Regina NixonPCM Executive Director
Curriculum Designer and Instructor
Mrs. Nixon joined PCM in January of 1999 with a wealth of administrative and musical skills to draw from. She has a strong background in administration including customer service skills, scheduling, salary cost planning, accounts payables and receivables, inventory control, contract negotiations and organizational management. Mrs. Nixon has been involved in every aspect of PCM's business and is instrumental in continued program growth and curriculum development. Mrs. Nixon has attended ASU, Tempe, AZ. - School of Music, Honors Program and the Music Theatre Program as a recipient of The Barbara Long Opera Award. She has attended Glendale Community College-Music Studies with an emphasis in guitar performance. Proficient in piano, guitar, voice and acting. Principal teachers include Bonnie Lou (Toigo) Olander, Charles Hulihan, Michael Wieser and Patricia Irby. Further studies in master classes with Enrique Madriguera, Frank Koonce, Mesut Ozgen, and Nikita Koshkin. Received a first place award in the MCCCD outstanding Performers Competition for Chamber Ensemble, Guitar. Received a second place award in the MCCCD outstanding Performers Competition for Solo Instrumentalists, Guitar. Regina Nixon has presented several professional development workshops in assessment, working with music and reading, and music movement and emergent literacy on a city and state level. Most notable, she has presented for The Maricopa County Libraries, The Arizona Library Association, and Kindercon, An annual State primary Educators Conference. Mrs. Nixon is a local music educator and music minister. She has worked as a Special Education Aide for the Glendale Elementary School District under the direction of Barbara Wilson, Principal. Completed training from the Center for Music and Young Children in Princeton, N.J. to teach early childhood developmental music programs August 2000 and June 2001. Mrs. Nixon has a working knowledge of Arts Standards Rationale. Cynthia ElekPCM Artist, Early Childhood Specialist, Music, Movement, and Literacy, and World Music, Arts Integrated Programs, Curriculum Design, Professional Development.
Singing along with her parents' recordings of My Fair Lady, South Pacific and La Traviata are fond musical memories of her youth. She participated in church and school choirs, but not until she reached Oberlin did she realize she was much more interested in voice than the piano at which she'd slaved for 12 years. The dream come true: earning her Masters of Music in the (University of) Maryland Opera Studio under Leon Major. But her best training has still been on-the-job. She can pinpoint her development as a singer and actor to three affiliations: designated singer in Arioso Chamber Ensemble, an instrumental group she helped found in Anchorage, AK; Masters of Music student in the (University of) Maryland Opera Studio; and professional actress with InterAct Story Theatre, Maryland. The varied demands of singing 20thcentury repertoire, playing multiple roles in single operatic productions and working in the improvisational, kinesthetic style called for in children's theatre made her the artist she is today. Ms. Elek's tenure with InterAct led her to arts-integrated teaching in the classroom and delivering professional development workshops to teachers. She prepared residencies for the Kennedy Center Community Partnerships and the Choral Arts Society arts ACCESS in the Washington, DC, public schools, and was a member of the Early Childhood Music faculty at Washington's Levine School of Music, where she also participated in senior outreach. Ms. Elek is a roster artist for the Arizona Commission on the Arts, a Master Teaching Artist for Wolf Traps national program and a national presenter for the Kennedy Centers Professional Development Opportunities for Teachers division. She has created a variety of integrated arts curricula and is called upon to share her expertise with others both in and out of her field, providing numerous professional development opportunities. Deborah LaMee-KillebrewVoice, Choral Studies, Early Childhood
Deborah LaMee-Killebrew is an experienced vocalist and teacher with over 15 years of professional training in opera, classical song, music theatre and choral music. She received her Master of Music degree in Voice Performance and Opera from the New England Conservatory of Music and her Bachelor of Music degree in Voice Performance from Arizona State University. Deborah continues to work toward a professional singing career and was last seen in recital in October 2007. She has taught private voice lessons for eight years, both in Phoenix and Boston, and is experienced in directing and developing choirs at the high school and middle school levels. In addition to her commitment to building strong and healthy singing voices in her students, Deborah is also dedicated to introducing and instructing music to young children. Hector F. Martinez Siku (Pan Pipe Flutes), Guitar, Latin American Music, General Music
www.nosotrosound.com
One of the founding members of Nosotrosound, a band that specializes in Latin American Cultures, Hector Martinez specializes in flutes and vocals. He is also an excellent guitarist. The band has cut 2 CDs and has over 10 years experience performing in the South West. Mr. Martinez has a vast repertoire of rhythms in his repertoire, ranging from the mournful to the festive, and has a familiarity with more than 12 typical instruments. He performs a variety of songs from Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Colombia, Argentina, Chile and Mexico among other countries. ) Hector learned the Andean music while studying at Universidad de Guadalajara in Mexico. Besides being an excellent musician and performer with Nosotrosound, Mr. Martinez in a long time music educator in the Isaac School District and is bilingual. He pulls from his experience as an artist, and a classroom educator elegantly interweaving art with academics in his curriculum, De Colores. Porangui Carvalho McGrewAfter School Programs, Percussion, Brazilian Music
www.porangui.com
Reared among three cultures, Brazil, Mexico and the U.S., Porangui has had the unique opportunity of learning, performing and teaching with a variety of musical instruments and across diverse genres from an early age. Proficient in world percussion, guitar and voice, Porangui draws from his ethnomusicology training at Duke University and cross-cultural background to teach and perform. As a recording artist, Porangui has been featured on albums with a variety of groups in diverse genres from flamenco to Latin funk. His musical compositions and soundscape designs have been used in both independent theatrical and film productions. Porangui's sonic diversity includes projects ranging from an interactive art installation at the Contemporary Museum of Art in Raleigh, North Carolina to spinning records for WXDU radio. Porangui has performed & traveled with numerous renowned artists worldwide from touring Europe and recording with the BBC in London at the Jazz Cafe to sharing the stage with such sonic pioneers as Bobby McFerrin & DJ Spooky. Experienced in teaching diverse populations, Porangui has had the privilege of working with inner-city youth in both Brazil and the U.S. in the field of Prevention using the arts to build resiliency and community. As a volunteer, he pioneered the first music program for Seriously Mentally Ill Adult clients through PSA Art Awakenings in Phoenix, Arizona and continues to teach & direct Grupo Liberdade (grupoliberdade.com), a local community drum ensemble dedicated to freedom of expression through the arts. Currently, Porangui serves as faculty for the Global Medicine Education Foundation where he teaches on manual therapies and expressive arts therapy with an emphasis on healing through sound & movement. He is an accompanist for the Dance Department at Arizona State University and maintains a performance and workshop schedule that enables him to share his passion for the healing arts. Dr. Elizabeth RhodesPiano, Voice, Clarinet, Beginning Guitar, World Music, Composition
Dr. Rhodes received her Ph.D. from Arizona State University in Education, Curriculum and Instruction. Has her specialty in Curriculum Development and Minored in Music. She is a certified Teacher through the Arizona Department of Education. She has taught piano, voice, clarinet to students of all ages, and provides instruction in classical, contemporary, jazz, and spiritual music. Has taught undergraduate/graduate education courses in the areas of mathematics and science, multicultural education, music education, and educational psychology. Held a principalship at St. Paul Cathedral School in Birmingham, AL. Founder for Rhodes Consulting Services where she provides in-services, seminars, and presentations/consultations to schools, districts, universities and corporate businesses in math/science education, music education, multiple intelligences, cultural diversity, global education, instructional technology, problem based learning, program development and curriculum design. She has published several teacher education books including Elementary Teacher's Guide to Multiple Intelligences. Jeremy JarvisPercussion, After School Programs, Composition, Theory and Ear Training
Jeremy Jarvis believes that music is a gift of immeasurable love. As a composer/performer, his purpose is to materialize part of this gift and bring it to life. He holds a masters degree in Music Composition from Arizona State University. He studied composition at ASU with James DeMars, Jody Rockmaker, and Rodney Rogers. He earned his bachelors degree at West Virginia University, where he studied composition with John Beall and David Taddie. He additionally took percussion lessons at WVU with George Willis, Adam Mason, Al Wrublesky, Matt Schoonmaker, Kurry Seymour, Sean Roberts, and Paschal Younge. He spent his first two years of college at the University of Wyoming, where he gained crucial percussion performance insight from Steve Barnhart. Mr. Jarvis has been an active member of the Society of Composers, Inc. since 2002. He has served as President of the WVU chapter and Secretary of the ASU Chapter. He also has served as a Teaching Assistant for the School of Music at ASU. For two years he managed ear-training classes for an undergraduate music theory curriculum. As a teacher, Mr. Jarvis strives to impart a special love for music to the students. He stresses and clarifies the influences that musical traditions have on the present environment. His main goals are to make sure that students appreciate what they learn in class, and relate what they learn to their everyday musical experiences. Mr. Jarvis currently resides in Mesa, Arizona. In addition to composing and performing, he spends his time teaching children of all ages through the Phoenix Conservatory of Music and private lessons. His artistic commitment is to open minds to the beauty and ecstasy of life. Renee Saxon PCM Faculty Member, Early Childhood Specialist, Youth Guitar, Voice and World Music
www.reneesaxon.com
Ms. Saxon has been a licensed KM instructor. She currently conducts Kindermusik programs in the East Valley. She also conducts a private voice studio. Ms. Saxon is the former director of the Girl Scout Melody and former co-director for the Music! Words! Opera! Program for Girl Scouts, Arizona Cactus Pine Council in conjunction with Arizona Opera. Ms. Saxon studied voice under Ms. Amy Gingrich-Perciballi and has played piano and guitar since her teens. Renee is pursuing credit in Music Education. Ms. Saxon is state certified as a substitute teacher. Her undergraduate degree was in English Literature, her Masters in Organizational Management. She worked in Corporate America for 23 years before venturing out to develop voice accompaniment software that she is presently marketing to music publishers. Ms. Saxon is a member of the American Music Conference and an associate member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing. Dasha HlavenkaViolin and General Music/Youth Programs
www.hlavenka.com
Dasha Hlavenka started her musical studies at home with her mother at the age of five. Ms. Hlavenka holds Bachelor and Post-Baccalaureate degrees of Music in Violin and Piano Instruction and Performance from the Conservatorio Nacional de Música Antonio Neumane in Guayaquil, Ecuador as well as Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Violin Performance from Arizona State University. Ms. Hlavenka is currently a violinist with the Arizona Opera; she is also string faculty member at Rosie’s House: A Music Academy for Children and Music Works Academy. Ms. Hlavenka is a member of MENC (Music Educators National Conference) and ASTA (American String Teachers Association.) Rebecca A. CairoM.Ed, Professional Development
Rebecca Cairo is a veteran educator who received her musical training at Lawrence Conservatory in Appleton, Wisconsin. She earned her M.Ed in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Early Childhood at Arizona State University. Highly trained in school leadership and reform strategies she also holds a certificate in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University. Currently she is pursing post-graduate studies toward a doctoral program that will focus on integrating music with other disciplines to maximize learning in all areas. Rebecca has studied with nationally renowned expert in early childhood music Dr. John Fierabend, of the Hartt School of Music and uses his "Early Steps in Music" curriculum in working with preschoolers. As well, she has studied the Kodaly Method under Sr. Lorna Zemke at Silver Lake College in Wisconsin. An Arizona certified teacher K-12 in the areas of Education, Music, Reading, and Curriculum Supervision, Rebecca has taught Preschool through Grade Six, Vocal/General Music, Parenting Education, and has conducted extensive staff development, as well as taught at the college level. As a member of Arizona’s State Solutions Teams, she is certified as an Arizona State Standards Technician by Superintendent Tom Horne, and is called upon to work collaboratively with those schools identified as "underperforming" to develop plans for renewal and improvement. For additional information you may contact Ms. Cairo at
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Mandy McDevitt (Bopp)Piano, Voice, and Early Childhood
Mandy holds a Master of Music in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from Arizona State University. Originally from Whitehorse, Yukon Canada, Ms. McDevitt obtained her Bachelor of Music from Mount Allison University in New Brunswick Canada. She is the Phoenix representative for the Royal American Conservatory Examinations. Ms. McDevitt is in demand as a clinician, lecturer, performer and adjudicator. She currently holds a position as Faculty Associate with the Piano Prep Program at Arizona State University and maintains a piano studio of 40 students in Tempe, AZ Ruth Lara VichulesVoice, Guitar, Spanish Programs, World Music, After School
www.ruthlaravichules.com
Bebop meets bolero in this vocalists' contemporary interpretations of American jazz classics and Latin roots music. Trained in the music conservatories of North America and the streets and villages of the Mexican hinterland, her far-ranging influences are evident in her choices today: In a concert, one may hear a traditional Mexican corrido such as El hijo desobediente, and also the be-bop classic Joy Spring . . . in Spanish! Her expressive delivery is understood by the audience - no matter what language they speak. Recent Concert and Residency hosts include: Casa Romántica, San Clemente, California Frye Elementary School, Chandler, Arizona Casa de la Cultura, Oaxaca, México Arizona Western College, Parker, Arizona Ruth will release a new CD, "Jazz over the Border," in 2006. She currently performs as a soloist, with percussionist/vocalist Eric Zang and with a jazz trio. To learn more, visit: Jeremy Benjamin RunyanGuitar
Currently Enrolled at Arizona State University, Major in Guitar Performance. Has been Playing Guitar for 13 years and Classical study for seven years. Graduated from Deer Valley high school in 2002. Third Place Winner in the Maricopa Music competition in the category of Ensemble (guitar quartet). On staff at Valley Spring Church of God, Plays on the worship Team, Involved in Mission Work, and Outreach. Eileen Morgan www.morgantaiko.com
Eileen Morgan has a B.S. Degree in Music Education, K-12 and a Master's Education Degree in Deaf Education, K-12 and has taught in public, private and special needs schools since 1986. Eileen began studying Taiko in 1992 with Esther Vandecar, founder and director of Fushicho Daiko/Phoenix Drummers as part of Esther's long term residency at Phoenix Day School for the Deaf. As the music teacher for hearing impaired and deaf students at PDSD, Eileen sign language interpreted for Esther and helped teach Taiko to the students. Eileen quickly fell under the spell of taiko and joined Fushicho Daiko as a performer and instructor in 1994. Since then, the group has traveled throughout Arizona and the Southwest, bringing high energy performances and residencies to tens of thousands of children and adults. Eileen continues to perform throughout Arizona and the Southwest with Fushicho Daiko. Arizona residencies include Nogales, Phoenix, Yuma, Williams, Bull Head City, as well as Lubbock, Texas. Fushicho Daiko continually collaborates with numerous Arizona Commission on the Arts roster artists and groups throughout the state. Expanding as a soloist in 2001, Eileen has performed and taught in festivals, school residencies (Estrella Mountain Elementary; Spring 2003, Washington Elementary, Summers 2004-2007, Mercury Mine Elementary; Spring 2007, Orangewood Elementary; Fall 2007) , summer school, after school, juvenile correctional facilities and library programs throughout Arizona. Andres MartinezGuitar and Voice, Bilingual Programs
Andres Martinez masterfully mixes up a pop, flamenco, and Latin Jazz musical blend. This young, talented musician originally from Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, immigrated to the United States in his youth. Coming from a musical family, he has a wealth of experience in several types of music, notably Latin and traditional Latin-American folk music. Andres Martinez performs on a variety of instruments, including guitar, cuatro (Venezuela) vihuela (Mexico) Congas and Timbales, He is also an outstanding vocalist. Andres Martinez now at the age of 19 is already a veteran, having jammed with AZ Latin music greats such as Nosotros, MexSal, Latin Rhythm and many others. He is also a part of the Arizona Commission on the Arts. Andres started performing professionally at age of 12 with the group Nosotros. He is currently working on his first solo album. Laura MeadorBeginning Guitar, Early Childhood
Laura Meador began her musical studies at the age of 5 singing in a children’s choir at church and continued singing in choirs through college where she sang at Carnegie Hall. Laura also began playing the violin at age 8 and continued playing. Later she was introduced to classical guitar while attending Phoenix College as an Art Major. Laura recently graduated ASU, and has finished her degree in Art History and attending Glendale Community College studying Classical Guitar Performance under the direction of Charles Hulihan. Recipeint of the 1st place Maricopa County Community College District Solo Guitar Competition, 2008. Shawna MorbyShawna Morby was born in St. Louis, MO. She began her music career singing along with her parents who were active in Church Music. In 3rd grade, Shawna began taking violin at the elementary school she was attending. She never stopped playing an instrument after that. Though Shawna has a Bachelors degree in Applied Vocal Music, she is proficient in Violin, Cello, Bass, Piano and Guitar. She also collects instruments and enjoys the challenge of teaching herself to play them (sitar, antique keyboard, native american wood flute, whatever else she can find). Shawna is the vocalist/violinist/bassist/kazoo player of a gypsy swing jazz band that she and her husband are a part of called "Le Latcho Drom." The band plays every other Saturday night at The Lost Leaf Gallery and Bar in Central Phoenix and has played in other venues throughout the valley. Their songs, videos and contact information can be found at myspace.com/HCOGCC. In addition to Le Latcho Drom, Shawna has recently become a local recording artist when she laid down vocals for a composer in the Phoenix area. Shawna's philosophy in life is loosly based on a Plato quote that stated that a well balanced person should have equal amounts of education, arts and fitness. Shawna has proven that by recieving her Masters Degree in Elementary Education, a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Vocal Music and will finish up her Yoga/Chi Gong instructor certification in the upcoming year. Randi MeadorVoice and Early Childhood
Currently Attending Glendale Community College, Vocal Performance. Randi is a community music educator; working with PCM, Young Mozart's, and is a volunteer music assistant for the children's choir for North Phoenix Baptist Church. Rea Herrera Vocal Improvisation
www.amyandrea.com
Rea has been singing in the valley for over 15 years. She’s an amazing vocalist and front personality for the many bands and musical projects of which she’s been a part. Rea has also worked with such talent as: The Temptations, The Shirelles, The Chiffons, Encore Entertainment, High Impact (M&M Productions), The Groove Merchants, Tickled Pink, and King’s Highway. Rea is currently the music minister at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Phoenix, and plays professionally with both King’s Highway and Amy and Rea. J. Francisco MunozGuitar Programs
Currently Attending Glendale Community College for Guitar Performance. Has performed a series of solo and ensemble recitals at Loma Linda University in California, The Scottsdale Center for the Arts, West Valley Art Museum, and Glendale Community College. Has participated in Master Classes by Quaternaglia, lutist Paul O'dette, Ana Vidovic, and Professor Thomas Sheeley. Francisco was the official guitarist (tocaor), for the Carmen Amaya Flamenco Dance School in Mexico. Liliana de LeónLiliana de León is a master dancer, choreographer, performer and educator who embraces dance as a powerful form of expression. Liliana brings her expertise, spirituality and charismatic personality to the stage as choreographer, soloist and dance director of "FLORYPIEDRA", with which she performs works that while focusing on Flamenco use a diverse mixture of Mexican Folklorico, Latin Popular dance, Latin Jazz, Post-Modern American dance, film, light and spoken word, that showcase her interdisciplinary expression through her original creations. Liliana, who started dancing at the age of three and performing soon after that, began her professional career in her teens. She has performed extensively throughout Mexico, Costa Rica, Spain, Germany, and the United States where she has worked for theatre, television, film and stage. Liliana has also produced concerts and created dances in community settings for dance festivals, dance fairs, magnet school programs, high school performance groups, college dance companies, university outreach groups, praise and worship concerts, Religious Education Conferences, site specific performances and professional dance companies. She has a B.A. in Modern Dance from A.S.U.; an M.F.A. in Choreography and Performance from U.C.L.A; is currently an Adjunct Professor in the World Arts and Cultures department at U.C.L.A; and Visiting Faculty at Glendale Community College in AZ. Liliana de León is a professional choreographer, performer and dancer of many talents who welcomes commissions and looks forward to new challenges. In 2006 she premiered two spoken word pieces by the author Stella Pope Duarte, "The day I was born" and "La LLorona" performed by Stella and the FLORYPIEDRA duo. Her work was also featured at the Arizona Dance festival 06' where FLORYPIEDRA filled the proscenium stage of Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. Liliana was choreographer and soloist for the 2005-06 tour of the Grammy Award nominee Maria del Rey's "Bridge El Puente". With performances by the FLORYPIEDRA duo with Maria at Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts in CA, Alden Theatre in Virginia, Leeds at University of Nebraska, Thousand Oaks Performing Arts Center CA, and Mesa Center for the Performing Arts in AZ amongst others. Also in 2005, Liliana with husband Peter, created, directed and stared in "Amor"- the original two person intercultural show by FLORYPIEDRA that had a great eight month run in the small stage in Scottsdale AZ. Furthermore, Liliana directed three evenings that featured 9 new works that premiered in "Punto de Vista Point of View" at the Electric Lodge, CA. In the past few years, she has been a performer for the Dance Kaleidoscope at the legendary Anson Ford theatre, CA; an opening lecturer for Maria Benitez at the Wadsworth, CA; a featured dance soloist in a dazzling commercial for Eastman Kodak Film, US; a Flamenco and Folklorico dance soloist and choreographer for PBS in "A Malibu Christmas", CA; a Soloist for Television Española, Madrid, Spain; a featured interdisciplinary artist for ABC "Vista L.A.'s Power Couples", CA; and a featured soloist at the Joyce Theatre in New York City in 2002 where she received great reviews for her exciting work. While not touring with FLORYPIEDRA Liliana keeps herself busy with industrial shows, workshops, master classes, residencies, and performances. From her Latin dance-aerobics work at the Tempe YMCA to her Saturday night appearances at Tapas Flavors of Spain and featured soloist work at Hyatt Regency Gainey Ranch in Scottsdale, AZ, Liliana is a force that stimulates the spirit. Peter TorsielloPeter Torsiello has a growing reputation as an accomplished guitarist, vocalist, composer and producer. Music Connection Magazine wrote in a review that Torsiello is "a versatile Singer-Songwriter-Guitarist who is definitely worth looking into." The performance of his original music led him to earn a BM in Classical Guitar Performance from Arizona State University. While studying for his BM degree, Peter worked numerous jobs as a bandleader, lead vocalist, bass player and lead guitarist. Specializing and mastering classical, pop, rock, flamenco, Latin and liturgical music, and composing works within those traditions. As a prolific songwriter, Peter unites Latin, Classical, Folk, Flamenco, Light Jazz, and Rock: All revolving around his extremely gifted acoustic/electric guitar performance. His debut album, "Paper Cathedrals" which has garnered rave press reviews, has resided on play lists in over 72 major national markets, Cox Music Network and U.S. Air. Peter has also released a Christian Compact Disc, "Glory to God" and has just released "Amor" as a member of the flamenco-pop duo "Flor Y Piedra". Peter Torsiello played lead guitar and toured with Hollywood Records recording artist, "Serralde". As the guitarist/background vocalist, he has appeared on numerous TV shows which include "Billboard Minutes" and "CNN en espanol" and on the music video for the hit single "No Hay 'Na Mejor". "Serralde" (with Peter) has performed live for thousands for events at the Sunn Theatre in Anahiem, Las Vegas House of Blues and Soldier Field in Chicago. Peter's studio work as a guitarist and vocalist includes work for Paul Cotton (member of the legendary band Poco) solo album - "That 70's Show" (anniversary episode)- MGM TV show "Fame L.A." - composer and guitarist for the Jeff Jones CD "Mosaic"- the hit prime-time series "Third Watch"- and a commercial for J.C. Penny's. Peter's lead guitar work and songwriting is beautifully exemplified on the CD "Passage Home" for the band "Twist of Faith" from which two tracks have been featured on the CBS series "That's Life." For film, Peter's guitar can be heard in the major motion picture "The Headsman" in addition to numerous other projects for composer Matthias Weber. Currently, Peter is enjoying producing from his studio "The Hot Red Room". Artists produced besides Florypiedra include singer/songwriters Ileana, Eyerene,- classical vocalist Michael Wieser- jazz vocalist Walt Verson Jr. and Fr. James DiLuzio SPA. He is also currently the guitarist and music director for Latin Grammy Nominee Maria del Rey.When not touring with Florypiedra, Peter loves spending time with Liliana and son, Vincenzo while maintaining the positions of Director of Music at Our Lady of Malibu Catholic Church in Malibu, CA.- and leader of St. Paul the Apostle's contemporary music group on Sunday evenings in Los Angeles. Lisa CramLisa moved to Arizona in June of 2008 and joined the PCM team after studying for her BA in Music at Texas Tech University. Before moving to Texas Tech, Lisa studied Music Education at Midwestern State University. She has immersed herself into a variety of different musical areas including opera, musicals, Celtic music, gospel, rock, folk, and jazz. As a minor in theatre, Lisa also has a vast knowledge of the working of the stage. She has performed in operas and musicals such as Don Giovanni, Suor Angelica, Oklahoma!, and Sound of Music. At Texas Tech, Lisa studied voice with Dr. Don Maxwell and Professor Gerald Dolter who is known for more than eighty professional opera roles both here and in Germany and who is a National Metropolitan Opera Auditions Winner. Lisa is a part of the original company of Lubbock Moonlight Musicals. Talia Carmi
A piano instructor, pianist and accompanist Native of Israel, Studied at the Rubin Academy at Tel Aviv University
Specialized in Taubman technique that helps pianists to play expressively and avoid pains and injuries
A Native of Israel, Talia Carmi holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from the Rubin Academy of Music at Tel-Aviv University, Israel. An experienced piano instructor, Ms. Carmi’s students regularly participate at the Arizona Study Program and receive the highest superior ratings in both theory and piano performance.
In addition to her piano studies, Ms Carmi specialized on methods that support healthy and comfortable pianism, which she integrates into her piano teaching. She studied the Taubman method with Edna Golansky, a method which liberates pianists to play effortlessly unburdened by physical limitations; Feldenkrais Method with Mary Spire, a method that expands the body repertoire of movements, enhances awareness, improves function and enables people to express themselves more fully; and the Alexander technique which focus on the ways of learning how to get rid of harmful tension in the body. Talia Carmi is an active soloist and accompanist and performs with instrumentalists and singers in the valley. Her students often participate in master classes and receive prizes in various musical events, including the Schimmel-Arizona Young Artist and the EVMTA piano competitions. Ms Carmi is a member of the MTNA and ASMTA since 1994. Bonnie Lou (Toigo) ColemanFounder, Retired
M.M., Arizona State University; B.M. University of Texas at Dallas; additional studies at Eastfield College in Mesquite, Texas; the Conservatorio Superior de Musica in Tenerife, Spain (receiving Diplomas in 1982 and 1983); the Conservatorio Superior de Musica in Alicante, Spain (receiving a Diploma in 1984) under the direction of her principal instructor, Enrique Madriguera. Early studies at the Willowdale branch of the Royal Conservatory of Music, Toronto, Canada. Mrs. Olander also studied guitar with Robert Guthrie, Christopher Parkening, and Frank Koonce. Additional studies and visits with Andrés Segovia and Federico Moreno Torroba. Former faculty member at Arizona State University. Former Director of Guitar Programs at Glendale Community College. Ms. Olander holds a Diploma in Early Childhood Education from the Stratford Institute and has completed training from the Center for Music and Young Children in Princeton, N.J. to teach early childhood developmental music programs August 2000 and June 2001. Selected as a delegate for the First ever Music Educators Delegation to Cuba, April 2001, People to People Ambassador Program. Mrs. Olander is a member of MENC and the Ambassador Program. Mrs. Olander is a member of MENC and the AMEA. The Phoenix Conservatory of Music also has a roster of professional music educators available for special projects, notably:
Board Bios:
Nai WangBusiness Owner
KP Education Systems
Nai Wang is the business owner of KP Education Systems, a curriculum based software development company for secondary and post secondary career technical education in the culinary arts. He formed KP in 1995 and created the Sous Chef in 1997. In 2008, his culinary arts curriculum is being used by over 800 schools and institutions around the country. Nai has no musical or artistic talent but what he makes up for what he lacks in passion! Nai has always believed in the value of education and arts education. From early on in his life he’s always been involved in community service and outreach projects. In school, he was president of FBLA, COE and PTK, gaining valuable leadership experiences through his education. This mindset and attitude carried into his adult life as shortly after graduating college in 1997 he was elected president of his local block watch after purchasing his first house. During his time as block watch captain he grew the block watch from 37 homes to over 130 homes in the group and held quarterly meetings and annual block parties. From his efforts in the block watch he found himself volunteering to be on the committee of the Gold Dust Future Use Committee in 2003 where he represented the community’s interest in determining the fate of the closed down elementary school. In late 2003 he was then asked to participate in a 1.5 year long range planning committee for PVUSD. This is where he met Tara Kissane, fine arts coordinator of PVUSD and was asked to be a board member of AAAE. While serving as a business advisor, Nai met Jocelyn Hanson, Director of Arts Education in Phoenix who asked to serve on the Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture Grants Review committee. During the final review process, all the grant members met to discuss the applications and one of them was Regina Nixon. "I believe in providing the opportunities for children to learn skills and arts that I never had when I was young. "Strengths, Skills, and Talents: Business, Technology, Leadership, Curriculum Development, CBT, Passion, Cooking. Brian Kindle Born in Chicago, Brian relocated to Arizona with his family in 1993. Though he came from a musical family, Brian faught daily to produce any intelligible music from a trumpet during his developmental years. Just prior to moving he took an interest in percussion and through Jr and High School played in the Drumline, Symphonic, and Jazz bands. Though he still has the impromptu 'jam' session Brian does not play formally with any bands. Outside of music, Brian has interests in classic automobiles (restorations/improvements,) horology, and of course community improvement. He has worked previously with the Arts and Business Council of Arizona, and the Desert Botanical Gardens, but is most excited in his role as Vice President for PCM. He hopes he can utilize his experience in Finance and Marketing to improve both the reach and quality of services PCM offers its community. When not writing biographies, Brian works at The Capital Group (American Funds) as a Sr Account Representative. Hillary Gagnon
Hillary P. Gagnon is the mother of two wonderful young children and a partner at the law firm of Jennings, Haug & Cunningham, LLP. She maintains a general civil practice, which includes estate planning and probate law, as well as civil litigation, commercial law, contract law, collections, business law, and employment and labor law. Ms. Gagnon is a graduate of Wheaton College (B.S. 1994) and Suffolk University Law School (J.D. 1997). Ms. Gagnon has served on the board of PCM since July 2007. She understands the importance of music is a child’s development – having benefited from playing the piano (although not well) and flute as a child and was fortunate to study dance for many years and through college. Ms. Gagnon’s life is now filled with the beautiful “music” of her children’s voices! Tim Prasksins
I was born and raised in sunny California near the coast were I frolicked and played in the ocean whenever I had the chance. I was also a musician at a very young age and later played music all around the area including Hollywood and other cities. Then one day I became serious about life and got a real job. That job led me to a retail music company in Arizona where I became one of the top piano and keyboard salespeople in the United States. I met my wife while working in the music business and have been married for nearly 30 years and have 4 children, all in their 20's now. My wife Claudia is an RN NICU unit manager of nearly 30 years at a local hospital. I own my own piano, keyboard, and musical instrument business as well as teach part-time private & group piano, keyboards, and guitar. And when I have time, I play piano and keyboards for my church. I came to PCM early this year (2008) through meeting Regina about musical instruments. I have always believed in the power of playing music based on my personal experience, and want to help other people of all ages gain that experience in their lives. I believe PCM is a great place to be for that purpose.
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