Meet the Wichita Symphony

Daniel Hege


MUSIC DIRECTOR & CONDUCTOR
Jean and Willard Garvey Endowed Chair

Meet ALL our Artistic Leaders

Violin

Holly Mulcahy
Holly Mulcahy
Concertmaster,
S.M. and Laura H. Brown Charitable Trust Endowed Chair

Member since 2019

Coffee lover, hiker, & fan of movie soundtracks. Besides my concertmaster job, I perform as soloist around the country and run a nonprofit.

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Timothy Jones
Timothy Jones
Associate Concertmaster,
Bobbie and Marvin Bastian Endowed Chair

Member since 2018

I also played in the WSO from 2005-2010 before graduate studies in California and Brazil. I love hiking and I study cosmology and vigesimal math.

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Nancy Johnson
Nancy Johnson
Principal, Violin II

Member since 2000

I also teach at Bethel College, and perform with Dominique Corbeil in our duo, Nova Deco. I also golf, conduct a choir, and mow my 5 acres!

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Laura Hammes Black
Laura Hammes Black

Member since 1986

I have been playing violin since 5th grade, went to college in MI and IN, and now play and teach in Wichita and at Bethany College.

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Virginia F. Brungardt
Virginia F. Brungardt

Member since 2019

Hannah Cartwright
Hannah Cartwright

Member since 2022

I am from Wichita and now live in Chicago where I teach and freelance. I have degrees from DePaul & NYU. This is my 1st season with the WSO!

Edwin Lok-Hin Cheng
Edwin Lok-Hin Cheng

Member since 2023

I was born and raised in Hong Kong. Currently a doctoral candidate at the University of Oklahoma.

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Shelley Closson
Shelley Closson

Member since 1974

I'm privileged to perform with the Wichita Symphony as we continue to provide inspiring performances for our audiences!

Dominique Corbeil
Dominique Corbeil

Member since 2003

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Cindy Dantic-Watson
Cindy Dantic-Watson

Member since 1992

I've been a member of the Wichita Symphony for 31 years. I also play in the Music Theatre Wichita orchestra during the summers and have 45 students in my private studio.

Michelle C. Gawith
Michelle C. Gawith

Member since 2021

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Linette Gordon
Linette Gordon

Member since 2002

I grew up in Wichita, and began violin at age 5. I enjoy teaching, from beginners to college students. I also love travelling and being with my family.

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Chelley A. Graves
Chelley A. Graves
One Year Leave

Member since 1988

I am the Worship Arts Coordinator at Central Community Church. I also paint and love playing gigs with my quartet, Bella Dolce Strings!

Joan Griffing
Joan Griffing

Member since 2019

I have played in orchestras and music festivals in Virginia and North Carolina for many years.

Nathaniel Humphrey
Nathaniel Humphrey

Member since 2023

Judy Naillon
Judy Naillon

Member since 2004

Author of the "Very Fun Violin Collection" and "Very Interesting Life" composer biographies, #ViolinJudy is a passionate music educator!

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Joan Pfaff
Joan Pfaff

Member since 1986

Happily transplanted from the San Francisco bay area to Wichita. Alumna to Indiana University and Wichita State, I also enjoy chamber music and hiking vacations in the mountains.

Marta Prugar-James
Marta Prugar-James

Member since 2008

Born in Warsaw, Poland. Graduated with MM in violin performance and MME from Academy of Music in Lodz, Oklahoma City, and Wichita State.

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Landon Roy
Landon Roy

Member since 2021

Born and raised in Wichita, grew up playing in the Wichita Symphony Youth Orchestras program, and now am enjoying my third season with WSO!

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Ann E. Samuelson
Ann E. Samuelson

Member since 2019

Rebecca Schloneger
Rebecca Schloneger

Member since 2002

I teach orchestra grades 5 through 8 in the Newton school district. I have been a member of WSO since 2002.

Elizabeth Kuefler Wallace
Elizabeth Kuefler Wallace

Member since 2017

I live in College Hill with my husband and two daughters, and serve as Director of the WSU Suzuki Academy.

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Addison Wegerle
Addison Wegerle

Member since 2023

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Nancy Woodruff
Nancy Woodruff

Member since 2005

In her other life Nancy is a physical therapist, wife to Dave and mom to 3 college kids. In the summer she follows her son in drum corps.

Jiyuan Yang^
Jiyuan Yang^

Member since 2023

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Janine D. Youssef
Janine D. Youssef

Member since 2021

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Halilu Zhang
Halilu Zhang

Member since 2023

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Viola

Catherine Consiglio
Catherine Consiglio
Principal,
Larry and Anita Jones Endowed Chair

Member since 1989

Catherine is thrilled to play her 34rd season with the fabulous WSO!

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Emily A. Baldridge
Emily A. Baldridge

Member since 1994

I love to play my viola. When I am not playing viola, I am hard at work on silver smithing and sewing. I have two standard poodles, my boys.

Rosemarie Barney
Rosemarie Barney

Member since 2014

Kay N. Buskirk
Kay N. Buskirk

Member since 1983

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Ricardo Cavalcante de Oliveira
Ricardo Cavalcante de Oliveira

Member since 2019

I am from Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil. I’ve been playing for 14 years. I love dogs, drinking coffee, playing video games, and traveling.

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Cynthia L. Cook
Cynthia L. Cook

Member since 1983

I'm a private viola teacher as well as contractor for Musical Elegance, string groups for all occasions.

Victor Diaz
Victor Diaz

Member since 2023

Danny Ibarra
Danny Ibarra

Member since 2023

Joseph Charles Schmitt
Joseph Charles Schmitt

Member since 2023

Kristen Smaglik
Kristen Smaglik

Member since 1999

I am originally from Kansas City and hold two degrees from Wichita State. I also work at Meritrust Credit Union.

Cello

Leonid Shukaev
Leonid Shukaev
Principal,
Lois Kay Walls Foundation Endowed Chair

Member since 2015

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Camille M. Burrow
Camille M. Burrow

Member since 1973

I teach orchestra at Allison Middle School, and have enjoyed playing with Music Theatre Wichita since 1980. I also love playing with string quartet pals all over fabulous Wichita!

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Patricia K. Hart
Patricia K. Hart

Member since 1982

My mother started my playing the cello at age five. I am proud to be have been a Wichita State alumnus and an educator for 32 years with the USD 259.

Larry Hernandez
Larry Hernandez

Member since 2023

Born in Los Angeles and raised in KC, I started playing cello at age 9. I earned my Masters degree at UMKC. I enjoy traveling and good food.

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Quinn Lake
Quinn Lake

Member since 2004

I'm equally passionate about playing and teaching cello. I also love gardening, yoga, my 16-lb cat, and soon I will have visited all 50 states!

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Laura C. Martinez
Laura C. Martinez

Member since 2001

I'm a 22-year WSO member and private cello teacher. If my cello's not in hand, you'll find me in the garden or the kitchen with my kids!

Susan E. Mayo
Susan E. Mayo

Member since 1983

Dr. Susan Mayo is active as a cellist, composer, and community arts organizer. She is co-executive director of Flint Hills Counterpoint.

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Diyorbek Nortojiev
Diyorbek Nortojiev

Member since 2023

Born and raised in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Glier School alum and ICM student at Park University.

Tiffany Bell Rhodes
Tiffany Bell Rhodes
One Year Leave

Member since 2012

Originally from South Dakota, Tiffany fell in love with Wichita and is now the WSO's Development Manager. She loves cooking, reading, her husband, energetic dog, and adorable daughter.

Double Bass

Mark Thomas Foley
Mark Thomas Foley
Principal

Member since 1989

Mark Foley is Professor of Bass, Jazz and Audio Production at Wichita State University. Listen for his commentary on KMUW Radio.

Landon Bartel
Landon Bartel

Member since 2022

When not playing music, you can find me bartending or out playing disc golf.

Eric Leon Crawford
Eric Leon Crawford

Member since 1998

When I am not playing the bass with the WSO, you can find me directing orchestras various student ensembles including the WSYO Repertory Orchestra!

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Matthew DiTusa Daily
Matthew DiTusa Daily

Member since 2023

Matthew Daily starts his first year with the WSO, while finishing his Master's of Music degree at Rice University. He can't wait to start!

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Kathleen Ann Luttrell
Kathleen Ann Luttrell

Member since 1995

I am a Wichita State grad and part time office assistant. Cooking is a favorite pastime. I love being with my husband and four active teens!

Kirsten Moler
Kirsten Moler

Member since 2003

I started bass at age 9. It took me to Wichita State, where I met my husband. I now teach lessons from home and raise our three girls.

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Flute

Hilary Jones
Hilary Jones
Principal

Member since 2022

Christina Marie Webster
Christina Marie Webster

Member since 2008

I've been a flutist for over 20 years and I teach at Pittsburg State University. Aside from music, I enjoy yoga, cooking, and tennis.

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Chastity Pawloski
Chastity Pawloski
Piccolo

Member since 2012

I am a homeschool mama and hometown girl. I enjoy hanging out with my family, friends, and numerous pets.

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Oboe

Kristin Weber
Kristin Weber
Principal

Member since 2018

Just finished my doctorate from CU Boulder! I also hold positions in Tulsa, AR, & CO. I love dogs, hiking, painting & traveling!

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Grace Stringfellow
Grace Stringfellow

Member since 2022

In addition to the WSO, Ms. Stringfellow performs with the Boise Philharmonic and the Wichita Wind Symphony.

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Cindy C. Thompson
Cindy C. Thompson

Member since 1981

Oboe instructor at Bethel College and Friends University.

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Lindsay Wiley
Lindsay Wiley
English Horn

Member since 2019

I'm an Omaha-based oboe/English Horn troubadour! I love traveling from the WSO to Indiana and in-between...no wonder I also love coffee and naps!

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Clarinet

Rachelle Goter
Rachelle Goter

Member since 2012

I am starting my 12th season with the WSO! I am also the clarinet prof at WSU and love people, comedy, vanilla lattes, travel, and stickers!

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Jonathan Cosme Sanchez
Jonathan Cosme Sanchez

Member since 2023

Jonathan Cosme Sanchez, hailing from Arroyo, Puerto Rico, continues to compose his unique symphony of life with a fusion of cultural roots and artistic passion.

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Bassoon

Zachary Hague
Zachary Hague
Principal

Member since 2016

Maya Grossman
Maya Grossman

Member since 2021

From Detroit, MI, Maya performs contemporary chamber music and is a member of the Wichita Wind Symphony. She also teaches lessons and is the Manager of WSO's Youth Orchestras!

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Merrilee Tuinstra
Merrilee Tuinstra
Contrabassoon

Member since 1989

A transplanted (single) Badger and Packer fan from the great state of WI. I have two Great Pyrenees. They are my life and run my life!

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Angela Hull
Angela Hull

Member since 2000

I taught music for 6 years. I'm now a mom to three amazing kids and one fluffy golden doodle. I'm a Wichita State grad and have taught privately for 19 years.

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Saxophone

James Pisano
James Pisano
Principal

Member since 2018

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French Horn

Jeb M. Wallace
Jeb M. Wallace
Principal

Member since 2016

I am the horn professor at WSU and live in College Hill with my lovely wife and three daughters.

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Alan Joseph Schlessinger
Alan Joseph Schlessinger
Assistant

Member since 2023

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Sean Yee McLendon
Sean Yee McLendon
Second Horn

Member since 2022

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Jacob Rensink
Jacob Rensink
Third Horn

Member since 2018

I love to try new things! I enjoy rock climbing in my free time, as well as anything that keeps me active. Cat dad and big beer nerd.

Derek Matthesen^
Derek Matthesen^
Fourth Horn

Member since 2023

Benjamin Bacni
Benjamin Bacni
One Year Leave

Member since 2019

Based in Kansas City, MO, I devote my time between freelancing, at home baking, and coffee!

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Trumpet

David Hunsicker
David Hunsicker
Principal,
Daniel J. and Shoko Kato Sevart Endowed Chair

Member since 2012

David is principal trumpet of the WSO and the Lancaster Festival, Associate Professor of Trumpet at WSU, and the inventor of the Gapper®.

Samuel Erick Natvig
Samuel Erick Natvig

Member since 2023

Dana Hamant
Dana Hamant

Member since 1989

Retired instrumental music teacher of over 30 years

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Gray Bishop
Gray Bishop

Member since 1982

Recently retired after teaching 44 years, I currently teach privately and play with various groups. I enjoy having the time for projects.

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Trombone

Brent Mead
Brent Mead
Principal

Member since 2018

I am a trombonist & teacher who loves discussing books, leadership, & pedagogy. I enjoy cooking and watching TV with my wife & dog.

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Matt Blauer
Matt Blauer

Member since 1994

Musician, husband, and father sum me up. I currently teach at WSU and Bethel College and freelance throughout the area. I like the color blue.

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David Ryan Muehl
David Ryan Muehl
Bass Trombone

Member since 1989

Besides playing in the WSO, I serve on the staff at the WSU College of Fine Arts as Audio Producer and Sound Designer/Advisor for Opera and Musical Theater.

Tuba

Phillip Black
Phillip Black
Principal

Member since 1986

I grew up in northern Indiana, and picked up the Tuba in seventh grade, and I’ve been playing for 55 years now. Boy are my lips tired!

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Timpani / Percussion

Gerald Scholl
Gerald Scholl
Principal

Member since 2003

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Andy C. Slater
Andy C. Slater

Member since 2013

Andy is an active teacher/performer in the ICT area serving on staff at Butler CC, Friends U, and WSU. Go Pack Go!

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Joseph C. Mikelait
Joseph C. Mikelait

Member since 2013

I started playing percussion in 6th grade. I got my Bachelors Degree in Music from Wichita State. I am a huge video and board game fan.

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I-Cheng Che
I-Cheng Che

Member since 2021

Originally from Macao, China. I love exploring different styles of music! I also like playing in percussion and chamber group.

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Harp

Jane Hyde
Jane Hyde
Principal

Member since 1985

Experienced professional musician and harp instructor, conservatory educated, actively performing as soloist; Kansas native.

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Keyboard

Drew Doran Crane
Drew Doran Crane
Principal

Member since 2021

Pianist based in Kansas City. This is my third season with the WSO.

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Production Staff

Musicians in the First Violin, Second Violin, Viola, Cello and Double Bass sections rotate seating for each concert and are listed alphabetically (except for the first two and a half stands of first violins and the first stands in other sections).

^ One Year Position

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