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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.
          
       
   

Music Lessons | New! 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 $160 $440
45-Minutes $240 $680
60-Minutes $320 $860

*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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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 $154 for 15 weeks. 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
Tuesday • August 27 to December 10 • 6:30 to 9:00 p.m.


Choral Ensemble
Lynn Staininger • 
lstaininger@frederick.edu
Tuesday • August 29 to December 12 • 7:00 to 9:45 p.m.


Class Piano I
Learn basic keyboarding, music fundamentals, and more.
Mondays • August 26 to December 9 • 6:00 to 6:50 p.m.



Flute Ensemble
Dr. Jessica Banks •
jebanks@frederick.edu
Monday • August 26 to December 9 • 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.


Fundamentals of Music
An introduction to the study and basic elements of music.
Tuesday & Thursday • August 27 to December 12 • 6:00 to 7:15 p.m.


  
Handbell Ensemble
Barbara Scheffter •
bscheffter@frederick.edu
Wednesday • August 28 to December 11 • 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.


Jazz Big Band Ensemble
Howard Burns •
hburns@frederick.edu 
Wednesday • August 28 to December 11 • 7:45 to 10:00 p.m.


Jazz Workshop: Advanced
Jordan Clawson •
jclawson@frederick.edu
Monday • August 26 to December 9 • 5:00 to 7:15 p.m.


Jazz Workshop: Introduction
Anita Thomas •
athomas@frederick.edu
Monday • August 26 to December 9 • 7:30 to 9:45 p.m.


Percussion Ensemble
Greg Herron •
gherron@frederick.edu
Wednesday • August 28 to December 11 • 5:00 to 6:30 p.m.

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String Ensemble
Lynn Fleming •
vlfleming@frederick.edu
Thursday • August 29 to December 12 • 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.


Wind Ensemble
Kim Hirschmann •
khirschmann@frederick.edu
Wednesday • August 28 to December 11 • 6:30 to 9:00 p.m.


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Youth Music Programs

Youth Orchestra & Middle School Jazz Ensemble

Students in Grades 4 through 12 are invited to join the FCC Youth Orchestra or Middle School Jazz Ensemble. Please click below to complete the interest form. A short video of students playing their instrument can be included with the form, not as an audition, but to ensure the most appropriate placement in an ensemble. 

 
Group Music Lessons

Especially designed for young students beginning to study an instrument, this unique opportunity includes small group instruction in basic technique and music theory. Focuses on individual skills and delivers a solid foundation to further pursue musical interests while expanding ability. Participants must provide personal instrument.
            
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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
Cellist Adam Gonzalez, a member of the Trio Giocoso, has performed extensively in Maryland and Virginia and recorded commercially for the History Channel and National Geographic. A graduate of Wheaton College in Illinois, Gonzalez earned a Master of Arts in cello performance from Boston University. Gonzalez has taught at Georgetown University and Montgomery College and was Director of Instrumental Music at the Waldorf School in Baltimore. He teaches cello and Music Fundamentals at FCC. He also teaches Music History at Carroll Community College.

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CLARINET


Meredith Gersten
megersten@frederick.edu • www.mikegersten.com • www.ClarinetHQ.com

B.M.E. in Music Education, University of Kansas; M.M. in Clarinet Performance, University of Northern Colorado
Meredith is the managing director of Clarinet HQ, an online resource for young clarinetists and their band directors. Driving much of this work is her passion for engaging players of all ages and helping them establish proper clarinet techniques for lifelong success. She has taught in the public schools, serves on the International Clarinet Association's Youth Committee, and creates educational content for arts nonprofits. As a clarinetist, she has performed throughout the United States and Europe.

Michael Gersten
mgersten@frederick.edu

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)

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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PERCUSSION
 

Greg Herron
gherron@frederick.edu • (443) 621-8694

Bachelor's Degree, studio music and jazz, University of Miami, Florida; studied at the Boston Conservatory
Greg Herron is currently principal timpanist for the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra and an active performer, recording musician and teacher in Maryland. Mr. Herron frequently appears with the Baltimore Opera Orchestra, the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, and the Maryland Symphony. He is heard on many recordings, including most recently, Michael Colgrass, Percussion Music 1951-57 (Equilibrium Records) released in 2012. He is a founding member of Equinox Brass and Percussion, an exciting group consisting of percussion duo and brass quintet. Formerly, he was principal percussionist/assistant timpanist of the Monterrey Symphony Orchestra (OSUANL) in Monterrey, Mexico, and principal percussionist of the Monterrey Chamber Orchestra. Mr. Herron has played with numerous orchestras and jazz ensembles under such conductors as Enrique Batiz, Marin Alsop, Robert Spano, and Christopher Hogwood. A featured clinician in the Percuba international percussion festival in Havana, Cuba, he has also given numerous percussion clinics throughout the United States. Mr. Herron is an Education Artist for Vic Frith Drumsticks. Currently, Mr. Herron is on the faculty at Frederick Community College, the Baltimore School for the Arts, and the Park School of Baltimore. He runs Herron Percussion Studios, a teaching studio with multiple locations, offering instruction in concert percussion, drum set, and hand drumming. Mr. Herron holds a bachelor's degree in studio music and jazz from the University of Miami, Florida, and studied at the Boston Conservatory. His teachers include Pat Hollenbeck (Boston Pops), Keith Aleo (Zildjian, Boston Conservatory), John Locke (Baltimore Symphony Orchestra), Nancy Zeltsman (Boston Conservatory), Don Liuzzi (Philadelphia Orchestra), Steve Rucker (University of Maryland), Steve Bagby (University of Maryland), and Fred Wickstrom (University of Maryland).

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PIANO
 

Jordan Clawson
jclawson@frederick.edu • (540) 303-2469

Bachelor’s degree, Jazz Studies, University of Michigan; Master of Music, Music Theory &Composition, Scoring for Film and Multimedia, New York University
Jordan Clawson is a composer, pianist and vocalist living in Frederick, Maryland. In 2006 Jordan received a Bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies from the University of Michigan, and in 2013 a Master of Music degree in Music Theory and Composition, Scoring for Film and Multimedia from New York University. Jordan teaches all styles of music but specializes in jazz piano, focusing on harmony and improvisation. Jordan is a regular performer in the area, with frequent gigs at The Flying Camel in Hagerstown and Firestone's in Frederick.

Pat Franz
patriciajfranz@gmail.com • (301) 663-6197

Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education, Kansas State University
Since 1989, Pat Franz has taught piano in Frederick Community College’s Music for Enrichment program. A Certified Instructor with the Golandsky Piano Institute Professional Training Program, she began her study of the Taubman/Golandsky Piano Technique, in 1989, with Paul Maillet, a Taubman Institute Faculty/Artist. Since 2003, she has continued work in the technique, with Golandsky Institute Co-Founder, Co-Director and Senior Faculty/Artist Robert Durso. For ten years, Ms. Franz served, at the Taubman International Piano Symposium, as Practice Assistant, applying the unique Taubman concept of unified finger, hand and arm movement. She currently serves as Practice Assistant for the Golandsky International Piano Symposium held each summer on the Princeton University campus, where she works with injured pianists and aspiring pianists at various levels of advancement. Awarded a Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education from Kansas State University, she draws on her academic training to translate the Taubman approach with word pictures and engaging activities that children can understand. She is author of “Tension-Free Playing for Young Pianists,” an article appearing in 1998 in Clavier, the nationally distributed monthly professional periodical for piano pedagogy.

Alice Lee
alee@frederick.edu • (202) 270-1667

B.M. in Piano Performanceand M.M. in Piano Performance and Pedagogy, Northwestern University; D.M.A. in Piano Performance, University of Maryland
Dr. Lee teaches mainly classical piano repertoire, and is familiar with various teaching methods (e.g. intervallic, multi-key approach, traditional middle C, rote memory) and seeks to tailor her piano teaching to the individual needs of the student. She has studied with Ms. Elvina Pearce and Ms. Frances Larimer, esteemed pioneers in the field of piano pedagogy. She was on the piano faculty of Levine School of Music in Washington, DC (2000-2009), as well as a number of music schools in Chicago, teaching private lessons and class piano. As a freelance musician, she has performed as a soloist, chamber musician, choir conductor, accompanist in Austria and the United States; and worked for several years as a vocal coach, staff accompanist and church musician. She has studied with Alan Chow, Don Isaak, Laurence Davis, David Kaiserman, and Bradford Gowen.

David Loy
dloy@frederick.edu • (301) 991-3354

B.A., music performance (piano),Elon University; Master of Music in Choral Conducting (voice as principal instrument) , Conservatory of Music at the University of Missouri-Kansas City
David Loy received a B.A. in music performance (piano) from Elon University. He received the Master of Music in Choral Conducting (voice as principal instrument) from the Conservatory of Music at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. In addition to his teaching at Frederick Community College, he maintains a flourishing private studio of piano and voice students. Many of his students have received high ratings in voice and piano festivals and competitions. He is currently, Music Director of the Musical Theatre Factory, of Frederick where he prepares singers for over six performances a year. He teaches a six-week intensive vocal music workshop/camp during the summer. He is Director of Music and Organist at St. Anne's Episcopal in Damascus, Maryland where he oversees the music program where he directs two choirs. He is also Organist/Cantor/ Director of the Choir at Congregation B'nai Abraham in Hagerstown, Maryland overseeing two choirs there as well. He is currently a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing, Association of Anglican Musicians, Music Teachers National Association, and the Federation of Music Clubs. He is active as a recitalist and has sung professionally as a baritone soloist in the venue of oratorio and also accompanying.

Lynn L. Staininger
lstaininger@frederick.edu • (240) 405-7382

B.M., M.M. (Choral Conducting), Arizona State University
Lynn Staininger received her degrees in music education and choral conducting from Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona. Lynn teaches music theory, choir, voice and piano at FCC and choral conducting and pedagogy by special request. Well-versed in all musical styles, Ms. Staininger loves working with students of all ages and experience. Lynn is the 2017 recipient of the Maryland Music Educator's Association "Outstanding Music Educator Award". Trained as a theater organist and harpsichordist, Ms. Staininger enjoys performing both as a soloist and accompanist. Staininger is in her 18th year as the Artistic Director of the Choral Arts Society of Frederick, the city's oldest community choir, formed in 1943. Currently, Ms. Staininger is an organist and staff accompanist at St. Joseph on Carrollton Manor in Buckeystown, and on faculty at Hood College. Lynn also teaches credit Choral Ensemble at FCC.

Dr. John Wickelgren
jwickelgren@frederick.edu • 301-668-0355

B.A., B.M, Oberlin College, English and Piano Performance; M.M., D.M.A., Peabody Conservatory
A native of Colorado, Dr. Wickelgren has been described as a pianist who “wonderfully…mingled the sounds of gentle breezes with the clamor of racing horses.” He has performed in cities throughout Colorado, Maryland, Pennsylvania as well as Washington, D.C. His summer festival appearances include Bowdoin and Interlochen. He has been a repeat guest soloist with the Frederick Symphony Orchestra, most recently performing the Grieg Concerto in A Minor in May 2015. He has served as keyboardist with the Maryland Symphony Orchestra, and in April 2008 he made his solo debut with the orchestra in Beethoven’s Choral Fantasia, Op. 80 as part of the Mount’s Bicentenary celebrations that year. In 2012, Dr. Wickelgren was certified at the instructor level by the Golandsky Institute, successfully integrating the Taubman approach to piano technique into his teaching. Dr. Wickelgren actively participates in the institute’s teaching and performance seminars on the East Coast, and he currently studies with Robert Durso in Philadelphia. John Wickelgren received his Master’s and Doctorate degrees in piano performance at the Peabody Conservatory, where he studied with Yoheved Kaplinsky, Dominique Weber and Zitta Zohar. At Oberlin College, where he received undergraduate degrees in English and Piano Performance, he was a finalist in the annual Conservatory concerto competition, and also received the Piano Faculty Accompanying Prize upon graduation. Dr. Wickelgren has also medalled in the Kawai America Piano Competition and the Russell Wonderlic Competition in Baltimore. As a resident artist of the La Gesse Foundation in 1997, he presented an all-Schubert concert in honor of the composer’s bicentenary at the Chateau de la Gesse near Toulouse, France. 

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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.

Meredith Gersten
megersten@frederick.edu • www.mikegersten.com • www.ClarinetHQ.com

B.M.E. in Music Education, University of Kansas; M.M. in Clarinet Performance, University of Northern Colorado
Meredith is the managing director of Clarinet HQ, an online resource for young clarinetists and their band directors. Driving much of this work is her passion for engaging players of all ages and helping them establish proper clarinet techniques for lifelong success. She has taught in the public schools, serves on the International Clarinet Association's Youth Committee, and creates educational content for arts nonprofits. As a clarinetist, she has performed throughout the United States and Europe.

Michael Gersten
mgersten@frederick.edu

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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STRING BASS & STRING ENSEMBLE
 

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

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 began violin lessons at the Aragua Symphony Foundation in Maracay, Venezuela. In the US, she received her Bachelor's Degree, cum laude, Master's Degree, Artist Diploma in String Quartet Studies and Artist Diploma in Performance from Shenandoah University, under the tutelage of professors Marc Ramirez, Akemi Takayama, Doris Lederer, and Tom Shaw. She has appeared in Master Classes with such renowned musicians as violinist Anne-Akiko Myers, Glen Dicterow and Midori, and with pianist John O'Conor. She has participated in the Las Vegas Music Festival, the summer festival of the National Repertory Orchestra, Idyllwild Arts Music Festival, the Shenandoah Performs festival and the Castleton Festival. Dr. Serrano was the only participant from the Americas invited to participate in the International Violin Competition Citta d' Brescia in Italy in 2007. She received her Doctorate in Violin Performance at Catholic University of America in Washington, DC, with a specialization in Latin American studies. Currently, she is the co-concertmaster of the Loudoun Symphony and the Apollo Orchestra. She is available to teach in-person and online.

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VOICE
 

Paula Chipman
pchipman@frederick.edu • (202) 425-4029

B.M.E., University of Kansas; M.M., Arizona State University; D.M.A., University of Maryland, College Park
Dr. Chipman has taught voice at Frederick Community College for 31 years, and she recently retired as Professor of Music for the College. Before coming to FCC, she studied in Graz, Austria, at the American Institute of Musical Studies, and the Hochshule fuer Musik in Vienna, Austria. She has performed with the Vienna State Opera Company, the Vienna Chamber Opera, The Austrian Radio Chorus, at La Scala Opera House in Milan, Italy, and at the Salzburg Festival, Salzburg, Austria. Teaching positions include teaching voice at Rice University in Houston, Texas, Mesa Community College, Mesa, Arizona, and Northern Virginia Community College. Dr. Chipman performs as a soloist for churches and community organizations in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area, and many of her former students are currently working in the music profession.

Mary Gresock
mgresock@frederick.edu • (301) 879-2069 • (301) 830-3170

M.M. (voice,opera theatre) University of Maryland, College Park; B.M. (music education, pre-K–12), Catholic University Conservatory of Music (Washington D.C.). Certified Level 3 Somatic Voicework™, The Lovetri Method
Mary Gresock, Soprano, has served on the voice faculty at Frederick Community College since Fall of 2001, participating as a faculty recitalist in various past programs such as Women in Song, Viva la Musica, Musical Gems from Abroad, Swingin’ Sisters, American Song: Made In The U.S.A., Love Letters with flutist Jennifer Rundlett, and Mozart, Magic and Mischief. In addition to Frederick Community College, Mary is on the voice faculty at Academy of Fine Arts in Gaithersburg, Md, and Washington Conservatory of Music at Glen Echo, Md. She also serves as the Early Childhood Specialist at the Conservatory. As a Master Teaching Artist, Mary facilitates performing arts and arts – integrated residencies in the schools for The Kennedy Center, Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts as well as her own company, Odyssey Opera Theatre. As a performing artist, Mary has portrayed various roles with such companies as the Washington National Opera, Baltimore Opera, Wolf Trap Opera, Opera International, Annapolis Opera, Opera Theatre of Northern Virginia, Md. Lyric Opera, Signature Theatre, The “IN” Series, and The Washington Savoyards. Among her favorite roles have been “Susanna” from The Marriage of Figaro, “Adele” from Die Fledermaus, and “Eliza Doolittle” from My Fair Lady. She most recently debuted at Clear Space Theatre in Delaware, performing “Mother Superior “in Sister Act and “M’Lynn” in Steel Magnolias. On the concert stage, Mary has sung with The Capital City Symphony as the soloist in Barber’s Knoxville: Summer of 1915 and she has been featured in such works as Saint - Saen’s Christmas Oratorio. Mozart’s Coronation Mass, Haydn’s Missa Brevis , Vivaldi’s Gloria, Finzi’s In Terra Pax, and Handel’s Messiah. As a vocal instructor, Mary loves working a wide span of ages – six through adult, and is comfortable exploring various types of music and singing styles. Critical singing goals include developing a healthy, expressive voice as well as a deeper understanding of how our singing voice functions.

David Loy
dloy@frederick.edu • (301) 991-3354

B.A., music performance (piano), Elon University; Master of Music in Choral Conducting (voice as principal instrument) , Conservatory of Music at the University of Missouri-Kansas City
David Loy received a B.A. in music performance (piano) from Elon University. He received the Master of Music in Choral Conducting (voice as principal instrument) from the Conservatory of Music at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. In addition to his teaching at Frederick Community College, he maintains a flourishing private studio of piano and voice students. Many of his students have received high ratings in voice and piano festivals and competitions. He is currently, Music Director of the Musical Theatre Factory, of Frederick where he prepares singers for over six performances a year. He teaches a six-week intensive vocal music workshop/camp during the summer. He is Director of Music and Organist at St. Anne's Episcopal in Damascus, Maryland where he oversees the music program where he directs two choirs. He is also Organist/Cantor/ Director of the Choir at Congregation B'nai Abraham in Hagerstown, Maryland overseeing two choirs there as well. He is currently a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing, Association of Anglican Musicians, Music Teachers National Association, and the Federation of Music Clubs. He is active as a recitalist and has sung professionally as a baritone soloist in the venue of oratorio and also accompanying.

Sterling Scroggins
sscroggins@frederick.edu • (202) 906.0613

Bachelor of Music Education, Colorado State University; Master of Music, University of Colorado; D.M.A., University of Maryland
Sterling Scroggins, baritone, has performed, directed and taught in the Washington D.C. area since the mid-1980s. His favorite performing roles are Papageno from The Magic Flute, Mephistopheles from Faust, and Don Quixote from Man of La Mancha. As director, his favorite productions include La Traviata, Don Giovanni, and Fiddler on the Roof. Dr. Scroggins earned a Doctor of Musical Arts Degree from the University of Maryland, in the studio of James MacDonald; a Master of Music Degree from the University of Colorado, with a specialization in American Music History; and a Bachelor of Music Education from Colorado State University, in the studio of Edward Anderson.

Lynn L. Staininger
lstaininger@frederick.edu • (240) 405-7382

B.M., M.M. (Choral Conducting), Arizona State University
Lynn Staininger received her degrees in music education and choral conducting from Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona. Lynn teaches music theory, choir, voice and piano at FCC and choral conducting and pedagogy by special request. Well-versed in all musical styles, Ms. Staininger loves working with students of all ages and experience. Lynn is the 2017 recipient of the Maryland Music Educator's Association "Outstanding Music Educator Award". Trained as a theater organist and harpsichordist, Ms. Staininger enjoys performing both as a soloist and accompanist. Staininger is in her 18th year as the Artistic Director of the Choral Arts Society of Frederick, the city's oldest community choir, formed in 1943. Currently, Ms. Staininger is an organist and staff accompanist at St. Joseph on Carrollton Manor in Buckeystown, and on faculty at Hood College. Lynn also teaches credit Choral Ensemble at FCC.

 

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Dr. Mike Gersten • Music Program Manager
Frederick Community College
mgersten@frederick.edu • 301-846-2566