Separk Music Instructors
 
  Alex Aucoin: Percussion
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.
 
 
  Sarah Bearden: Cello
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.
 
 
  Michelle Clontz: Violin
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.
 
 
  William Conlin: Saxophone
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.
 
 
  Kevin Erixson: Clarinet
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.
 
 
  Billie Feather: Guitar/Bass/Banjo/Mandolin
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.
 
 
  Ryan LeMoine: Saxophone
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.
 
 
  Andrew Motten: Classical Guitar
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.
 
  Lissie Okopny: Flute
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.
 
 
    Geoffrey Seelen: Trombone
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.
 
 
  Peter Shanahan: Flute
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.
 
 
  Jim Shulstad: Trumpet/Beginning Band
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.
 
 
  Shelly Story : Violin
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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