Avalon School and Music Center

Instructors




Accordian John Kolbrich has studied music since age 7.The Late Mr. Jacob Hetzel was his first teacher who taught him the fundamentals and how to perform in a band setting. John studied Piano and Accordion at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto for several years and also with well known Canadian trumpet teacher, Rainer Schmidt. A performing musician and instructor, John keeps his skills up with over 50 performances a year with his group Europa, performing a wide selection of popular international music. John also speaks and sings in German. Deborah Love has been teaching piano locally for the last six years and has a total of 30 years teaching experience including Suzuki and traditional methods at the Bradley University Preparatory School of Music and Community School of Music in Buffalo, NY. Deborah is a member of the Orlando Music Club and the Florida Federation of Music Clubs and her students participate annually in the Jr. Festival and State Convention. The Peoria Journal-Star has called her playing "electrifying" and "mesmerizing"! Deborah has a Master of Piano Performance from Bradley University, Peoria, Ill. She has also done graduate studies at the Eastman School of Music. Deborah has her Bachelors of Music in Piano Performance from the University of Rochester, and a Performer's Certificate from the State University of New York at Fredonia. She studied the Sydney Foster Method of playing with Dr. Edward Kaizer, Dr. Kenwyn Bolt and Mrs. Lucille Richardson. She has also studied with Mr. Barry Snyder. Bass Alisha Rufty has studied music since she was in elementary school. She is a graduate of the Harrison Performing Arts Center. She is also a graduate of the Florida State University School of Music with her degree in Music Education. Ms. Rufty has spent the last two years as the orchestra director of Jewett School of the Arts and Jewett Middle Academy in Winter Haven. Under her direction, both school orchestras received superior ratings at their annual Music Performance Assessment Concert. Ms. Rufty has studied the cello for over 14 years. Her former teachers include: Michael Sedloff, Anne Parrette, Lubomir Georgiev, Kathleen Lugar, Jeff Lang and David Bjella. She currently free lances in the Central Florida area and is a member of the Imperial Symphony Orchestra located in Lakeland, FL. Bassoon Caroline Bloom is a music education major at the University of Central Florida. Her primary instrument is the bassoon, although she is currently studying the clarinet and has also performed on the tenor sax, flute, trumpet, and euphonium. Caroline holds the position of principle bassoonist in the UCF Symphony Orchestra and has performed with the Wind Ensemble, bassoon quartet, and other chamber ensembles. In addition to teaching at the Avalon School, she also works with students at several local middle schools. Brass Brett Hollowell teaches beginning through advanced low brass instruments. He attended Grissom High School in Huntsville, AL, where he served as principal trombone player in the National Honor Band, Alabama All State Band, and North Alabama District Band. He holds a Bachelors degree in Music Education from Berry College in Rome, GA and a Masters degree in Music Education from the VanderCook School of Music in Chicago, IL. His teaching experiences include serving as Director of Bands at Mountain Gap Middle School in Huntsville, AL and as Assistant Band Director at Rome High School and Rome Middle School in Rome, GA. His performance experience includes the Clocktower Jazz Ensemble, Rome Symphony Orchestra, North Georgia Winds, and the renowned Berry Bones. He has also served as interim music minister at several churches in Alabama and Georgia. Brett is a recent graduate of the Navy's Training and Education Management intern program and has recently moved to the Orlando area with his wife Meredith (another Avalon Music teacher). He is currently a Management Analyst in the Navy's Modeling and Simulation department at the Navy's Human Performance Center here in Orlando. Cello Alisha Rufty has studied music since she was in elementary school. She is a graduate of the Harrison Performing Arts Center. She is also a graduate of the Florida State University School of Music with her degree in Music Education. Ms. Rufty has spent the last two years as the orchestra director of Jewett School of the Arts and Jewett Middle Academy in Winter Haven. Under her direction, both school orchestras received superior ratings at their annual Music Performance Assessment Concert. Ms. Rufty has studied the cello for over 14 years. Her former teachers include: Michael Sedloff, Anne Parrette, Lubomir Georgiev, Kathleen Lugar, Jeff Lang and David Bjella. She currently free lances in the Central Florida area and is a member of the Imperial Symphony Orchestra located in Lakeland, FL. Clarinet Caroline Bloom is a music education major at the University of Central Florida. Her primary instrument is the bassoon, although she is currently studying the clarinet and has also performed on the tenor sax, flute, trumpet, and euphonium. Caroline holds the position of principle bassoonist in the UCF Symphony Orchestra and has performed with the Wind Ensemble, bassoon quartet, and other chamber ensembles. In addition to teaching at the Avalon School, she also works with students at several local middle schools. Meredith Hollowell recently moved to the Orlando area with her husband, Brett (another Avalon music teacher) and teaches clarinet, voice, and piano. Meredith grew up playing the piano and has been playing clarinet since the age of 11. She is a graduate of Berry College in Rome, GA where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Performance, and was the recipient of the Francais A. Keown Music scholarship. Meredith's teaching experience includes serving as music director at the Montessori School of Pensacola , Pensacola, FL and Hilllwood Baptist Church Preschool, Huntsville, AL; music teacher at the Hawthorne Music Conservatory, Fantasy Playhouse, and Colors Fine Arts Center in Huntsville, AL; and private lesson studios in Rome, GA and Huntsville, AL. Meredith's performance experience includes being a featured soprano soloist at the Georgia Music Educators Convention; performances in musicals including the title role in Samuel Barab's "Little Red Riding Hood" and the role of Louise in Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Carousel"; and, most recently, seasonal performances with the Voices of Liberty at Walt Disney World. Drums Adam Dvorecky teaches beginning and intermediate piano and percussion. He studied classical piano with several eastern European teachers for 14 years. Adam performed on various percussion instruments throughout Middle and High School and was an All County winner in percussion while playing in the University High School’s Marching band’s Drum Line. His percussion teaching experience includes jazz/rock, marching styles in snare, mallets, and drum set. Patients and passion are Adam’s key characteristics. He currently teaches over 35 students at the school is a full time student at Valencia Community College with future plans to pursue his Music Degree at UCF. Jeff Schiller, a Detroit area native began playing professionally in 1990 with the United States Air Force Entertainment in Europe. He toured Central Europe, the UK and the Mediterranean with USAFE Entertainment Showcase performing pop, jazz and R & B at various Air Force and NATO installations. Jeff has played professionally with multiple bands in the southeast region of the U.S. performing big band, R & B, and jazz. He taught lessons at “Art’s Music” store in Montgomery, Alabama where he became the percussion section leader of the 151 st Army National Guard Band. In Orlando Jeff has performed for Disney in “Kids of the Kingdom Band” at the Magic Kingdom, “The British Invasion” at Epcot, and “The Rockhounds” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. He was also one of the original 30 drummers of Disney’s famed “Tapestry of Nations/Dreams”at Epcot. Jeff continues to perform with Nova Era and Beatlemania and records on various CD’s from across the country. See his website www.drummer808.com Brian Baldauff is a Music Major a UCF and performed as a member of the UCF percussion ensembles including pop and chamber ensembles as well as the steel drum band. Other ensembles performed with include the wind ensemble and symphony orchestra. He served as Co-Principle of wind ensemble 2003-2004. He also served as Principle of the orchestra from 2003-2005. Flute Heather Washburn attended the University of Northern Colorado for over two years and graduated from the University of Center Florida with a Bachelor of Art in Music in Flute.. She is a member of the UCF Orchestra on flute, piccolo and harp. Heather has been playing the flute for twelve years, the piano for eighteen years and the harp for eight years. Heather performs professionally as a single harpist for weddings and corporate events and is also a skilled piano accompanist for her student’s during recitals and Orange County Solo and Ensemble performances. Jennifer Valiquette is currently studying music full time at the University of Central Florida working on her Bachelors of Arts in Music. She has been playing the saxophone for nearly 13 years and flute for nearly 15 years. Jennifer has won awards such as, best section leader and most improved freshmen in high school. Jennifer also holds a degree in Criminology from Florida State University. Guitar Matthew Campebell is a full time private music teacher with over 50 students in the Orlando area. Matt teaches all sizes of saxophones, guitar, piano, voice, music theory and composition. He started teaching for the Avalon School & Music Center shortly after the school opened. Matthew also teaches at Lewis Music and Jammers in downtown Kissimmee and St. Cloud, and South Lake Academy of Music in Clermont. He also performs music professionally working with the classic rock band, Danser. With Danser, Matthew plays saxophone with the original sax player for Bob Seger, Alto Reed (Randy Lobeck). Dave Smith After cutting his teeth on the classics of the 70's and riff-rich guitar-based rock of the 80's, David has gone on to challenge and conquer music of all genres. With roots firmly planted in blues-based rock, he can apply his improvisational skills to any song with amazing fluidity. His years of experience both as a studio session player and live performer are readily evident in his total command of the instrument at hand. As comfortable with the stripped-down earthy appeal of the acoustic as he is at the business end of a Les Paul and a wall of Marshall cabinets, His talent has been showcased through Extensive recording and touring of the eastern united states with many prominent acts, including central Florida favorites von ra and his current project, curb 60 (Orlando winners and finalists of a nationwide battle of the bands sponsored by the hard rock live and Sobe). David brings all these talents and accomplishments to his students at the school and shares his deep knowledge on the subject of Guitar! Jahi Nelson has been playing professionally for over 15 years as a serious bass guitarist. He is a session musician with past work in New York and Atlanta and has studied modern jazz bass under the guidance of Bass Player Magazine Advisory Board and AIM alumni, Adam Nitti. Jahi plays rock, jazz, funk, R & B and gospel styles of music. He has also worked with rap artists Outkast and Professor Griff of Public Enemy. Currently Jahi is a member of the band Kaiser Sousa who he performs with nationally. From the time he was an unrecognizable embryo, still forming in his mothers womb, Tavie Basarich was surrounded by music. Throughout the duration of her pregnancy, Tavie’s mother played works of Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin and Hayden so that she could now claim credit for his musical skills. Twelve years later Tavie taught himself how to play the guitar and his mom still brags about it. Tavie was initially inspired by early nineties alternative rock bands like Green Day and Smashing Pumpkins. However, the monotony of such bands’ distorted power chords soon bored him. Studying the blues introduced him to improvisational playing and thus tempered a guitarist who no longer regurgitated learned chord progressions, but channeled his emotions into melodies. This was the beginning of Tavie’s diverse musical palette which, while you read this, continues to evolve. Whether it is classical, jazz, rock, avant-garde or hip-hop, all are evident in the breadth of his CD collection and his cover song repertoire. He has performed in many multi-genre bands, one of which won a battle-of-the-bands hosted by West Palm Beach radio station WILD 95.5. Upon graduating from Valencia Community College, Tavie plans on pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in classical guitar at UCF. What makes Tavie an excellent teacher is his innate ability to empathize with people and translate his knowledge of music into an easily digestible curriculum. Rick Navarro Rick Wozniak Harp Heather Washburn attended the University of Northern Colorado for over two years and graduated from the University of Center Florida with a Bachelor of Art in Music in Flute.. She is a member of the UCF Orchestra on flute, piccolo and harp. Heather has been playing the flute for twelve years, the piano for eighteen years and the harp for eight years. Heather performs professionally as a single harpist for weddings and corporate events and is also a skilled piano accompanist for her student’s during recitals and Orange County Solo and Ensemble performances. Latin Percussion Jorge Orga Oboe Caroline Bloom is a music education major at the University of Central Florida. Her primary instrument is the bassoon, although she is currently studying the clarinet and has also performed on the tenor sax, flute, trumpet, and euphonium. Caroline holds the position of principle bassoonist in the UCF Symphony Orchestra and has performed with the Wind Ensemble, bassoon quartet, and other chamber ensembles. In addition to teaching at the Avalon School, she also works with students at several local middle schools. Percussion Adam Dvorecky teaches beginning and intermediate piano and percussion. He studied classical piano with several eastern European teachers for 14 years. Adam performed on various percussion instruments throughout Middle and High School and was an All County winner in percussion while playing in the University High School’s Marching band’s Drum Line. His percussion teaching experience includes jazz/rock, marching styles in snare, mallets, and drum set. Patients and passion are Adam’s key characteristics. He currently teaches over 35 students at the school is a full time student at Valencia Community College with future plans to pursue his Music Degree at UCF. Brian Baldauff is a Music Major a UCF and performed as a member of the UCF percussion ensembles including pop and chamber ensembles as well as the steel drum band. Other ensembles performed with include the wind ensemble and symphony orchestra. He served as Co-Principle of wind ensemble 2003-2004. He also served as Principle of the orchestra from 2003-2005. Brian performed at the Florida Percussive Arts Society Days of Percussion in 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004. He was awared first place in the Keyboard Competition on marimba in both 2003 and 2004. He participated and performed in marimba master classes with She-e Wu, Gordon Stout, Jean Geoffroy, Evelyn Glennie, Andy Harnsberger, and Michael Burritt. Brian also played snare drum in the UCF drum line in the fall of 2001. He has volunteered and been a UCF Student Intern with many public school music programs around the Orlando area. Piano Heather Washburn attended the University of Northern Colorado for over two years and graduated from the University of Center Florida with a Bachelor of Art in Music in Flute.. She is a member of the UCF Orchestra on flute, piccolo and harp. Heather has been playing the flute for twelve years, the piano for eighteen years and the harp for eight years. Heather performs professionally as a single harpist for weddings and corporate events and is also a skilled piano accompanist for her student’s during recitals and Orange County Solo and Ensemble performances. Philip Kolbrich has studied piano for over ten years with various private teachers including Armando Velasquez, and he is continuing his studies currently with Heather Washburn. AS one of our youngest instructors Philip specializes in young beginning students where he quickly builds report’ and confidence with them. He has been teaching at the school for two years with over 20 students. Philip is currently a Junior at Timber Creek High School. He is also a talented drummer and entertainer and has performed with his father’s group “Europa”. Adam Dvorecky teaches beginning and intermediate piano and percussion. He studied classical piano with several eastern European teachers for 14 years. Adam performed on various percussion instruments throughout Middle and High School and was an All County winner in percussion while playing in the University High School’s Marching band’s Drum Line. His percussion teaching experience includes jazz/rock, marching styles in snare, mallets, and drum set. Patients and passion are Adam’s key characteristics. He currently teaches over 35 students at the school is a full time student at Valencia Community College with future plans to pursue his Music Degree at UCF. John Kolbrich has studied music since age 7.The Late Mr. Jacob Hetzel was his first teacher who taught him the fundamentals and how to perform in a band setting. John studied Piano and Accordion at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto for several years and also with well known Canadian trumpet teacher, Rainer Schmidt. A performing musician and instructor, John keeps his skills up with over 50 performances a year with his group Europa, performing a wide selection of popular international music. John also speaks and sings in German. Stephanie Kangelos graduated with a degree in creative ministries from Rhema Bible College in the Republic of South Africa. She is also certified though the Associated Board of the Royal School of Music. She believes that the best skill you can give a student is the ability to play what they hear in their head, so in addition to traditional technique, ear training is an important part of her teaching strategy. Stephanie has played piano for Universal Studios Japan, and is a session keyboardist and rehearsal keyboardist for several groups here in Central Florida. She also has broad experience playing in bands around the world. Stephanie's extensive vocal experience includes singing in Universal Studios Japan's California Girls, Universal's Islands of Adventure's Grinchmas Celebration, Disney's Animal Kingdom's Campfire Carolers, Skyline (an a cappella convention group), Universal Studios' Double Date, Disney MGM Studios' Holly Sisters, and regularly appears on the Rivership Romance as the featured female vocalist. She's directed several children's choirs, including Da Voyz in South Africa and the Caroling Kids here in Central Florida. Stephanie's forte is pop vocals and her instruction style is aimed towards creating the pop sound through correct singing technique. Meredith Hollowell recently moved to the Orlando area with her husband, Brett (another Avalon music teacher) and teaches clarinet, voice, and piano. Meredith grew up playing the piano and has been playing clarinet since the age of 11. She is a graduate of Berry College in Rome, GA where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Performance, and was the recipient of the Francais A. Keown Music scholarship. Meredith's teaching experience includes serving as music director at the Montessori School of Pensacola , Pensacola, FL and Hilllwood Baptist Church Preschool, Huntsville, AL; music teacher at the Hawthorne Music Conservatory, Fantasy Playhouse, and Colors Fine Arts Center in Huntsville, AL; and private lesson studios in Rome, GA and Huntsville, AL. Meredith's performance experience includes being a featured soprano soloist at the Georgia Music Educators Convention; performances in musicals including the title role in Samuel Barab's "Little Red Riding Hood" and the role of Louise in Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Carousel"; and, most recently, seasonal performances with the Voices of Liberty at Walt Disney World. Deborah Love has been teaching piano locally for the last six years and has a total of 30 years teaching experience including Suzuki and traditional methods at the Bradley University Preparatory School of Music and Community School of Music in Buffalo, NY. Deborah is a member of the Orlando Music Club and the Florida Federation of Music Clubs and her students participate annually in the Jr. Festival and State Convention. The Peoria Journal-Star has called her playing "electrifying" and "mesmerizing"! Deborah has a Master of Piano Performance from Bradley University, Peoria, Ill. She has also done graduate studies at the Eastman School of Music. Deborah has her Bachelors of Music in Piano Performance from the University of Rochester, and a Performer's Certificate from the State University of New York at Fredonia. She studied the Sydney Foster Method of playing with Dr. Edward Kaizer, Dr. Kenwyn Bolt and Mrs. Lucille Richardson. She has also studied with Mr. Barry Snyder. Rick Wozniak Saxophone Matthew Campbell is a full time private music teacher with over 50 students in the Orlando area. Matthew teaches all sizes of saxophones, guitar, piano, voice, music theory and composition. He started teaching for the Avalon School & Music Center shortly after the school opened. Matthew also teaches at Lewis Music and Jammers in downtown Kissimmee and St. Cloud, and South Lake Academy of Music in Clermont. He also performs music professionally working with the classic rock band, Danser. With Danser, Matthew plays saxophone with the original sax player for Bob Seger, Alto Reed (Randy Lobeck). Caroline Bloom is a music education major at the University of Central Florida. Her primary instrument is the bassoon, although she is currently studying the clarinet and has also performed on the tenor sax, flute, trumpet, and euphonium. Caroline holds the position of principle bassoonist in the UCF Symphony Orchestra and has performed with the Wind Ensemble, bassoon quartet, and other chamber ensembles. In addition to teaching at the Avalon School, she also works with students at several local middle schools. Jennifer Valiquette is currently studying music full time at the University of Central Florida working on her Bachelors of Arts in Music. She has been playing the saxophone for nearly 13 years and flute for nearly 15 years. Jennifer has won awards such as, best section leader and most improved freshmen in high school. Jennifer also holds a degree in Criminology from Florida State University. Joe Rayhill is a student at the University of Central Florida Studying as a music education major. He is the lead alto saxophonist of the UCF Big Band and is a member of the UCF Jazz Chamber Ensemble. He has also participated in the UCF Saxophone Quartet. Joe has studied saxophone, flute, and clarinet with musicians Thad Zadlo, joe Friedland, James Bishop, Nancy Clew, Claire Baggarly, George Weremchuk, and Jeff Rupert. Joe also gigs around town playing with groups such as the Bobby Mercer Band and Richard Flutie Orchestra. Trumpet John Kolbrich has studied music since age 7.The Late Mr. Jacob Hetzel was his first teacher who taught him the fundamentals and how to perform in a band setting. John studied Piano and Accordion at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto for several years and also with well known Canadian trumpet teacher, Rainer Schmidt. A performing musician and instructor, John keeps his skills up with over 50 performances a year with his group Europa, performing a wide selection of popular international music. John also speaks and sings in German. Dr. Otto Gomez already well known in Orlando, is a member of the jazzinorlando.com community. As an accomplished musician, Dr. Otto is also a producer and arranger. His complex arrangements clearly standout and rise above the norm. His knack for teaching musicians, elementary and advanced, has always been a highlight of his ongoing career. The formulation of the colors of music and the correct execution of the same, is what separates him from the rest. Dr. Otto earned his Masters in Music Arranging and Composition at Brooklyn College, before going on to earn a Doctorate in arranging and composition from The Manhattan Conservatory of Music. His musical experience is equally impressive with many performances as a studio musician for CBS where he worked with Donnie Hathaway, Latimore Brown and Roberta Flack. His has also toured with Stevie Wonder and Harold Melvin & the Bluenotes: Composed, conducted and produced the soundtrack to the Daytona spring break movie Girls, Girls, Girls; produced award winning radio commercials, as well as presiding over many recordings and Musical Productions. With his band now established, his attention to detail, flair for Arranging, and consideration for his audience, Dr. Otto continues to transform listeners into fans. Viola Alisha Rufty has studied music since she was in elementary school. She is a graduate of the Harrison Performing Arts Center. She is also a graduate of the Florida State University School of Music with her degree in Music Education. Ms. Rufty has spent the last two years as the orchestra director of Jewett School of the Arts and Jewett Middle Academy in Winter Haven. Under her direction, both school orchestras received superior ratings at their annual Music Performance Assessment Concert. Ms. Rufty has studied the cello for over 14 years. Her former teachers include: Michael Sedloff, Anne Parrette, Lubomir Georgiev, Kathleen Lugar, Jeff Lang and David Bjella. She currently free lances in the Central Florida area and is a member of the Imperial Symphony Orchestra located in Lakeland, FL. Violin Fang Brill is currently an adjunct professor of Violin at Valencia Community College where she also directs the String Ensemble. Fang holds a Bachelor of Music Degree in Violin Performance from Nanking College of Fine Arts, a Masters Degree in Violin Performance from the University of Kansas, and a Graduate Diploma from the New England Conservatory of Music. After graduating, Fang became a professor of Violin at Nanking College of Fine Arts. She has over 18 years of experience teaching both privately and at the college level. Fang also has a very active performing resume. She has performed with several professional orchestras, including, the New World Symphony, The New England Conservatory Symphony including concerts under Seiji Ozawa and Michael Tilson Thomas at Carnegie Hall, the Kansas City Chamber Orchestra, and the Kansas City Symphony Orchestra. She is currently a member of the Bach Festival and the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestras. Fang has won numerous Concerto Competitions including the Ohio Light Opera Concerto Competition. She has also performed as a soloist with the Nanking Philharmonic and the Ohio Light Opera Orchestras. Weichuan Ruan has a B.A. from Xinjian College in the Peoples Republic of China. He is currently a member of the Violin Society of China and was a concert master of the local Orchestra. He has also performed in a String Quartet which was broadcast on Chinese Radio. Weichuan has over 40 years of teaching experience and has been teaching in Florida for several years. During his teaching career, he has had many students join orchestra, study Violin in College and some have gone on to become violin teachers themselves. Alisha Rufty has studied music since she was in elementary school. She is a graduate of the Harrison Performing Arts Center. She is also a graduate of the Florida State University School of Music with her degree in Music Education. Ms. Rufty has spent the last two years as the orchestra director of Jewett School of the Arts and Jewett Middle Academy in Winter Haven. Under her direction, both school orchestras received superior ratings at their annual Music Performance Assessment Concert. Ms. Rufty has studied the cello for over 14 years. Her former teachers include: Michael Sedloff, Anne Parrette, Lubomir Georgiev, Kathleen Lugar, Jeff Lang and David Bjella. She currently free lances in the Central Florida area and is a member of the Imperial Symphony Orchestra located in Lakeland, FL. Julie Franus Vocals Matthew Campbell is a full time private music teacher with over 50 students in the Orlando area. Matthew teaches all sizes of saxophones, guitar, piano, voice, music theory and composition. He started teaching for the Avalon School & Music Center shortly after the school opened. Matthew also teaches at Lewis Music and Jammers in downtown Kissimmee and St. Cloud, and South Lake Academy of Music in Clermont. He also performs music professionally working with the classic rock band, Danser. With Danser, Matthew plays saxophone with the original sax player for Bob Seger, Alto Reed (Randy Lobeck). Ashley Lockheed earned her degree in Vocal Performance from Stetson University and has been teaching voice since 1994. Her teaching style fuses classical vocal technique with her own diverse performing experiences. Students have the opportunity to share their talents with others by performing regularly for community events in East Orlando. Ashley has performed professionally with the world-renowned Voices of Liberty atg> Epcot Center, The Voiceovers at Disney/MGM Studios, The Happy Campers at Disney’s Animal Kingdom,Skyline at Walt Disney World, Double Date at Universal Studios, and with Toxic Audio. She is also the female lead performer for The Big Idea, a professional dance band which performs at Pleasure Island, Universal Citywalk, City Jazz, Sea World, Disney, Orange County Convention Center, and countless other clubs and corporate events throughout Florida. Ashley is a current member of the 1940’s style acapella trio, The Swing Sisters, which was featured on Fox TV’s30 Seconds to Fame and performed recently for the 2005 SuperbowlVIP pre-show. She also is the lead female entertainer for the mega-spectacle, The Party of the Century, which performed last year with Starshipat the GeorgiaDome. Ashely has also distinguished herself in classical music as well, winning both the prestigious Giffen Competition and Stetson Concerto Competition, and being honored by The National Association of Teachers of Singing. Some of her favorite classical and music theater performances include The Orlando Opera’s productions of Carmen and Macbeth, as well as productions of The Magic Flute, The Medium, The Fantastiks, Fiddler on the Roof, A Christmas Carol, La Pizza con Funghi, Brigadoon, and The Orlando Lyric Opera’s production of H.M.S.Pinafore. Ashley is a current resident of Avalon Park, and is enthusiastic about promoting cultural arts in East Orlando. Stephanie Kangelos graduated with a degree in creative ministries from Rhema Bible College in the Republic of South Africa. She is also certified though the Associated Board of the Royal School of Music. She believes that the best skill you can give a student is the ability to play what they hear in their head, so in addition to traditional technique, ear training is an important part of her teaching strategy. Stephanie has played piano for Universal Studios Japan, and is a session keyboardist and rehearsal keyboardist for several groups here in Central Florida. She also has broad experience playing in bands around the world. Stephanie's extensive vocal experience includes singing in Universal Studios Japan's California Girls, Universal's Islands of Adventure's Grinchmas Celebration, Disney's Animal Kingdom's Campfire Carolers, Skyline (an a cappella convention group), Universal Studios' Double Date, Disney MGM Studios' Holly Sisters, and regularly appears on the Rivership Romance as the featured female vocalist. She's directed several children's choirs, including Da Voyz in South Africa and the Caroling Kids here in Central Florida. Stephanie's forte is pop vocals and her instruction style is aimed towards creating the pop sound through correct singing technique. Meredith Hollowell recently moved to the Orlando area with her husband, Brett (another Avalon music teacher) and teaches clarinet, voice, and piano. Meredith grew up playing the piano and has been playing clarinet since the age of 11. She is a graduate of Berry College in Rome, GA where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Performance, and was the recipient of the Francais A. Keown Music scholarship. Meredith's teaching experience includes serving as music director at the Montessori School of Pensacola , Pensacola, FL and Hilllwood Baptist Church Preschool, Huntsville, AL; music teacher at the Hawthorne Music Conservatory, Fantasy Playhouse, and Colors Fine Arts Center in Huntsville, AL; and private lesson studios in Rome, GA and Huntsville, AL. Meredith's performance experience includes being a featured soprano soloist at the Georgia Music Educators Convention; performances in musicals including the title role in Samuel Barab's "Little Red Riding Hood" and the role of Louise in Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Carousel"; and, most recently, seasonal performances with the Voices of Liberty at Walt Disney World. Traditionally assignments last about 13 weeks, but can be anywhere from 8 weeks to 52 weeks depending on the facility and assignment. Alternatively, you may decide to keep renewing your contract with the same facility, or the facility may decide to offer you a permanent position. Universal Travelers offers a generous 401(k) plan with matching contribution.