Our Instructors
CARLY BARAJAS – FLUTE
DANIEL CHRISMAN – BASSOON
CARLY BARAJAS – FLUTE
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.
SUSAN DOUGLAS – OBOE
DANIEL CHRISMAN – BASSOON
CARLY BARAJAS – FLUTE
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
DANIEL CHRISMAN – BASSOON
DANIEL CHRISMAN – BASSOON
DANIEL CHRISMAN – BASSOON
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
DERRICK NAGAO – CLARINET
THOMAS KURTZ – HIGH SCHOOL SAXOPHONE
DANIEL CHRISMAN – BASSOON
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
ANNA CARNEY – CLARINET
THOMAS KURTZ – HIGH SCHOOL SAXOPHONE
THOMAS KURTZ – HIGH SCHOOL SAXOPHONE
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.
THOMAS KURTZ – HIGH SCHOOL SAXOPHONE
THOMAS KURTZ – HIGH SCHOOL SAXOPHONE
THOMAS KURTZ – HIGH SCHOOL SAXOPHONE
Thomas earned his Master of Music degree (Saxophone Performance) from the University of Missouri- Kansas City, studying with Professor Zachary Shemon; and he earned his undergraduate degree (Saxophone Performance) from Montclair State University, studying with Professor Stacy Wilson. Throughout his studies, Thomas has garnered awards, inc
Thomas earned his Master of Music degree (Saxophone Performance) from the University of Missouri- Kansas City, studying with Professor Zachary Shemon; and he earned his undergraduate degree (Saxophone Performance) from Montclair State University, studying with Professor Stacy Wilson. Throughout his studies, Thomas has garnered awards, including first prize in the “Golden Classical Music” International Competition (2019) and the Montclair State University Concerto Competition (2016 and 2017). He was also the MTNA State Young Artist Competition winner (2016 – 2018), and a finalist in the United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own” Concerto Competition.
Along with his performance career, Thomas has taught woodwinds and piano methods at Music and Arts Inc., Home Sweet Home Music Lessons Inc., and the Montclair State University Preparatory Division. He teaches all ages and abilities, as well as students with special needs.
Thomas is working on earning his Alexander Technique® Certification to help create awareness about the importance of musicians’ health. These techniques aid in the prevention of injury, tension, and other ailments faced by musicians. Andover Educators® work to provide accurate information about the structure, function, and size of the body in order to enhance practice and performance. Often, a student’s perception of movement is different from reality; by learning how movement of the body manifests simultaneously during performance, students are creating a deeper awareness into their music-making, thus developing a greater natural fluidity of movement. This only aids in the development of musicianship and helps an artist to achieve their full potential.
347-308-0136
MARINA SAKELLAKIS – MIDDLE SCHOOL SAXOPHONE
MARINA SAKELLAKIS – MIDDLE SCHOOL SAXOPHONE
MARINA SAKELLAKIS – MIDDLE SCHOOL SAXOPHONE
Marina Sakellakis is a saxophonist, woodwind specialist, and educator from the New York City area. As a classical saxophonist, she has played in Weill Recital Hall in Carnegie Hall and participated in masterclasses across the United States and Switzerland. Marina frequently plays piccolo, flute, oboe, saxophones, and clarinets in pit orch
Marina Sakellakis is a saxophonist, woodwind specialist, and educator from the New York City area. As a classical saxophonist, she has played in Weill Recital Hall in Carnegie Hall and participated in masterclasses across the United States and Switzerland. Marina frequently plays piccolo, flute, oboe, saxophones, and clarinets in pit orchestras and other ensembles. In 2020, she traveled to London to collaborate in an experimental music and dance performance as part of the Trinity CoLab program. She currently plays tenor saxophone in the Aurochs Saxophone Quartet, and performs and teaches in the Austin area.
She graduated from the University of Michigan with the highest distinction, where she majored in Woodwind Performance, minored in Performing Arts Management, and studied saxophone under esteemed professor Dr. Timothy McAllister. Marina is currently working towards her Master’s degree in Saxophone Performance at the University of Texas in Austin, where she studies with the renowned Dr. Stephen Page.
As an educator, Marina has been teaching private lessons for seven years. She has worked with The Ridgewood Conservatory in New Jersey, Seven Mile Music in Detroit, and Music & Arts in the New York City metropolitan area. She has mentored students of all ages and abilities, and in 2020 created an organization called Music Memories that virtually connected high school musicians with nursing homes. Marina is passionate about accessibility in the arts and will continue to participate in community outreach in the Austin area.
MATTHEW URBANEK – TRUMPET
MARINA SAKELLAKIS – MIDDLE SCHOOL SAXOPHONE
MARINA SAKELLAKIS – MIDDLE SCHOOL SAXOPHONE
Matt Urbanek is a regular performer in Texas, having recently performed with the Timberland Brass Quintet in a music showcase at the 2020 Texas Music Educators’ Association conference, and is very excited to get started working in Central Texas this year! Matt graduated with a Master’s degree in Trumpet Performance from the Indiana Univer
Matt Urbanek is a regular performer in Texas, having recently performed with the Timberland Brass Quintet in a music showcase at the 2020 Texas Music Educators’ Association conference, and is very excited to get started working in Central Texas this year! Matt graduated with a Master’s degree in Trumpet Performance from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music in 2018, as well as undergraduate degrees in Music Education and Trumpet Performance from The Ohio State University in 2016. Matt has studied trumpet privately since 2005 with primary teachers Terry Detwiler, Richard Burkart and John Rommel, and has previous experience as a private lesson instructor in Keller ISD in Fort Worth, TX as well as teaching in school districts in Central Ohio and Southwest Indiana during his time in music school. Matt participated as a semifinalist in the undergraduate division of the 2014 National Trumpet Competition, performing the 1st movement of the Gregson Trumpet Concerto in his junior year, and was also a member of the Carolina Crown hornline from 2013-2015 before continuing his involvement in drum corps on brass staff as the High Brass Coordinator for the Blue Knights.
512-665-0125
DR. RUSTY HOLMES – HORN
MARINA SAKELLAKIS – MIDDLE SCHOOL SAXOPHONE
MICHAEL DORATO – LOW BRASS
Dr. Rusty Holmes is a freelance horn player and teacher in the greater Austin, TX area. He currently holds the position of 2nd horn with the Central Texas Philharmonic, 4th horn with the Mid-Texas Symphony, and frequently subs with the Temple (Tx), Brazos Valley, and Victoria (Tx) Symphony Orchestras. Dr. Holmes teaches a large private st
Dr. Rusty Holmes is a freelance horn player and teacher in the greater Austin, TX area. He currently holds the position of 2nd horn with the Central Texas Philharmonic, 4th horn with the Mid-Texas Symphony, and frequently subs with the Temple (Tx), Brazos Valley, and Victoria (Tx) Symphony Orchestras. Dr. Holmes teaches a large private studio in Austin, Tx comprised of middle school, high school, university, and amateur adult students.
Dr. Holmes received his Bachelor of Music Education degree from Oklahoma State University and his Master of Music and Doctorate of Musical Arts in Performance from the University of Texas at Austin. His musical mentors include Lanette Compton and Patrick Hughes.
409-377-0111
MICHAEL DORATO – LOW BRASS
JONATHAN PEREIRA – PERCUSSION
MICHAEL DORATO – LOW BRASS
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
PATRICIA RAGLIN – LOW BRASS
JONATHAN PEREIRA – PERCUSSION
JONATHAN PEREIRA – PERCUSSION
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
JONATHAN PEREIRA – PERCUSSION
JONATHAN PEREIRA – PERCUSSION
JONATHAN PEREIRA – PERCUSSION
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