Our Instructors

Carly Barajas is a very talented young flutist. She has been performing throughout the Austin area since her first concert in 2007. During that time, she realized that she wanted to be a musician for life. Mrs. Barajas graduated with honors and received her Bachelor's Degree in Music Performance from Texas State University.

Mrs. Barajas’ f

Carly Barajas is a very talented young flutist. She has been performing throughout the Austin area since her first concert in 2007. During that time, she realized that she wanted to be a musician for life. Mrs. Barajas graduated with honors and received her Bachelor's Degree in Music Performance from Texas State University.

Mrs. Barajas’ first music lessons were on piano and viola at the age of nine in Pflugerville, Texas, and two years later, she fell in love with the sound of the flute. Her junior year of high school, she was asked by Thomas Waggoner, an alumnus from Texas State, to join the Austin Youth Symphony Orchestra, the highest and more professional orchestras for students of all ages around the central Texas area. Mrs. Barajas was a member of the Austin Youth Symphony Orchestra for two years.

While in college, Mrs. Barajas was a member of the Texas State Wind Symphony, the highest band at Texas State University, under the direction of Caroline Beatty and the Texas State Orchestra, under the direction of Carolyn Watson. Other musical affiliations include Texas State Flute Choir, National Collegiate Flute Choir, National Flute Association, and Austin Flute Club.

Mrs. Barajas has been working as a private lesson teacher in Pflugerville since 2012. She teaches flute and beginner piano, with students as young as four years old. She lives with her husband and their two dogs, Buster and Mickey.

Carlyflute4soul@gmail.com

Susan Douglas is well known in central Texas as a teacher, soloist and chamber player. She has appeared with the Austin Symphony, the Arts in Georgetown Festival Orchestra, Victoria Symphony, Mid-Texas Symphony, Corpus Christi Symphony, and Waco Symphony. She has also played in orchestras accompanying such organizations as the Austin Civi

Susan Douglas is well known in central Texas as a teacher, soloist and chamber player. She has appeared with the Austin Symphony, the Arts in Georgetown Festival Orchestra, Victoria Symphony, Mid-Texas Symphony, Corpus Christi Symphony, and Waco Symphony. She has also played in orchestras accompanying such organizations as the Austin Civic Chorus, Austin Vocal Arts Ensemble, San Gabriel Chorale, And Canto, a choral group based in Fredericksburg, TX. Her solo repertoire includes J. S. Bach”s Double Concerto, Aaron Copeland”s Quiet City, and Richard’s Strauss’s Oboe Concerto. She has also twice been a member of the Festival Orchestra of the American Institute of Musical Studies in Graz, Austria.

For many Years, Mrs. Douglas has maintained a large and successful private studio including central Texas oboe students of all ages. Her students consistently receive high ratings at UIL events and competitions. Graduates from her studio have been accepted into such schools as The University of North Texas, The  University of Texas, and the San Fransisco Conservatory. Susan has also been Adjunct Instructor of oboe at Southwestern University since 1992. She holds Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Oboe Performance from the University of Texas. Her major Teachers were Rebecca Henderson and Richard Blais, both from The University of Texas, and Raymond Weaver, long-time Principal oboist in the Houston Symphony Orchestra.

512 423-4915     

susanoboe@icloud.com

Growing up amidst a family of musicians, Daniel developed an appreciation for a variety of musical genres as well as for natural, cultural, and social phenomena which continue to inspire his playing. He studied piano, trumpet, and voice until he attended the University of Kentucky where he began studies on the instrument he always wanted 

Growing up amidst a family of musicians, Daniel developed an appreciation for a variety of musical genres as well as for natural, cultural, and social phenomena which continue to inspire his playing. He studied piano, trumpet, and voice until he attended the University of Kentucky where he began studies on the instrument he always wanted to play, the bassoon. After four years of demanding yet supportive instruction from Professor Peter Simpson, Chrisman graduated from the University of Kentucky in 2003. He continued his studies at the University of Louisville for one year with Matthew Karr before relocating to Philadelphia to study with the principal bassoonist of the Philadelphia Orchestra, Daniel Matsukawa. Mr. Chrisman received his Master’s degree in music performance from Temple University in 2006. Daniel has soloed with the University of Kentucky Symphony Orchestra, playing the Concerto in F Major by Carl Maria von Weber. He has also soloed with the Temple University Symphony Orchestra, performing von Weber’s Andante and Hungarian Rondo.  

In September of 2005, Daniel attained the contrabassoon position in the Haddonfield Symphony (now Symphony in C) in New Jersey. In September of 2008, Daniel moved to Austin where he plays contrabassoon and bassoon in the Austin Symphony Orchestra. He began teaching middle and high school bassoon lessons that very month and teaching soon became a co-passion along with performing.  2015 was his first year of employ at Southwestern University where he serves as Professor of Bassoon.   

512-567-5709

dan.chrisman@hotmail.com

Derrick Nagao was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. He attended LSU for his undergraduate degree, where he studied with Steven Cohen to earn his Bachelor of Music Performance degree in 2001. Afterwards, he came to The University of Texas at Austin to study under Bil Jackson and Richard Macdowell, where he received his Master of Music Perfor

Derrick Nagao was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. He attended LSU for his undergraduate degree, where he studied with Steven Cohen to earn his Bachelor of Music Performance degree in 2001. Afterwards, he came to The University of Texas at Austin to study under Bil Jackson and Richard Macdowell, where he received his Master of Music Performance degree in 2003. However, Mr. Nagao owes most of his musical success and love of music to his middle school band director and original lesson teacher, Paul Frechou. 

Mr. Nagao has been teaching private music lessons going on 20 years. He has taught hundreds of students in the Austin, Hays, Round Rock and Pflugerville ISD over the years. Mr. Nagao has been a District/Region clarinet judge for middle and high school Honor Band auditions throughout the years and his services are often requested to teach clarinet Master Classes at various schools, too. This is his first year teaching in the Georgetown ISD and he is excited to have the opportunity to work with the students of Georgetown High School! 

While in college, Mr. Nagao has performed in various Wind Ensembles, Opera Orchestras, Orchestras, quintets, and other small ensembles, often playing principle clarinet. Although Mr. Nagao’s music degrees are in performance, he now admittedly doesn’t practice as much as he should to maintain the elite skills needed in professional performance settings. Instead, he found his true passion and calling in life is to inspire and help mold the future generations of musicians, like his original lesson teacher did for him. Mr. Nagao believes structure, discipline, patience and being methodical with practice methods will yield desirable results for students. He hopes to be a positive role model and mentor to all his students, not only teaching music but also teaching positive life lessons, hoping that his influence will produce not only better musicians but better humans, as well.

512-626-4466

Derrickn19@yahoo.com

Anna Carney, has been teaching clarinet in the Central Texas area since 1997 and has placed many students in Region Bands and All-State Band.  In addition to teaching at RRHS, Ms. Carney currently also teaches music at Southwestern University in Georgetown and Temple College.  Previous teaching assignments have included being a middle sch

Anna Carney, has been teaching clarinet in the Central Texas area since 1997 and has placed many students in Region Bands and All-State Band.  In addition to teaching at RRHS, Ms. Carney currently also teaches music at Southwestern University in Georgetown and Temple College.  Previous teaching assignments have included being a middle school band director for 7 years, and a clarinet professor at the university level for 20 years.

Ms. Carney received her Bachelors degree in Music Education from San Diego State University and her Masters in clarinet performance from SDSU.   Her Doctoral work in clarinet was at Florida State University.

As an active performer in Central Texas, Ms. Carney is a member of the Temple Symphony and a founder of the chamber ensembles Arte Musique and the Madera Trio.  In addition to her Central Texas performing career, she continues to perform nationally and internationally when possible.   Ms. Carney's major clarinet teachers were Kalman Bloch of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, James Kanter of the Pacific Symphony, and Frank Kowalsky at Florida State University.

carneya@southwestern.edu

Andrew Hasher is a music educator, saxophonist and woodwind specialist originally from Old Bethpage, New York. 

Andrew has competed and placed at statewide solo and chamber music competitions across the United States. As the winner of the Spring 2017 UNCSA Concerto Competition, Andrew appeared as a soloist alongside the UNCSA Symphony Orch

Andrew Hasher is a music educator, saxophonist and woodwind specialist originally from Old Bethpage, New York. 

Andrew has competed and placed at statewide solo and chamber music competitions across the United States. As the winner of the Spring 2017 UNCSA Concerto Competition, Andrew appeared as a soloist alongside the UNCSA Symphony Orchestra. Most recently, Andrew received 2nd place at the 2019 Rosen-Schaffel Competition. In addition, Andrew has appeared as both a soloist and ensemble member with the University of Michigan Symphony Band as well as an ensemble member with the Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra. He was the alto saxophonist in the Sapphirus Quartet, a quarterfinalist ensemble at the 2019 Fischoff Chamber Music Competition.   

As an active educator, Andrew is passionate about teaching students of all ages and abilities. He has appeared as an instructor and guest clinician for high school and middle school programs across the country including the Interlochen Center for the Arts, and has taught masterclasses at collegiate institutions such as Lynchburg University and James Madison University. Andrew is also passionate about Marching Band, having coached throughout Michigan. Currently, Andrew teaches a private lesson studio of saxophone and clarinet students from around the Austin Metro area. His students have received superior ratings at Solo & Ensemble Competitions and at the All-State level across Michigan and Texas.   

Andrew holds a degree in saxophone performance (BM) from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts and a Master’s degree (MM) and Music Education Certification from the University of Michigan. Andrew has studied saxophone with renowned saxophonists Timothy McAllister and Robert Young.

516-477-7938

ahasher@umich.edu

Alonzo Ellison grew up in the small town of Cameron, Texas. From a young age he was fascinated with music thanks to listening to 70’s era funk records that his Father would play. At the age of eleven Alonzo picked up a trumpet and began the lifelong journey of being a musician. This new journey would lead to him being one of the first cal

Alonzo Ellison grew up in the small town of Cameron, Texas. From a young age he was fascinated with music thanks to listening to 70’s era funk records that his Father would play. At the age of eleven Alonzo picked up a trumpet and began the lifelong journey of being a musician. This new journey would lead to him being one of the first call trumpet players in Austin and surrounding areas.  

As a young musician, Alonzo competed in all region competitions in both jazz and classical from middle school through high school. Alonzo competed in all three levels including region, area, and state with success. Alonzo received 1st chair for all state jazz his sophomore year, 7th for the top all state wind ensemble his junior year, and 2nd chair all state jazz his senior year.  While in Austin, Alonzo worked at the prestigious Austin School of Music as a brass instructor while freelancing at night and on the weekends playing for functions such as corporate parties, wedding receptions, private parties, and gala’s. Some venues that Alonzo has played at include Paramount Theatre, Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater, Austin City Limits at Zilker Park, Antone’s Nightclub, The Continental Club, Geraldine’s at Hotel Van Zandt, Banger’s Sausage House, Irving Convention Center at Los Colinas, La Cantera Resort & Spa, Miller Outdoor Theatre, and Casino Del Sol. Alonzo currently performs with various artists in the Austin and surrounding area and he is working on a Masters Degree in Music Education from Tarleton State University. Alonzo’s hobbies include day trading various financial markets, grilling, reading, playing video games, and watching Dragonball Z. 

Education: 

Temple College- AA in Music (2011) 

Texas A&M University Central 

Texas- BS Liberal Studies Concentration in Music and Fine Arts (2019) 

Tarleton State University- MM in Music Education (expected December 2022) 

512-720-9805

alonzo.ellison470@gmail.com

Seth Johnson is currently pursuing his Masters of Music in  Performance at the University of Texas. As an educator, Seth has worked with students of all ages and skill levels, and has had the opportunity to run group sectionals and masterclasses for students of advanced skill levels. Seth is active in the Austin area as a freelance player

Seth Johnson is currently pursuing his Masters of Music in  Performance at the University of Texas. As an educator, Seth has worked with students of all ages and skill levels, and has had the opportunity to run group sectionals and masterclasses for students of advanced skill levels. Seth is active in the Austin area as a freelance player and teacher. He currently runs a small studio in the city of Austin, and is currently taking on new students. As a graduate student, Seth has had the opportunity to attend several master classes at the University of Texas, and has been involved in multiple educational opportunities. In the future, Seth plans on working towards a DMA in Horn Performance, so that he can offer education at the highest level.

405 287-7088

sethjhorn@gmail.com

Michael Dorato holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Performance from the State University of New York at Fredonia, where he studied with Carl Mazzio. After receiving his undergraduate degree, Michael moved to Pittsburgh, where he earned a Master of Music degree in Trombone Performance from Duquesne University, where he studied with James No

Michael Dorato holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Performance from the State University of New York at Fredonia, where he studied with Carl Mazzio. After receiving his undergraduate degree, Michael moved to Pittsburgh, where he earned a Master of Music degree in Trombone Performance from Duquesne University, where he studied with James Nova, second trombonist of the GRAMMY Award-winning Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. 

Michael has performed with such groups as the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, the Buffalo Philharmonic, Pittsburgh Opera, Canton Symphony, River City Brass Band, Westmoreland Symphony, Wheeling Symphony, and many more. He has played with musicians such as Michael Davis, Weird Al Yankovic, Yo-Yo Ma, and The Who.

On top of having an active performing and teaching career, Michael is also an active composer and arranger for various brass groups across the country. Michael is currently a Low Brass Instructor at Georgetown ISD, Round Rock ISD, and Leander ISD as well as an active freelancer in the greater Austin area.

518-542-5344

mdorato91@gmail.com

Patricia Raglin has been teaching private lessons since she was in high school – that was at least ten years ago! After earning her Music Education degree from Indiana University, she moved to Texas and hasn’t looked back. She has directed MS and HS ensembles from the Rio Grande Valley up through Georgetown. Mrs. Raglin has been an Ajudic

Patricia Raglin has been teaching private lessons since she was in high school – that was at least ten years ago! After earning her Music Education degree from Indiana University, she moved to Texas and hasn’t looked back. She has directed MS and HS ensembles from the Rio Grande Valley up through Georgetown. Mrs. Raglin has been an Ajudicator, an All-Region Band Director, and started a TubaChristmas ensemble in the Valley (still going strong, 30 years later!). She started a Homeschool Band in 2015 with just 14 students. The group has grown to over 50, and earned straight I’s at their first competition. She is looking forward to her third year on the lesson staff with GHS – PCE!

512-659-2816

patriciaraglin@yahoo.com

Jonathan Pereira is an Austin-based percussionist and educator. As a classically trained percussionist, he feels equally at home performing classical, jazz, or popular music. Mr. Pereira holds degrees in music education and percussion performance from Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY (BM 2013, MM 2016). He spent several years teaching instrumen

Jonathan Pereira is an Austin-based percussionist and educator. As a classically trained percussionist, he feels equally at home performing classical, jazz, or popular music. Mr. Pereira holds degrees in music education and percussion performance from Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY (BM 2013, MM 2016). He spent several years teaching instrumental music in New York State public schools and private percussion lessons before relocating to Austin in 2018. He has extensive performance experience in wind ensembles, orchestras, and pit orchestras for musical theatre productions, and currently performs with FlecHaus, an indie folk band based in Austin.

(585) 402-8520

jjpereira@rochester.rr.com