Music Education Team

Credentials

Music Education Curator, Instructor in Music Education at Lawrence University, LU '87

My Bio

Her Words: “The question isn’t whether you’re a musician or not. You are. It’s whether you have taken the time, through layered process, to develop the musical birthright which was yours to begin with.”

Leila Ramagopal Pertl is the Music Education Curator of the Mile of Music Festival. She created the innovative Music curricula at Next Generation School in Champaign, IL and at Appleton Public Montessori, where music is treated as a core subject; each student being immersed in drumming, dancing, singing, improvisation,composition, and music theory. She holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education from Lawrence University, a Master of Science degree in Music Education from the University of Illinois, and is a recipient of Pi Kappa Lambda Honors, Excellence in Music Education. She is an active presenter and has recently given presentations and teacher workshops for the Illinois Association for Health Physical Education and Dance, Appleton Area School District, WMEA State Conference and the International Deep Listening Conference, and the Appleton Education Foundation. Leila was the 2018 recipient of the Mentor Award from the Wisconsin Association of Colleges of Teacher Education (WACTE), serves on the council of the Wisconsin Music Educators Association, the Smithsonian Folkways Music Education Committee, and is an Instructor in Music Education at Lawrence University. She believes that music is a birthright, and loves being with people in collaborative, creative spaces!

Credentials

MET Member, trombonist, didjeridu, Dean of LU Conservatory of Music, LU ‘86

My Bio

His Words: “There are fewer bonds more profound than those created through community music-making.”

Brian Pertl is the Dean of the Lawrence Conservatory of Music. He is a trombonist,ethnomusicologist, didjeridu player, Deep Listener, and a fierce advocate for music education at all levels. He has given over 400 presentations on world music across the United States. His lively performances give the audiences insights into other cultures through music. He has a BM degree in trombone performance and a BA in English from Lawrence University, an MA in Ethnomusicology from Wesleyan University and worked on his Ph.D. in Ethnomusicology at the University of Washington in Seattle. He is a recipient of the prestigious Watson Fellowship, and worked for 16 years managing the Media Acquisitions Group at Microsoft. He and his wife Leila Ramagopal Pertl are passionate about providing as many music-making opportunities to as many people as possible. They know the phenomenal power music has to change lives and are whole-heartedly committed to the transformational art of music education.

Credentials

MET Director of Operations, Choral/Vocal Music Educator, LU ‘12

My Bio

Her Words: “Musicking together connects us more deeply to the core of who we are as individuals and to our shared humanity.” 

Raised on sweet tea and family sing-alongs, Jaclyn Kottman originally hails from Atlanta, Georgia but is now proud to be a music maker, teacher, and learner in Wisconsin, as well as the Director of Operations for the Music Education Team. Musicking in different corners of the world has given her a deep appreciation for the way the Fox Cities uplifts the arts as part of the fabric of our community, and she has been a proud member of the Music Education Team since Mile 1. Jaclyn graduated from Lawrence University in 2012 with a Bachelor of Music in Choral and General Music Education and a minor in Religious Studies. She is the 2018 recipient of the Outstanding Young Choral Director award from the Wisconsin Choral Directors Association and of Lawrence University’s Pi Kappa Lambda award for Excellence in Music Education. She currently teaches vocal and choral music with the Appleton Area School District and Lawrence Academy of Music, and is passionate about the power of singing to affirm the value of each person’s voice and build community.

Credentials

MET Member, vocalist, General Music Teacher at Highlands Elementary (AASD), member of newVoices Choir

My Bio

Her Words: “Music allows children to come together and be a part of a shared experience, creating beauty.”

Melissa Fields is an elementary general music teacher in Appleton. She received her bachelor degree in Music Education from the University of Iowa and her master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from National Louis University. Her master’s thesis was on “The Incorporation of Children’s Picture Books into the Second Grade Music Classroom.” She has been teaching for over twenty years and is passionate about her profession. Melissa continues to develop her own musicianship by being a member of newVoices vocal ensemble. Performing and sharing her musical talent with the community is a definite joy. She enjoys life with her children Sam and Sophia and her dog Bernard. Melissa believes everyone has a musical ability and it is her delight in inspiring others to be musical.

Credentials

MET Member, vocalist, General Music Teacher at Badger Elementary (AASD), LU ‘07

My Bio

Her Words: “Teaching music lends strength to voices that may not otherwise be heard.”

Sarah’s passion for the work of the Music Education Team draws from both personal and family member experiences of being shut out from musical opportunities because of “Talent” or lack thereof. As a music teacher and 6 year MoM veteran, she strives to open students’ and community members’ minds to the fact that everyone has an inner musician. She hopes you will join her, her mother and her two lively daughters for some Samba, Stories that Sing, the MoM Bus or any of the other 60 opportunities to make music together!

Credentials

MET Member, freelance multi-percussionist, Band Director at Merrill Middle School (Oshkosh), LU ‘16

My Bio

His Words: “In every culture, society, and/or community, you can find music. Every person has a music that resonates within them. As music teachers, we are just providing the skills to help people connect and understand that music. Its a way for people to bond with each other.”

Kennison Ther is a graduate from Lawrence University with a degree in Music Education while studying percussion, as well. He is the band teacher for Merrill Middle School in Oshkosh and also the percussion instructor for the Oshkosh Youth Symphony. Ther continues to play percussion in multiple community/professional groups through out the Fox Valley. He has been on the MET since mile 2 so this will be his 6th mile! During his time at Lawrence he was a part of LUPE (Lawrence University Percussion Ensemble) which studied music in classical chamber settings and music from Brazil, Cuba, and Ghana. Ther completed further study of Brazilian music at the California Brazil Camp for many summers and brought what he had learned to the group at Lawrence and to Mile of Music. Samba and other Brazilian styles are a passion of Ther’s, and he wants to share this beautiful music and culture with anyone and everyone.

Credentials

MET Member, cellist, High School/Middle School Orchestra Teacher (Howard-Suamico), LU '18

My Bio

His Words: “Community is an unstoppable force, and music making is essential to building community. When people make music together, they learn together. When people learn together, the grow together. As an educator I am responsible for fostering a musical community and a caring community.“

Adam Korber is originally from Arlington Heights, Illinois. After graduating from Lawrence University in 2018, he has moved to Appleton and is teaching orchestra and strings in the area. This upcoming fall, he will be teaching orchestra in the Howard-Suamico school district. Adam fully believes the words of one of his mentors, “everyone learns better with a smile on their face.” Adam strives to foster learning in a positive, supportive and fun environment. He brings his passion for people, learning and music to the Music Education Team.

Credentials

MET Member, multi-instrumentalist, Music Director, LU '14

My Bio

His Words: “Listening is the sacred, performing is exhilarating, and practice is necessary, but never forget that in the end, music is a way to play!”

Casey Frensz is a multi-instrumentalist and music educator in the twin cities area. His educational philosophy is based around the idea that jam and collaboration are the best tools musicians have to improve their skills and quality of life. Casey has taught privately, as well as in schools and as a clinician. He believes that everyone is musical, and with proper guidance, even a total beginner can play alongside lifelong pros to create something beautiful.

Credentials

MET Member, Trumpeter, Band Director at Fridley High School (Minneapolis), LU '15

My Bio

Her Words: “Music is a part of being human, and talent has nothing to do with it. We are musicians because we are human, and we are human because we are musicians.”

Becca Shuman graduated from Lawrence University in 2015 with degrees in music education and trumpet performance. A member of the Music Education Team since Mile 2, she spent the summer of 2015 interning with Carnegie Hall’s community and education programs in NYC, which fueled her passion for bringing diverse music-making experiences to all types of communities. She has taught general music and band at a variety of schools, and is currently the director of bands at Fridley High School in Minneapolis.

Credentials

MET Member, Trumpeter, Composer, Educator, LU ’15

My Bio

Favorite Quote: ”Music expresses that which cannot be put into words.” — Victor Hugo

Marshall Yoes is a trumpet player, composer, and educator living in Minneapolis, MN. Raised in a family full of musicians, Marshall grew up with music naturally being a huge part of his life. After graduating from Lawrence in 2015, he spent time playing with the Sheboygan Symphony Orchestra, teaching private lessons, and working as a Brass Specialist at Seymour High School. He moved to Minneapolis the summer of 2017 and spent this year working as a paraprofessional at a middle school in St. Paul. He continued to perform with various groups, including the Golden Valley Orchestra and Porky’s Groove Machine. He is currently pursuing degrees in both trumpet performance and music therapy at the University of Minnesota. He is incredibly excited to continue working with the Music Education Team and is looking forward to making music with the Appleton community.

Credentials

MET Member, Percussionist, Educator, LU '15

My Bio

His Words: “I’ve found that life liberates itself when music is pursued through a community that fosters creativity, integrity, and trust. It is our responsibility as educators to build this community; to share the lightness and freedom that we’ve come to know through music.”

Luke Rivard is a professional drummer, percussionist, and educator based in Minneapolis, MN. He graduated from Lawrence University where he studied with Dane Maxim Richeson. Luke performs in the bands Porky’s Groove Machine and Black Market Brass, as well as maintains a busy schedule as a freelance performer and teaching artist. In addition, Rivard is Program Associate for International Initiatives at Arts Midwest, where he helps produce music tours in the Midwest for international musicians. He is thrilled to be back for his fifth Mile, and can’t wait to get groovy with you!

Credentials

MET Member, Music Education student at Lawrence University (LU '22), Violinist

My Bio

Her Words: “Music is a language that courses through all of our veins, our hearts and our minds since the moment we’re born and when we all speak that language together, we learn to love and connect more, and in turn, accomplish amazing things together.”

Mindara is a sophomore Music Education and Violin Performance major at Lawrence University from Neenah, Wisconsin and is very excited to be joining the MET this summer! She has been making music all of her life, but began playing her primary instrument when she was 8. Mindara has played with many groups including Neenah High School’s Touch of Class, the Fox Valley Symphony’s Youth Orchestra, WSMA State Honors Orchestra, multiple pit orchestras, and most recently, the Lawrence Symphony Orchestra, a jazz combo (all strings, no brass!), a quintet, and a quartet. Educating and learning with others is one of her greatest passions, and her professors at Lawrence have inspired her to continue to look for opportunities to share this passion with others. She is very excited to be sharing her love for music at the Mile this summer!

Credentials

MET Member, Trumpeter, Vocalist, Studio Teacher, LU ‘16

My Bio

Her Words: “A great music educator Nick Keelan once said ‘Play yer song’, and I believe it really is as simple as that. All of us have a song that is beautiful and unique to us, a song which no one else could play quite like we can. Whether we sing it, hear it in the sounds around us or play it through an instrument, our only job is to let it out and share it, and in doing so we give others courage to do the same with theirs.”

Morgen Moraine is a trumpet player, vocalist, and all around music lover originally from Sussex, WI. Growing up in a musical household, her first community music-making experiences started in utero and have never stopped since. Some of her favorite memories are of community choir rehearsals and community youth music ensembles. She attended Lawrence University and graduated in 2016 with degrees in Psychology and Trumpet Performance. Morgen continues to live, work, perform, and teach in Appleton. She believes there is a special magic particular only to community music making and she is so excited to be a part of the Music Education Team for Mile 6, to help create more musical experiences for all, and to continue bringing the community together through experimentation, exploration, and creation in music!

Credentials

MET Member, Violinist, Elementary Music and Four-Year-Old Kindergarten Teacher (New London), LU '13

My Bio

Her Words: “I teach because I firmly believe that every person is a musician, regardless of background or training. Every day, I get to see young people discover just how much they are capable of, and to help them continue to grow as individuals and musicians.”

Lauren Thompson is returning for her second mile on the MET. An Appleton native, she graduated from Lawrence University in 2013 with a degree in music education. While at Lawrence, she discovered a love of Balinese Gamelan music after seeing a flyer in the con basement, and 10 years later she is still playing. After spending 2 years at Shar Music in Ann Arbor, MI, Lauren returned to Appleton and to teaching. In 2015, she took an opportunity to teach both 4 Year Old Kindergarten and Elementary Music in the School District of New London. In May 2019, Lauren graduated from UW-Stevens Point with a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education.

Credentials

MET Member, LU '14, Mariachi Music Educator

My Bio

Favorite Quote: By doing what you LOVE, you INSPIRE, and awaken the hearts of others.” -Satsuki Shibuya 

Néstor Domínguez, Jr hails from the state of Guerrero in Southwest México. He is an alum of Lawrence University (’14) and Chicago Public Schools (CPS). Upon graduating from Lawrence, Mr. Domínguez returned to Chicago to provide a high-quality music education to underserved, Latino students. He has taught wind band, general music, and Mariachi during his first 4 years at CPS. Néstor currently leads the Gary Mariachi program at Joseph. E. Gary Elementary in the Little Village neighborhood. He is excited to return to Mile of Music 7 to continue the exploration of Mariachi Music for ALL!

Credentials

MET Member, Percussionist, Music Performance and Pedagogy student at Lawrence University

My Bio

Favorite Quote: “The true beauty of music is that it connects people. It carries a message, and we, the musicians, are the messengers.” -Roy Ayers

Nolan Ehlers is a percussionist and educator. He is an Appleton native and a student at Lawrence University, where he studies with Dane Richeson. Nolan performs a variety of percussion styles and is the currently the Student Director of Tambo Toke, Lawrence University’s Afro-Cuban ensemble. He is a regular member of the Appleton City Band, and has performed with Vento Winds and Wisconsin Symphonic Winds. Nolan is excited to be part of the Music Education Team at the Mile of Music and looks forward to sharing the joy of music with others.

Credentials

Social Media Coordinator

My Bio

In Her Words: “Let us sing, dance, and play our way to a stronger and more connected community.”

Betsy Kowal is the Social Media Coordinator for the Mile of Music Education Team. Additionally, she leads the Presto! Tour at Lawrence University Conservatory of Music, a program that explores how music can positively impact society. As a singer, educator, and creative, she has devoted her life to designing and implementing the limitless ways that the arts can impact and increase community well-being.

Credentials

MET Ambassador, Musician, Teacher, Violist

My Bio

Favorite Quote: “Music in the soul can be heard by the universe.” — Lao Tzu

A senior at Appleton North High School, Jessica first embarked on her music making journey at the age of ten when she began learning violin through her school strings program. Since then, though she never strays from her main instruments violin and viola, she is constantly learning new ones (the count is currently somewhere around eleven!). Jessica is excited to continue playing in the Fox Valley Youth Orchestra, Appleton North’s pit orchestra, Appleton North’s Jazz I group, the 2019 WSMA State Honors Orchestra in her last year of high school, and even more thrilled to be a member of the Music Education Team for Mile 7. She can’t wait to share her musical passion on her second Mile as a MET ambassador!

Credentials

MET Ambassador, Music Education Student

My Bio

Favorite Quote: “Music is a language that doesn’t speak in a particular word. It speaks in emotions, and if it’s in the bones, it’s in the bones.” -Keith Richards

Isabella recently graduated from Appleton West High School and Reniassance School for the Arts. In the fall, she will be attending Arizona State University to study music education (band/instrumental) and dance. She has been in band for 8 years, playing the French horn. And this is her second year on the team. She could not be more excited for Mile 7!

Credentials

MET Ambassador

My Bio

Favorite Quote: “Without music, life would be a mistake.” — Friedrich Neitzsche

Owen Russell is a Junior at Appleton West High School. He has loved music ever since being part of the Performing Arts Program at Appleton Public Montessori! At West, he plays baritone in band and trombone in jazz band, and received the Director’s Award for his leadership and involvement. He has experimented with and played many other instruments, including guitar, ukulele, piano, cello and percussion.

Credentials

MET Ambassador, pianist, vocalist

My Bio

Her Words: “The magic of music makes the world a better place.”

Gabrielle Medema is returning for a second year as a MET Ambassador because she enjoyed the musical excitement the Mile of Music provided. As an incoming Senior at Fox Valley Lutheran High School, Gabrielle will continue participation in Acapella choir, Future Business Leaders of America, and #1 singles on the varsity tennis team. Gabrielle is a WMTA four-time State qualifier, two-time piano concerto competition winner, and competed at state level in tennis. This summer, you can find Gabrielle on the courts teaching tennis for Appleton Parks and Recreation.

Credentials

MET Ambassador, Neenah High School student

My Bio

In Her Words: “Ars longa, vita brevis” / “Art is long, life is short”

Jasmin began her life in a very musical family consisting of her violinist mother, guitar playing father, and cellist sister. Growing up with music playing such an important role in her life, Jasmin began playing the violin at age 7 through the Suzuki program at her elementary school. As the years went on, her love for music and the violin grew. She now participates in the Neenah High School Orchestra, Neenah High School’s Touch of Class, Fox Valley Youth Orchestra, Rock Infused Orchestra, and participated in Green Lake Music Festival Chamber Music Camp this past summer. She is ecstatic to be taking part in the Mile of Music Ambassador Program!

Credentials

MET Ambassador, Neenah High School Student

My Bio

In Her Words: “Painters paint on canvas. But musicians paints their pictures on silence.” -Leopold Stokowski

A senior violinist at Neenah High School. 

Credentials

MET Ambassador, Violinist

My Bio

His Words: “Music inspires you to conquer your dreams.”

With spirited enthusiasm, Micah joins the MET Ambassador team. Micah is a Sophomore at Appleton North High School and is a member of the Appleton North orchestra, chess club, Noctiluca newspaper and #4 singles on the varsity tennis team. As a violinist, he is a member of the Fox Valley Youth Orchestra, selected for WSMA orchestra, recital and church soloist. In his spare time, Micah produces videos and family movies. Micah passionately fills the world with music.

Credentials

MET Ambassador, Actor, Drummer, Music Video Creator

My Bio

His Words: “Music is such a powerful gift that can be used in so many ways. The thing about music is that it is somehow connected to everyone. It’s all around us. It’s a part of us. It’s a birthright.”

Aidyn Reetz will be a sophomore at Valley New School in the fall. Music has been very important to him all of his life. Whether channeling it through singing karaoke with his dad, playing piano with his grandma, dancing with his sister, or his constant presence in musical theater in the area, he loves to be absolutely surrounded by it.

Credentials

MET Ambassador, Workshop Artist, Mariachi Jabali Vocalist and Bassist, Percussionist, Guitarist

My Bio

Favorite Quote: “Where words fall, music speaks.” -Hans Christian Andersen

Jando Valdez is a graduate of Appleton North High School and will be a freshman at the University of Minnesota Twin-Cities. Mile 7 will be his 3rd year playing with Mariachi Jabalí and his first year as an MET Ambassador. He played in the Appleton North Jazz 1 ensemble, Honors Band, North Choir, and currently plays in independent ensembles such as the Minus One Jazz combo, Sonic Spirit worship group at St. Thomas More church, and indie-rock band Goodbye Eden. He began drum lessons at Heid music in 2nd grade and joined a band through Rock University in 8th grade, from there he went on to pick up the guitar and bass for fun. He began singing his sophomore year at North in the musicals and soon joined choir the following year. Jando is beyond excited to learn about the diversity and splendor of all types of music and hopes he can teach others along the way!

Credentials

MET Workshop Artist, guitarist, LU '16

My Bio

His words: “I heard it once, it was just a song on the wind. I’ve been chasing around ever since then.” -Pierce Edens

Ilan Blanck is a music-maker currently living in Minneapolis, MN. As a guitarist, he’s toured the Midwest and played on almost a dozen albums of original music in a variety of genres. Whether performing solo Bach on classical guitar, arranging the Game of Thrones theme for concert band, or performing improvising along to birds in a tree stand, Ilan has been lucky enough to have made music in all kinds of special circumstances. Born and raised in Wisconsin, he attended Lawrence University, and is a a member of Appleton’s quirkiest nerd-funk band, Porky’s Groove Machine.

Credentials

MET Workshop Artist, Trombonist, Hot Dog for Porky’s Groove Machine, LU ‘14

My Bio

Favorite Quote: “Music is one of the most powerful things the world has to offer. No matter what race or religion or nationality or sexual orientation or gender that you are, it has the power to unite us.” -Lady Gaga

Matt is the Hot Dog Trombone. Or is Hot Dog Trombone actually Matt? It’s hard to tell anymore. He’s the rootin’ tootin’ hootin’ hollerin’ kind o’ sort and he’s looking to spread the funk far and wide. As the principal trombone of Porky’s Groove Machine he works ceaselessly to help others discover the funk within and share it with friends, family, and strangers so we can all jam together!

Credentials

MET Workshop Artist, Educator, Performer, LU '15

My Bio

Favorite Quote: “Anything worth doing takes a little chaos.” -Flea

Nick Allen, a bassist from Madison, is a graduate of Lawrence University, where he studied Music Education and Bass Performance. After graduating from Lawrence, he spent two years teaching in the Appleton Area School District and performing as a freelance musician with many different groups of varying genres including funk, bluegrass, rock, and jazz. He now makes his home in the Twin Cities. This will be his seventh year appearing as a performing artist and educator at Mile of Music.

Credentials

MET Workshop Artist, LU Conservatory of Music Faculty, LU '85

My Bio

Patty Darling directs the Lawrence University Jazz Ensemble and also teaches classes in jazz composition, arranging and functional jazz piano. Patty completed her Bachelor of Music degree in Composition from the Lawrence University Conservatory of Music in 1985. While pursuing an advanced composition degree at the University of Minnesota, she assisted in the Electronic Music Department. She has over 15 years of experience in the creation, recording and production of original soundtracks for broadcast and corporate multimedia events that have been distributed worldwide. She has composed music for a wide variety of mediums, including works for orchestra, wind ensemble, chamber groups, jazz ensembles, and numerous instrumental soloists. Patty also serves as a clinician and adjudicator at high schools and jazz festivals throughout the U.S. Patty has received awards for her compositions and arrangements from Down Beat Magazine, the Presser Foundation, the Eastman School of Music, the International Association for Jazz Education and the Wisconsin Arts Board.

Credentials

MET Workshop Artist

My Bio

Indah Erdmann is originally from Indonesia. She used to be an elementary school teacher at some International curriculum schools. One of her passions is playing the angklung, a musical instrument made of bamboo from West Java-Indonesia. She moved to the US in 2015 and wrote “All About the Angklung”, a children’s book that describes what the angklung is and how to play it. She continues to promote the angklung through Angklung Goes to School program of House of Angklung (Washington D.C) in Wisconsin that is supported by Indonesian Education and Cultural Attaché of Indonesian embassy in Washington D.C.

Credentials

MET Workshop Artist, International Touring/Recording/Performing and Award-Winning Musical Artist and Educator

My Bio

His Words: “Music is a powerful river and all are invited to swim and flow in its sacred waters.”

With Menominee Nation roots firmly attached, Wade Fernandez has well over 60 international tours and continues to deliver music that knows no bounds. He has taken home multiple national & international awards and was a finalist in many musical genres from Blues/Jazz, Instrumental, Folk, Rock, Pop, Country, World, Guitarist of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Native American Flute, Best Male Artist, etc. Both his music and his message are firmly grounded in his Menominee Nation roots and his love for the land, animals and people. His national and international educational work with youth, the disabled, the elderly, and the environment have been recognized in various ways including the Community Spirit Award and a Medal Of Honor from the Menominee Nation.

Credentials

MET Workshop Artist, LU '12, AASD Educator

My Bio

His Words: “Watch, listen, relax, breathe, play.”

Eli Grover teaches General Music in the Appleton Area School District at Elementary and Middle Schools. He graduated from Lawrence University in 2012 with a Bachelor of Music degree in Instrumental and General Music Education. He has been studying gamelan at Lawrence University and the LU Academy of Music for 9 years, and went to Bali in the summer of 2017 to study Gamelan, dance, and culture at the Cudamani Summer Institute. In addition to teaching lots of music at school, Eli is loving life as a new dad!

Credentials

MET Workshop Artist, Lawrence Academy of Music educator & Music Therapist

My Bio

Favorite Quote: “Music can change the world because it can change people.” -Bono

Expressive Therapies is a team of music and art therapists seeking to empower individuals to live their best life. As licensed, board certified music therapists and art therapists, their mission is to empower individuals— those living with social, cognitive, emotional, physical and/or spiritual needs — through trauma informed care: music, art and mental health therapies to improve health & well-being. By utilizing the creative arts, they are able to impact all ages and populations – assisting in creating connection, awareness, interaction, dignity, confidence, and healing.

Credentials

MET Workshop Artist - made up of AASD students/alumni

My Bio

Mariachi Jabalí is a group of musicians from Appleton North High School who banded together through North’s Latino club in 2016. All members have different musical and cultural backgrounds but come together to share their love of Latin American music. This group has had many members through the years, but its current members include Jando Valdez (Bass), Danny Lopez (Guitar), Erick Martinez (Trumpet), Jose Martinez (Trumpet), Alex Martinez (Trombone), Emily Tesch (Violin). Mariachi Jabali has played for elementary schools, quinceañeras, Appleton North’s Global week, and events around downtown Appleton. They are excited to be playing for their second time at Mile of Music and would like to thank everyone on the Music Education Team and all of their music instructors.

Credentials

MET Workshop Artist, Mile of Music artist, LU '18, Singer-Songwriter

My Bio

His Words: “Other than God, music is the most powerful thing we have access to in this world.”

B. Lilly was born and raised on the West-side of Chicago where he discovered his love for music in the church. His favorite parts of service were “any time the band played and choir sang”. At the age of 13, he began putting his love for music into action by learning how to play piano. In high school, he discovered his love for singing and started combining the two. Music was just a hobby for him until a defining performance that changed his life forever during his senior year of high school. He would go on to attend Lawrence University in the fall of 2014, where he grew and developed into the artist he is today. B. Lilly graduated from Lawrence University this summer with his Bachelor’s in Anthropology and is now ready to take the world by storm with his music and philanthropy. He is heavily influenced by soul music of the Motown era and anything else that embodies that style and feeling. His goal is to create music that impacts the world. He sings, writes, and performs from his soul in hopes of reaching the souls of others.

Credentials

MET Workshop Artist, Mile of Music Artist, Funk Music Educators

My Bio

Based in Minneapolis, Porky’s Groove Machine is a licensed provider of environmentally sustainable nerd funk that is “ready to help you get on with your baddest self” (Maximum Ink Music Magazine, July 2017). Since forming in 2011 at Lawrence University, they’ve criss-crossed the Midwest and East Coast, bringing their mature musicality (but no so mature sense of humor) to audiences of all ages. With their tight playing, choreographed dance moves, and audience-engaging performances, they always bring a funky party that is sure to get crowds laughing, dancing, and singing!

Credentials

MET Workshop Artist, Dance Educator, Contemporary Kathak Performer/Choreographer, Secretary for Wisconsin Dance Council

My Bio

Her Words: “I don’t just dance. I perform. I breathe. I see the world disappear. I release my feelings. I lead with my heart. I read down my walls. I stop feeling sad. I lose the pain. I let go. I  smile. No, I don’t just dance, I do so much more.”

Internationally acclaimed Kathak Dancer Anindita Anaam is an exponent of this impressive Indian classical dance form ‘kathak’. Known for her graceful yet powerful performances, Anindita is a recipient of prestigious awards including Jayadev National Dance Award, National Dance Jewel Utkal Odisha, and others. She is the Artistic Director of Sargam Dance School India and has imparted dance training to hundreds of students over the last two decades. She has travelled all over in India, Germany, and the USA, and performed in major festivals like Delhi International Art Festival, BAGC Chicago, New York Kathak Festival, ICCT Memphis, and Kultur Nacht Germany. She is the first Indian dancer to start a free YouTube tutorial channel on Kathak in English to bridge gap of language, since Kathak is primarily taught in the Hindi language. Anindita is also part of grand jury for many national and international dance panels, and is one of few dancers to have shared stage with Grammy awardee musician VM Bhatt. She has been extensively covered by national and international media for her performances and choreographic work on social issues.

Credentials

MET Workshop Artist, Educator/Researcher

My Bio

Her Words: “SIMPLe (Social Intellectual Mental Physical) Learning through Arts develops a happy community.” 

Lavanyaa Surendar has her Masters in Biology from IIT Chicago and over 20 years of experience in mentoring, performing and researching the ancient Indian art form Bharathanatyam and its sub forms. She started AUM house of arts in 2015 to both spread the knowledge and understand the relationship between arts, science and community. 

Credentials

MET Workshop Artist, LU '12, hip-hop educator

My Bio

Jose Corey Torres is a New York native who traveled here in 2008 to attend Lawrence University. After graduating with his Bachelors degree in Gender studies, he’s dedicated his time and energy to youth mentoring, and personal growth. When Corey is not in the community giving back, he spends a great deal of his time working on music with his band Mokumbo. He wrote his first Hip Hop song at the age of 13, since then it’s been a great addition to his everyday routine. Music plays a big role in is his life. It inspires him to inspire others, to learn the art of Hip Hop. He believes, The art of writing will not only teach one to engage more within, but will also encourage to explore more of what the world has to offer. His passion and Purpose was found through his writing, since then he has took it upon himself to see that others tap into their passion as well.