Welcome to FCC Music

The FCC Music Program is led by expert musicians with lessons, classes, ensembles, and more open to students of all ages and all levels, from beginner to advanced, in a variety of formats. Annual Shields Music Scholarships are provided by the George L. Shields Scholarship Fund and the FCC Foundation.
                  

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Music Lessons | Registration Process

Introducing the new FCC Music Interest Form! Designed to simplify the registration process, this new form is where you let us know your choice of instrument, schedule, instructor (if applicable) and frequency (see options & pricing below). After completing and submitting the form, Dr. Mike Gersten, FCC Music Program Manager, will send you an email notification with steps to provide payment and complete your registration. Click below to open our new FCC Music Interest Form to get started!

Lesson Pricing

Individual Lessons	Monthly Lessons (4 Sessions)	Three-Month Lessons* (12 Sessions)
30-Minutes	$170	$450
45-Minutes	$250	$690
60-Minutes	$330	$870

*Spring three-month sessions run February, March, and April; fall three-month sessions run September, October, and November. 

Important Notes

• To begin lessons in the same month, payment must be provided by the 7th day of the month. Be sure to allow sufficient time to complete this form, receive the registration link and submit payment to begin lessons in the same month.
• When planning to register, please refer to the FCC College calendar to account for days and times the College may be closed, including holidays, seasonal breaks, and inclement weather.
• This interest form is the first step for registration. After submitting this form, keep an eye out for an email within two business days containing the link you will use to submit payment and complete your registration.

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Youth Music Programs

Youth programs for students in grades 4 through 12 offer exciting opportunities to explore music this fall. Interest form links are included below for the choir, ensemble, and orchestra, while Music Fundamentals and Youth Class Piano Group accept online registrations.

Middle School Flute Choir
Jessica Banks • jbanks@frederick.edu
Saturdays • 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. • August 22 to December 12

 
Middle School Jazz Ensemble
Olivia Malin • omalin@frederick.edu 
Thursdays • 5:30 - 6:45 p.m. • August 27 to December 10

  
Music Fundamentals I
Jason Diggs • jdiggs@frederick.edu
Tuesdays • 5:00 - 6:15 p.m. • August 25 to December 8

  
Youth Class Piano Group
Jinha Park • jpark@frederick.edu
Fridays • 4:30 - 5:15 p.m. • August 28 to December 11

  
Youth Orchestra
Jason Diggs • jdiggs@frederick.edu
Thursdays • 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. • August 27 to December 10


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You're Invited! Music Events & Concerts

Join us in the Performing Arts Center at FCC for a wide range of upcoming concerts and performances designed to inspire and delight audiences of all ages. Tickets are free of charge (nominal donation are suggested but not required). Register online to save your seats!
  

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Music Ensembles & Classes

Music Ensembles & Workshops, led by well-known and experienced musicians, open for registration in early spring and early fall. Participation cost is $165. Qualifications vary, but students typically need to have experience on their instrument and the ability to read music. Contact the ensemble director or Dr. Mike Gersten, FCC Music Program Manager, to make sure it's the right fit for you.

Chamber Ensemble
Jason Diggs • jadiggs@frederick.edu
Tuesdays • 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. • August 25 to December 8


Choral Ensemble
Lynn Staininger • lstaininger@frederick.edu
Tuesdays • 7:00 - 9:30 p.m. • August 25 to December 8


Class Piano I
John Wickelgren • jwickelgren@frederick.edu
Learn basic keyboarding, music fundamentals, and more.
Mondays • 6:00 - 6:50 p.m. • August 24 to December 7


Flute Ensemble
Dr. Jessica Banks • jebanks@frederick.edu
Mondays • 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. •  August 24 to December 7

   
Handbell Ensemble
Barbara Scheffter • bscheffter@frederick.edu
Wednesdays • 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. • August 26 to December 9

   
High School Flute Choir
Dr. Jessica Banks • jebanks@frederick.edu
Sundays • 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. • August 23 to December 6

  
Jazz Big Band Ensemble
Howard Burns • hburns@frederick.edu
Wednesdays • 7:45 - 10:00 p.m. • August 26 to December 9

  
Jazz Workshop: Advanced
Howard Burns • hburns@frederick.edu
Mondays • 7:30 - 9:45 p.m. • August 24 to December 7

  
Jazz Workshop: Introduction
Anita Thomas • athomas@frederick.edu
Mondays • 7:30 - 9:45 p.m. • August 24 to December 7

  
Jazz Workshop: Introduction
Anita Thomas • athomas@frederick.edu
Fridays • 10:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. • August 28 to December 11

 
Percussion Ensemble
Greg Herron • gherron@frederick.edu
Wednesdays • 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. • August 26 to December 9

 
Popular Music Ensemble
Todd Campbell • tocampbell@frederick.edu
Wednesdays • 4:15 - 5:45 p.m. • August 26 to December 9

  
String Ensemble
Lynn Fleming • vlfleming@frederick.edu
Thursdays • 7:00 - 9:30 p.m. • August 27 to December 10


Wind Ensemble
Dr. Kimberly Hirschmann • khirschmann@frederick.edu
Wednesdays • 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. • August 26 to December 9

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FCC Music Lessons Policies & Procedures

Cancellations & Make Up Lessons

If a student needs to cancel a lesson (for any reason), students/guardians must communicate with the instructor as soon as possible.  Although the instructor is under no obligation to make up the lesson, students/guardians are welcome to discuss the possibility of a make-up lesson with them.  If the instructor cancels the session, the lesson will be rescheduled. 

Lateness
As most Instructors teach back-to-back lessons, it is important that students arrive at least 10 minutes early so lessons can start on time.  If a student is late, it will be up to the instructor’s discretion as to whether they extend the lesson.

Refund Policy
For refund information, please review our Refund Policy for complete details.

Inclement Weather & Campus Closures
When FCC classes are cancelled due to inclement weather, instructors will make every effort to make up the lesson, however rescheduling the lesson is not guaranteed. Classes scheduled to start before an inclement weather delay will not meet. Please see the FCC Inclement Weather Policy for additional details. FCC does not follow the Frederick County Public Schools closing and delay policy.)  Stay informed about college closings and delays as well as emergency information throughout the year. Sign up for FCC Alert to receive instant college notices via text, email and/or phone. Registration is quick, simple and free!

FCC Music Instructors
Please make note of the following information.

1. All of our FCC Music Instructors are performing artists and may need to take time off for upcoming performances, recitals, or concerts. If this situation occurs, instructors will reschedule or provide a substitute teacher, always with sufficient notice. 
2. Any complaints, or scheduling conflicts, should be addressed with the instructor first. 
3. If an instructor is no longer able to teach, the remaining lessons will be taught by an alternative instructor. 
4. Students and/or guardians must register for lessons through Frederick Community College and may not directly exchange payment with an instructor. 

Important Note
These policies and procedures are subject to change without notice.

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FCC Music Instructors

CELLO
 

Adam Gonzalez
agonzalez@frederick.edu • (301) 219-4826
Wheaton College, Bachelor's Degree, cello performance. Boston University, Master's Degree, cello performance 
Adam Gonzalez, cellist, has performed for over 40 years in a wide variety of music styles as a freelance musician in New England, Mexico, the Southwest US, and in the Washington DC Metro area. Adam has been the founding member of the Helios, Mariner, and Azimuth String Quartets, and Trio Giocoso. He is also a Solo Teaching Artist and the Music Director of The Quicksilver Dancers, an improvisational performance group under the auspices of Arts for The Aging. His commercial recording work has included music for the History Channel and National Geographic. Adam also composes, records, and produces his own music, and recently released “Cello & Other Emotions” available on all streaming platforms.  Since 2007, Mr. Gonzalez has taught cello lessons and other classes, including Music History, and Music Theory, at Frederick Community College. He teaches students ages 7 to 97, and welcomes students of all levels, beginner to advanced.

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CLARINET

Meredith Gersten
megersten@frederick.edu • meredithclarinet.com • www.ClarinetHQ.com
Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Kansas, Masters in Clarinet Performance from the University of Northern Colorado
Meredith Gersten teaches various courses within the Music Program at Frederick Community College and has a private studio in the FCC Community Music Program. She taught music in the public schools for ten years before relocating to Maryland after earning a certificate in nonprofit arts management from NYU. You can find her online as the co-director of Clarinet HQ, an online resource for young clarinetists and their band directors. Driving much of this work is her passion for engaging beginning and intermediate players, especially those without easy access to quality instruction, and helping them establish proper clarinet techniques for lifelong success. Meredith's approach to private lessons is student-centric and collaborative. She works with students to set objectives and select music based on their long-term goals. If you wish to set up an introductory meeting prior to registering, or have any questions, please send Meredith an email at megersten@frederick.edu.

Michael Gersten
mgersten@frederick.edu • mikegersten.com
B.M.E. in Music Education and M.M. in Clarinet Performance, University of Kansas; D.A. in Clarinet and Music History, University of Northern Colorado
As an educator, Dr. Mike Gersten believes in providing students with the tools and support they need to achieve their goals. As a performer and creator, he is passionate about using music to explore society and culture. His film and live soundtrack,Hate, Hope, and Healing: Exploring the Holocaust Through Music, has received two separate grants from the Texas Holocaust and Genocide Commission. As part of the ensemble Driftwood Duo, he has written and commissioned new works for two clarinets that blend elements of klezmer music with the music of other cultures. They have performed his own music and the music of others across the U.S. and Europe, including at the International Clarinet Association’s annual conference and the Library of Birmingham (UK). Dr. Gersten is the Music Program Manager at FCC and previously served as Assistant Professor of Woodwinds at South Texas College and Co-Principal Clarinet of the Valley Symphony Orchestra.

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FLUTE
 

Jessica Banks
jebanks@frederick.edu • (330) 559-1335
DM and MM in Flute Performance, Indiana University; BME and BM-Performance, Baldwin Wallace Conservatory
Originally, from Youngstown, Ohio, Dr. Jessica Banks currently serves as flute choir director at Frederick Community College. Prior to moving to Maryland, she served as Assistant Professor of Flute at Mississippi State University and Principal flutist of the Starkville Symphony Orchestra.  An active solo, chamber and orchestral musician, Dr. Banks is a founding member of the Magnolia Trio (fl/ob/pn) and has performed with orchestras throughout the US including: Starkville Symphony (MS), Alabama Symphony (AL), Delta Symphony (MS), North Mississippi Symphony (MS), Lexington Philharmonic (KY), Columbus Indiana Philharmonic (IN), Owensboro Symphony (KY), and Evansville Philharmonic (IN). Jessica also serves as an active member in the Flute Society of Washington, Mid South Flute Society, Flute New Music Consortium, and the National Flute Association. Dedicated to improving access to advanced instruction for all flutists, Dr. Banks provides free resources on social media for young flutists, band directors, and flute teachers. Dr. Banks studied at Indiana University (DM & MM- Flute performance with minors in Music Theory and Baroque flute) with Thomas Robertello and Baldwin Wallace Conservatory (BM & BME) with George Pope. Jessicaleebanks.com.

Michelle Rippey
mrippey@frederick.edu • (240) 675-0866
 Master of Education -MEd,George Mason University;Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA Flute Performance,The University of Kansas;High School Diploma Flute Performance, University of North Carolina School of the Arts 
A lifelong musician, Michelle Rippey and her family was always active with the Classical Music Association in their small hometown in southern Virginia, routinely hosting music events in their home and in the community. This provided Ms. Rippey with exposure to a rich and varied classical music scene as well as inspiration from world class musicians. Ms. Rippey studied violin, piano, and voice as a child, then dedicated herself to pursuing the flute beginning at age ten. Ms. Rippey studied flute through high school at the North Carolina School of the Arts and during her summers at the Brevard Music Center. Ms. Rippey holds a Bachelor’s of Music in Flute Performance and a Master’s Degree in Education. Ms. Rippey performs regularly with the Loudoun Symphony Orchestra, the Pro Art Chamber Orchestra (PACO) of Greater Washington D.C., and the Second Winds woodwind quintet. She is an alternate with the Columbia Symphony Orchestra and the Frederick Symphony Orchestra, and also performs regularly as a freelance musician. Ms. Rippey has a passion for teaching flute and piccolo. She enjoys assisting youth programs as an adjudicator for youth contests, as a supporting mentor for the Loudoun Symphony Youth Orchestra, and by providing sectional coaching for young flutists in middle and high schools throughout the Potomac region.

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GUITAR
 

Chaz Aguado
chazaguadoguitar.com • caguado@frederick.edu • (240) 344-5662
Doctor of Musical Arts, Shenandoah Conservatory; Master’s Degree, University of Denver; Bachelor’s Degree, Towson University
Chaz Aguado is the classical guitar instructor at Frederick Community College and is also an adjunct professor at Carroll Community College and Towson University. Dr. Aguado has been a private instructor for over ten years and is an active musician and teacher in the greater Washington DC/Baltimore area. He received his Doctor of Musical Arts from Shenandoah Conservatory and holds a master’s degree from University of Denver and a bachelor’s degree from Towson University. He also teaches other styles of guitar such as rock, country, blues, and metal at The Catoctin School of Music in Leesburg, Virginia. Some of the notable pedagogues he has studied classical guitar with are Mathew Palmer, Troy King, Laura Husbands, Jonathan Leatherwood, Julian Gray, and Ricardo Iznaola. Dr. Aguado performs regularly at many different venues. Most often, you can find him performing classical guitar in recital and concert halls. Not only does he perform as a soloist but also as a chamber artist with vocalists, cellists, violinists, and flutists. Dr. Aguado currently offers private guitar lessons in-person or virtually. Chaz Aguado performs Soleá by Regino Sainz de la Maza (YouTube)

Peter Heiss
pheiss@frederick.edu
Bachelor of Arts and Master of Music in Guitar Performance, Shenandoah Conservatory 
Peter Heiss is a professional guitarist who performs and teaches music in Maryland, Washington D.C., Virginia and West Virginia. Mr. Heiss has been a band leader, solo musician and side musician in numerous musical projects. As a band leader Peter has hosted the Takoma Station Jazz Jam and the Jazz Jam at The Domestic as well as performing at numerous other venues. As a side musician Peter has performed in various Jazz, R&B and Musical Pitbands. He also has released original music on popular music platforms online. He graduated from Hood College with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Guitar Performance and a Master of Music degree from Shenandoah Conservatory, in Guitar Performance. Mr. Heiss teaches all styles of music, beginner through advanced, on guitar, bass guitar and ukulele. In his teaching, he stresses fundamentals and improvement at all experience levels. He also believes in standards for teaching in repertoire and technique. His students have had success at all levels of study from recreational to professional.

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LOW BRASS (TROMBONE, EUPHONIUM/BARITONE, TUBA)

Dr. Brandon Carbonari
bcarbonari@frederick.edu
Mansfield University of Pennsylvania - Bachelor's in Music Education; Carnegie Mellon University - Master’s in Trombone Performance; Pennsylvania State University - Professional Performance Certificate; West Virginia University - Doctor of Musical Arts in Trombone Performance, Pedagogy, and Literature
Dr. Brandon Carbonari joined the staff of the Potomac Valley Youth Orchestra in 2021. He has been an orchestra director for Washington County Public Schools since 2022 and is the Adjunct Low Brass Professor at Frederick Community College. He is an active performer on trombone, euphonium, and tuba. Dr. Carbonari has a music education degree from Mansfield University of Pennsylvania, and graduate degrees in Trombone Performance from Carnegie Mellon University and West Virginia University.

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MUSIC COMPOSITION

Dr. Calvin Evans, Jr. 
caevans@frederick.edu
Mansfield University of Pennsylvania - Bachelor's in Music Education; Carnegie Mellon University - Master’s in Trombone Performance; Pennsylvania State University - Professional Performance Certificate; West Virginia University - Doctor of Musical Arts in Trombone Performance, Pedagogy, and Literature
Calvin Evans Jr. is a composer and musicologist based in Northern Virginia. In music composition, he specializes in chamber music, jazz, and music for visual media. He has composed music for multiple films, television episodes, and escape room experiences across America. He was the 1st prize recipient of the 2025 Philip Slates Memorial Competition hosted by the Southeastern Composers League. In scholarship, his interests focus on the forgotten and undiscovered history of African American film composers and their impact on the profession of film music composition. His dissertation was written on the film scoring career of Quincy Jones. His research has been presented at multiple academic conferences including the Music and the Moving Image Conference (New York University) and the North American Video Game Music Conference (Stetson University). He won the 2025 “3 Minute Thesis” competition at George Mason University and represented his university at the regional competition at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX. He is an honors graduate of Hampton University with a bachelor's degree in music education and a master's degree in teaching. He also holds a master's degree in fine arts with a concentration in Film Music Composition from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston-Salem, NC, where he studied composition under Dr. Christopher Heckman. Calvin graduated with a Doctorate in Music Composition from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, where he studied composition under Mark Camphouse and Dr. Robert Gillam. He was awarded the 2021 Presidential Scholarship at George Mason University which supported him for several years as he investigated the forgotten history of black film composers.

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OBOE

Sarah Pinto Andrews
spinto@frederick.edu
Ithaca College: BM in Oboe Performance and BM in Music Education, University of Michigan: MM in Oboe Performance, MM in Chamber Music, and Specialist Degree (SD) in Oboe Performance
Originally from Mt. Airy, Maryland, Sarah Pinto Andrews recently returned to the state after spending the past decade living in upstate New York and Michigan. An active freelancer, Sarah has played with numerous orchestras throughout southeast Michigan and has also performed with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, the Bach in Baltimore Orchestra, and the Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival. Her recording credits include a performance of Sila: Breath of the World by John Luther Adams, which received a 2023 Grammy Nomination for Best Orchestral Performance. In addition to performing as a freelance musician in Michigan, Sarah maintained a private studio and served as an applied music faculty member at Concordia University Ann Arbor. She currently works as the music coordinator for TWIGS, a free Saturday arts program at Baltimore School for the Arts, and she teaches oboe, chamber music, music theory, and music history at Baltimore School for the Arts, in addition to teaching Fundamentals of Music and oboe at Frederick Community College.  As a teacher, Sarah is committed to creating a learning environment that is safe, warm, creative, curious, and collaborative, while building a strong musical foundation.

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PERCUSSION
 

Greg Herron
gherron@frederick.edu • (443) 621-8694
University of Miami, Bachelor of Music; Boston Conservatory, graduate studies
Greg Herron is a passionate educator that is equally at home in both the classical and jazz worlds. He studied at the University of Miami and the Boston Conservatory, and his teachers include Keith Aleo (Interlochen Arts Academy), Pat Hollenbeck (Boston Pops), Nancy Zeltsman (marimba soloist), Don Liuzzi (Philadelphia Orchestra), John Locke (Baltimore Symphony Orchestra), Steve Rucker (Bee Gees), Steve Bagby (jazz great), Lou Abbott (Philly's Finest), Grant Menefee (world-renown drum set teacher), and John Coale (Slim Man). In Mr. Herron's over three decades of teaching he has developed curriculums for students ranging from pre-k to adult, and he has authored drum methods and composed many pieces for solo percussion, percussion ensemble and jazz ensemble. He is extremely proud of his numerous students who have been accepted to some of the top universities and conservatories in the country such as Temple University, Indiana University, and Shenandoah Conservatory. He is the former principal percussionist/assistant timpanist of the Monterrey Symphony (OSUANL) in Monterrey, Mexico, and currently performs with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, Washington Concert Opera, Cathedral Choral Society, and the Maryland Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Herron can also be heard playing with his electric jazz trio, Peravon, which was recognized by Downbeat Magazine in 2020. Greg is currently the percussion teacher at FCC where he teaches private lessons and directs the FCC Percussion Ensemble, a position he has held since 2004.

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PIANO

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SAXOPHONE

Howard Burns
hburns@frederick.edu • (301) 788-3274
Bachelor of Music, Howard University; Masters Degree, Royal Conservatory of Music, Brussels, Belgium
Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Howard Burns attended Baltimore City public schools. In high school, Howard was a member of Chocolate Rain, a well-known band operating in Baltimore, Washington, DC, Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. A high-energy group with an original sound, Chocolate Rain produced a record in the 1970, and was selected to open shows for Earth Wind and Fire, Ohio Players, Weather Report, Parliament, The Isley Brothers and the Blackbyrds. Burns attended Howard University, earning a Bachelor of Music degree, and the Royal Conservatory of Music in Brussels, Belgium, where he earned his master’s degree. A member of the Blackbyrds and the Midnight Movers, he also performed with Clark Terry, Frank Foster, Frank Wess, Joe Wilder, Butch Ballard, Buddy Catlett, Benny Powell, Hank Jones, John Handy, Curtis Fuller, Charles Davis, Lou Donaldson, The Four Tops, and The Temptations. The Howard Burns Quartet has been together for 20 years. He has appeared on five compact discs featuring the well-known jazz percussionist Kevin Yost.

Michael Gersten
mgersten@frederick.edu • mikegersten.com
B.M.E. in Music Education and M.M. in Clarinet Performance, University of Kansas; D.A. in Clarinet and Music History, University of Northern Colorado
As an educator, Dr. Mike Gersten believes in providing students with the tools and support they need to achieve their goals. As a performer and creator, he is passionate about using music to explore society and culture. His film and live soundtrack, Hate, Hope, and Healing: Exploring the Holocaust Through Music, has received two separate grants from the Texas Holocaust and Genocide Commission. As part of the ensemble Driftwood Duo, he has written and commissioned new works for two clarinets that blend elements of klezmer music with the music of other cultures. They have performed his own music and the music of others across the U.S. and Europe, including at the International Clarinet Association’s annual conference and the Library of Birmingham (UK). Dr. Gersten is the Music Program Manager at FCC and previously served as Assistant Professor of Woodwinds at South Texas College and Co-Principal Clarinet of the Valley Symphony Orchestra.

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UPRIGHT BASS & BASS GUITAR
 

David Lester
davidlestermusic@gmail.com
Bachelor’s Degree, Hood College; Manhattan School of Music studies
David Lester is a double bassist and electric bassist from Frederick, MD. A versatile musician, David is equally at home playing classical, jazz, funk, or rock. He has been freelancing in the DC/Maryland/Virginia area since 2006. Frequent collaborators include local legends Howard Burns, Anita Thomas, Jordan Clawson, and acclaimed jazz vocalist Kerensa Gray. David has studied at Hood College and Manhattan School of Music. His double bass teachers include Lynn Fleming, Jeff Weisner of the National Symphony Orchestra, Jeremy McCoy of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, and Orin O’Brien of the New York Philharmonic. A passionate educator, David maintains a busy teaching schedule at Jammin’ Java Music School in Vienna, VA, The Music Loft in Ashburn, VA, Frederick Community College, and his home studio in Frederick. His website is davidlestermusic.wix.com/home.

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TRUMPET
 

Olivia Malin
omalin@frederick.edu • (443) 845-5437
Yale School of Music
Trumpeter Olivia Malin has performed professionally with the Vermont Symphony, BRASS quintet, DIVA Jazz Orchestra, Brooklyn Funk Collective, and Mikata Salsa Band. A graduate of the Yale School of Music, she has also performed extensively with numerous graduate and undergraduate ensembles there, including at Carnegie Hall with the Yale Philharmonia. While a student, her brass quintet was a finalist in the annual Chamber Music competition, and she has since appeared on multiple CDs spanning a variety of music genres. Having recently relocated to the Maryland area, she is very excited to be back in her home state to explore all the musical opportunities here.

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VIOLIN/VIOLA
 

Jason Diggs
jadiggs@frederick.edu • (410) 812-2018
B.M., Viola and Artist Diploma in Quartet Studies,Shenandoah Conservatory;M.M., viola performance,San Francisco Conservatory
Mr. Diggs began studying violin at the age of 9 in Baltimore City public schools. He received his B.M. in viola and Artist Diploma in Quartet Studies from Shenandoah Conservatory and is one of the founding members of Argot. His teachers included Doris Lederer and C. Thomas Shaw of the Audubon Quartet, and Olivia Hajioff and Marc Ramirez of the MarcOliva Duo. He received his M.M. in viola performance from the San Francisco Conservatory under the instruction of Jodi Levitz of the Ives Quartet and received chamber instruction from pianist/violist Paul Hersh and violinist Axel Strauss. He has participated in chamber masterclasses given by Kim Kashkashian, Christoph Wyneken, John O'Conor, and the Juilliard Quartet as well as an orchestral master class given by Sir Simon Rattle serving as principal viola. When not performing with Argot, Mr. Diggs freelances with several orchestras includingThe Baltimore Chamber Orchestra, The National Philharmonic, Harrisburg Symphony, Maryland Symphony, Two Rivers Chamber Orchestra and is the principal violist of the National String Symphonia. He was the violist in the Foreign Landscapes CD by Hauschka, principal violist for the R. Kreutzer Violin Concertos 17-19 CD released by Naxos featuring violinist Axel Strauss, and violist for the 2008 Grammy nominated album Indigo Road by lutanist Ron Mcfarlane.

Rowell Jao
rjao@frederick.edu • (757) 779-7815
M.M. in Violin Pedagogy, M.M. and B.M. in Violin Performance, Shenandoah Conservatory of Music; Certificate in Teaching the Violin and Viola: Creating a Healthy Foundation, Northwestern University
Rowell Jao received an M.M. in Violin Pedagogy, M.M. and B.M. in Violin Performance from Shenandoah Conservatory of Music, Certificate in Teaching the Violin and Viola: Creating a Healthy Foundation, from Northwestern University, and is a Graduate of the Governor’s School for the Arts in VA. He is a Registered Suzuki Violin teacher and a member of the Suzuki Association of the Americas and the Suzuki Association of the Greater Washington Area. Rowell is also member of the American String Teachers Association (ASTA) and has students participate in their ASTACAP yearly exams. With an extensive performance history playing with orchestras in Virginia and Maryland, as well as being the first violinist for the 2008 Grammy nominated album Indigo Road by lutanist Ronn Mcfarlane, Rowell Jao has a thriving music studio with over 10 years of experience teaching students of all ages.

Marjory Serrano
mserrano@frederick.edu • (540) 664-4068
BM in Performance - Shenandoah University, MM in Performance - Shenandoah University; Artist Diploma in String Quartet Studies - Shenandoah University; Doctor of Musical Arts in Performance - Catholic University of America
Bachelor's Degree, cum laude, and Master's Degree, Artist Diploma in String Quartet Studies and Artist Diploma in Performance, Shenandoah University; Doctorate, Violin Performance, Catholic University of America in Washington, DC
Dr. Marjory Serrano-Coyer is a Venezuelan violinist with extensive training from renowned teachers in both her home country and the United States, including Jose Francisco del Castillo, Sergio Cellis, William Naranjo, Marc Ramirez, Akemi Takayama, and Jody Gatwood. She holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Violin Performance, specializing in Latin American music. Dr. Serrano has also participated in master classes with acclaimed figures such as Midori, Anne-Akiko Meyers, Glen Dicterow, and pianist John O'Conor. With her orchestral experience from El Sistema in Venenzuela and a teaching approach tailored to students age 10 and above, including college students and adults at Frederick Community College in Maryland, Dr. Serrano brings a wealth of experience from prestigious international music festivals. She has worked with renowned conductors including Larry Livingston (Idyllwild Music Festival) and Lorin Maazel (Castleton Music Festival). Dr. Serrano has performed and given lecture recitals in South America, the United States, and Europe. Her new album, Sonatas Venezolanas, released 29 September 2023, features world premier recordings of two sonatas composed by historically and culturally significant mid 20th century Venezuelan composers, Angel Sauce and Nelly Mele Lara.

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VOICE

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