MUSIC IS A BIRTHRIGHT.
The mission of Mile of Music’s Music Education Team is to help all people unleash their inner musician in order to build a community of active music explorers, music makers, and music lovers. We are committed to providing dynamic music-making opportunities for people on the Mile to set them on a path of discovering and developing their musical selves.

At Mile of Music, people don’t just hear the music, they are the music!

MET Members

Leila Ramagopal Pertl

Morgen Moraine

Jaclyn Kottman Hittner

Credentials

Music Education Curator, Instructor in Music Education (Lawrence University), music educator - Edison Elementary School (Appleton), LU ‘87

My Bio

Leila Ramagopal Pertl (MET Founder & Curator) is the Music Education Curator for the Mile of Music Festival and teaches Music Education at Lawrence University. She created the innovative Music curricula at Next Generation School in Champaign, IL and at Appleton Public Montessori, and now, Edison Elementary, 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 workshops for the College Music Society, Smithsonian Year of Music panel on the Future of Music Education, Wisconsin Choral Directors Association, Milwaukee Children’s Choir, and numerous WMEA State Conferences. She is a curriculum writer for PBS Wisconsin: Re/sound, connecting classroom music educators to global musical culture bearers in Wisconsin. She recently authored,”Creating Communities of Belonging: Keeping Creativity at the Heart of Inclusion,” a chapter in Becoming an Artist to the World: Music and Social Entrepreneurship in the 21st Century (Summer ’24), on which she is also the DEI editor and audio book narrator. Leila was the 2018 recipient of the Mentor Award from the Wisconsin Association of Colleges of Teacher Education (WACTE). She served as the Wisconsin Music Educators Association State Chair for Composition and Improvisation from 2018-22, is one of two Equity Chairs for WMEA, is the Chair of the Committee on Cultural Inclusion for the College Music Society, and is on the Music Education Committee for Smithsonian Folkways. Leila is married to Brian Pertl, Dean of the Lawrence Conservatory of music, and together they enjoy spending time with their 5 adult children. She believes that music is a birthright, and loves being with people in collaborative, powerful, creative spaces!

Credentials

MET Director of Operations (incoming), music educator - Appleton Area School District, studio teacher, LU ‘16

My Bio

Morgen Moraine (MET Director of Operations) is a passionate educator, and a firm believer in the transformative power of community music making. Community music ensembles and experiences have shaped her growth and direction her entire life, from initially participating as a performer to now facilitating as a teacher and organizer. She attended Lawrence University and graduated with high honors in 2016 with degrees in Psychology and Trumpet Performance, she returned post graduation for teaching certification. She has taught in Appleton and Menasha public schools, where she was recognized for her work in equity and inclusion in music. Morgen continues to live, work, perform, and teach in Appleton with her partner and two cats. She believes that each of us has a song to sing, no matter our instrument, and that the world is not as bright without each of us joining in!

Credentials

MET Director of Operations (outgoing), Music Educator - Lawrence Community Music School, LU ‘12

My Bio

Jaclyn Kottman Hittner (MET Director of Operations) is proud to be a teacher, learner, and music maker in Wisconsin. Musicking in different corners of the world has given her a deep appreciation for the way the arts are an integral part of the fabric of community, and she has been a member of the Music Education Team since Mile 1. Jaclyn received a Bachelor of Music in choral and general music education from Lawrence University and a Master of Music in music education from Boston University, where her thesis focused on empowering singers through the adolescent voice change. In addition to her work on the Mile, Jaclyn is the Artistic Director of the Lawrence Community Girl Choir program, serves as a teacher-conductor for their middle school singers, and taught music for almost a decade in the Appleton Public Schools. She has conducted all-state and festival choirs throughout Wisconsin and is a recipient of WCDA’s Outstanding Young Choral Director award and Lawrence University’s Pi Kappa Lambda award for Excellence in Music Education. She lives in Wisconsin Rapids with her husband Stephen and their rescue pup Louie, and is passionate about the power of singing to affirm the value of individual voices and build community.

Brian Pertl

Adam Korber

Aidyn Reetz

Credentials

MET Founder (Didjeridu Workshop), Dean of the Lawrence University Conservatory of Music, LU ‘86

My Bio

Brian Pertl (MET Founder) 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. Brian’s upcoming book entitled: Radically Responsive Music Schools: Leading Change through Culture Building, will be published this year by Routledge. It was inspired by the incredible culture he helped create at the Lawrence Conservatory of Music. 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 Member, cellist, music educator - Orchestra (Howard-Suamico), LU '18

My Bio

Adam Korber (MET Member) lives in Appleton, Wisconsin. In his professional teaching career he is an orchestra teacher in the Howard-Suamico School District. As a cellist, he has performed in a variety of settings. He is the principal cellist of the Green Bay Civic Symphony, and has played with The Weidner Philharmonic, Vic Ferrari Symphony on the Rocks, and has recorded cello music for 7000apart. Adam fully believes in 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. Adam loves how Mile of Music brings people together, and by and large, music brings people together. He brings his passions for people, learning, and music to the Music Education Team.

Credentials

MET Member, Actor, Singer, Percussionist, Worship Leader

My Bio

Aidyn Reetz (MET Member) is so excited to be back in Appleton for this year’s Mile of Music! After graduating Valley New School in 2022, after completing a Senior Capstone Project entitled: “SING!: Exploring Psychology, Theory, and Technical Fundamentals of Vocal Performance”, he has ventured off to Dubuque Iowa to study at Emmaus Bible College studying Biblical Studies, Ministry Leadership, and Music Ministry. He has continued to pursue his love for music through Emmaus’ Chamber Choir and Ensemble, as well as leading worship for their chapels, and being a volunteer Worship Leader at Anchor Community Church. Aidyn has spent his summer serving at Lake Geneva Youth Camp, helping lead music for their Day Camp and Teen Serve programs. He is so honored to be serving the Appleton community again this summer and can’t wait to see you BE the music!

Brianna Castillo

Casey Frensz

Corrina Albright

Credentials

MET Member, percussionist, percussion performance major LU '26

My Bio

Brianna Castillo is a 3rd-year percussion performance major studying at Lawrence University. She is from Dekalb, Illinois and has been immersed in the percussion world since she was 8 years old. In 3rd grade, she started playing in the Harambee African Percussion Ensemble based out of DeKalb County where they play music from both Ghana and Zimbabwe. She has studied closely with Ghanian master drummer Sowah Mensah on multiple occasions, as well as Nani Agbeli here in Appleton. Prior to attending LU, she was an active member in the Dekalb High School marching band, steel band, pep band, jazz ensemble, among other activities. Here at Lawrence, she takes part in the Ghanian Drumming and Dancing ensemble: Kinkaviwo as well as Tambo Toké, the Lawrence University Percussion Ensemble, and the Lawrence Symphony Orchestra.

Credentials

MET Member (pBone Jam, Didjeridu Workshop), multi-instrumentalist, private music instructor, LU '14 School (Appleton)

My Bio

Casey Frensz is a Lawrence alumni (14′), music producer, educator, and multi-instrumentalist based in Minneapolis, MN. He has produced hundreds of songs for local and independent artists and has taught thousands of students across Minnesota and Wisconsin. Casey founded Inner Groove Studios in 2022, which now serves as his center of operations for all of his production and education projects.

Credentials

MET Member (Mindfulness and Community Voice Series: Sound Together: Song Circle for Community & Belonging; Playground Games; Stories that Sing;), violist, music educator - AASD & Lawrence Community Music School (Appleton)

My Bio

Corrina Albright (MET member) grew up in a family of self-taught musicians and is passionate about the powerful connectivity of community music making. She teaches elementary general music and orchestra at Appleton Public Montessori and Badger Elementary, directs the Lawrence Youth String Orchestra (LYSO), is a member of the viola section of the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra, and enjoys playing with the Lawrence Community Gamelan and the Lawrence Children’s Gamelan. Albright holds a BM in Viola Performance and Music Leadership from the Eastman School of Music. She completed long-term teacher training in Suzuki Violin at the School for Strings in Manhattan, and received teacher certification from Lawrence University. She lives in Appleton with her husband, trombonist Tim Albright, and their two musical sons.

Daniel Quiroga

Eli Grover

Iris Hakes

Credentials

MET Member (pBone Jam), music educator - Kaleidoscope Academy (Appleton)

My Bio

Daniel Quiroga (MET Member) received his Bachelor of Music in Instrumental and General Music from Lawrence University in 2018. Prior to his time at Lawrence, he served 7 years in the United States Marine Corps field bands from 2007 to 2014 as a euphonium instrumentalist and enlisted conductor with the 2D Marine Division Band in Jacksonville, NC and Marine Corps Recruit Depot Band in San Diego, CA. He has performed and conducted throughout the contigous United States as a member of the Marine Corps concert bands, big bands, brass quintets, and ceremonial bands. He currently teaches middle school (6-8) band at Kaleidoscope Academy in the Appleton Area School District. He is thrilled to be a MET member and help spread love of music in his community!

Credentials

MET Member (pBone Jam; Balinese Gamelan), music educator - James Madison & Wilson Middle Schools (Appleton), LU '11

My Bio

Eli Grover (MET Member) 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 Community Music School for 10 years. In addition to teaching lots of music at school, Eli is loving life as a dad!

Credentials

MET Member, LU '24

My Bio

Iris Hakes (MET Member, LU ’24) is a pre-service music educator and bassoonist from Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. Iris completed her coursework for degrees in Music Education (Instrumental/General) and Bassoon Performance at Lawrence University this past spring, and is excited to complete her student teaching experience this fall in the Appleton Area School District. At Lawrence, Iris’ actively pursued a diversity of artistic experiences. Iris sang in Viking Chorale, studied voice in the studio of Dr. Cayla Rosché, sang, drummed, and danced in Lawrence’s Ghanaian Ewe Ensemble, Kinka Viwo, participated in the theatre arts, and played bassoon both as a solo artist and in a variety of chamber and large ensemble groups. Iris is grateful to have spent the last four years teaching and learning at the Bridges Child Enrichment Center as an assistant teacher in the Willow Room. She also loves teaching the marching arts at Chippewa Falls Senior High School as a member of the Marching Cardinals staff! Across all of her artistic and academic pursuits, Iris grounds herself in the power of musical community, and as a queer woman herself, uses her music and scholarly work to fiercely advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. Finally, Iris is beyond excited to spend 3 weeks this summer studying Ghanaian Ewe drumming and dancing at the Dagbe Cultural Institute and Arts Center in Kopeyia, Ghana with Nani Agbeli, and hopes to bring her experience there to the MET this year!

Jacob Hanekamp

Jane Ryder

Jelani Jones

Credentials

MET Member, percussionist, music education student, LU '25

My Bio

Jacob Hanekamp (MET Member) from Janesville, WI is a 4th Year at Lawrence University double-majoring in Percussion Performance and Music Education. He is excited for his second Mile with the Music Education Team. At Lawrence, Jacob is apart of numerous ensembles including Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, Jazz Combo, the Percussion Ensemble, Kinkaviwo, and Tambo Toke. During his studies, Jacob fell in love with the variety of world ensembles with a special love for Kinkaviwo, an Ghanian Drumming and Dancing ensemble. He is also a composer, writing for a variety of ensembles in a variety of styles. Jacob is excited to spread his love for percussion to everyone in the community!

Credentials

MET Member, Music Educator, UW Stevens Point '21

My Bio

Jane Ryder graduated from the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point in 2021 with a Bachelor of Music degree in Choral, General, and Instrumental Music Education. She is completing a Master of Music degree in Music Education with a Kodály Emphasis from Lakeland University this summer. Ryder is FAME certified in First Steps In Music for Preschool and Beyond and Conversational Solfege Levels 1 & 2 and has a passion for early elementary music education. She enjoys teaching music at Franklin and Edison elementary schools in the Appleton Area School District.

Credentials

MET Member, Violinist, music educator, LU '22

My Bio

Jelani Jones (MET Member) is a violinist who studied music education at Lawrence University. He has participated in various ensembles such as small chamber ensembles, Fiddle Club, Improvisation Group of Lawrence University (IGLU), and the Lawrence University Mariachi Ensemble (LUMÉ). Jelani also enjoys writing music, playing piano, and singing. When he is not immersed in music he enjoys traveling and learning more about the world around him. He is so excited to be a part of the Music Education team again!

Lauren Thompson Ringeisen

Mindara Krueger-Olson

Néstor Domínguez, Jr.

Credentials

MET Member (Balinese Gamelan), educator - Elementary Music and 4K (New London), LU '13

My Bio

Lauren Thompson Ringeisen (MET Member) taught elementary music and four-year-old kindergarten in New London, WI, and is now teaching in Neenah, WI. She graduated from Lawrence University in 2013 with a Bachelor of Music in Instrumental and General Music Education. She has been studying gamelan with Pak Dewa since 2009, and is excited to have brought a set of angklung to the New London elementary schools.

Credentials

MET Member, music educator, violinist, studio teacher, LU '22

My Bio

Mindara Krueger-Olson (MET Member) is a violinist, songwriter, and music educator from Neenah, WI and is thrilled to be back with the MET for Mile 11! After earning her Instrumental Music Education degree at Lawrence University, Mindara began teaching orchestra at the West Bend High Schools in West Bend, WI, and is fresh off of her first year of teaching. In her classroom, Mindara’s students can be found testing the boundaries of their musicianship and exploring culture, history, and human connection within the music that they learn. Outside of teaching, you can find Mindara playing in various pit orchestras, writing song ideas in her journal, or singing her heart out in the car. Ultimately, her goal is to guide everyone she meets at Mile 11 and beyond to discover how music plays a role in exploring all that life has to offer!

Credentials

MET Member (Los Ritmos de Mariachi; Dance Workshop Series; Mariachi), mariachi music educator (Chicago), LU '14

My Bio

Néstor Domínguez, Jr. (MET Workshop Artist) hails from the state of Guerrero in Southwest México. He is an alum of Lawrence University (’14) and The Chicago Public Schools. Upon graduating from Lawrence, Néstor returned to Chicago to provide a high-quality music education to Chicago students. He has taught wind band, music technology, world percussion and Mariachi during his 7 years of teaching. Néstor currently leads the Gary Mariachi program at Gary Elementary in the Little Village neighborhood where he teaches 4th – 8th grade. He is beyond excited to return to share the beauty of Mariachi music with the Fox Valley community!

Sarah Phelps

Seth Ploeckelman

Theresa Gruber-Miller

Credentials

MET Member (Stories That Sing; Playground Games;), music educator - Badger Elementary & Lawrence Community Music School (Appleton), LU ‘07

My Bio

Sarah Phelps’ (MET Member) 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 9 year MoM veteran, she strives to connect students’ and community members’ hearts to their inner musicians. She hopes you will join her and her lively family for some moving, grooving, and all kinds of opportunities to make music together on the Mile!

Credentials

MET Member, percussionist, LU '24

My Bio

Seth Ploeckelman (MET Member) is a junior at Lawrence University studying percussion performance and pedagogy from Tomahawk, Wisconsin. Along with regularly performing with rock, jazz and classical ensembles around Wisconsin, he was featured as a soloist performing the Ney Rosauro Marimba Concerto with the Lawrence University Percussion Ensemble this February. While his main instrument is percussion, he also enjoys playing piano, bass, composing, and teaching others. He is excited to be a part of the MET team this year!

Credentials

MET Member, Music Educator, Studio Teacher, LU '24

My Bio

Theresa Gruber-Miller is a dynamic music educator and graduate of Lawrence University where she studied Music Education, trumpet performance, and Spanish. She is excited for the opportunity to lead music workshops through the Mile of Music Education Team! In addition to work for the Mile, she is also a team member at Heid Music in Appleton, coached the trumpet section for the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra’s Sinfonia program, teaches private lessons in brass instruments, and plays in the community. Her other passions include meeting new people and spending time in the great outdoors!

MET Workshop Artists

Aaron Roecker

Anindita Anaam

The Boston Imposters

Credentials

MET Workshop Artist (Ukulele Workshop with LCMS)

My Bio

As an educator, singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist, Aaron Roecker has used the influence of music to bring groups of people together.  Aaron has taught elementary general music for the past 18 years, and he has been incorporating ukulele into classroom instruction for over 10 years. He received his Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and his Masters of Science in Education from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.  Outside of music, Aaron is a father and husband, and he spends his free time biking and running outside on dirt.

Credentials

MET Workshop Artist (Dance Workshop Series: Kathak)

My Bio

Anindita Neogy Anaam is a leading exponent of Indian classical dance Kathak and a well-known instructor, performer, and choreographer presently based in Wisconsin, United States of America. Anindita Anaam is an internationally acclaimed Indian classical Kathak artist who has performed in major festivals in India, Germany, US, and Canada. She is presently serving as the State Affiliate Director for the National Dance Education Organization (NDEO), a premier institution for K-12 dance education in the nation. In this capacity, she plays a crucial role in advancing dance education at the state level. She is also serving as Executive Director for Wisconsin Dance Council. Anindita has presented her art in major festivals like New York Kathak Festival, Native Arts, Canada, The Grand Oshkosh, FOX Cities Performing Arts Center, Harris Theater, Chicago Cultural Center, Cleveland Museum of Art, LIVE Chicago at Navy Pier, John Michael Koehler Art Center, Harris Theater, Alvin Ailey, and so on. She is also the Artistic Director for Sargam Kathak classes and has established herself as a performer and educator in the US. Affectionately known as “Andy,” she is a disciple of doyens of Jaipur and Lucknow schools of Kathak. Her dance is a blend of both the schools of Kathak, and her recital is a powerful combination of grace and charm. Anindita is known for her focus on the movement and geometry aspect of Kathak and is well-regarded for her performances on world music and Indian classical string instruments. Presently she is serving as the Communications Director for the City of Appleton.

Credentials

MET Workshop Artist (Acoustic Guitar Workshop; Mindfulness and Community Voice Series: Americana Sing and Step together; Mindfulness and Community Voice Series: Intersections of nature, music and movement!;)

My Bio

The Boston Imposters (MET Workshop Artist) are a husband-wife singer-songwriter duo based in Southeast Wisconsin. Davey Harrison and Maire (pronounced like Mary) Clement began collaborating many years prior, but their duo was officially founded during their time living as Midwestern Impostors in Boston. The duo blend beautiful harmonies, accompanied by acoustic guitar, mandolin, and banjo to craft heartfelt original songs. Inspired by traditional, classic and contemporary folk music, The Boston Imposters write about their lives and experiences, inspired by the people who have been a part of their journey. Maire Clement is a soprano, songwriter, voice teacher and yoga instructor who received her Masters of Music degree in vocal performance from the University of Louisville, where she also worked as a graduate teaching assistant in both the voice and music therapy departments. She received her Bachelors of Music from Lawrence University’s Conservatory of Music. Throughout the country, Maire has prepared her voice students for competitions, performances, and auditions, as well as for emotional healing. Maire’s main musical project is as a singer-songwriter in the folk duo The Boston Imposters. As a soprano, she enjoys performing in recitals throughout the US. For more information, see: MaireClement.com. Originally from Gloucester, England, Davey Harrison found his passion for the mandolin and American Roots music while growing up in Wisconsin. He studied Classical Voice Performance at Lawrence University’s Conservatory of Music and then attended the New England Conservatory in Boston, MA where he received a Master’s of Music in Contemporary Improvisation focusing on mandolin and vocal performance. Davey now lives and teaches music in Wisconsin and performs with his wife and musical partner in their duo the Boston Imposters.

Dan Van Eperen

Expressive Therapies

Greg Forton

Credentials

MET Workshop Artist (Actor's Artistry Workshop: Learn the Fundamentals to Become the Next Star of the Stage!)

My Bio

Dan Van Eperen runs the Theater Department for the Little Chute Area School District. He received his Bachelor of Arts- English- from Lawrence University in 2009. Since starting his teaching career in English and Social Studies in Little Chute, Dan first started as a Grad Assistant for the Musical Theater program in 2009, and has since taken over all Theatrical productions in the district, as well as expanding the program offerings to include opportunities for students as young as 2nd grade. In addition to sharing his love for music and theater with his students, Dan is an avid outdoorsman and loves spending time outdoors with his wife and four wonderful children.

Credentials

MET Workshop Artist (All Abilities Inclusive Music-Making), music and art therapists

My Bio

Expressive Therapies (MET Workshop Artist) 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 create a brave and empowering space for equality with – race, gender, sexuality, age, economic status, cognitive, physical, spiritual needs and those living with mental illness – through trauma informed care: music therapy, art therapy and psychotherapy, to improve health and well-being.

Credentials

MET Workshop Artist (Uke Jam with Forte and the Pianissimos), ukulele teacher, music educator

My Bio

Greg Forton, a recently retired music teacher in the area, now travels the world and spreads the Aloha Spirit through original songs and his love of the ukulele.

Greg Riss

Jean Carlo Ureña González

Maria Camara

Credentials

MET Workshop Artist (Dance workshop Series: Ghanaian Kpanlogo), percussionist, educator, LU '14

My Bio

Greg Riss (Workshop Instructor, LU ’14) is a percussion performer and educator from Madison, WI. He co-directs LU’s Ghanaian Drum and Dance ensemble with Nani Agbeli. He has performed with diverse groups including Mama Digdown’s Brass Band, Panchromatic Steel, La Combi, hunter & wolfe, and the Dubuque Symphony and has presented educational clinics and concerts at Manhattan School of Music, Mannes College, Wesleyan, Princeton, Rowan, and Rutgers Universities, and many public schools across New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. As a Lawrence student, Greg volunteered for two summers at Holy Trinity Music School in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Greg is excited to be part of Mile 11!

Credentials

MET Workshop Artist (Brazillian Samba Drumming; Dance Workshop Series: Merengue)

My Bio

Jean Carlo is a versatile performer, composer and educator that connects western and nonwestern tradition into concert settings. He has performed with the National Symphony Orchestra of Santo Domingo, Jackson Symphony, Toledo Symphony, Adrian Symphony, the United State Coast Guard Band, and the Simon Bolivar Orchestra. Jean Carlo has shared stages with renowned musicians such as: Stefan Bauer, Shane Shannahan, Alison Balsom, Paquito D’Rivera, and Gustavo Dudamel. Jean Carlo has been a feature performer in LOUD Weekend in Mass Moca, the 2023 Percussive Arts Society International Convention and Long Play Festival NYC. He has collaborated in recordings with John Luther Adams, Michael Gordon, South Dakota Symphony Orchestra, The Crossing, and JACK Quartet. Jean Carlo, joins the faculty of the Lawrence University Conservatory of Music as a Assistant Professor of Percussion in the Fall of 2023, where he serves as the Director of percussive studies. Jean Carlo proudly plays with Vic Firth Drumsticks and Mallets, Black Swamp Percussion accessories, and Zildjian Cymbals.

Credentials

MET Workshop Artist (Guinean Drumming; Dance Workshop Series: Guinean)

My Bio

Maria Camara took her first African dance class at UW-Milwaukee in the spring of 2007 and has been joyfully dancing ever since. She graduated from UW-Milwaukee in December 2009 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in the Inter-Arts Program with Honors. Her pursuit of African dance continued, with classes from Milwaukee African drum and dance community members, Ko-Thi alum, and international artists, to the formation of the Sheboygan African Drum and Dance Community in 2016, and culminating in a drum and dance trip to Guinea, West Africa, in January of 2017. She has been a member of Nafaya African Drum and Dance Company since its founding in the spring of 2019 and remains passionate about sharing West African culture with the community. Maria looks forward to connecting with the Appleton community at Mile of Music 2024!

Nell Buchman

Salia Camara

Sarah Olson & Erik Larson

Credentials

MET Workshop Artist (First Steps in Music), music educator - Lawrence Community Music School (Appleton)

My Bio

Nell Buchman has pursued an active teaching, performing, and adjudicating career at Lawrence University, the Lawrence Community Music School, and throughout Wisconsin for over 20 years. She has a private studio, teaches Music for the Very Young, and is a pianist and manager with the Lawrence Community Girl Choirs. She also teaches class piano at the Lawrence Conservatory of Music and received her Masters of Music in piano performance and pedagogy from the University of Oklahoma in 1994. Nell has performed at the Winchester Academy in Waupaca, Neenah Library, University of Wisconsin in Stevens Point, Pine Mountain Music Festival in Michigan, and Milwaukee’s Frankly Music Chamber Series. She has served as soloist with North Carolina’s Raleigh Symphony and Brevard Music Center Orchestra as well as Oklahoma’s Cimarron Opera Company Orchestra among others. Other performances include playing on public radio and at music conventions such as MTNA and MENC. Nell is also a frequent performer for the Waupaca Community Arts Board’s bi-annual Bach festival, where she lives with her husband and two children. As an extension of her teaching, Nell continues to learn and work with students through adjudicating for the Wisconsin Music Teacher’s Association and the Music Teachers National Association each year.!

Credentials

MET Workshop Artist (Drumming & Dance from Guinea), master musician/dancer/teacher of Guinean drumming & dance traditions

My Bio

Salia Camara, Master Dancer and Teacher from Guinea, Conakry, West Africa, began studying dance at the age of 10. At age 18, Salia became a member of the National Ballet Djoliba of Guinea and dedicated over twenty years to studying and sharing his knowledge of Manding culture and art. In the Spring of 2019, Salia founded Nafaya African Drum and Dance Company in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Salia comes to the United States as an Ambassador of Guinean culture and an honored teacher for all, committed to preserving and sharing the vibrant cultural traditions of West Africa through engaging classes, workshops, performances, and educational programs.

Credentials

MET Workshop Artist (Mindfulness and Community Voice Series: Mindful Music-Making: Sing, Explore, and Contemplate)

My Bio

Sarah Olson is a cellist, vocalist, and pianest who lives in Eau Claire. She plays as a studio musician in several Eau Claire recording studios, and guest performs with a variety of Wisconsin artists and local orchestral groups. Prior in working in tech, Sarah was a choir teacher in the Eau Claire Area school district for over 10 years. Erik Larson is a guitarist and mandolin player who grew up and lives in Appleton. He is part of the bluegrass worship team at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. Erik and Sarah are siblings and music has always been a central part of their family. They and look forward to sharing a special musical experience that combines three things they love: music, mindfulness, and contemplation.

Sarah Wagner

Steffi Brill

Vang Xiong

Credentials

MET Workshop Artist (Mindfulness and Community Voice Series: Poetry and Songwriting; Mindfulness and Community Voice Series: Intersections of nature, music and movement! )

My Bio

Sarah Wagner is a violinist and educator with a varied career that has included a strings ensemble with rapper Eminem, an orchestral performance in Buckingham Palace, and over 60 theatrical productions across five different countries. Sarah uses cross arts collaborations to make classical music accessible, engaging, and immersive. Her pandemic performance piece “Under the Bridge” combined Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons with street art beneath Glasgow’s Kingston Bridge overpass to show how artistic collaboration could reinvigorate derelict urban spaces. The project culminated in a sold-out performance at Glasgow Cathedral during the UN Cop 26 Climate Conference. A passionate educator, Sarah works regularly with students of all ages in solo, small group, and large ensemble settings. She utilizes a holistic and multi-disciplinary approach to music education by combining technical pedagogy with a diverse repertoire of music. Sarah currently teaches violin and viola through her private studio in Ann Arbor and is a frequent guest clinician in the Saline, Chelsea, and Ann Arbor school districts. She also teaches beginner strings classes with the Ypsilanti Youth Orchestra. Sarah completed her Bachelor’s of Music at Lawrence University and her Master’s of Music and Advanced Postgraduate diploma at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. After being awarded a Global Talent Visa by Arts Council England, Sarah continued working in Scotland for several years. While in Glasgow, Sarah taught at the Conservatoire’s Juniors program and spent two years as an Ambassador with the Benedetti Foundation as well as performing regular solo concerts which combine J.S. Bach’s works for violin with original spoken word pieces. Since returning to Michigan, Sarah has performed with the Lansing, Flint, Jackson, and Adrian Symphony Orchestras, as well as The Encore Musical Theatre Company’s productions of Into the Woods and Oklahoma.

Credentials

MET Workshop Artist (Songwriting with Steffi Brill)

My Bio

Steffi Brill is a singer-songwriter originally from Milwaukee, WI with a sound reminiscent of the likes of Christine McVie, Regina Spektor, and Sara Bareilles. Drawing from a Berklee College of Music degree and years of teaching songwriting, her approach focuses on the balance between our Inner Creative and our Inner Critic.

Credentials

MET Workshop Artist (Dance Workshop Series: Bachata)

My Bio

Vang Xiong started ballroom dancing in 2007 at what was then called UW Fox Valley. In his earlier ballroom years, he had competed in Oshkosh, Milwaukee, and Rockford, IL. Fast forward to 2018 when he was introduced to bachata. With a whole new dance scene, a new dance community was built through friendships. His life was filled with world travels and inspiring dance retreats. One of the many adventures he embarked on were bachata dance festivals, better known as congresses. These events are three day weekenders taught by professionals and filled with dancers from all over the country as well as the world. Vang continued to hone his skills with his dance partners at these events and has now journey into teaching bachata at The Vaudette, a local bar in Kaukauna. Vang welcomes all dancers of every level, as it is a great way to learn a new dance, socialize, and create new friendships.