Instructors Ferrwood Music Camp

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2009 Ferrwood Instructors (2010 Staff page and Instructors page coming soon!)
Rob Walker In house composer and clinician
This year Ferrwood kicks it up a few notches and is PROUD to have on staff, Mr. Rob Walker Toured with Ray Charles. Performed with Natalie Cole, Wayne Newton, The Temptations, The Supremes, The Moody Blues. Appearances at 2000 and 2002 San Miguel Jazz Festival in Mexico with David "Fathead" Newman. Played on Mainstage at Park City Jazz Festival in 2002 . Appearances with jazz artists such as Bobby Shew, Clay Jenkins, Jeff Hamilton, John Heard, Lanny Morgan, Kim Richmond, Marc Seales, Gary Foster, and Gene Ludwig. Played national broadway tour shows "Spamalot" and "Chicago." Origin Records recording artist. Visit his site at: http://www.robwalkerjazz.com/
Ms. Sophie Till Guest performer
Sophie Till studied at the Royal Academy of Music in London with Zakhar Bron. She went to complete her master’s degree in performance at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, studying with Charles Treger. She has presented numerous solo and chamber recitals in England, France, Germany, India, South America and East Africa. Concerto performances include the European Community Chamber Orchestra, London Schubert Players, Eastbourne Symphony Orchestra, University of Massachusetts Chamber Orchestra and the Performing Arts Institute Symphony Orchestra. She has been on the faculty of the Royal College of Music Junior Department and at Eaton College, U.K. She is now head of strings at Marywood University and an artist-in-residence at Wyoming Seminary College Preparatory School. She has always had a strong interest in young musicians, giving master classes and workshops in India, Africa, Europe and the U.S. She has also organized a number of international chamber music events for young players and is active as a teacher in Pennsylvania.
Sarah Elizabeth Lagana Co-Camp Director
Sarah is a graduate of Bishop Hafey High School and a senior at Marywood University this year. She is currently pursuing a B.M. in Music Education. Her primary instrument is piano which she has been studying since the age of five. Throughout elementary and high school, she studied with Dr. Lois Forbes from the Philadelphia area. She currently studies with Sister Joan Paskert, IHM and the late Dr. Joseph Fields of Marywood University. She was awarded the Padarewski medal for her eleventh-year participation in the National Piano Playing Auditions. Twelve years ago she picked up violin as a hobby instrument and successfully auditioned and made District IX and Region IV-V Orchestra throughout her high school career. This year she was inducted as a member of the Music Honor Society, Pi Kappa Lambda, and was recently named Marywood University’s Presser Scholar for the '09-'10 school year. She is also a member of PMEA and MENC. At school, she works as an ensemble accompanist and a teacher’s aid for String Project under the direction of Ms. Sophie Till. She is involved in Marywood’s orchestra and studies jazz piano under Reverend Bill Carter. At home, Sarah is the accompanist for her parish. She plays violin with the Hazleton Philharmonic Orchestra. She gives private piano lessons and created/maintains the web site of the Hazleton Philharmonic Orchestra. Her hobbies include reading, writing and web design. She loves learning new instruments and one day hopes to study film composition.
Mark Reinhart Primary Guitar Instructor/Quigong Instructor Morning Qigong Workout (optional) Read About Qigong for Musicians
Mark has been an active participant in the arts for close to fifty years. Starting out as an accordionist and moving on to the cornet and trombone during his high school years, Mark's primary instrumental love has been the guitar. He began his guitar studies at age twelve and has continued pursuing all aspects and styles of both guitar performance and instruction throughout his life. Studying privately with numerous teachers, Mark formalized his musical education by attending Berklee College of Music, Boston MA. He was fortunate to have studied guitar with legendary musician/educator William G. Leavitt during his time at Berklee. Mark has continued his affiliation with the college working with the Department of Admissions in the capacity of Alumni Representative, representing the college at music educator conferences, college fairs, and various jazz-band festivals and trade shows. Piano was added to his list of instruments; studying for an unfortunately brief time with pianist/composer John Scully. Performance has played an important part in Mark's career working as a soloist and with numerous bands in the continental United States and Puerto Rico, the most notable of which was his 26 year affiliation with 'Jay Black and the Americans.' Mark has owned and operated the Reinhart Studio since 1989, offering private instruction an all facets of guitar, piano, and music theory related instruction. His book on art and teaching, 'Tune Up You're on in Ten Minutes!' was published in 2004. In addition to his extensive musical background Mark has been a teacher/practitioner of the Chinese Healing and martial arts for the past forty years. He holds a master's degree in Medical Qigong and several certifications in Chinese herbal medicine. Mark is an acting member of the Board of Directors of the National Qigong Association and is a regular presenter at the national conferences. He teaches and lectures extensively on the incorporation of the Classical and Traditional Chinese approaches to health and well-being especially when it comes to optimizing the overall performance of musicians. For more information about Mark or the Reinhart Studio please visit www.tuneup-yoitm.com.
Mario Tombasco Beginning Guitar Instructor
Mario Tombasco is a current student of Penn State University, where he is majoring in electrical engineering. He is a skilled guitarist who has accompanied numerous local plays, and is a member of the local band the Tomcats. For the last four years he has taught guitar, bass guitar, banjo, and mandolin at Johnny Moratto's Music in Hazleton.
Andy Bennett Primary Low Brass Instructor
Andrew Bennett is an instrumental music educator in the Western New York Area with an applied instrument of trombone. He holds Bachelor's Degrees in Music Education and Music Performance from SUNY Fredonia, and is currently attending Ithaca College as a graduate teaching assistant. His musical journey has taken him throughout the north east and on a performing tour of China. As a conductor, he has directed such diverse groups as Wind Ensembles, German Brass Bands, and Bell Choirs. For more information head over to www.andrewbennett.co.nr. He could not be more excited about his upcoming summer at Ferrwood!
Ron Lange Double Bass Instructor
Ron Lange is currently entering his senior year at Penn State University pursuing a degree in double bass performance. He is a member of the 2009 International Society of Bassists Convention-hosting Penn State double bass studio under the direction of ISB president-elect Rob Nairn. This past semester was spent studying with John Moore of the Pittsburgh Symphony. Ron originally hails from Mullica Hill, New Jersey, graduating from Clearview Regional High School in 2005. Honors received in high school include the John Philip Sousa Award as well as acceptance into the South Jersey Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, and All State Symphonic Band. Ron has played with many ensembles at Penn State including the Philharmonic Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, and Centre Dimensions Jazz Band. He has recently performed with the Altoona Symphony, Williamsport Symphony, Nittany Valley Symphony, and the Penn's Woods Music Festival Orchestras. He can also be seen performing at various jazz and blues gigs throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.
Charise Zablotsky Primary Violin Instructor - First Week
Charise Zablotsky is currently a student at Marywood University pursuing a degree in violin performance under the direction of local artist Sophie Till. Miss Zablotsky is a Teacher's Assistant at Marywood for String Project, where she teaches and conducts local string players. She recently has been working with Ms. Till at Marywood University in teaching a new approach of string playing through the Taubman technique. Miss Zablotsky has been a member of the Marywood University Orchestra, Temple University's Boyer School of Music Orchestra, Civic Orchestra, and the Wyoming Seminary Performing Arts Institute summer orchestra. Presently, she teaches students at Marywood University and at her private studio. Miss Zablotsky has recently been featured as concert mistress and soloist of the Marywood University Orchestra in the Spring 2009 semester. She has plans to study with Enda Golandsky this summer with the Golandsky Institute at Princeton University.
Michaelina Trapane Violin Instructor
Michaelina Trapane is presently a violin performance major at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. Locally she has played with Bloomsburg University Chamber and Symphony Orchestras and Schuylkill Symphony Orchestra. She is in her fourth season playing with Twelve-Twenty Four, a Trans-Siberian Orchestra tribute band. Since attending Berklee College of Music, she has expanded her playing to not just classical, but styles such as jazz and rock as well. In Boston she plays with the Video Game Orchestra, the Berklee Contemporary Symphony Orchestra, and has been a part of productions put on by the Berklee Musical Theater Club
(Picture coming soon) Matt J. Haydt Second Week Violin Instructor
(Bio coming soon)
Kimberly Schernoff Primary Choral Instructor
Kim is the Choral Director at Hazleton Area High School in Hazleton, PA. In addition to her choir classes, she teaches music theory/technology. Kim recieved her Bachelor of Music degree from Sesquehanna University in Selinsgrove, PA and is currently pursuing a master's degree in classroom technology through Wilkes University. Kim came home to PA after serving 14 years as a choral director and conductor of the Newark High School Chorus in Newark, DE. Prior to working in Delaware, she was a music teacher in the Chicago Public Schools. She was an Honored Teacher in 1999 as selected by the class valedictorian. In 2000 she was named Newark High School Teacher of the Year. Under her direction, the Hazleton Area High School Choirs have performed at numerous community events as well as competed in adjudicated music festivals. She is a member of PMEA, MENC, ADCA and most recently was the guest conductor at the ACAMT Winter Music Festival in Afton, New York. Her choral students are recognized by their peers, faculty, and public as dedicated, achieving young adults who significantly contribute to their school community.
Karen Marietta Primary Trumpet Instructor
Karen Marietta is a senior music education major at Penn State University. She is also earning a minor in music technology. At Penn State she studies trumpet under Dr. Langston Fitzgerald III. This past spring she gave her senior recital featuring the Hummel Concerto in E flat, Halsey Stevens Trumpet Sonata, and Enesco's Legende. At Penn State she is a member of the Symphonic Band, Trumpet Ensemble, Brass Quintet, and Orchestral Pitts for the school of theater. This year will be her 5th year in the Penn State Blue band where she will be a trumpet guide and music section leader. Originally from Washington, Pennsylvania Karen performed in numerous PMEA events district and regional band, orchestra, and chorus. She also successfully auditioned to win a spot in the 2005 Honors Band of America. She has been on staff with the Burgettstown High School Marching band for 2 seasons as the brass instructor and marching instructor. Currently she works backstage at Eisenhower auditorium running lights and sound for different shows. She is also skilled at theater costuming and prop building. Upon graduation this spring, she hopes to work as a high school band or orchestra director. She is looking forward to returning to Ferrwood this summer!
Louis Samuel Kugelman Primary Saxophone Instructor
Louis Kugelman recently graduated from the Pennsylvania State University as a music education major with an instrumental emphasis. During his tenure there, Louis studied saxophone with Dr. David Stambler. As an accomplished woodwind doubler, Louis has performed with many university, amateur, and professional ensembles on flute, clarinet, and saxophone. Louis currently resides in the Philadelphia area where he performs locally while continuing to practice and teach music. Visit his website to learn more about him: http://louiskugelman.weebly.com. Louis is thrilled to be returning to Ferrwood and is excited for the 2009 camp!
Deanna Loertscher First Week Saxophone Instructor
Saxophonist Deanna Loertscher earned a dual Bachelor degree in music education and saxophone performance from Ithaca College and recently completed a Master’s degree in saxophone performance from the Penn State University School of Music. She has performed and participated at several North American Saxophone Alliance conferences, Navy Band Symposiums, and in numerous master classes; most notably with saxophone pedagogue Eugene Rousseau and the PRISM Saxophone Quartet. Deanna has performed in Avery Fischer Hall at Lincoln Center, NYC, the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia, extensively in Ireland, with the Altoona, Ithaca College, and Penn State Philharmonic Symphony Orchestras, and throughout Upstate New York. Deanna just completed an appointment as the saxophone and music technology teaching assistant at the Penn State, and is currently pursuing a public school music teaching position in New York.
Tom Fadden Second Week Saxophone Instructor
Tom Fadden grew up in Weatherly, PA. He holds a B.M. in Music Education from Mansfield University in M.M. in Music Education from VanderCook College in Chicago, IL. At Mansfield, Tom studied with Dr. Joseph Murphy. He was a member of the Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, and Saxophone Quartet. He was a featured soloist with both the MU Symphonic Band and Symphony Orchestra. During his graduate studies, Tom studied at VanderCook College with James Kaspyrzyk, one of the founding members of the Chicago Saxophone Quartet. In addition to performing in the VanderCook Concert Band and Jazz Ensemble, his graduate recital featured several solo works and saxophone quartets. Tom is a music teacher in the Hazleton Area School District. He is the band director at Valley Elementary in Sugarloaf. Prior to teaching at Valley, he was the woodwind instructor and high school band director in the Monticello, NY, Central School District from 2004 to 2007. During that time, Tom performed with the Orange County Music Education Association Teachers Wind Ensemble and the Ulster County Community College Concert Band. Tom started his teaching career in the Pocono Mountain School District in 1994, where his 7th and 8th grade concert and jazz bands consistently received high ratings at adjudication festivals. Also during that time, three of the saxophone quartets he instructed were selected to perform at the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) In-Service Conferences in 1997, 2001 and 2004. Several of Tom’s saxophone students have gone on to major in music at the Eastman School of Music, SUNY Fredonia, Temple University, Mansfield University, and West Chester University. Since 2001, Tom has co-directed the Celebration of the Arts (COTA) student honors jazz ensemble known better as the "COTA Cats" founded by Phil Woods in 1981. He has served as the director of the Pine Bush, NY, Community Band since 2007. He also performs regularly with the Wilkes University Civic Band, Swing Shift Orchestra, Skydine Jazz Project, Dave Neith Orchestra, and the newly formed Hazleton Area Faculty Saxophone Quartet.
Adam Price Primary Clarinet Instructor
Adam is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Clarinet Performance at New York University. A versatile musician, Adam has been studying both the clarinet and the saxophone for over ten years. He has studied virtually all styles of music, ranging from classical and jazz to rock and interactive music with electronics. In addition to the University ensembles with which he plays, he remains an active freelancer and has played with numerous community theatre groups as well as with his own ensembles. He has just returned from spending five months in Italy, where he has been studying and performing. Adam is excited to return to Ferrwood for the 2009 season.
Miriam Gritis Clarinet Instructor
Miriam is currently studying music performance at Penn State University with Dr. Anthony Costa. Experienced on clarinet and saxophone, she is currently in Penn State's Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Philharmonic Orchestra, Clarinet Choir, Saxophone Ensemble, and various small chamber groups on both instruments. This spring she won the Eleanore Beene Memorial Award in the 2009 School of Music Scholarship Competition. In her spare time (generally not during fall or spring semester) Miriam enjoys reading, working out, relaxing, and spending time with people who make her happy. Miriam is a returning instructor at Ferrwood and very excited for July 2009!
S. Karina Barton Primary Flute Instructor
S. Karina Barton was born in Dallas, Texas, raised in Austin, Texas but calls Tyler, Texas her home. She graduated from Georgetown High School in 2004, attended Tyler Junior College then transferred to The Pennsylvania State University where she is currently pursuing a Bachelors degree in Music Education. She has played flute and piccolo for over 11 years and is currently studying in the flute studio of Dr. Eleanor Armstrong. Over the past two years she has performed in numerous ensembles through the Penn State School of Music including Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Philharmonic Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, Opera Orchestra Pit, Blue Band, and The Flute Ensemble. During her middle school and high school years she participated in the Texas Music Educators Association Festivals and won many district, region and state awards. Karina has been a member of the Texas Flute Society for four years and before moving to Pennsylvania, she taught private flute lessons in the Austin area and in the Tyler/Brownsboro Independent School District. She enjoys working with all age groups. This summer, she is caring for several children ranging from 9 months to 14 years old during week days and volunteering at local senior centers and assisted living homes on the weekends.
Amanda Frisch Flute Instructor
Amanda Frisch just recently graduated from The Pennsylvania State University with a degree in Music Education. She ha been playing the flute for 12 years and while at Penn State, she studied flute under the instruction of Dr. Eleanor Armstrong. She participated in multiple School of Music ensembles including, Symphonic Band, Oriana Singers, and the Flute Ensemble. Amanda also played in the pit orchestra for many Penn State Thespian shows including Footloose and Bare. She has had been teaching private flute lessons for the past three summers in the Philadelphia area to children from beginner level to intermediate. Amanda hopes to be teaching music in a middle school of elementary school in the up coming fall and is excited to part of Ferrwood Staff this summer!
Anthony Tenaglia Primary Percussion Instructor
Anthony is currently a junior at West Chester University and pursing a bachelors degree in music education and performance. Anthony has been involved with percussion for 11 years and some of the local groups in the Philadelphia and South Jersey area that he has played with include the 2005 District 11 band, 2005 Bucks County orchestra, Bucks County Community College orchestra, Delaware Valley Symphony, and the Atlantic Brass Band. Anthony is also involved with the marching percussion activity as well. In 2006 he joined the Jersey Surf Drum and Bugle Corp and this past winter was apart of the The W.G.I. Independent World Percussion group "United Percussion." Along with performing, Anthony has been an instructor for many high school drumlines in Philadelphia and South Jersey area. Anthony is very grateful to have studied with his great teachers and mentors Dr. Alan Kinsey, Mark Pultorak, Justin Leigh, Darren Metz, Mike Nevin, Dr. Chris Hanning, and Ralph Sorrentino.
Lily Kaye Sevier Percussion Instructor
Lily Kaye Sevier grew up in Western Massachusetts, where she began studying piano and percussion at the age of seven. She performed with the Greater Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra and Percussion Ensemble and the Boston University Tanglewood Institute Orchestra for several years. She attended the Ithaca College School of Music where she studied with Gordon Stout and Conrad Alexander, and earning a Bachelor‘s degree in Music Performance. Past teachers have included Jeff Jones, Donny Albro, Dan Bauch, Sam Solomon, Tim Genis, and Tim Feeney. In the fall, she will be attending the San Francisco Conservatory to study with David Herbert as a masters candidate for timpani performance.