Edward Crader Vocal Technique for opera & musical theater, vocal coach for auditions Formal Education:  Bachelor of Music in Voice and Piano, Chicago Conservatory Continued Studies:  Ten years with Professor Ena Thiessen in Munich, Germany.  Vocal studies with Maria d’Albert, Rita Patene, Barbara Conrad in New York City. Awards / Accolades:  Invited by National Association of Singing Teachers  Received a full scholarship to the American Institute of Musical Studies, in Graz, Austria.  Recipient of $15,000 award from Bridgeport Area Foundation, Connecticut. Statement of philosophy:  Vocal training based on principles of Giovanni Battissta Lamperti’s bel conto techniques; using proper breath support and scale work to connect the vocal registers with ease; Instructing musical theater singers in the use of the chest voice. Experience / Performances:  Performed leading roles on Broadway and around the globe in such musicals as: Godspell; Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat; West Side Story; Jesus Christ, Superstar; The Boyfriend; Pippin; Guys & Dolls; My Fair Lady; Fanny; Showboat; Hello Dolly; Oklahoma; The Fantastics; A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and numerous revues. Butch Thomas
Saxophone and Flute
Formal Education:
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Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Music from Webster University
Statement of philosophy:
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“Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.” ― Socrates
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He has performed with The Temptations (1986), Thomas Dolby (1988), Dave Valentin
(1988) and Lenny Kravitz (1989).
His video credits include Lenny Kravitz’ hit “It Aint Over ‘Til It’s Over”, Queen Latifah’s “How Do I Love Thee” and
Sting’s “You Still Touch Me”.
Toured with superstar singer/guitarist Sting in 1996-97.
Had a feature spot on Aretha Franklin’s 1998 hit song “A Rose Is Still A Rose” written and produced by
singer/songwriter Lauren Hill.
Current single "Caribbean Woman" is his latest smash hit on the Spectra Jazz Label.
Luba Geyer Violin and Viola Formal Education:  Bachelor of Music, Music Education, college of Music, Russia  Master of Music, Music Education, Rostov Conservatory, Russia Statement of philosophy:  Working with students through their strengths and weaknesses to develop the discipline and dedication needed to succeed. Identifying student characteristics, working with the student to develop musical potential, artistic skills and self‐awareness while building love for the instrument. Experience / Performances:  Violin instructor for St. Petersburg College, FL; Taught at Music Academy for Children in Brooklyn, New York and College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Tampa, Tampa, Florida; Chamber musician in various recitals; Former member of the Symphony Orchestra, Russia; Active in the state and local community, e.g. grand opening of Clearwater Library and St. Petersburg College Library. Rosalia Maresca Voice and Piano; specializing in Opera, particularly Italian and French repertoire Formal Education:  Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, honorary alumni  Continued studies in Italy and New York City  Italian studies at Columbia University Awards / Accolades:  Rockefeller Foundation Award for studies abroad  First American Opera Auditions winner – debut in Milano, Italy  Radio Executives Club Award for “The most outstanding young talent on radio”  Who’s Who of American Women  Personalities of America for Contribution to Operatic Music  YWCA award for Outstanding Leadership in the Arts  Encore Award from the City of St. Petersburg for Best Classical Performance of the Year Statement of philosophy:  To pass on all that I have learned through a lifetime of experiences in the arts, teaching with honesty and caring, special effort is given to train and promote area talent. Experience / Performances:  Several performances at Carnegie Hall with the New York Philharmonic National and International concert & opera tours; performed her first opera at eighteen years of age; presented her own radio program in NYC; appeared on NBC Television Opera; special performance at the Metropolitan Opera to benefit Boy’s Town of Italy; Professor of Voice Manhattan School of Music; Director Florida Lyric Opera; finalist in Madame Butterfly International Competition, toured Japan in Concert. Susan Robinson Voice and piano Formal Education:  PhD in Fine Arts / Conduction, Texas Tech University  Music Master Conduction Ball State University, Indiana  Bachelor of Arts, Vocal Performance / Psychology, Susquehanna University Awards / Accolades:  Guest conductor across Europe and the United States  Recently returned from a successful European performance tour Experience / Performances:  Conductor of the St. Petersburg High School Orchestra. Has conducted the Central Florida Philharmonic Orchestra and the Central Florida Master Choir. Guest conductor with West Bohemian Symphony Orchestra, Czech Republic; Kiev State Symphony Orchestra, Ukraine; Vidin Philharmonic Orchestra, Bulgaria; Fayetteville Symphony, NC; St. Petersburg Symphony Orchestra, FL; San Angel Symphony, TX; Spokane Symphony, WA; Long Bay Symphony, SC; Dubuque Symphony Orchestra, IA Peggy Sheffield Acting, On Camera and Stage Formal Education:  Bachelor of Fine Arts Theatre, Florida State University, 1979 Awards / Accolades:  Robert B. Challener, 1975  Arbie Award for Best Actress Statement of philosophy:  My personal philosophy for providing acting lessons to my students is a reflection of my own experiences both acting and being a mother. I offer practical, sensible guidance on how to maximize each student’s unique attributes and talents in a loving way that encourages them to explore (and expand) their personal potential. My style is built on encouragement and honesty. I do not mislead students with false promises of instant success, but I do help them realize the joy and gratification that making the most of their skills in the performing arts can provide. Experience / Performances:  Professional actor for over 25 years, working in film, television, commercials, industrials, voiceovers and theatre. Member of SAG, AFTRA, and AEA. Credits include feature films Out of Time, Jeepers Creepers, Burning Bright and The Year of Getting To Know Us with Jimmy Fallon and Lucy Liu, TV’s One Tree Hill and HBO’s Recount, numerous commercials, and the Voice for a new gaming company at Armacham.com. Has also taught actors and coached privately in New York, Los Angeles and Florida as well as teaching workshops and adjudicating for State Thespian Festivals for the past several years. Constantine Grame Voice and Piano Formal Education:  Advanced Certificate from the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (London) Statement of philosophy:  To help students become the best musicians they can be, and to pass on the traditions of discipline and expression of emotions through music that I have been taught. Experience / Performances:  Studied music with his father, Theodore Grame, and holds and Advanced Certificate in Piano from the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music in London. He is Artistic Director of the New Century Opera, Staff Pianist for Opera Tampa and Music Director of the Gilbert and Sullivan Players (Clearwater). In recent years he has served as stage and musical director for “La seva padrona,” “Orfeo ed Euridice” “Das Rheingold”, “Die Walkure”, “Siegfried” “Gotterdammerung”, “Hansel and Gretel” and “Babes in Toyland”. His edition of the original Herbert/MacDonough text of “Babes in Toyland” has been recognized as the most authoritative version available today, and Mr. Grame is currently preparing the first printed orchestral score and parts from the original manuscripts. As music director he has directed “Tosca, HMS Pinafore, Utopia, Limited” and many other works. As piano accompanist he has accompanied Sherill Milnes, Maria Zouves, Stella Zambalis, Carole Cook, and Enrico de Giuseppe. He is an accompanist/voice coach and serves on the faculty of the Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts at Ruth Eckerd Hall, and as organist at First Church of Christ, Scientist in Dunedin, Mr. Grame’s own opera, “The Spoiler,” premiered in Tarpon Springs in 2004 and was revived there in 2008 Randy Allen Piano and Voice Formal Education: 
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Bachelor of Music from Stamford University Orff‐Schulwerk Certified at Levels I‐III Awards / Accolades:  Voted “Educator of the Year 2002‐2003” Experience / Performances: 
Director of Music at Lakewood Methodist Church Linda Switzer Voice Formal Education: 
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Master of Music Voice Performance from Cincinnati College‐Conservatory of Music Bachelor of Music Education from Longwood University in Farnville, VA Awards / Accolades:  Prize winner in the Florida District Metropolitan Opera auditions  Prize winner in the Atlanta Regional Metropolitan Opera Auditions Statement of philosophy: 
A music education should be available to anyone, in any walk of life, at any age. Experience / Performances: 
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Active as a performer in regional opera, zarzuela, and musical theater, she has performed roles with Opera Tampa, Sarasota Opera, Orlando Opera, Florida Lyric Opera. Performed with The Florida Orchestra, Treasure Coast Opera, Pensacola Opera, and Spanish Lyric Theatre. Held a role in the world premiere of Anton Coppola’s Sacco and Vanzetti under the baton of Conductor Anton Coppola She recently preformed the widow in the Spanish version of the Merry Widow, entitled La Viuda Alegre, for the Spanish Lyric Theatre Linda owns the Florida Arts School and is an adjunct professor of voice at St. Petersburg College. She is proud of many of her students who have gone on to have major carets on Broadway and in television and film. On Broadway Linda’s students have performed in : Annie, Matilda, Les Miserables, The Grinch, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Her students have performed at the Asolo Theatre and American Stage. In television, students have appeared in Law and Order, Hairspray, Gran Torino, The Good Wife, Sex and City, American Dreams, The B‐‐‐ in Apartment 23, Desperate Housewives, and one is a weatherman on Augusta, GA television. Renata Schwartz Piano Formal Education: 
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Oberlin Conservatory of Music graduate: Music Therapy Catholic University, Washington, DC and Orff Institute in Salzburg, Austria Kodaly System of Music Education in Hungary Ethnomusicoly at Florida State University in Tallahassee, FL Awards / Accolades:  Studied under the tutelage of Artur Balsam and Joseph Schwartz  Received commendation for Outstanding volunteer service in Education from the Cobb Middle School and the Tallahassee Democrat Statement of philosophy: 
I want to encourage the love of learning through the piano and to meet the needs, goals, and wishes of the student. Music and also the piano, is a means of helping to develop the personal and educational growth of each individual. Experience / Performances: 
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Renata has used her skills as a piano teacher, solo and chamber music performer and elementary school music teacher for the past forty years. As a singer she has been a member of the various symphonic choruses in the USA and on the international scene. Locally she has been a member of the Master Chorale of Tampa Bay and Clearwater Chorus Renata has performed in piano concerts with Joseph Schwartz at the Bok Tower Gardens and Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center. William Cusick Piano, Vocal Instruction, Accompanist, Music Director for Stage productions Formal Education: 
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Bachelor Degree in Music Education from State University of New York and Fredonia One semester abroad in Antwerp, Belgium studying music and art at the Royal Flemish Conservatory of Music Master Degree in Piano Performance from University of South Florida Awards / Accolades:  Voted Favorite Musical Director six times by the Grapevine Theater Publication. Statement of philosophy: 
Even your smallest experiences can open doorways to greater learning. Experience / Performances: 
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As a Music Director he has worked at Bartk’e Dinner Theatre in Tampa, the Show Boat Dinner Theatre in Clearwater, Hudson, community Theaters throughout Pinellas County, various high schools and instructs and accompanies for the Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts summer programs, Children’s Choir and Center Stage Choir. Bill has worked with actors Donald O’Connor, Dacid Naughton, from the comedy sitcom “My Sister Sam”, big ban singer and soloist Kay Stevens, opera singer Georgio Tozzi and composer/lyricist Marin Hamlisch. He has taught math, voice and keyboard at a private school in New Port Richey. Jarrett W. Koski Voice, Acting and Dance Training Formal Education: 
Bachelor Degree of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre, with an emphasis in Theatre Arts Education, Lees‐McRae College Awards / Accolades:  Various performing arts awards including: Choreography, Directing, Stage Management, and Education Statement of philosophy: 
To enhance the minds of students through the different parts of the theatre. The theory that any student can do anything they put their mind to. Experience / Performances: 
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Directing Credits: Let Me Be Your Star, Putting it All Together, Our story, I Can Do That. Choreography Credits: Hello Dolly, Peter Pan, The Sound of Music, Honk! Performing credits: Pippin in Pippin, Bobby Strong in Urinetown, Jesus in Godspell, Alan in Baby, Rolf in The Sound of Music, Wolf in Into the Woods, Harry Houdini in Ragtime, Snoopy in Charlie Brown, A‐Rab in West Side Story. Carolyn Cline Piano, Voice, Guitar, Flute Formal Education: 
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Master of Arts in Music Education, University of South Florida in Tampa Bachelor of Music Applied Piano/Music Theory, Eastern New Mexico University in Portales, NM Florida Teaching Certificates: Music K‐12 (ESE); Elementary Education K‐6. Orff Level I & II Certifications from University of South Florida in Tampa, FL Awards / Accolades: 
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2004 Televised Broadcast on Fox 13; “What’s right with Tampa Bay Coach/Sponsor of the Tampa Cougarettes, who won 2004 Outstanding Disabled Star Athletes of the Year from the John E. Lynch foundation in Tampa, FL 2004‐2006 Exceptional Cheer and Dance Division 2005‐2006 US Open Cheerleading and Dance Championships in Orlando and Miami, FL Stuart Veteran’s Day Parade: “Best Patriotic Theme” trophy for the Treasure Coast Flag Corp 1979 Miss America 2nd runner‐up and first in Talent Award 1978 Miss Florida and 1st in Talent Award 1973 Miss USA Universe Pageant and 1st in Swimsuit Award. 1973 Miss New Mexico Universe Statement of philosophy: 
The piano is the mother of all instruments. Music should be an important part in the life of every well rounded individual. Music is very beneficial to building skills that can be applied to other areas of life and learning. Experience / Performances: 
Patsy Cline impersonator, pageant talent performances Nicole Evans Haumesser Theater Performance, Acting, Auditioning Formal Education: 
BA Theater & Education Indiana University Awards / Accolades:  Lifetime member of the International Thespian Society  District & State Adjudicator, member of FAAE, FATE, National Guild for Arts Education & Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators Statement of philosophy: 
The job of the Actor is to make choices that lead them to truthful performance of their character’s story on stage. Experience / Performances: 
Nineteen years of directing, performing and instructing Theater Arts Pegg Winter
Piano, Voice, Voiceovers
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Formal Education:
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Bachelor of Music from ESU
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Thirty years teaching and professionally performing.
Broadway/national Tours, Off Broadway, Cabaret/recording artist.
North Wood institute, Dallas TX
Intensive workshop with Lehman Engel, Sheldon Harnick, Sylvia Syms, Ralph Affamaudo, Tommy Tune,
Maury Yeston
Studied with: Tommy Tune, Maury Yeston, Arthur Kopit, Jack Eddlemen, Tommy Krasker, Phyllis
Gandy, Michael Tester and more.
Awards / Accolades:
• CD; South for the Winter, released in 2000
• Fifteen Years on I Tunes Spotify
• Broadway and National tour of NINE with Sergio Franchi / Zev Buffman Producer
Statement of philosophy:
Inspire students to be themselves and explore their talent and true ambition. A safe haven to explore the art
of performance for everything they want and can be.
Experience / Performances:
• Broadway and National tour of NINE
• Mama Rose in Gypsy
• Oragula in Starmites
• Tricia in THE LAST SESSION
• Acid Queen in TOMMY
• Mary Magdalene in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR
• FRINGE FESTIVAL BLACKULA
• Over 2000 performances across the United States
• Many Commercial voiceovers including Laser Knife and Swiffer
• National Anthem for NY Jests / NJ Devils
• Don’t Tell Mamas NYC
• Opera: Carmen, Fort Worth Opera
Sean Fote
Drums
Sean Fote joined Ruth Eckerd Hall in July 2014 as the Associate Director of Instruction. He comes to the Hall
with a variety of experience he has acquired as a professional musician. A multi instrumentalist, Sean has
been heavily involved with the local music scene playing primarily drum set and bass guitar (with a newly
discovered passion to play keyboard (Hammond organ). Past experience has been everything from touring
with drum corps, musical theatre pit playing, orchestral percussion, local cover band gigging, and studio
session work. The most recent and fulfilling opportunities he’s had have been the ability to play with some
great local original acts; playing large stages at local and regional music festivals as well as national touring
of the West Coast, and as far as Canada and the U.K. You can find Sean now playing bass/singing/writing
original music with Danfield, a St.Petersburg based band whose mission is to write and perform quality,
organic original music. Outside of performing, Sean has great interest in education. Teaching private drum
set lessons, as well as group ensemble classes (School of Rock Style). To be able to share his experience and
help guide young aspiring musicians to do what they love, and do it well, has been extremely inspiring even
for his own growth.
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Statement of philosophy:
• “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence therefore is not an act, but a habit.” - Aristotle
Chris Liddell
Dance
Formal Education:
 Certified in the American Ballet Theatre’s National Training Curriculum in Pre-Primary through Level 3
 Trained by such notables as Chet Walker, Dana Moore, Kathryn Sullivan, Ray Hesselink, Denise
Donovan, Sofia Carreras, Raymond Lukens and many other Ballet and Broadway legends.
Awards / Accolades
 "B.A.L.L.E.T a Romance," a short film Chris directed and choreographed with dancers from American
Ballet Theatre and Dance Theatre of Harlem was chosen as Pointe magazine's Editor's Choice Film for
April.
 Excellence in Choreography, New York Musical Festival, Assoc. Choreographer, "Ward 9"
Statement of philosophy:
 I believe that dance is for everyone. Whether you are training for the professional stage or your living
room extravaganza's, dance is a vital human expression. It inspires us to be better people.
Experience / Performances:
 Artist in Residence with Tampa Ballet Theatre
 Taught at STEPS on Broadway in New York City, Yale University and with the Cecchetti Ballet Council of
America.
 Christopher’s previous work includes performing in musicals such as A Chorus Line, 42nd St, My Fair
Lady, and Anything Goes
 He has choreographed and appeared in pop concerts and music videos with Grammy nominated Larry
Dvoskin and Sean Avolio, and performed with the New York City Master Chorale at Lincoln Center.
 He also makes frequent appearances in the dance concert circuit, most notably in the New York Jazz
Choreography Project and other showcases with his dance company “Le Troupe Liddell!”
Gail Lawhead
Piano
Formal Education:
 Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, from Cedarville University, Cedarville, Ohio
 Ohio and Florida teaching certificates
Awards / Accolades
 Accompanied Superior rated choirs and soloists
 Students receive Superior at solo/ensemble
 Students accepted into music degree programs
 Best of all – my own 3 children, all graduates of the International Baccalaureate program, who became
music students and performers.
Statement of philosophy:
 I want music to be part of your life for all of your life! I am committed to educating the whole person
through the discovery and love of music, the discipline of daily practice, and study of music theory. I
will challenge you with specially selected pieces for your level and interest in an atmosphere of
encouragement and fun!
Experience / Performances:
 Accompanist for area school choirs and for solo/ ensemble vocal festivals
 Accompanist for Florida Vocal Association festivals
 Pianist/Keyboardist for Faith Community church band and other services
 Adjudicator for piano festivals
 Piano teacher for 30 years with students ranging from 5-75!
 Plan and schedule student performances at nursing homes
 Toured with a college music group, performing in various churches, halls and events, including the
Prime Minister of Jamaica.