Ms. Adessa received her Bachelor of Music from the Mannes College of Music in NYC and completed her post graduate studies at the Royal Conservatory of Music in London. Her extensive performing career includes roles in major operas and oratorios, as well as solo recitals around the world. Ms. Adessa has performed in such venues as Lincoln Center, Tanglewood, and the Royal Academy of Music. She has taught voice lessons throughout the New York area. Ms. Adessa  performs and teaches all styles of music from opera to musical theater to popular music.

Mr. Adler received his Bachelors degree from New England Conservatory. He has been featured in the Boston Globe, The Village Voice, Vancouver's Razer TV show "969", the National Public Radio show "Eric in the Evening," Musique Machine Magazine, All About Jazz, Cadence Magazine, Performer Magazine, Jazz Review, free103point9, Seattle's KBCS and many other media sources.  His music and compositions have also been used in film and they have been featured at the South by Southwest film festival in 2008.  In addition to his performing, Mr. Adler has extensive teaching experience.   He is on faculty at Rose Hill Music, Hoff Barthelson Music School, and maintains his own private teaching studio.   He also taught alongside Ran Blake for his Development of Long Term Melodic Memory course and Hankus Netsky with his Jazz Theory course, both at the New England Conservatory in Boston.

Ms. Balbeisi received her Bachelor of Music degree in violin performance and her Master  of Music degree in viola performance from Penn State University. She received a Professional Studies Diploma from Mannes College of Music. She has been honored with numerous scholarship awards from  Penn State, Mannes College and the Aspen Music Festival. Ms. Balbeisi has an extensive background in education and is a Suzuki trained teacher and Level I certified Orff Schulwerk teacher. She has taught at Penn State University and the Virginia Commonwealth University Community School for the Performing Arts. She is active as a soloist, chamber and orchestral musician; a versatile musician she performs a variety of genre including classical, rock and roll, hip-hop, jazz, and new music, appearing in Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall, Avery Fisher, and on The Today Show, The View, The Martha Stewart Show, Late Night with Conan O'brien, and Saturday Night Live, among many.  

Peter Brendler - Acoustic and Electric Bass and Guitar

Mr. Brendler received his Bachelor of Music degree from Berklee, Magna Cum Laude, and his Master of Music degree from The Manhattan School of Music. He is an active performer throughout the New York area including performances at The Knitting Factory, The Blue Note and Cleopartra's Needle.  He has been teaching for eight years in styles ranging from classical to jazz, rock, funk, blues and R&B.

Ms. Chan received her Bachelor and Master  of Music degrees from NYU.  She has performed widely as an both an orchestral and chamber musician.  Ms. Chan has performed at the prestigious Heifetz International Music Institute and the Texas Music Festival. Ms. Chan was an adjunct professor at NYU. She has maintained a music studio in Princeton for many years and has taught in the Plainsboro school district.

Vito Chiavuzzo - Winds and Piano

Mr. Chiavuzzo received his Bachelor of Music degree from William Patterson University and his Master of Music degree from The Manhattan School of Music. His performing career has included appearances with The Henry Mancini Institute, The Manhattan Symphonia, and The American Musical Theater Ensemble. His numerous recordings include the Grammy-nominated recording with the Henry Mancini Institute Big Bands at Capital Records. Mr. Chiavuzzo has taught at the Manhattan School or Music Educational Outreach Program, University of North Carolina and at several New Jersey High Schools.

Kelly Fenton -- Woodwinds

Ms. Fenton received her Bachelor of Music degree from the University of North Carolina with a double major in Music Education and Jazz Studies. She received her Master of Music degree from the Manhattan School of Music. She is a certified K-12 music teacher and has taught  general music and concert band. She also teaches at the Manhattan School of Music Preparatory division.  She founded the Kelly Fenton Jazz Orchestra, a 20 piece big band that performs throughout New York City and is currently writing her debut album scheduled for release in Fall 2007.

Seth Fruiterman -- Piano, Voice, Accordion

Mr. Fruiterman received his Bachelor of Music degree from the Oberlin Conservatory and his Master of Music degree from the Manhattan School of Music.  He has performed throughout the Northeast as vocalist, pianist and arranger at venues such as Birdland, Dizzy's Club Coca Cola, Time Warner Center, and WNYC. He teaching experience includes positions at the Manhattan School of Music, Matt Hall II Middle School, and Day Jams Rock and Roll Summer Camp.

Mr. Garey received his Bachelor of Music degree from Wichita State University and his Master of Music degree from the University of North Texas. His extensive teaching experience includes positions at The Music Conservatory of Texas, Hutchinson Community College, and Ithaca College. He performs regularly throughout the New York area and has released two CD's with the Lily Maase Quintet. He is a member of the Percussive Arts Society and the International Association of Jazz Educators.

Mr. Gray received his Bachelor of Music degree from Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University and his Master of Music degree from the Manhattan School of Music. He has performed throughout the world and toured extensively throughout Northern Europe and the east coast of the United States. Mr. Gray has recorded several records for the labels Umlaut Records and Flattened Planet Records. His CD "Corpulent" features Miles Davis Band Alum, Gary Thomas. He has taught in Stockholm, the Yarmouth, Maine Public Schools, and maintains an active teaching schedule in New York.

Dr. Gustafson received her Bachelor of Music degree from the Manhattan School of music, her Masters degree from NYU and her Doctorate from the University of Texas. She is a highly regarded educator, who has taught at NYU, University of Texas and Stony Brook. As a performer Dr. Gustafson has given concerts throughout the United States, Spain and the Czech Republic.

Jess Jurkovic -- Piano (Jazz, Classical)

Mr. Jurkovic received his Master of Music in jazz and commercial music from the Manhattan School of Music. He has played throughout the United States in jazz bands such as the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, Disney College Jazz Band, and the Steve Wright Big Band. His teaching experience ranges from his private studio in New York and Minneapolis to teaching jazz harmony and counterpoint at the Manhattan School of Music.

Landon Knoblock -- Piano (Jazz, Classical)

Mr. Knoblock received his Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz performance and his Master of Music degree in jazz pedagogy from the University of Miami. He has taught extensively including at the University of Miami, Southwestern Community College,  and The Actor's Playhouse. He was the recipient of the Downbeat Award in 2004 and invited to the International Association of Jazz Educators Conference. His performing career has taken him to venues such as Young Jazz in Town Festival and The Art Blakey Jazz Club in Italy, Twins Jazz in Washington,  D.C., and the Knitting Factory in New York. His numerous CD's include The Heartbeat, The Breath, Children's Crusade, Uncarved Block, Listening Between, and Harmonium.

Laurie Kono - Piano

Ms. Kono received her Bachelor of Music degree from USC and her Masters degree from the Manhattan School of Music. She has a strong pedagogical background including positions teaching piano, theory and improvisation in California and the New York metro area. Her performing career has taken her to such places as Okinawa, Los Angeles and Madrid. She won the acclaimed Okinawa International Competition and the Puigerda International Competition in Spain.

Nathaniel LaNasa  - Piano

Mr LaNasa received his Bachelor of Music degree from the Manhattan School of Music. His performing career has included an impressive four concerto performances; Berg Kammerkonzert,  Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No. 2, Haydn Piano Concerto in D Major  and Gershwin Rhapsody in Blue.  With the Manhattan School of Music Educational Outreach Department he has taught in the New York City Public School system. He has also taught at St. Brendan's Community Music School, and in Seattle, Washington.

Ms. Lander received her Bachelor of Music degree from Ithaca College and her Master of Music degree from the Manhattan School of Music.  She has performed throughout the east coast including soloist for the Poulenc and Haydn Concertos. She currently teaches at the Great Neck Music Conservatory and maintains a private studio in New York City.

Mr. Lent received his Bachelor of Music degree from the University of North Texas and his Master of Music degree from Rutgers University. He has had an extensive performing career playing with such names as Maynard Ferguson, Red Rodney, and the Tommy Dorsey and Glenn Miller Orchestras . Mr. Lent has performed around the world from Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in London and the Blue Note and Birdland in NYC to jazz festivals in Aspen, Montreal, Vancouver, Scotland. An accomplished teacher, Mr. Lent has maintained a teaching studio for many years and currently teaches at the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music.

Carrie Lewis -- Voice

Ms. Lewis received her Bachelor of Music in vocal performance from the University of Kansas and her Master of Music from the Manhattan School of Music. She has extensive performing experience around the U.S. in both operatic and chamber music settings. Ms. Lewis maintains an active teaching studio in the New York area and is currently a member of the Musika Teaching Program.

Mr. McCullough received his Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Texas and his Master of Music degree from the Manhattan School of Music. His numerous performances around the world include chamber music recitals at Bargemusic and St. John the Divine, and solo recitals in Monterrey, Mexico,  Austin, Texas and throughout the Metro Area. Mr. McCullough has been teaching since 2002. He has taught at the acclaimed Briarcliff Music School in Texas and the Woodside Music program in New Jersey. Mr. McCullough maintains a private teaching studio in New York City.

Nadje Noordhuis - Brass, Piano

Ms. Noordhuis received her Bachelor of Music degree from the Victorian College of the Arts in Australia and her Master of Music degree from the Manhattan School of Music. She has extensive teaching experience in both Australia and the United States, teaching trumpet, piano, improvisation, band and composition. She has held positions at the Manhattan School of Music,  Siena College in Melbourne, the New York Pops Salute to Music program and has developed curriculum for several  jazz programs in the NYC school system. She performs throughout the New York area as a soloist and member of the Diva Jazz Orchestra.

Angela Ortiz - Piano and Voice

Ms.Ortiz received her Bachelor of Music degree, cum laude, from NYU. She also attended the Ithaca Conservatory of Music. She performs regularly in New York City. For the past 5 years,  Ms. Ortiz has been teaching extensively throughout the New York area, including the Queens College Conservatory, Musika, Lynnbrook School of Music and St. Luke's School of Music. She worked with the Police Athletic League and the PALS  program teaching music to  students in the Bronx.

Mary Prescott - Piano

Ms. Prescott received her Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Minnesota and her Master of Music degree from the Manhattan School of Music. As an active performer, she gives concerts throughout the world both as a soloist and chamber musician. Among her numerous awards and honors, are the Presidential Distinguished Scholar Award and first prize in the Mechelke Piano Competition.  Ms. Prescott has taught at  Louisiana State University School of Music as both a Piano and Chamber Music faculty member.

Rick Quantz - Viola, Violin

Mr. Quantz received his Bachelor of Music degree from Eastman School of Music and his Master of Music degree from NYU. He has performed widely as both a chamber and orchestral musician. His recent performances include performances at Carnegie Hall, Merkin Hall, Bargemusic, The Blue Note, and Seoul Arts Center with the New Jersey Philharmonic. Mr. Quantz maintains an active teaching schedule. He is an adjunct professor at NYU, and has taught in Hartford, CT, Houston TX, and Hudson, NY.

Brooke Quiggins -  Violin, Viola

Ms. Quiggins received her Bachelor and Masters degrees from the Manhattan School of Music. She has performed around the country as both soloist and chamber musician. Highlights include a performance  of the Brahms Violin Concerto with the Bergen Philharmonic  and orchestral performances with the Nashville Symphony. Ms. Quiggins has taught throughout the metro  area, including positions with the Ridgefield Youth Orchestra and the New Jersey Youth Orchestra.

Nate Radley - Guitar, Bass (Classical and Jazz)

Mr. Radley received his Master of Music from the New England Conservatory in Jazz Studies with Academic and Performance Honors and his  Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Chicago.  Mr. Radley has extensive experience as a teacher and performer throughout the United States. He has performed in the Seattle Jazz Festival, Toronto Jazz Festival, Cornelia St. Cafe in NYC, and Jordan Hall in Boston. Mr. Radley is featured on the  recordings - Kakalla, The Voice of Twilight, and Sonic Explorers, So Far, So Near. Mr. Radley has taught guitar, bass, jazz improvisation and jazz theory and composition for the past ten years.

Naren Rauch -- Guitar (Classical, Jazz)

Mr. Rauch received his Bachelor of Music from the Manhattan School of Music where he has worked with Wynton Marsalis in an apprentice program. He currently plays in many venues throughout New York City and the U.S. Mr. Rauch's band Filo has just released a new CD titled "Hoi Polli".

Matt Renzi - Woodwinds, Piano (Classical, Jazz)

Mr. Renzi received his Bachelor of Music degree from Berklee College of Music, his Certificato Quinto Anno di Clarinetto (Classical Performance Degree) from the Paganini Conservatory in Genoa Italy, and his Master of Music degree from San Francisco State University. He has performed at international jazz festivals and music venues worldwide.  Some of his teachers include Goerge Garzone, Joe Henderson and South Indian Vocalist R.A. Ramamani. Mr. Renzi has extensive teaching experience at all levels. He was as assistant instructor at San Francisco State University and maintains an active teaching studio in NYC.

Jason Rigby -- Woodwinds (Classical, Jazz)

Mr. Rigby received his Bachelor of Music from Youngstown State University and his Master of Music in jazz saxophone from the Manhattan School of Music. He has taught all woodwind instruments and piano throughout the New York City area, including the Queens Conservatory, The New School University, City College of NY, Stony Brook University, Hartwick College, Woodside Music Studio, and the Steiner School in New York City. He has received numerous awards for his performances and recordings, including Downbeat magazine's "Best College Instrumentalist". Mr. Rigby has received notable acclaim for his performances and recordings from The New York Times, TimeOutNY, Cadence and DownBeat.

Lauren Riley received her Bachelor of Music Degree form Boston University and her Master of Music degree from NYU. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate at NYU. Her performing career has taken her throughout the United States and she has been featured in a CD "Seymour Glass" and in the movie "The Greatest Travesty". She is a member of the Silhouette String Quartet and has performed such prestigious groups as the New Jersey Philharmonic, and One World Symphony.  Ms. Riley is on faculty at NYU, Great Neck Music Conservatory and is part of the NY Pops Mentors program, and the New York State Summer Music Festival.

Ms. Sasaki received her Bachelors degree from the University of Denver and her Masters degree from the Manhattan School of Music. She has performed as a soloist and chamber musician throughout the United States, including a solo recital at Carnegie Hall in 2006.  Ms. Sasaki teaches at the Florentine Music School as well as maintaining a private studio in New York City.

Mr. Saulnier received his Bachelor of Music degree from Berklee College and his Master of Music degree from the Manhattan School of Music. He performs regularly in New York City at such venues as Jazz at Lincoln Center and Cornelia Street Cafe with The Awakening Orchestra, an 18 piece jazz orchestra under his direction. Mr. Saulnier teaches at the Manhattan School of Music Preparatory School and the Berklee College of Music. 

Erich Schoen-Rene - Cello

Mr. Schoen-Rene received his Bachelors degree from Bard College and his Masters degree from the Manhattan School of Music. He has had extensive performing experience both in the United States and Europe as both a soloist and orchestral musician. Mr. Schoen-Rene has performed with the Manhattan Symphony, Garden State Philharmonic, and the American Opera Company. His teaching experience includes positions in Germany, Switzerland,  and at the prestigious School for Strings in New York.

Nicole Sharlow-Diaz - Violin (Suzuki, Traditional)

Ms. Sharlow graduated with honors from Carnegie Mellon University and received her masters degree from the Manhattan School of Music in violin performance. She is an active performer and has played in music festivals and orchestras throughout the world. Ms. Sharlow has background in the Suzuki violin method and has extensive teaching experience in both Pittsburgh and New York.

Ms. Stamatis received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Barnard College, Columbia University and her Master of Music from Mannes College of Music. Her teachers have included such international stars as Midori, Ida Kavafian and Pamela Frank. Her performances have brought her around the world, performing with such orchestras as the National Repertory Orchestra, New World Symphony Orchestra, National Youth Festival Orchestra under the direction of both Leonard Slatkin and Lukas Foss. Ms. Stamatis has taught violin, viola and chamber music throughout the New York area since 2002.

Ms. Svoboda received her Bachelors degree in Music  from New England Conservatory, her Masters degree in Music from Temple University, and her Professional Studies Certificate from The Manhattan School of Music. She has performed throughout the United States as soloist, chamber musician and orchestral performer. Her many performances include Tanglewood, Marlboro, Boston Philharmonic, New World Symphony, and Melrose Symphony. She taught extensively with the Community Music Scholars Program for Temple University.

Mr. Tewarson received his Bachelors degree in Music from NYU and continued with his graduate studies at New England Conservatory. He has received many awards and accolades, including the prestigious John Lennon Award from BMI. He has taught in the NYC area since 1999.

Ms. Tines received her Bachelor degree in vocal performance from Rhodes College in Memphis and her Masters degree from Oklahoma City University. While in OCU, Laca earned her Kindermusik license and went on to teach Kindermusik and private voice lessons through the Oklahoma City University Performing Arts Academy. Following her stay in Oklahoma , Ms. Tines taught all levels of Kindermusik at the Kindermusik of The Woodlands program in Texas.

Mr. Tiozzo received his Masters degree in jazz piano from the Manhattan School of Music. He has performed widely as a jazz pianist both in the United States and in Europe. Mr. Tiozzo has taught through the Manhattan School of Music Outreach Program in public schools throughout New York City. Mr. Tiozzo speaks English, Italian, French, Spanish, and Portuguese

Elizabeth Young - Violin and Piano

Timothy Ziesmer - Acoustic and Electric Guitar, Electric Bass