice at the NCMEA conference, and recorded several
commercially available compact discs. A proponent of contemporary music and chamber music, he has
commissioned and premiered numerous compositions and published articles in leading journals and other
publications. His compact disc leading the Minerva Chamber Ensemble, featuring works by Johannes
Brahms and Louise Farrenc, is available on the Centaur Records label.
Dr. Geraldi holds the Doctor of Musical Arts and Master of Music degrees in conducting from the
University of Michigan where he studied with H. Robert Reynolds and Michael Haithcock. He received his
Bachelor of Music Education degree from Illinois Wesleyan University, where he studied conducting with
Steven Eggleston. Additionally, he has studied conducting privately and in seminars with teachers
including Gustav Meier, Kenneth Kiesler, Pierre Boulez, and Frederick Fennell. Dr. Geraldi is a recipient
of the Thelma A. Robinson Award, presented biennially by the Conductors Guild and the National
Federation of Music Clubs. In 2012, he was elected to membership in the prestigious American
Bandmasters Association. He is a member of the Conductors Guild, the College Orchestra Directors
Association, the College Band Directors National Association, the National Association for Music
Education, Pi Kappa Lambda, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and a National Arts Associate of Sigma Alpha Iota.