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Separk Music Instructors |
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| Alex is currently a graduate student in percussion
at the North Carolina School of the Arts. He has performed with
the Winston-Salem Symphony and the Beta Omicron Beta Band. Alex
also performed as a theater musician in Oliver, She
Loves Me,
and Seussical at the Lamplight Theater in Nacogdoches, Texas.
In addition, Alex has conducted the NCSA high school percussion
ensemble and offered private and group instruction to percussion
ensembles in both the Nacogdoches and Timpson school districts. |
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| Sarah Bearden is a 2004 graduate of Pensacola
Christian College, where she obtained a B.A. in cello performance.
She has been teaching at Separk Music since 2004. Sarah is
also a private instructor at Piedmont Baptist College, Gospel
Light Christian School, and The Performing Arts Institute of
Virginia. In addition, she has taught and performed in the
Czech Republic, Austria, England, Scotland, and throughout
the North and Southeastern United States. |
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| Since 1996, Michelle Clontz has continued
to effectively instruct beginner violinists at Separk Music.
A graduate of UNC Greensboro, Michelle holds both a Bachelor's
and a Master's degree in music education. She has held the position
as orchestra director for Hanes Middle School since 1994, and
in 1999 became the orchestra director for Glenn High School as
well. Michelle is a wonderful instructor for very young children,
and has the ability to get on their level and teach them the
fundamentals of the violin in a fun, child-friendly environment. |
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| Will Conlin joined Separk in the summer of
2008 as a saxophone instructor. With over a decade of experience
playing, Will plays Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and Baritone Saxophones.
Currently a student at the North Carolina School of the Arts,
he has studied and performed styles ranging from Baroque and
Contemporary Classical to Jazz Jams, Blues, and Soul. Will has
worked in both small and large ensembles, including: mixed woodwinds,
saxophone quartet, orchestra, and jazz ensemble. |
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| Kevin Erixson is a post-graduate student at
the North Carolina School of the Arts. He completed his Bachelor's
of Music in clarinet performance at UNCG, and obtained his Master's
degree in Clarinet performance at Florida State University. In
addition to his private studio, Kevin was formerly an instructor
at the Music Academy of North Carolina and Moore Music, and was
the director of Athletic Bands at High Point University. Kevin's
performance experience includes the Fibonacci Chamber Orchestra,
Sinfonia Gulf Coast, and the Tallahassee Symphony. |
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| Billie Feather is an accomplished guitarist,
bassist and instructor. A 2006 graduate of NCSA, Billie holds
a Bachelor of Music, with a concentration in Classical guitar
performance. Since 2004, Billie has been a part of Separk Music's
studio staff, offering instruction in guitar, bass, banjo, and
mandolin. In addition to her multi-instrumental talents, Billie
also rides the unicycle. |
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| Since 2006, Ryan has offered exceptional saxophone
instruction at Separk Music. After receiving a Bachelor's of
Music from Louisiana State University in 2006, Ryan continued
his education at NCSA, completing his Master's degree in 2006.
From 2003 to 2005, Ryan offered private instruction at Zeagler's
Music and Dutchtown High School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He
is also a graduate saxophone teaching assistant at NCSA. In his
free time, Ryan enjoys backpacking and camping. |
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| Andrew Motten received his Bachelor's of Music
degree at NCSA in 2006. He is expected to complete his Master's
degree in 2009. Andrew has taught at the NCSA Community Music
School, Triple Threat Studio, and Forsyth Country Day Community
Music School. He has been an instructor at Separk Music since
the fall of 2007. In addition to his musical interests, Andrew
has also studied classical Greek. |
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| Lissie Okopny is a new addition to our instructor
staff at Separk Music. An accomplished flutist and instructor,
she holds a Bachelor of Music from Indiana University, and a
Master's degree from the Juilliard School. Lissie has performed
with various ensembles, including the Indiana University and
Julliard Orchestras. Her teaching experience includes instructing
at the Long Island Conservatory in New York, the Clarkson High
School marching band in Michigan, as well as her private lesson
studio. |
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| Geoffrey Seelen is currently a student at
NCSA, and is expected to graduate in 2009. He has studied under
James Miller, Per Brevig, and John Faieta. Geoff has instructed
students at Separk Music since the summer of 2007. In his spare
time, Geoffrey enjoys playing chess. |
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| Peter Shanahan has been teaching at Separk
Music since 2002. He received his Bachelor's of music degree
from NCSA in 2004, and completed his Master's of Music in Flute
Performance at Indiana University in 2006. He can be seen on
local stages as a freelance musician with the Winston-Salem,
Greensboro, Salisbury and Western Piedmont Symphonies. When he
feels like a vacation at the beach, he has been known to play
with the Southwest Florida Symphony and Charleston Symphony.
In addition to his musical accomplishments, Peter proudly admits
to being a Marching Colonial, a Purple Panther, a Fighting Pickle,
and a Hoosier. |
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| Jim is an experienced band director and professional
trumpet player. An active performer, he plays in classical and
jazz venues throughout the Triad as a member of the Stratford
Brass Quintet and the Sunset Jazz Quartet. He holds a Master's
degree in trumpet from Florida State, and a Master's degree in
jazz studies from the University of Tennessee. Jim has performed
in wind ensembles under the direction of Frederick Fennell, Alfred
Reed, and John Paynter. He has also composed and arranged music
for brass ensembles and jazz combos. Jim's teaching style emphasizes
a positive approach to practicing the fundamentals needed to
advance a student to the next level. |
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| Shelly Story is a 2005 graduate of the North
Carolina School of the Arts. She is currently pursuing a Master's
Degree at NCSA. In addition to teaching for Separk since 2007,
she has also been a violin instructor for the Community Music
School, the Masterworks School of the Arts, and the Community
School of the Arts. In her free time, Michelle enjoys reading. |
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