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

Touring soloist, arts innovator, & nonprofit leader, nationally cited & followed by arts organizations, creating music that transforms.

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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 played violin since 5th grade, went to college in MI and IN, and now play and teach in Wichita and at Bethany College and Friends.

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Virginia F. Brungardt
Virginia F. Brungardt

Member since 2019

Thank you for attending our concerts! I've played with the Symphony off and on since 2013 and became a permanent member in 2020.

Hannah Cartwright
Hannah Cartwright

Member since 2022

I am originally from Wichita and now live in Chicago where I teach and freelance. I have degrees from DePaul and NYU.

Shelley Closson
Shelley Closson

Member since 1974

Graduate of Wichita State University and former teacher.

Dominique Corbeil
Dominique Corbeil

Member since 2003

Originally from Montréal, joined the WSO in 2003. Member of the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra and the Colorado Music Festival. Passionate foodie.

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Cindy Dantic-Watson
Cindy Dantic-Watson

Member since 1992

I've been a member of the Wichita Symphony for 32 years. I also play in the Music Theatre Wichita orchestra during the summers and have 45 students in my private studio.

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Michelle C. Gawith
Michelle C. Gawith

Member since 2021

I began violin study at age 8 and professional freelancing at age 14. I now enjoy a variety of musical styles and performance opportunities.

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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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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

"ViolinJudy" is a dedicated music educator, author to 600+ music education resources, union leader & mom to Niecy (15) and Pom (dog.)

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Joan Elias Pfaff
Joan Elias 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.

Rebecca Schloneger
Rebecca Schloneger

Member since 2002

Rebecca Schloneger currently teaches middle school orchestra in Newton, teaches private lessons and has performed with WSO since 2002.

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Addison Wegerle
Addison Wegerle

Member since 2023

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.

Janine Diana Youssef
Janine Diana Youssef

Member since 2021

Janine currently teaches middle school orchestra at Derby North Middle School. She is a Colorado native and WSU graduate.

Halilu Zhang
Halilu Zhang

Member since 2023

Sage Rosales
Sage Rosales

Member since 2024

Sage is a violinist from Wichita, KS. She received music degrees from WSU and Michigan State University. Sage enjoys hiking and yoga!

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An Tran
An Tran

Member since 2025

I am from Lincoln, NE, and am now based out of KC as a freelancer and teacher. Outside of music, I love rock climbing, traveling, and dogs.

Viola

Ricardo Cavalcante de Oliveira
Ricardo Cavalcante de Oliveira
Principal,
Larry and Anita Jones Endowed Chair

Member since 2019

I am from Pernambuco, Brazil. I'm a graduate from WSU and KU. I love teaching, traveling, and spending time with my family.

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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

Daniel Ibarra
Daniel Ibarra

Member since 2023

Wichita native. I get to play in WSO with my friends and teachers and I also get to teach the coolest kids at Truesdell Middle School!

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.

Qingyuan Fu
Qingyuan Fu

Member since 2026

Scotty Lawrence Scott
Scotty Lawrence Scott

Member since 2026

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!

Patricia Hart
Patricia Hart

Member since 1982

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 25-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 works with arts non-profits and performs regularly.

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Tiffany Bell Rhodes
Tiffany Bell Rhodes

Member since 2012

Tiffany is thrilled to be in her 14th season with the WSO! Outside of music, she enjoys time with her family and working on house projects.

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

Playing, conducting, and teaching in the best city in the world!

Matthew DiTusa Daily
Matthew DiTusa Daily

Member since 2023

From Houston, TX, Matthew is a teacher and freelance musician. He holds degrees from Northwestern and Rice University.

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Kathleen Luttrell
Kathleen 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 Anne Moler
Kirsten Anne 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

Christina M. Webster
Christina M. Webster
Principal

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 R. Pawloski
Chastity R. Pawloski
Piccolo

Member since 2012

This Wichita native can be found performing all around town or chilling at home with her spoiled pets.

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Mallory Wood
Mallory Wood

Member since 2025

Mallory Wood is a second-year DMA student at CU Boulder who loves performing and teaching!

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Oboe

Kristin Weber
Kristin Weber
Principal

Member since 2018

I’m also principal oboe in AR and Oboe + Ehorn in Tulsa, OK! I love hiking, snow skiing, photography and my corgi, Nugget!

Grace Stringfellow
Grace Stringfellow

Member since 2022

Grace Stringfellow is a dynamic performer+teacher who champions new music in all forms. She is the Adjunct Instructor of Oboe at MSU Denver.

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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
Principal

Member since 2012

I love playing with the WSO and sharing music with our audience! My passions include teaching, travel, chamber music, art, and family!

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Amanda Hudnall
Amanda Hudnall

Member since 2024

Alicia Gutierrez
Alicia Gutierrez

Member since 2025

Bassoon

Zachary Hague
Zachary Hague
Principal

Member since 2016

I'm an Indiana native. I also teach at Wichita State University. I enjoy hiking, fly fishing & time spent in the outdoors.

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 Director of WSO's Youth Orchestras!

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 Dante Pisano
James Dante Pisano
Principal

Member since 2018

https://www.wichita.edu/profiles/academics/fine_arts/music/Jazz_and_Contemporary_Media/Pisano-James.php

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French Horn

Jeb Michel Wallace
Jeb Michel Wallace
Principal

Member since 2016

Serves as Associate Director of the WSU School of Music and Associate Professor of Horn.

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Isaac Fowler
Isaac Fowler

Member since 2025

Brianna Volkmann
Brianna Volkmann

Member since 2026

I love to perform & teach! I am the visiting horn professor at Virginia Tech and freelance in orchestras all around the midwest/east coast.

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Natalie L. Haynes
Natalie L. Haynes

Member since 2026

Horn player originally from Indianapolis. Former Philadelphia freelancer and Assistant Principal to the (Indiana) Richmond Symphony.

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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®.

Wayner Kalik Ramon Ortega
Wayner Kalik Ramon Ortega

Member since 2026

Performer and educator Wayner Kalik Ramón Ortega is a versatile trumpeter native to Caguas, Puerto Rico.

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Connor Gilbert
Connor Gilbert

Member since 2026

Trombone

Brent Mead
Brent Mead
Principal

Member since 2018

I am a trombonist and professor at MNU in KCMO. I enjoy cooking and playing board games while spending time with my wife, son, and 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.

David R. Muehl
David R. 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

Riley Ryan Icarus Lindsey
Riley Ryan Icarus Lindsey
Principal

Member since 2025

I play in the Wichita, Huntsville, and West Michigan Symphonies, freelance, teach low brass around Chicago, and spend a lot of time driving.

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Timpani / Percussion

Gerald Scholl
Gerald Scholl
Principal

Member since 2003

Originally from Boston, joined the WSO in 2003. Professor and Head of Percussion at Wichita State University.

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Andy Slater
Andy Slater

Member since 2013

B.M. Percussion Performance, Pittsburg State University | M.M. Percussion Performance, Wichita State University | Friends University Faculty

Joseph Mikelait
Joseph Mikelait

Member since 2013

Bachelors Degree in Music from Wichita State. I enjoy making music with local musicians, and spending time with my wife, daughter, dogs, and friends.

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Dominic Porcelli
Dominic Porcelli

Member since 2026

Originally from Massachusetts, studied at Boston University and now WSU. Love to play jazz drums in addition to the orchestra.

Harp

Jane Hyde
Jane Hyde
Principal

Member since 1985

Experienced professional harpist, M.M. Peabody Conservatory. Offering private lessons, all levels/ages. Harps available for student rental.

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Keyboard

Drew Doran Crane
Drew Doran Crane
Principal

Member since 2021

6th season making music with the WSO. Lover of all things music.

Production Staff

  • Matt Blauer
    Personnel Manager
    Contact »
  • Wesley DeSpain
    Orchestra Rehearsal Assistant
  • Urza Silverwind Othman
    Technical Director
    Contact »
  • Ricardo Cavalcante
    Assistant Principal Librarian
    Contact »

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).

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