About our team
Ferrwood instructors are caring and dedicated professionals, committed to meeting your child’s needs. Our instructors will challenge your child to grow as a musician and a person. Our instructors will look at the whole child and treat them with respect and dignity as they watch them grow. All the instructors are degreed professionals or professionals working toward a degree in music. As parents, you can rest knowing that we are student-focused and dedicated to providing each camper with a positive and memorable experience. All Ferrwood staff have submitted a copy of their PA Criminal History and PA Child Abuse clearances. Clearances are on file with the music director.
John (JT) Hoffman - Music Director
John (JT) Hofmann is from Langhorne Pennsylvania and has a degree in music education from The Pennsylvania State University (Penn State). He has studied saxophone under the direction of Dr. David Stambler, Tim Powell, and Dan Yoder. He has also received a Professional Performance Certificate in jazz saxophone from Penn State. John has been involved in several organizations, the Wilkes University Civic Band, the Adams County Community Band, and is a member of the Gettysburg Brass Band Festival steering committee. John is a band director at Gettysburg Area School District. His position includes 7th-8th grade band, high school band, jazz band, and marching band. John is excited for his ninth year as part of the Ferrwood staff.
Sarah Koviack - Flute Instructor
Sarah Koviack (she/her) is currently pursuing her Master’s of Music in Wind Band Conducting at the University of Delaware (UD). At UD, she serves as a Graduate Conducting Assistant for the UD Concert Bands where her duties include assisting in teaching undergraduate conducting courses, directing the UD Collegiate Band, and acting as an ensemble manager for the UD Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble. In addition to her conducting activities at UD, Sarah is continuing her flute studies with Professor Eileen Grycky while being involved in various mixed chamber music groups, the UD Chamber Orchestra, and the UD Opera Orchestra.
Prior to her master's degree, Sarah graduated from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania (KU) with her Bachelor’s of Science in Music Education where she studied flute with Professor Janet Axelrod and Dr. Susanna Loewy. While at KU, Sarah played in a plethora of ensembles including the KU Wind Ensemble and Orchestra, where she served as principal flautist, the KU Marching Band- where she served as a section leader- and various mixed chamber ensembles, in addition to being a student conductor for the KU Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, and Flute Choir. Outside of music, Sarah enjoys reading, baking, exploring nature trails, and spending time with her cat, Chico. Originally from Hazleton, PA, Sarah was a Ferrwood Camper for many years and is looking forward to the s’mores, baked potatoes, and many laughs this summer at camp!
Jocelyn Frye - Trumpet Instructor
Jocelyn Frye is a graduate of West Chester University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor's Degree in Music Education. Jocelyn has traveled to Paris, France to perform and study at Conservatoire de Musique de Rueil-Malmaison. She was featured with the WCU Trumpet Ensemble at the 39th International Trumpet Guild Conference in 2014 and volunteered at the 41st International Trumpet Guild Conference in 2016. She also participated in Nuevo Mundo Festival and Academy in 2015 and 2017. Jocelyn is currently a 7th and 8th Grade Music teacher in Hazleton Area School District.
Andrew Carson - Trumpet Instructor
Andrew Carson is a Philadelphia-based trumpet player, bassist, singer, and educator. He studied at Temple University and, under the direction of figureheads Terell Stafford and Rollo Dilworth, earned a bachelor's degree in Jazz Trumpet Performance and a Master's in Music Education. Andrew has studied trumpet with Stafford, John Swana, Joe Magnarelli, and studied abroad in Amsterdam with the Metropole Orkest's Ruud Breuls. He performs with many local jazz musicians in Philadelphia and has played and recorded with a variety of artists ranging from Army Blues drummer Steve Fidyk to EDM producer Louis Futon. He currently teaches privately, mixes in his home recording studio, and is learning how to build guitars!
Stephanie Bohanan - French Horn Instructor
Stephanie Bohanan is a graduate of Bloomsburg University, with a degree in music education. As of July 2023, she will be fully certified in the Orff Schulwerk Approach from Kent State University. Stephanie has been teaching music for the past 6 years, beginning her career in the Hazleton Area School District. While in Hazleton, she taught 7th and 8th grade general music and was the brass tech for the Hazleton Area High School Marching Band. Stephanie moved to Pittsburgh in 2019 where she spent the next 3 years teaching Kindergarten-5th grade music, chorus, and drumming at two schools in the Pittsburgh Public School District.
She is currently a teacher at Falk Laboratory School, affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh. At Falk, Stephanie teaches middle school band, jazz band, trumpet ensemble, intermediate band, private brass lessons, and 3rd-8th grade general music. She has been involved with Ferrwood from the age of 11 and looks forward to it every year.
Caleb Bohanan - Low Brass
Caleb Bohanan, referred to as Bo, received his undergraduate degree in Music Education from Penn State and a master's degree in Music Education from the University of Florida. He has worked for Pittsburgh Public Schools for 7 years serving in roles such as high school chorus director, K-8 general music teacher, and for the past 5 years, 4th-8th grade instrumental music specialist. In his role as an instrumental music specialist, he serves all instrumental learning at 4 schools within the district. Bo has worked at Ferrwood for 7 years as a low brass instructor, and he looks forward to Phil's cooking every year.
Emily Elinsky - Trombone Instructor
Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Emily Elinsky started her education at The Pennsylvania State University. While in State College, Emily completed Bachelor’s Degrees in both Economics and Trombone Performance. She then moved down to North Carolina to complete her Trombone and Music Education studies. At East Carolina University, she received her Master’s Degree in Trombone Performance and a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education. Emily’s former trombone teachers include Bruce Lazier, Mark Lusk, and Stephan Ivany.
Emily has also been an active teacher. In North Carolina, Emily taught low brass workshops and private lessons. Additionally, she has been a judge for many honors bands. As a Master’s student, she also was a Teaching Assistant at East Carolina University. In August, Emily began teaching Elementary Band and Orchestra in Prince George’s County in Maryland. She enjoys working with the younger students to instill a love of music!
Emily is excited to return for her eighth year of teaching at Ferrwood Music Camp. When Emily isn’t doing music, she loves to play with her two dogs: Binx and Donny; and her two cats: Nala and Stella.
Adam Price - Woodwinds Instructor and Boys Counselor
Adam Price is a full-time professional clarinetist and saxophonist. He has toured internationally with various groups, worked in the house orchestras on Crystal and Princess cruise lines, and shared the stage with artists such as Judy Carmichael, Gordon Goodwin, Dave Stahl, Chris Vadala, and many others. In October 2018, he released his debut jazz album ”House Ghosts” to critical acclaim. Adam holds a Bachelor's of Music in Clarinet Performance from New York University and has taught both privately and at various music camps for many years. When he is not on tour or in the recording studio, Adam enjoys walking in the woods and eating pumpkin pies, not usually at the same time, but occasionally. To learn more about Adam, his projects, and his music, visit www.adampricemusic.com.
Alex Mann - Saxophone Instructor and Boys' Counselor
Originally from Doylestown, Pennsylvania, Alex Mann now lives and teaches in Montgomery County, Maryland, and is the Instrumental Music teacher at Paint Branch High School. While teaching, Alex has continued to be an active musician. Some performance highlights have been backing up rock star Rod Stewart and performing under the direction of musicians like Maria Schneider, Dafnis Prieto, and John Daversa as part of the Frost Concert Jazz Band. In 2018, Alex was honored to participate in the Santiago de Cuba International Jazz Festival. Most recently, he performed at the 2023 Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival as part of the MCPS Faculty Big Band. Alex graduated from Penn State University with a Bachelor of Music Education in 2018 and graduated from the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami in 2021 with a Master of Music in Jazz Performance. He has studied saxophone with Gary Keller, Troy Roberts, Tim Warfield, David Stambler, Dan Yoder, and others. Alex is excited to be back for his fourth year as part of the Ferrwood staff!
Shelby Pocono - Clarinet Instructor
Shelby Pocono is from Dallas, PA, and was a Ferrwood camper through her late middle school and high school years. She is currently pursuing a double major in Music Education and Clarinet Performance at Westminster College (New Wilmington, PA). She has studied under Thomas Basset and is currently under Daniel Heasley. At college, she is a part of the symphonic orchestra, wind ensemble, and symphonic band, where she sits principal chair. Additionally, she is a part of the marching band, woodwind quintet, and two choirs. For two years in a row, she has been selected to be in the PA Intercollegiate band and most recently successfully auditioned for assistant concertmaster. Shelby is so excited to return to camp after the long break and to share her love for Ferrwood with the campers.
Eric Martinez - Clarinet Instructor
Eric Martinez is a recent graduate of the University of Delaware where he earned his Master of Music in Wind Conducting Degree and served as a Graduate Conducting Assistant for the University of Delaware Bands. Eric was also an active member of the clarinet studio at the University of Delaware, playing clarinet in the University of Delaware Wind Ensemble and conducting the clarinet ensemble. Eric received his Bachelor of Science in Music Education Degree from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania. While at Kutztown University, Eric served as a Student Conductor for the Kutztown University Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, and Clarinet Choir. Eric also served as the Vice-President of the Kutztown University Collegiate Chapter of the NAfME and Clarinet Section Leader of the Kutztown University Marching Unit. Eric has studied Clarinet under Dr. Soo Goh, Dr. Aileen Razey, and Dr. Christopher Nichols. As a Ferrwood Alumni, Eric is beyond excited to give back to the community that made him fall in love with music.
Ruth Clark - Percussion Instructor
Ruth is a music teacher who has experience teaching concert, marching, and small group ensembles as well as instrumental lessons at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from West Chester University, studying under Ralph Sorrentino and David Nelson. While at WCU she performed as a percussionist in many ensembles including the Concert Band, Wind Symphony, Marching Band, Percussion Ensemble, and Steel Drum Ensemble. She spent her last three years at WCU also playing tuba, first in their Marching Band and joining Concert Band the following semester. In the summer after high school, Ruth joined as a percussionist with the Greater Harrisburg Concert Band and has played with other community bands and church ensembles since. She also began teaching marching band the summer after high school, teaching drumline for two years and front ensemble for four. In her most recent position as an LTS High School Band Director, she taught Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and Jazz Band, played the percussion book for their spring musical, as well as tuba for the orchestra’s two concerts. As a 1st-5th grade General Music LTS, she was able to attend the Responsive Classroom Workshop for Special Area Teachers twice, giving her many classroom management tools and strategies that she has been able to find success within all grade levels she has taught. This will be her first year at Ferrwood Music Camp, and she is super excited to play some music and have some fun!
Sebastian Goodridge - Percussionist & Jazz Drummer
Sebastian is a songwriter, performer and bandsman based out of Portland, Oregon. Sebastian works in precision technology and has degrees in Music Technology and Engineering from Penn State. In 2018 he returned for a performance certificate in Jazz Studies and supervised the Penn State recording studio as an INART Teaching Assistant, culminating in playing the drums behind The New York Voices. Any students who wish to get involved with audio, recording, or production should bring a laptop and schedule lessons, as well as high schoolers who are unsure how to incorporate music into their plans post-graduation. Sebastian’s musical goal for 2024 is to build a YouTube channel for remote lessons. You can hear his work on any streaming service with groups Sea Offs, Idle Kyle, Palmlines, Kenny Sukitch, and Stone Cold Grace. Keep an ear out for Stone Cold Grace’s debut album, to be published in 2024.
Leslie Medvecky - Girls' Counselor
Leslie attended Bloomsburg University and is currently undecided on a career path. She participated in chorus, drama club, band, and cheerleading throughout middle school and high school. She enjoys reading, hanging out with her cat, and traveling. Leslie was a camper at Ferrwood for 6 years and is super excited to be a counselor this year!
Jack Synoski - Boys' Counselor and Bass / Jazz Artist
Jack Synoski is a bassist, composer, and audio engineer who has worked for many years in the Northeast PA and Philadelphia regions. He performed for several years with the Temple University Jazz Band led by renowned trumpet player Terell Stafford. During his time in the band, he performed with some of today's most notable jazz musicians including Christian McBride, Jimmy Heath, and John Clayton. Jack has also played with numerous small jazz ensembles in the Philadelphia area including the Steve Fidyk Quartet. He worked as a recording engineer at Temple's BCM+D Records record label. Recently, Jack received his Master’s of Science in music technology from Temple University and relocated to Los Angeles to begin a new chapter of his career as a composer, musician, and sound editor.
Michael West - Choral Instructor
With a great passion for the performing arts and education, Michael West has inspired many students and audience members with his musical ability. Michael is a Graduate of the Penn State School of Music with an emphasis in Secondary Choral Education and is the current HS/MS Choir Director at Hanover Public School District.
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As well as conducting his own 5-12 choral program, Michael also serves as the Hanover High School Assistant Marching Band Director and Hanover High School’s Theatre Vocal Director. Outside of his teaching profession Michael is a Trumpet player and Vocalist for the Crooner and Company Swing Band based in State College PA.
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From Coast to Coast and across the sea Michael has performed in 10 states as well as the northern part of Germany and Poland. Some notable places include the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia, AT&T Stadium, State Farm Stadium, Heinz Field, Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, and The Thomaskirche. When he isn’t performing Michael enjoys activities such as traveling and being with his family and friends.
Jessica Lynch - Flute
Jessica Lynch is a performer and teacher in the Philadelphia area. She recently completed her bachelor’s degree in Music Performance at West Chester University, where she studied with Dr. Kimberly Reighley and performed in several ensembles including the wind ensemble, symphony orchestra, chamber winds, chamber and opera orchestra, and flute choir. In addition, Jessica has performed as a guest artist with the Melomanie chamber ensemble and, as a winner of the WCU Wind Symphony Concerto Competition, will be performing the Chaminade Concertino with the wind symphony this fall. Jessica has taught private flute and piano lessons since 2017, and she is excited to bring her passion for music and teaching to Ferrwood this summer!
Maria Flowers - Saxophone Instructor/Band Director
Maria is from Hazleton, Pennsylvania, but currently resides in Jacksonville, North Carolina. She is she recently finished her third year as the band director at Jacksonville Commons Middle School but will begin her graduate assistantship while getting a master’s degree in wind band conducting at Penn State in the fall. Maria graduated from Penn State University with a Bachelor's in Music Education. During her undergraduate career, she studied saxophone with David Stambler and Carrie Koffman and has played in a variety of ensembles, saxophone quartets, and Penn State concert bands. She has been fortunate to perform in masterclass settings with input from Taimur Sullivan, Kevin J. Stewart, Jonathan Hulting-Cohen, Jeremy Koch, and Joe Lullof. While in attendance at Penn State, Maria participated in a variety of extracurricular activities such as THON, NAfME, Jazz Educators Club, Penn State Saxophone Alliance, and served as a member and student leader of the Penn State Blue Band. Since joining the JCMS family, she has taken her band to many festivals and clinics, including District Band, All State Band Auditions, County Band, and Music Performance Adjudication. In her day-to-day life, she spends her time teaching students grades 6-8 how to play their instruments and preparing them for their concerts. Though she was a camper herself for ten years, this will be Maria's sixth summer working at Ferrwood Music Camp. Maria is most excited about music and s'more making, ultimate frisbee, and seeing her instructor friends!
Marlie Haraschak - Girls' Counselor
Marlie is a recent graduate from Bloomsburg University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in special education. She played the baritone saxophone in marching band, jazz band, and concert band for many years during middle and high school and sang in the women’s choir in college. Over the years, music has become a constant passion in her life, in many ways, and she is excited to share that with everyone at camp. She was a camper at Ferrwood for a few years when she was younger and is excited to return to such a special and memorable place!
Molly Gould - Girls' Counselor
Molly is an Elementary Education major at the University of North Florida. While she is studying there she is working as a swim instructor at the YMCA, where she teaches people of all ages how to swim. In her free time, Molly enjoys playing pickleball, cooking, and going to the beach. Molly has been a camper at Ferrwood as a choir student since the 4th grade and is thrilled to be head counselor at camp this year!
Anya Kranyak - Junior Counselor
Anya is from Drums, Pennsylvania, and has been involved at Ferrwood for 12 years. She will be continuing her education at Penn State University with a major in music education. Anya studies flute privately with Anne Chairge, where she occasionally works and coaches younger flutists as well. She was an active member in her school's music program being a part of the Arts and Humanities Instrumental Studio, Marching Band (and a 3-time student leader), Symphonic Band, Indoor Winds, Flute Ensemble, Cougar Players Pit, and the A Capella Ensemble. Outside of her school, she is an active member in community pit orchestras including Ovation Playhouse, KISS Theater, and Misericordia University. She has also been part of the Wilkes Civic Band for 2 years. Anya has attended PMEA District and Region Band, as well as the PMEA All-State Future Music Educators Honors Symposium. Anya is ecstatic to be returning to Ferrwood as a junior counselor and hopes to share the magic that Ferrwood has brought to her with other young musicians!
Alana Gadola - Visual Arts Instructor
Alana Gadola is a recent graduate of Arcadia University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in art education. During this time, she studied all forms of art but mainly focused on painting and graphic design. She is currently working towards her teaching certification and is working with the Hazleton Area Cyber Academy, teaching high school art. Aside from teaching art in the classroom, Alana also teaches art classes during the summer at her local playground. She has worked with the high school art department since 2015 to create decorations for the senior prom and created banners for the American Cancer Society Telethon (2016-2018). Alana volunteers with the Pardeesville Playground Recreation Association to host BINGO on Monday evenings during the summer and their annual Haunted Trail in October. This will be Alana’s first summer at Ferrwood and she is very excited to get to know everyone and create beautiful artwork with the campers.
Anne Flowers - Visual Arts Instructor
Mrs. Anne Michaels (formerly Flowers) from Hazleton, Pennsylvania is completing her 30th year teaching Visual Art. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Art Education with a concentration in Art History, a Master's in Art Education with a concentration in creative cognition, and 60 graduate credits beyond her Master's in a variety of art and education-related subjects. She has taught every grade K-12 and is currently the curriculum director/instructor of the Honors Visual Arts Studio/Honors Art History/Honors Senior Portfolio/Dual-Enrollment Adjunct professor at the Hazleton Area Arts & Humanities Academy (which is a by-audition 9th-12th grade program within the Hazleton Area School District). In her 10 years there she has founded and advised the Mural Club, which has created many school and public murals. Also, she is the chapter founder and sponsor of the Hazleton Area School District’s National Art Honor Society. This is her 2nd year at Ferrwood, having launched the Art program there last year.
Bryce Campbell - Boys' Counselor
Bryce is a recent graduate of Saucon Valley High School. Currently is studying music instrument repair at Badger State Repair in Elkhorn, WI. Bryce has attended Ferrwood since 2015. His primary instrument is Saxophone and he has been playing it for 10 years. During his senior year of high school, he was drum major and the recipient of the John Philip Sousa Award. Bryce received his Eagle Scout Award and is an active member of the Saucon Valley Lions Club. Bryce is excited to be returning to camp this year.
Abigail Nichols - Girls' Counselor
Abigail is an avid music lover. She graduated from the University of South Florida with a bachelor's degree in English literature and will go on to start her master's degree in social work at the University of North Florida in August. Although she enjoys school, Abigail loves music, reading, crocheting, playing pickleball, and hanging out with family and friends. Occasionally, you can catch her at concerts whenever she's not working. This is her first year at Ferrwood, but she can't wait to serve as a counselor!
Dereck Martinez - Boys' Counselor
Dereck Martinez is a recent graduate of Kutztown University with a bachelor's degree in Cinema, Television and Media Production. He currently lives in Hazleton, PA and works as a multimedia journalist. Dereck previously played percussion with his high school band and even attended Ferrwood for a few years. He is excited to return this summer as a counselor and make awesome new memories!
Tristan Haraschak - Boys' Counselor
Tristan is a recent graduate of LCCC’s MRT program (music recording technology). With a deep passion for music, he wishes to pursue a career in audio. Having been a camper for many years, he is excited to share his love for the arts with this year’s ensemble of campers. Tristan is a trumpet player and bass player. He has a deep appreciation for Jazz and ethnic music.
