First Redeemer Conservatory of Music and Fine Arts

STRINGS

ELIZABETH ALVAREZ violinist & violist, received her Bachelor's degree with honors from Indiana University and later earned a Masters of Music in Music Theory. Her major teachers and mentors include Yuval Yaron, Dr. Charles Knox, Dr. Susan Tepping, and Oliver Steiner. An avid chamber musician, Elizabeth is a founding member and co-director of the Kazanetti String Quartet, and is the second violinist of the Miles Road Quartet, which is a seasonal string quartet that performs in Vermont and Maine. She also performs with orchestras and chamber groups throughout the southeast as both violinist and violist. Elizabeth teaches violin & viola, music theory, and coaches chamber music. In recent years, she has focused her energies on orchestration and was appointed Artist-in Residence at Wildacres Retreat (NC). In addition, she was awarded a Fulton County Arts Council Fellowship, and named a Fellow at The Hambidge Center for Creative Arts and Sciences (GA).

GEORGE BUTLER celloist, is a graduate of the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati and studied at the Westminster Choir College.While a student at the famed College-Conservatory he was principal cellist of conservatory orchestras for three years. He went on to earn his Bachelor of Performing Arts degree at the College-Conservatory, studying with renowned cellists Arthur Bowen and Lynn Harrell. In addition, he received instruction in chamber music from members of the distinguished LaSalle Quartet. George is retired as Director of Private Lessons for The Lovett School in Atlanta. Besides performing as a cellist for the Kazanetti String Quartet, he is the Minister of Music at St. John United Methodist Church in Atlanta where he directs the St. John Sunday Concert Series.

WOODWINDS

COURTNEY WHITLOCK has been playing and studying music since she was 7 years old. Over the years she has had numerous experiences going to All-State choir, District Band on flute and All-State band on flute. In addition to flute and voice she has also studied piano, saxophone, drum set and guitar. She graduated with a Bachelor in Music Education from Reinhardt University. She has also been teaching private music lessons and music classes since 2009. She is passionate about fostering the joy of learning in students of all ages. She values the emotional and cognitive benefits of learning music and loves being able to provide the opportunity for that type of growth to others.

JAMES EXCELL received his Bachelor of Music Performance in Flute, Music Education and his Master in Music Education from Reinhardt University in Waleska, GA. graduating Cum Laude. He was inducted into Pi Kappa Lambda in 2012, The National Music Honor Society. He taught in the Gwinnett County Public Schools as a music teacher substitute and was on staff at the Newton County Theme School serving as the Middle School Band Director. In addition, he sings tenor in the St. Brigid Traditional Choir, plays Tenor Saxophone in the Georgia Wind Symphony and was previously a member of the Johns Creek Pit Orchestra as a woodwind player. Mr. Excell aspires to be a great teacher, as well as an arranger/composer in the Atlanta area.

BRASS

ANNELISE EVANS graduated from Georgia State University in 2009 with a Bachelor in Music Education. She has studied French horn with Julie Spencer, Jay Hanselman, Tom Witte, Mike Wells, and Kathy Wood. She is an active performer in the community, playing at churches and other venues. Most recently she performed in a production of “Titanic: A New Musical,” as well as a horn soloist with the Georgia State University Men’s Choir. Annelise has attended several workshops and clinics including the 2012 Conn Selmer Institute and the 2016 GMEA Conference. She currently teaches elementary music at River Eves Elementary and is a clinician at local school.

DAWN HAYDEN is a graduate of Oral Roberts University with a Bachelor Degree in Music Education. Mrs. Hayden has been giving music lessons for piano and band instruments for over 20 years and has always enjoyed sharing her love of music with her students. She is a co-founder of Christian Fine Arts of Forsyth, in addition to being an instructor at Horizon Christian Academy and the Music Conservatory at First Redeemer. Mrs. Hayden has students perform in Georgia’s Allstate Band and Chorus, as well as her piano students receiving superior ratings in the GMEA and FRC Piano Festivals. “I enjoy all of the aspects of music education and love to see my students succeed and be challenged to be the best they can be.”

PERCUSSION

TIM HOWARD currently serves as Band Director at The Westminster Schools in Atlanta, Georgia and has over 25 years experience in the field of percussion education. Mr. Howard attended Jacksonville State University. After moving to Atlanta, he continued his career at Georgia State University where he studied percussion with Jack Bell, Paul Yancich, Robbie Coleman and numerous others. Mr. Howard has worked as an independent percussion consultant. He maintains a private teaching studio, and teaches clinics and master classes at numerous schools throughout north Georgia. Mr. Howard is an active member of First Redeemer Church where he currently serves as timpanist and general percussionist in the church orchestra. He is also the founder and current CEO of Percussion Technologies Inc., a regional percussion design and consultation firm. His professional affiliations include MENC, GMEA, and PAS.

JOSH NATHAN began studying drums seriously at 16, and then piano at 18 years of age. He quickly decided he wanted to advance his studies in college, so he applied and was accepted to Berklee College of Music, Boston, MA where he completed a four year degree in Jazz Composition. After his studies, he went on to perform in jazz quartets and party bands on cruise ships traveling the world. Along with nightly performances, the exposure to so many different places, people and cultures advanced his musical knowledge and perspective even further. He began teaching as a freelance instructor in San Diego in 2016, all the while performing in and managing a regional touring band. Since his piano education started later in life than most and was largely influenced by jazz, he employs a lot of ear training in his lessons. While the path to learn and play music lasts a lifetime and requires a serious discipline, at the end of the day we are still learning to play something, and he tries to always teach his students how to have fun with their instruments.

KT ASH was born in Tacoma, Washington, then lived the life of an Army brat until college. Moving around so much, family and music seemed to be the only two constants in her life.She loved singing and playing the guitar. In college, she learned the drums and piano.She joined numerous ensembles, worship teams and is the worship leader at Dahlonega Assembly of God. In 2013, Mrs. Ash graduated from the University of North Georgia with a degree in music with an emphasis in voice.She teaches private lessons for guitar, voice, bass, drums and beginner piano. She is excited to create and teach wonderful music at the First Redeemer Church Conservatory of Music & Fine Arts. 1 Timothy 4:12-13 is her life’s motto and what she strives to accomplish. She believes that if you have God by your side, seek Him in wisdom and prayer and surround yourself with fellow believers who are wise, you’ve got all you need for success.

GUITAR

LARRY BULLA has a passion for music and has been blessed with a musical background. Beginning at the age of eight years old, he studied and grew in the skills of piano, organ, and guitar. Later, while pursuing his college education in music and pastoral studies, he also acquired proficiency in the banjo and mandolin. His playing has taken him to various venues across the western and southeastern United States; and his experiences range from sacred to secular—including weddings and churches, to a stadium-full of bluegrass banjo players. Mr. Bulla has taught in two musical conservatories in northern Georgia. He instructs acoustic, electric, and classical guitar; bluegrass banjo, mandolin, bass, and ukulele—including all musical styles and forms. His students range in age from six years old to eighty-five. Mr. Bulla desires to teach his students both to be skilled players of excellence, and to fulfill their greatest musical potential and callings. While tapping his students’ musical interests and genres, Mr. Bulla instills in his pupils a solid foundation in technique—weaving the technical aspects of music with the student’s joy and passion. Several of his students have gone on into the performance sectors, played in bands, and serve as worship leaders and songwriters.

TAYLOR JARVIS was born in Cumming GA, and took up classical guitar at a very young age. He continued his interest and learning until he became interested in the electric guitar around middle school, and from high school onward he began actively playing music and leading worship at First Redeemer Church and other local churches. Today, he plays guitar for First Redeemer’s Contemporary service, mentors with the student worship ministry, and is doing light work in production and songwriting as well. Taylor is passionate about equipping young musicians for a path in music and creativity.

PIANO

BETHANY ATKINSON is a graduate of Piedmont College, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s in Church Music and a Master’s of Art in Music Education. She majored in voice, studying with Dr. Barbara Steinhaus, and minored in piano, studying with Dr. Phillip Hayner. She has taught both in the classroom and privately in the metro Atlanta area for 15 years. She has played music around the country with some incredible talent, such as contestants on The Voice, American Idol, and Grammy and Dove award winning artists to name a few. She and her husband Ryan play music across the Southeast with their acoustic duo. Bethany teaches the fundamentals of music in a fun way that helps students learn on their own instead of merely listening and repeating. She teaches a wide variety of genres and focuses both on reading music and developing listening skills.

BECKY BULLA studied in the Music Conservatory of Biola University in California majoring in piano pedagogy and a minor in voice. She began teaching piano while in high school. Becky has taught piano in California, Colorado and Kansas City, as well as traveled with national and international music groups, singing and playing both piano, and organ. She has been a church musician since her teens in the capacity of both piano and organ and has also directed children’s choirs and women’s ensembles. She thoroughly enjoys teaching piano and desires to inspire her students to appreciate their gift of piano playing, increase their desire to learn and encourage them to become the best they can be as a musician.

LYNETTE EDWARDS developed a love of music at a very early age by learning to carry the tune of “Jesus Loves Me” before learning to talk After taking private piano lessons from age 7 through high school, she received a piano scholarship to attend Wesleyan College in Macon, Georgia. There she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a double major in music and business. Piano was her primary instrument with voice as secondary. After teaching several years of piano and volunteering in the children’s music ministry at church, she accepted the position of FRC is Children’s Music Director.at First Redeemer Church. She has served at First Redeemer for 20 years. Lynette’s passion is developing the love of music in the hearts of children.
DAWN HAYDEN is a graduate of Oral Roberts University with a Bachelor Degree in Music Education. Mrs. Hayden has been giving music lessons for piano and band instruments for over 20 years and has always enjoyed sharing her love of music with her students. She is a co-founder of Christian Fine Arts of Forsyth, in addition to being an instructor at Horizon Christian Academy and the Music Conservatory at First Redeemer. Mrs. Hayden has students perform in Georgia’s Allstate Band and Chorus, as well as her piano students receiving superior ratings in the GMEA and FRC Piano Festivals. “I enjoy all of the aspects of music education and love to see my students succeed and be challenged to be the best they can be.”

JILL HACKNEY teaches music so that songs and the art of singing and playing them will be passed down to the next generation. As her parents before her, she believes it is important to do this with care, love, and skill. She graduated from Cal State Fullerton earning a Bachelor of Music in piano performance, all the while teaching piano in the greater Orange County area. In addition, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Music Education and began teaching for Forsyth County Schools in 2006. While teaching elementary music and directing chorus, she continued her studies at Boston University and earned a Master of Music in Music Education. She went on to complete trainings in Orff and Kodaly. Jill is currently teaching Group Piano Class, Private Piano Lessons, as well as Children and Youth Choruses at FRC Conservatory.

JULIE SANSALONE specializes in customizing a piano program for each student based on his or her individual musical interests and abilities. Julie received a Bachelor of Art degree in Music Education from Coastal Carolina University where she was an assistant music professor. She was an executive board member of the NCMTA and a member of the North Fulton Music Teachers Association. Julie has over 22 years teaching experience and teaches all ages. Julie is classically trained, but wants students to enjoy what they play.Specific pieces may be taught at the student’s request. Her objective is to teach students how to practice correctly while introducing elements such as theory and practice techniques with a variety of different styles of music.

ALLISON SMITH has three degrees in voice performance: a bachelor's from Oklahoma Baptist University, a master's from Southwestern Seminary and a doctorate from Southern Seminary. As a graduate student, she studied with world-renowned Elena Nikolaidi and two Metropolitan Opera performers Marilyn Mims and Gail Robinson. Professionally, Allison worked as a children's music specialist for a major music publisher in Nashville. Her extensive teaching experience includes college level music students and private voice and piano students of all ages. Allison enjoys teaching both classical and pop music styles.

OLIVIA RAINWATER has enjoyed learning and exploring various fine arts from early childhood. She is currently in her senior year of college pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art with a concentration in graphic design, and she has completed a minor in music at the University of North Georgia, Dahlonega, GA. Her love for developing her artistic skills began when she started taking piano lessons at age 5. Her love for the arts has grown throughout the years after taking 13 years of piano, 6 years of violin, 14 years of chorus, 2 years of photography, and through several middle school, high school, and college classes in the visual arts. Olivia enjoys teaching private and group visual art, piano, and violin lessons to young children in the community. She loves stirring up creativity and a deeper love for the Creator while exploring various mediums of study including painting, charcoal, graphite, and textiles. Olivia loves teaching various styles of music including worship/ hymns, Disney, classical, pop, Piano Guys, and some jazz. For beginning piano students, she is open to using other curriculums, but her preferred are Bastian and Alfred. She is a former piano student at First Redeemer Conservatory and received 2^nd and 3^rd place in level 6 at the piano festival in her junior and senior year of high school. She would love to explore God’s world through the arts with you!

HOPE WEISHEIT grew up in Sugar Hill, GA where she attended Sugar Hill Church and started her career serving in the arts. She is a graduate of Piedmont College in Demorest, GA where she earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Musical Theatre. Her major accomplishments include being a finalist in the South Eastern Regional National Association of Teachers of Singing voice competition, performing in various theatrical productions/operas, being a member of two major touring choirs in college, Directing/Stage managing various productions and events, and serving at Sugar Hill Church in Children’s/Students/Adult Ministries. Hope love’s music, photography, and “putting a smile on everyone’s face.” Hope joined First Redeemer staff serving as the Conservatory of Music & Fine Arts Administrative Assistant for 2+ years. She now serves as the Drama and Musical Theatre Teacher at Coleman Middle school in Duluth.

VOICE

KRISTANECIA KING has been singing from an early age. Her love and passion for music is expressed through various genres such as jazz, classical, and gospel/inspirational music. She graduated from Georgia State University with a Bachelor of Science in Music Management.Ms. King was the winner of Georgia State Idol in 2007, a featured soloist for the Georgia State University Big Band and she was also invited to sing for and with Mr. Joey Sommerville, a national recording trumpet artist, at the Sambuca Jazz Cafe. She has had the honor of performing for Recording Artists and several State government officials. She has been the featured songstress for the Fragile Kids Foundation and Childkind, Inc. and has had the wonderful honor to sing at the Fox Theater for the kids at the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

DRAMA

KATY COOK began teaching the Acting Up Drama Troupe in 2013. Katy graduated from the University of North Georgia in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science in Music Education. She has over 25 years of experience teaching and directing both children and adults in church and community theatre. She is also a gifted costume designer and enjoys the creative process. She especially has a passion for teaching children, and instilling in them more than just head knowledge, but reaching their hearts with a message of who they are in Christ, how they are fearfully and wonderfully made with unique gifts and talents, and that they CAN do hard things. She believes that being part of a drama production family can and should be a positive, life-changing process for children and adults, and strives to give every person under her ministry that experience. Every Sunday for the past 12 years, you could find Katy following her passion and her love for children- teaching Bible in the First Redeemer Kids Worship Service. It has been the joy of her heart to serve your children.

KATHERINE COOK is a junior at the University of North Georgia. She is majoring in communication with a concentration in public relations and a minor in theatre. She has been part of the “Acting Up” Drama Ministry for over seven years and is honored to be a part of the creative team staff.

KENNADY MAYS is an Acting Up Alumni, as she has been part of the program since 2014. She has been an intern under Kim Norton for several years, and is thrilled to step into the role of Lead Choreographer. She is an active student at Lanier Technical College, and is currently on an interdisciplinary studies track. In 2022 as her first year as Lead Choreographer, the Acting Up Junior Theatre Festival competition troupe took home an award in excellence in ensemble! She is excited to be on staff and help students explore and expand their talents through the conservatory.

ART