Our Core Musicians.
Allison.
Violin
Allison Edwards Marshall has been performing and teaching for over 20 years.
She started playing the violin at the age of 9 and grew up learning and performing with the First Coast Suzuki Players under the direction of Laurie Ryer Willwerth. Her private studies continued under the tutelage of Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra members Melissa Pierson Barrett, Karen Pommerich, Dr. Aaron Krosnick, and Dr. Marguerite Richardson.
A graduate of Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, Allison continued her studies at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee where her major was in Music Business. Ultimately, she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Performance from the University of North Florida in Jacksonville.
Mrs. Marshall's collegiate orchestra experience includes playing in the North Carolina School of the Arts Orchestra, Florida State University's Orchestra, the Orchestra at the University of Central Florida, the University of Florida Orchestra, Belmont University's Symphony Orchestra in Nashville, the University of North Florida's Chamber Orchestra and Jacksonville University's Symphony Orchestra.
While studying at the University of North Florida, she was also the 2nd violinist in the esteemed Larsen String Quartet.
She is a current member of the Jacksonville Symphony Civic Orchestra, the Jacksonville Civic Orchestra, and the Jacksonville University Symphony Orchestra.
Her experienced performing on stage includes live shows with rock bands Foreigner, Cold, Evolemo, and Grandpa's Cough Medicine. Allison has also had the honor of working and recording with Nashville artist Nolan Neal and the rock band Bound.
She also has a love and passion for the theater and has performed in the orchestra for "Fiddler on the Roof", "Little Shop of Horrors", "Big River" and with Theater Jacksonville in their production of "She Loves Me". Allison also performs yearly in the orchestra for Providence Theater and has played in "Cinderella", "The Music Man", and is looking forward to this year's production of "Singing in the Rain". In addition, she recently performed with Teatro Lirico D'Europa on their Florida tour of Puccini's "Madama Butterfly".
Allison is married to her best friend, Jeremy, who is also a professional musician. They are both Jacksonville natives where they continue to enjoy life to it's fullest with their daughters Violet (3) and Avalon (1)!
She started playing the violin at the age of 9 and grew up learning and performing with the First Coast Suzuki Players under the direction of Laurie Ryer Willwerth. Her private studies continued under the tutelage of Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra members Melissa Pierson Barrett, Karen Pommerich, Dr. Aaron Krosnick, and Dr. Marguerite Richardson.
A graduate of Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, Allison continued her studies at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee where her major was in Music Business. Ultimately, she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Performance from the University of North Florida in Jacksonville.
Mrs. Marshall's collegiate orchestra experience includes playing in the North Carolina School of the Arts Orchestra, Florida State University's Orchestra, the Orchestra at the University of Central Florida, the University of Florida Orchestra, Belmont University's Symphony Orchestra in Nashville, the University of North Florida's Chamber Orchestra and Jacksonville University's Symphony Orchestra.
While studying at the University of North Florida, she was also the 2nd violinist in the esteemed Larsen String Quartet.
She is a current member of the Jacksonville Symphony Civic Orchestra, the Jacksonville Civic Orchestra, and the Jacksonville University Symphony Orchestra.
Her experienced performing on stage includes live shows with rock bands Foreigner, Cold, Evolemo, and Grandpa's Cough Medicine. Allison has also had the honor of working and recording with Nashville artist Nolan Neal and the rock band Bound.
She also has a love and passion for the theater and has performed in the orchestra for "Fiddler on the Roof", "Little Shop of Horrors", "Big River" and with Theater Jacksonville in their production of "She Loves Me". Allison also performs yearly in the orchestra for Providence Theater and has played in "Cinderella", "The Music Man", and is looking forward to this year's production of "Singing in the Rain". In addition, she recently performed with Teatro Lirico D'Europa on their Florida tour of Puccini's "Madama Butterfly".
Allison is married to her best friend, Jeremy, who is also a professional musician. They are both Jacksonville natives where they continue to enjoy life to it's fullest with their daughters Violet (3) and Avalon (1)!
Beth.
Cello
Bethany Pope Searles started playing the cello at age 10 while living in Maryland. Her family relocated to Jacksonville, Florida where she began taking private cello lessons under the direction of Laurie Casseday of the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra.
She auditioned and was accepted to Douglas Anderson School of the Arts and it was during her 4 years there that she excelled musically beyond her wildest dreams.
Beth graduated from Douglas Anderson School of the Arts in 1999 and was offered a number of music scholarships to various colleges. She decided to stay close to her family and attend the University of North Florida in Jacksonville where she continued to study privately with Laurie Casseday. Beth graduated from the University of North Florida in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Administration and a minor in Music Performance.
"The way my music touches others’ lives is what drives me to continue playing; the smiles I see on peoples’ faces reminds me that I had a part in making their day special and was able to warm their hearts with my music."
She is a member of the Jacksonville University Orchestra and also performs at weddings and events with String Theory Music and other organizations in Jacksonville, Florida.
Beth's loves in life are her husband Matt, their 3-year-old son Zayne, two special Chihuahuas Lucy and Bean, and her cello!
She auditioned and was accepted to Douglas Anderson School of the Arts and it was during her 4 years there that she excelled musically beyond her wildest dreams.
Beth graduated from Douglas Anderson School of the Arts in 1999 and was offered a number of music scholarships to various colleges. She decided to stay close to her family and attend the University of North Florida in Jacksonville where she continued to study privately with Laurie Casseday. Beth graduated from the University of North Florida in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Administration and a minor in Music Performance.
"The way my music touches others’ lives is what drives me to continue playing; the smiles I see on peoples’ faces reminds me that I had a part in making their day special and was able to warm their hearts with my music."
She is a member of the Jacksonville University Orchestra and also performs at weddings and events with String Theory Music and other organizations in Jacksonville, Florida.
Beth's loves in life are her husband Matt, their 3-year-old son Zayne, two special Chihuahuas Lucy and Bean, and her cello!
Hannah.
Violin & Viola
Inspired by her older sister, Hannah Barrow began playing the violin at the age of four. She studied primarily with Karen Pommerich of the Jacksonville Symphony, and worked with Melissa Barrett and Dr. Marguerite Richardson during summers as well. Hannah was a member of the Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestras from 2003-2006 and had the opportunity to attend Canon Music Camp and Brevard Music Center during high school. She graduated from Douglas Anderson School of the Arts in 2007.
Hannah received her Bachelor of Music degree from Florida State University, where she studied violin with Professor Corinne Stillwell and viola with Dr. Pamela Ryan. She then received her Masters degree with an emphasis in orchestral performance from Arizona State University, where she studied violin with Dr. Katherine McLin. Hannah also participated as both a violinist and violist in the ASU Chamber Music Residency program, where she was able to work closely with the Brentano String Quartet and the Juilliard String Quartet. During this time, she also served as the principal violist of the Scottsdale Arts Orchestra.
Hannah had the opportunity to participate as a String Fellow at the Eastern Music Festival for five seasons, where she played with the faculty orchestra and participated in a library outreach program, teaching young children in the Greensboro, NC, area about string quartets.
Since returning to Florida in 2013, Hannah has maintained a busy performance schedule. She is a violinist with the Georgia Coastal Symphony and has served as a substitute violinist for the Jacksonville Symphony, the Jacksonville University Orchestra, and the Savannah Philharmonic. She has also performed with numerous touring artists, including Idina Menzel, Celtic Woman, Styx, Foreigner, and many more. She also performs for various productions at the Providence School throughout the year, as well as various church events, weddings, and festivals.
Hannah is on the Board of Directors for Prelude Chamber Music Camp, where she has taught and performed over the past six years. She also taught music theory and conducted the Repertory Orchestra at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts for two years. Aside from performing, she currently teaches pre-k, elementary, and middle school music in St. Augustine Florida, works as a freelance arranger, and maintains a private studio in Jacksonville.
Hannah received her Bachelor of Music degree from Florida State University, where she studied violin with Professor Corinne Stillwell and viola with Dr. Pamela Ryan. She then received her Masters degree with an emphasis in orchestral performance from Arizona State University, where she studied violin with Dr. Katherine McLin. Hannah also participated as both a violinist and violist in the ASU Chamber Music Residency program, where she was able to work closely with the Brentano String Quartet and the Juilliard String Quartet. During this time, she also served as the principal violist of the Scottsdale Arts Orchestra.
Hannah had the opportunity to participate as a String Fellow at the Eastern Music Festival for five seasons, where she played with the faculty orchestra and participated in a library outreach program, teaching young children in the Greensboro, NC, area about string quartets.
Since returning to Florida in 2013, Hannah has maintained a busy performance schedule. She is a violinist with the Georgia Coastal Symphony and has served as a substitute violinist for the Jacksonville Symphony, the Jacksonville University Orchestra, and the Savannah Philharmonic. She has also performed with numerous touring artists, including Idina Menzel, Celtic Woman, Styx, Foreigner, and many more. She also performs for various productions at the Providence School throughout the year, as well as various church events, weddings, and festivals.
Hannah is on the Board of Directors for Prelude Chamber Music Camp, where she has taught and performed over the past six years. She also taught music theory and conducted the Repertory Orchestra at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts for two years. Aside from performing, she currently teaches pre-k, elementary, and middle school music in St. Augustine Florida, works as a freelance arranger, and maintains a private studio in Jacksonville.
Brittany.
Cello
Brittany Maroney began playing the cello at age 8 while she was attending Pine Forest School of the Arts in Jacksonville, FL. She went on to study cello as part of the inaugural class of LaVilla Middle School of the Arts and she graduated Principal Cellist from Douglas Anderson School of the Arts in 2007.
She then continued her studies at the University of North Florida, studying cello performance with Dr. Nick Curry. She received the Most Outstanding Musician of the Year Award all four years in attendance, held the Principal Cello position all four years in attendance, and graduated Magna cum Laude with a Bachelor's Degree in Cello Performance in the Spring of 2011. While still a student at UNF, Brittany competed as a finalist in the Northwest Florida Concerto Competition and performed for numerous master classes taught by world-renowned cellists such as Hans Jorgen Jensen, Alisa Weilerstein and Antonio Meneses.
Since graduation, Brittany has had the privilege of performing with numerous touring artists including Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Styx, and Celtic Woman. She performs regularly for local chamber and symphony concerts, operas and musicals, and for local artists' albums and YouTube music videos through studio recording. She has served as a cellist for the Coastal Symphony of Georgia, the Ocala Symphony Orchestra and the St. Augustine Orchestra, and she also plays regularly for the First Coast Opera, the Amelia Island Chamber Singers, the St. Augustine Community Chorus and the St. Augustine Women's Chorale.
Brittany currently teaches 25 private students for the Lake Asbury Baptist Church School of Music in Green Cove Springs, FL. She is also a regular guest musician for Church of Our Savior Anglican Church in Jacksonville Beach and Christ Episcopal Church in Ponte Vedra, and she has performed live music for over 1,000 weddings and private events within the last 12 years.
Brittany is honored to have had the opportunity to study with, work for, and work alongside countless talented musicians and professionals through her career to date. And, she considers it a privilege to contribute to her community through music.
She then continued her studies at the University of North Florida, studying cello performance with Dr. Nick Curry. She received the Most Outstanding Musician of the Year Award all four years in attendance, held the Principal Cello position all four years in attendance, and graduated Magna cum Laude with a Bachelor's Degree in Cello Performance in the Spring of 2011. While still a student at UNF, Brittany competed as a finalist in the Northwest Florida Concerto Competition and performed for numerous master classes taught by world-renowned cellists such as Hans Jorgen Jensen, Alisa Weilerstein and Antonio Meneses.
Since graduation, Brittany has had the privilege of performing with numerous touring artists including Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Styx, and Celtic Woman. She performs regularly for local chamber and symphony concerts, operas and musicals, and for local artists' albums and YouTube music videos through studio recording. She has served as a cellist for the Coastal Symphony of Georgia, the Ocala Symphony Orchestra and the St. Augustine Orchestra, and she also plays regularly for the First Coast Opera, the Amelia Island Chamber Singers, the St. Augustine Community Chorus and the St. Augustine Women's Chorale.
Brittany currently teaches 25 private students for the Lake Asbury Baptist Church School of Music in Green Cove Springs, FL. She is also a regular guest musician for Church of Our Savior Anglican Church in Jacksonville Beach and Christ Episcopal Church in Ponte Vedra, and she has performed live music for over 1,000 weddings and private events within the last 12 years.
Brittany is honored to have had the opportunity to study with, work for, and work alongside countless talented musicians and professionals through her career to date. And, she considers it a privilege to contribute to her community through music.
Joe.
Violin & Viola
Joseph Henderson has performed various genres of music on viola and violin throughout the southeastern United States with all types of ensembles. He was accepted to participate in the National Orchestral Institute in the summer of 2019, as well the Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival in 2018.
He had the honor of performing the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto as a soloist after being selected as a winner of the University of North Florida Concerto Competition. Joseph has played in master classes for Rachel Barton Pine, Charles Castleman, Sphinx Virtuosi, Hans Jorgen Jensen, the Ying Quartet, the Tokyo Quartet, the Vega Quartet, and more.
When not performing in orchestras, Joseph can be found recording with bands like Shovel to the Moon or playing at venues such as the Blue Jay Listening Room with the band Ample Angst.
As an orchestral musician, Mr. Henderson has performed with the Civic Orchestra of Jacksonville, Symphony of the Goddesses, Roy Orbison Hologram Tour, Electric Lights Orchestra, and Video Games Live Orchestra. The frequent wedding performance opportunities in Georgia and Florida have fostered Joseph’s growth as a musician as well as a music arranger.
In his spare time, he enjoys writing out new sheet music arrangements to personalize each couple’s big wedding day. Sometimes his favorites are recorded, edited, and made into videos for Joseph’s YouTube channel, Viojoe11.
Joseph Henderson began lessons at age eight and owes much of his musical journey to his teachers over the years, including UNF faculty members DJ Cheek, Dr. Renate Falkner, Dr. Simon Shiao, as well as Jacksonville Symphony members Melissa Barrett and Jeanne Majors.
He had the honor of performing the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto as a soloist after being selected as a winner of the University of North Florida Concerto Competition. Joseph has played in master classes for Rachel Barton Pine, Charles Castleman, Sphinx Virtuosi, Hans Jorgen Jensen, the Ying Quartet, the Tokyo Quartet, the Vega Quartet, and more.
When not performing in orchestras, Joseph can be found recording with bands like Shovel to the Moon or playing at venues such as the Blue Jay Listening Room with the band Ample Angst.
As an orchestral musician, Mr. Henderson has performed with the Civic Orchestra of Jacksonville, Symphony of the Goddesses, Roy Orbison Hologram Tour, Electric Lights Orchestra, and Video Games Live Orchestra. The frequent wedding performance opportunities in Georgia and Florida have fostered Joseph’s growth as a musician as well as a music arranger.
In his spare time, he enjoys writing out new sheet music arrangements to personalize each couple’s big wedding day. Sometimes his favorites are recorded, edited, and made into videos for Joseph’s YouTube channel, Viojoe11.
Joseph Henderson began lessons at age eight and owes much of his musical journey to his teachers over the years, including UNF faculty members DJ Cheek, Dr. Renate Falkner, Dr. Simon Shiao, as well as Jacksonville Symphony members Melissa Barrett and Jeanne Majors.
Alex.
Cello
Alexander Downs began his cello studies in 2010 at the age of 13. He joined the
Music Opportunity Program soon after and began studying with Marilyn Pipkin. After a year of studying with Ms. Pipkin, Downs started studies with Avi Friedlander with who he studied with from 2011-2015.
In 2011, Downs earned acceptance to the Alabama School of Fine Arts. Downs has participated in the Alabama All-State Festival Orchestra from 2010-2014.
He has also attended the Cincinnati Cello Workshop, the Birmingham Cello Workshop, and the Brevard Summer Music Festival.
In 2015, Downs began studying at the University of North Florida under the tutelage of Dr. Nick Curry. While at UNF, Downs had the honor of attending the Sitka Cello Seminar. The seminar consisted of only 10 cellists from across the U.S. who had the privilege to study with Zuill Bailey and Melissa Kraut. Downs also attended the Green Mountain Chamber music festival in 2016 and the Meadowmount School of music in 2018 while at UNF.
During his time under Dr. Curry, Downs has played for many cellists who are at the top of their field such as: Hans Jensen, Alisa Weilerstein, Joshua Roman, Clive Greensmith, and David Finckel.
Music Opportunity Program soon after and began studying with Marilyn Pipkin. After a year of studying with Ms. Pipkin, Downs started studies with Avi Friedlander with who he studied with from 2011-2015.
In 2011, Downs earned acceptance to the Alabama School of Fine Arts. Downs has participated in the Alabama All-State Festival Orchestra from 2010-2014.
He has also attended the Cincinnati Cello Workshop, the Birmingham Cello Workshop, and the Brevard Summer Music Festival.
In 2015, Downs began studying at the University of North Florida under the tutelage of Dr. Nick Curry. While at UNF, Downs had the honor of attending the Sitka Cello Seminar. The seminar consisted of only 10 cellists from across the U.S. who had the privilege to study with Zuill Bailey and Melissa Kraut. Downs also attended the Green Mountain Chamber music festival in 2016 and the Meadowmount School of music in 2018 while at UNF.
During his time under Dr. Curry, Downs has played for many cellists who are at the top of their field such as: Hans Jensen, Alisa Weilerstein, Joshua Roman, Clive Greensmith, and David Finckel.
Kaitie.
Violin
Kaitlin Smedley is a violinist from Jacksonville, Florida, that received a bachelor’s degree in music performance at Stetson University. Her work experience includes performances with Simon Carrington at Stetson University, the Piano Guys at the Florida Theatre, as well as performing and contracting gigs in northeast and central Florida and southeast Georgia.
During her undergraduate studies, Kaitlin was the first violinist of the endowed Barron String Quartet and served as concertmaster of the Stetson University Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, and Opera Orchestra under Maestro Anthony Hose.
She has performed solo recitals in the U.S., Norway, and Italy and has performed at the Curtis Institute of Music, Florida State University, Voksenåsen Musik Academy, Toneheim Folkehøgskole, Stetson University, The Florida Theatre (Jacksonville, FL), and Performing Arts Center in Vipiteno, Italy.
During her undergraduate studies, Kaitlin was the first violinist of the endowed Barron String Quartet and served as concertmaster of the Stetson University Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, and Opera Orchestra under Maestro Anthony Hose.
She has performed solo recitals in the U.S., Norway, and Italy and has performed at the Curtis Institute of Music, Florida State University, Voksenåsen Musik Academy, Toneheim Folkehøgskole, Stetson University, The Florida Theatre (Jacksonville, FL), and Performing Arts Center in Vipiteno, Italy.
Ariadna.
Cello
Yelena.
Violin
Music has always been a part of my life. My mom is a musician and what I remember most is hearing music throughout every stage of my life. Even after we moved from Ukraine to America, music was always a constant. When my mom was not at the piano, I was trying to play on it. I could read notes before I could read words and when I was nine years old, my mom tricked me into learning violin. Almost two decades later, violin is one of the only constants in my life.
My string education started under the tutelage of Mr. Yakov Kulishevskiy. I played in orchestra at LaVilla School of the Arts with Carol Griffin, Douglas Anderson School of the Arts with Brian Griffin and Jacksonville University with Dr. Marguerite Richardson who was both: the orchestra director and my private lesson instructor. Along with orchestra, I performed in various ensembles in and out of school.
After receiving the Bachelor of Music Education degree from JU, I taught orchestra in Duval County as an assistant to Mr. Brian Griffin, as a strings instructor at Fishweir Elementary, and as a teaching artist for Cathedral Arts Project. Currently, I have a growing violin studio and play for churches, weddings, and other ensembles in the community.
My greatest joy comes from sharing music. Both as a teacher nurturing young musicians and as a performer. When I am not practicing, performing, or teaching; I can be found baking, enjoying the beach, and spending quality time with my loved ones.
My string education started under the tutelage of Mr. Yakov Kulishevskiy. I played in orchestra at LaVilla School of the Arts with Carol Griffin, Douglas Anderson School of the Arts with Brian Griffin and Jacksonville University with Dr. Marguerite Richardson who was both: the orchestra director and my private lesson instructor. Along with orchestra, I performed in various ensembles in and out of school.
After receiving the Bachelor of Music Education degree from JU, I taught orchestra in Duval County as an assistant to Mr. Brian Griffin, as a strings instructor at Fishweir Elementary, and as a teaching artist for Cathedral Arts Project. Currently, I have a growing violin studio and play for churches, weddings, and other ensembles in the community.
My greatest joy comes from sharing music. Both as a teacher nurturing young musicians and as a performer. When I am not practicing, performing, or teaching; I can be found baking, enjoying the beach, and spending quality time with my loved ones.
Lauren.
Cello
I began cello lessons at the age of four, but it wasn't until high school that I discovered the joy of playing and performing. I grew up in a very musical family, and my parents always encouraged my sister and I to take risks and stretch our musical ability.
I attended University of North Florida, and while I did not receive a music performance degree, I enjoyed the opportunity to continue taking lessons and playing with the school quartet and string ensemble. My cello came with me to grad school, where I began playing for weddings and special events.
Music has always been a part of my life, but I firmly believe anyone of any age can learn to play! Music is an expression beyond words and everyone can speak it's language.
I attended University of North Florida, and while I did not receive a music performance degree, I enjoyed the opportunity to continue taking lessons and playing with the school quartet and string ensemble. My cello came with me to grad school, where I began playing for weddings and special events.
Music has always been a part of my life, but I firmly believe anyone of any age can learn to play! Music is an expression beyond words and everyone can speak it's language.
Jody.
Viola
Courtney.
Viola
Leah.
Viola