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OWU Summer Music Camp

Camp Staff

Camp Staff and Faculty (Check back for the 2025 Faculty and Staff-Coming Soon!)

Bishop Band:

Paul Brunner

Paul Brunner is Director of Bands at Buckeye Valley Local Schools in Delaware, Ohio where he has served in that position since 2014. Previously, he was the Director of Bands at Jonathan Alder Local Schools for seventeen years. A 1995 graduate of The Ohio State University with a Bachelors of Music, Mr. Brunner also has a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from Wright State University. Mr. Brunner performs regularly on trombone in the Columbus area.

Red & Black Band:

Melissa Grimes
Melissa Grimes is director of bands at Olentangy Shanahan Middle School and assistant band director of the Olentangy High School Marching Band. Melissa was guest clinician and conductor for the Ohio Wesleyan University’s middle school honors band in 2022. Melissa has been pit orchestra director for Olentangy Orange High School’s Orangelight Productions You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Seussical: The Musical, Little Shop of Horrors, and Heathers: The Musical. Melissa earned her Bachelor of Music Education Magna Cum Laude from Otterbein University in Westerville, Ohio in 2014, and her Master of Music Education from Vandercook College of Music in Chicago, Illinois in 2020. Melissa’s master thesis was developing curriculum to motivate beginning band students to practice at home by teaching their parents to play their band instruments in five introductory instrument lessons.

Senior Band:

Craig Porter

Craig Porter is the Director of Bands at Big Walnut Local Schools in Sunbury, Ohio where he has served in that position since 2002. Previously, he was the Assistant Director of Bands at Philo High School in Southeast Ohio for nine years. A 1993 graduate of Bowling Green State University with a Bachelors of Music, Mr. Porter also has a Masters in Geography Education from Arizona State University. Mr. Porter is active in the Ohio Music Education Association and serves as a brass, large group and marching band adjudicator. His bands regularly participate in OMEA adjudicated events.

Bishop Strings:

Jill Bixler
Jill Bixler is currently in her 25th year of teaching and in her 15th year as the orchestra director at Olentangy Liberty High School. She previously taught orchestra in both the Delaware City and Port Clinton City school systems. Mrs. Bixler holds a Bachelor of Music degree (BM) in violin performance, and a Bachelor of Music Education (BME) degree from Florida State University, where she studied with Michael Allen, co-author of the Essential Elements for Strings method book. She holds a master’s in music education (MME) degree from the University of Toledo and is a registered Suzuki violin teacher. Mrs. Bixler is an active violinist and violist and has performed in various venues throughout the state of Ohio. She currently performs with the Central Ohio Symphony Orchestra and is a former member of the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra. She greatly enjoys playing chamber music and has spent time at various chamber festivals throughout the country. Mrs. Bixler enjoys being an adjudicator for the Ohio Music Education Association and is a current member of the American String Teacher’s Association. Mrs. Bixler resides in Delaware with her husband, Thomas, and their daughter, Maggie.

Red & Black Strings:

Keegan Lammers currently teaches orchestra at Zionsville Community High School in Indianapolis, IN. She graduated magna cum laude from DePauw University with her Bachelor of Music Education. Lammers received several academic awards during her college career, including the Indiana Music Education Association’s “Outstanding Future Educator” award. Having studied viola with Debbie Price and Dr. Nicole Brockmann, Lammers has performed with orchestras in New York City, Switzerland, Japan, and most recently back in Delaware with the Central Ohio Symphony. She also enjoys teaching private lessons as a Suzuki violin and viola teacher.

Camp Chorus:

Rachel Parfenchuk ’14 is a performer, conductor, and teacher who is passionate about finding new ways to engage the arts with her community. Ms. Parfenchuk, a central Ohio native, has earned degrees in voice from both Cleveland Institute of Music and Ohio Wesleyan University. Her performance highlights include both concert and opera repertoire with Opera Columbus, Columbus Dance Theater, Sacred Music Institute of America Schola Cantorum, Cleveland Institute of Music Opera Theater, and Ohio Wesleyan Opera Theater. Parfenchuk currently serves as Director of Music Ministries at Powell United Methodist Church, maintains a thriving private studio, and is president/co-founder of Converging Arts Columbus.

Elective Instructors

Bishop Jazz Band: Paul Brunner

Red & Black Jazz Band: Melissa Grimes

Senior Jazz Band: Kevin Turner
Columbus, Ohio native Kevin Turner is a professional musician and educator. He began playing the guitar at age 9 and began his professional career at age 16 as a member of the Hank Marr Trio. Turner has performed and recorded with many artists as both a guitarist and bassist. Over the years he has performed with a host of recording and/or performing artists that include Ray Charles, Kirk Whalum, Oleta Adams, Lalah Hathaway, Diane Schuur and Dr. John.

Bishop & Senior Rock Bands:

Adam Furay

Adam Furay is a 2001 graduate of Hayes High School. He performed in the Orchestra, Concert Band, Marching Band, Symphonic Choir, Hayes Players, and many spring musical productions. In 2011, he graduated from Capital University with a bachelors degree in Double Bass Performance. Since then he is the founder and director of lessons at the Delaware Music Academy. In 2019, he opened the Delaware Music Center, which is Delaware’s first full-service music retail location since Crossroads Music closed in 2013. He has performed all over the country, with groups ranging from Symphony Orchestras, Jazz trios, Rock bands, and bluegrass ensembles.

Bishop & Senior Drumlines:

Chris Lizak

Dr. Lizak is the percussion instructor and Marching Band director at Ohio Wesleyan University. Before this he served as Assistant Band Director and Percussion Instructor at Lyndon B. Johnson and The Liberal Arts and Science Academy High Schools in Austin, Texas for 7 years. Prior to this, Dr. Lizak was on faculty at Trine University, where he directed the jazz bands, percussion ensemble, assisted with marching and concert bands, and taught percussion lessons. Born and raised in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, Dr. Lizak earned his Bachelor of Music from The Ohio State University, the Master of Music from Northwestern University, and the Doctor of Musical Arts from The University of Texas at Austin.

Music Theater:

Jennifer Whitehead

Musical Theater Style Class Instructor, Private Lesson Faculty (voice), and Mixed Chorus Accompanist, is a graduate of the Ohio State University and a professor of voice and opera at Ohio Wesleyan University. Prior to coming to OWU, she taught at Otterbein University, Kenyon College, Ohio State University, and Ashland University. Her performance credits include work with Opera/ Columbus, the Columbus Bach Ensemble, the orchestras and choirs of Otterbein University, Kenyon College, and Denison University, and the Ohio Song Project. Additionally, she is a frequent lecturer on vocal health and practice strategies.

Chamber Strings:

  • Keegan Lammers
  • Jill Bixler
  • Mary Davis
  • Garry Wasserman
  • Jonalyn Snyder

Private Lesson Instructors

Flute: Renee Simon 

Clarinet & Saxophone: Adrienne Lape joined the Ohio Wesleyan University Performing Arts department in Fall 2022. She is also the Clarinet & Saxophone Instructor for Mount Vernon Nazarene University, Kenyon College, and the Worthington Kilbourne Band Program.

As an educator, Dr. Lape is committed to producing well-rounded musicians who become effective teachers and authentic artists. Her undergraduate student accomplishments include receiving scholarships with acceptance to graduate level collegiate music programs, employment in both the Army and Air Force bands, and employment as k-12 music educators. Her high school students often place in the Ohio all-state & national band ensembles and participate in local youth orchestras, which include the Columbus Youth Symphony Orchestra, Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra, Mansfield Youth Symphony Orchestra, Youth Philharmonic of Central Ohio, and participate in the Chamber Music Connection. These students have also received acceptance and scholarship to colleges of their choice as both music majors and minors.

As a musician, she has performed with notable central Ohio ensembles such as the Westerville Symphony Orchestra, Ohio Capital Winds, Heisey Wind Ensemble, McConnell Arts Center Chamber Orchestra, New Albany Symphony Orchestra, and Opera Columbus. Her recent projects include playing clarinet on the Mark Records Sousa Stories Album with Ohio Capital Winds (2019) and 3 performances of the Weber Clarinet Quintet with the Bryden String Quartet (2022). New music premieres include Fantasia for bass clarinet and wind ensemble by Jim Puckett (2018) and Two Decadent Pieces for Alto Saxophone and Piano by Robert Lunn (2009).

Dr. Lape received a Doctor of Musical Arts, Master of Music, and Master of Arts from The Ohio State University studying clarinet with James Pyne and Caroline Hartig, and saxophone with James Hill. Prior to living and working in central Ohio, she completed her Bachelor of Music at Tennessee Technological University studying clarinet with Anne Thurmond and saxophone with Phillip Barham.

Oboe: Karen Pfeifer is instructor of oboe at Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, Ohio. Karen is driven by an internal passion to enrich each student, inspiring musical excellence and a love of music. In 2011, she was awarded the Columbus Symphony Orchestra Music Educator’s Award in recognition of her oboe instruction. Over the years, Karen’s students have consistently won placements in the OMEA All-State Ensembles, more than any oboe teacher in the state, and have earned first chairs in both the National Orchestra and Band (NAfME).

Trumpet: Sarah Grosse is an active freelance musician and trumpet instructor in Central Ohio. She has performed with the Columbus Symphony as an Associate Musician, ProMusica, and Opera Columbus. She also performed as Principal Trumpet in Opera Project Columbus for many years. She performs regularly with many regional orchestras such as Springfield Symphony Orchestra, Central Ohio Symphony, New Albany Symphony and has held the position of second trumpet in Westerville Symphony for over ten years. She has taken part in the Lancaster Festival Orchestra and performs in many churches around Ohio regularly, most recently as part of St. Joseph brass, Cathedral brass and the Josephinum brass for many years.

Sarah earned her Master of Music degree from Northwestern University, Bachelor of Music degree from The Ohio State University as well as completing course work at the University of Michigan. Teachers include Barbara Butler, Charlie Geyer and Bill Campbell. She sustains a large private studio and her students’ successes include earning music degrees from Oberlin College, The Ohio State University, James Madison University and Capital University.  Many have participated in honors orchestras and bands and have recently held Principal Trumpet positions in All-State ensembles multiple years.

She previously served as an Interim Trumpet Professor at Capital University and has served as the trumpet instructor at Ohio Wesleyan University since the fall of 2022.

Horn: Kim McCann 

Low Brass: Tony Weikel
Tony Weikel, originally from Buffalo, NY, attended SUNY College at Fredonia where he received a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education and also obtained a Performer’s Certificate. He then attended Duquesne University where he earned his Master of Music degree in trombone performance. After graduation, he spent time freelancing in the greater Pittsburgh area. He then attended Indiana University where he began a Doctorate of Music degree in trombone. After his time at IU he spent time freelancing in the greater Bloomington/Indianapolis area. He then attended Ohio State University and finished the Doctorate of Musical Arts degree in trombone.

Percussion: Sam Sherer

Violin & Viola

Karl Pedersen joined the Columbus Symphony as principal viola at the start of the 2011-12 season. He joined the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra during the summer of 2015. Previously Karl was rotating principal of the New World Symphony in Miami and was principal viola of the Breckenridge Music Festival. He has recorded and performed with the Kansas City Symphony, and performed with the Virginia and Richmond Symphonies.

Cello: Jonalyn Snyder

Bass

Garry Wasserman is the current Double Bass faculty at Ohio Wesleyan. He has held playing positions with the Florida Philharmonic, Harrisburg Symphony, Hong Kong (China) Philharmonic, and Principal Bass with the Columbus Bach Ensemble. Additionally, he has been a studio recording session artist and freelance performer with the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, and the Louisville Orchestra. Currently he is an associate member the Columbus Symphony, Co-Principal Bass with the New Albany Symphony, and has a continuing presence in the Indianapolis music scene. Previously he has taught at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, Anderson (IN) University, and Penn State University (State College) and served as judge at OMEA adjudicated events around Ohio. Garry enjoys performing in “IndyKlez”, a klezmer folk group based in Indianapolis, and “New String Jazz Trio”, a Columbus based jazz group consisting of bass, guitar, and violin. Outside hobbies include running, Alexander Technique, and Border Collie agility training.

Voice

Jennifer Whitehead is a graduate of the Ohio State University and a professor of voice and opera at Ohio Wesleyan University. Prior to coming to OWU, she taught at Otterbein University, Kenyon College, Ohio State University, and Ashland University. Her performance credits include work with Opera/ Columbus, the Columbus Bach Ensemble, the orchestras and choirs of Otterbein University, Kenyon College, and Denison University, and the Ohio Song Project. Additionally, she is a frequent lecturer on vocal health and practice strategies.

Voice

Rachel Parfenchuk ’14 is a performer, conductor, and teacher who is passionate about finding new ways to engage the arts with her community. Ms. Parfenchuk, a central Ohio native, has earned degrees in voice from both Cleveland Institute of Music and Ohio Wesleyan University. Her performance highlights include both concert and opera repertoire with Opera Columbus, Columbus Dance Theater, Sacred Music Institute of America Schola Cantorum, Cleveland Institute of Music Opera Theater, and Ohio Wesleyan Opera Theater. Parfenchuk currently serves as Director of Music Ministries at Powell United Methodist Church, maintains a thriving private studio, and is president/co-founder of Converging Arts Columbus. 

Piano: Frank Chiou

Dr. Frank Chiou engages music in the multiple roles of performer, teacher, and scholar. The son of Taiwanese immigrants, he began piano lessons at the age of five, but serious study did not begin until high school, when he attended Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire. He holds degrees in piano performance from Oberlin Conservatory (BM) and the University of Michigan (MM, DMA) as well as a master’s degree in music theory from the University of Michigan. His teachers have included Haewon Song, Anton Nel, and Logan Skelton. He has taught at the University of Michigan, the University of Windsor (Windsor, Ontario) and Utah State University; he has also served as collaborative pianist and instrumental coach at the University of Michigan while also teaching privately in Ann Arbor.

Currently, Dr. Chiou is Assistant Professor of Music and the head of piano and music theory at Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, Ohio. As a performer, Dr. Chiou is at home not only as asoloist but also as a chamber musician, and he enjoys collaborating in a variety of settings, from songs and piano duets to larger ensembles with strings or winds. His pedagogical research centers on the bearing of music analysis on performance and teaching. Other areas of interest include performance practice in the music of Brahms and Rachmaninoff and the role of music in film.

Camp Counselors

Payton Andisman is a senior with a major in Biology and a minor in Music Performance. His music minor is a focus in baritone and alto saxophone, but he also plays clarinet and guitar. At OWU, Payton has been involved with the musical theatre department, the ChiPhi fraternity, is the president of the Hillel, and has been active in creating campus programming on diversity/equity and environmental conservation. This is Payton’s first time involved with the Summer Music Camp and he is excited to create music and make new connections!

Hannah Barenthin Hannah is a rising senior at Ohio Wesleyan University, with a major in music education and a minor in theatre. She is active in the Performing Arts Department, playing in the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, serving as a music Student Board representative, and participating in NAfME. Outside of OWU, she works at the Ohio Musical Theatre Institute as an Assisant Music Director for their summer productions.

Abby Bennett She is a music and science education major. Abby is a member of Choral Arts Society, the Ohio Wesleyan Cheer team and Delta Zeta. She has been in over 16 musical theatre productions including this summer’s Marion Palace production of “Beauty and the Beast”. Abby was selected as a member of OMEA State Honors Choir. She participated in various choirs and string ensembles while in high school and was selected to receive the National High School Choral Award. Abby is thrilled to return as part of the OWU Music Camp Staff!

Emily Clausing is a junior at Ohio Wesleyan University from Portsmouth, Ohio. She is majoring in Vocal Music Education and minoring in Theatre Performance. Emily is a member of the Choral Arts Society and the Chamber Choir and has partcipated in several musical theatre events on campus. Emily served as the Vice President of OWU’s chapter of NAfME, the National Association for Music Education, this past school year and will serve as the President for the upcoming school year. This is Emily’s second year being a camp counselor at Ohio Wesleyan University’s Summer Music Camp and she is beyond excited to work with the students again.

Katie Davis is a sophomore from Bryan, Ohio double majoring in Music with a vocal focus and English Education. They are a member of the English Department Student Board, the secretary of Sanborn Sound, and the Trumpet Section Leader in marching band. Additionally, she is a member of Choral Art Society and is active in the OWU Performing Arts Department.

Aaron Gonzales is a rising sophomore at Ohio Wesleyan University. He is double majoring in Anthropology / Sociology and Public Health. Aaron is in the Symphonic Wind Ensemble at OWU and is also a section leader in the OWU Marching Bishops. Even though this is his first year as a counselor, he is excited to meet the new campers and create an amazing summer music camp experince!

Semira Hill is a rising Junior at Ohio Wesleyan University and this is her fitrst time participating in the OWU Summer Music Camp Program. She is a music performance major with a concentration in double bass and piano, and a mathematics minor. She is very eager to work with string students. She has been in music classes since kindergarten and began her instrumental journey in the third grade. She plans to become a higher education instrumental professor later in life, and a professional performer/private teacher in the meantime. She hopes she can be of any help to younger instrumental students and aspiring youth musicians who are coming to participate in OWU SMC!

Ryleigh Jones is an upcoming freshman at Ohio Wesleyan University this fall and is planning to double major in music education and biochemistry. She plans to participate in the Park Avenue Jazz Ensemble, Marching Bishops, and the Symphonic Wind Ensemble. This is her first year being a camp counselor and she is so excited to meet students who have a passion for music.

Katie Lester Katie Lester is a recent Ohio Wesleyan graduate who majored in music education with a minor in history. During her time at OWU she participated in symphonic wind ensemble, jazz band, orchestra and Marching band and is excited to have been asked to write drill for the OWU marching band again this year! Katie recently accepted a position as the head music teacher in Fort Jennings, OH.

Rachel Madore is a senior Economics, Music, and Spanish triple major. Her musical studies are primarly in classical vocal performance. Thoroughout her time at Ohio Wesleyan, Rachel has been involved in the choral ensembles and musical theatre performances. She participates on campus in Delta Gamma Sorority, Circle K International, Women of Ohio Wesleyan, and Economics Management Fellows.

Grace McCracken just graduated OWU this spring with her degree in music education, magna cum laude. She is a trombone player and very passionate about education! During her four years, Grace was a member of the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Chamber Orchestra, Brass Ensemble, Park Avenue Jazz Ensemble, and the Marching Band. She was also a counselor in the inaugural summer music camp, before she was even a student at OWU! When she is not at the SMC, she is working at a preschool this summer. She is very excited to get to know all the campers this summer!

Alex McPherson is studying Music Education with an Instrumental focus at Kent State University. McPherson is a trumpet player, currently studying under Dr. Amanda Bekeny. McPherson has most recently served as the Prinicpal Trumpet of the Kent State University Wind Ensemble as well as the utility trumpet for the Kent State University Orchestra. McPherson has spent much time working at summer camps throughout his college career, including OWjL camp and the first year of the Ohio Wesleyan Summer Music Camp. McPherson currently teaches private lessons for Voice, Guitar, and Trumpet at Royalton Music Center. After graduation, McPherson plans to pursue his Masters in Trumpet Performance.

Jack Miller is a sophomore from Ellwood City, Pennsylvania. They are a Vocal Music Education and Creative Writing Double Major with a Theatre Minor. They are the treasurer of both Sanborn Sound and NAfME and are the Music Librarian for the Marching Bishops. They are also heavily involved in the Performing Arts Department, being in Choral Art Society, Chamber Choir, Musical Theater, Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Marching Band.

Melanie Owen (she/her) recently graduated from Rutherford B. Hayes High School in Delaware, Ohio and is planning to attend The Ohio State University undecided but with an interest in majoring in education with a minor in music. Melanie plays the violin. During her time in high school, Melanie was in Hayes Players Chamber Orchestra, orchestra pit, East Central Regional Orchestra, and OMEA All-State Orchestra. In addition, Melanie worked with 5th grade orchestra as an apprentice during her senior year of high school. This will be her first time being a counselor and she could not be more thankful and honored to have this opportunity. She is very excited and looking forward to working with the students and making new connections and memories this summer!

Raphael Petit-Frere is entering his Junior year at Ohio Wesleyan University this Fall and is excited to work for the OWU Summer Music Camp again. He is majoring in Chemistry with a minor in Music Performance on the Trombone. During the 2022 Summer Music Camp, he was a junior strings counselor and a counselor in both the Junior and Senior Jazz Bands. He hopes he can give this year’s campers a great experience. No matter what ensemble they may be in and no matter what electives they have chosen, he wishes to create an environment with a strong work ethic and time to relax amongst other campers!

Mathieu Schoener is a sophomore music education major at Ohio Wesleyan from Ironton, Ohio. He is in the OWU drum line, jazz band, and symphonic band. He also works at Outback Steakhouse as a line cook and helps the Ironton High School band with band camp.

Haleigh Stover is a junior at OWU from Marion, Ohio. She is double majoring in genetics and music performance, and is a member of the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, the OWU Marching Bishops, and OWU’s Collegiate NAfME chapter.

Camp Administration

Medical Staff

Lisa Marie Toombs has been a Licensed School Nurse for Delaware City Schools for the last 9 years and a Registered Nurse for 16 years. She lives in Delaware with her husband and boys that are 14 & 15 years old.

Evening Activity Coordinator

Cathi Edwards has taught third grade in Bexley City Schools since 2019. She graduated from Ohio University in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and a minor in music. Cathi has over 15 years experience leading school age programs and is dedicated to providing safe, fun, and authentic learning opportunities for children.

Dorm Managers

Abby Stepp is a 2023 graduate from OWU with a degree in Music Education. She is a trumpet player from Orient, Ohio with a passion for music. She is an elementary music teacher in Mt. Gilead. During her time at OWU, she was a part of the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, the Park Avenue Jazz Band, the Marching Bishops, and the Choral Art Society. Additionally, Abby was a summer music camp counselor for the 2019, 2022, & 2023 seasons. 

Grace McCracken is a 2023 graduate from OWU with a degree in Music Education. She is currently an elementary music teacher in Reynoldsburg, Ohio. During her time at OWU, she was a part of the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, the Park Avenue Jazz Band, the Marching Bishops, and the Choral Art Society. 

Camp Co-Director

Richard Edwards
Dr. Edwards is Professor of Music Education at Ohio Wesleyan where he coordinates the music education program, conducts of the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, and teaches several courses including A History of Rock in Song, Style, and Story. Previously, Dr. Edwards taught high school band and elementary general music in the public schools of Ohio and North Carolina, directed college bands at UNC Greensboro and Ithaca College, and served as the field commander for the Ohio University Marching 110. His scholarly interests include the neuroscience of music, building community arts projects, and balancing large ensemble performance traditions with vernacular musicianship.

Camp Co-Director

Chris Lizak
Dr. Lizak is the percussion instructor and Marching Band director at Ohio Wesleyan University. Previously, he served as Assistant Band Director and Percussion Instructor at Lyndon B. Johnson and The Liberal Arts and Science Academy High Schools in Austin, Texas for 7 years. Prior to this, Dr. Lizak was on faculty at Trine University, where he directed the jazz bands, percussion ensemble, assisted with marching and concert bands, and taught percussion lessons. Born and raised in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, Dr. Lizak earned his Bachelor of Music from The Ohio State University, the Master of Music from Northwestern University, and the Doctor of Musical Arts from The University of Texas at Austin.

Counselor Application

Enthusiastic and responsible role models are needed as counselors at the OWU Summer Music Camp. All college students are welcome to apply with or without music experience. Prior counselors with the OWU Summer Music Camp are not required to submit a reference form.

2025 COUNSELOR APPLICATION FORM
The application form begins with a full job description for all counselors. Please read carefully so you’re aware of all compensation, schedules, and responsibilities.

2024 STAFF INFO

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