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.

   

   

JENNIFER SERSAW began playing the violin at the age of 9. She was a member of the Metropolitan Youth Symphony Orchestra and furthered her studies as a violin performance major at the University of North Carolina Greensboro School of Music. She has studied with Blair Jackson formerly with the Virginia Symphony, Lori Guidi with Gwinnett County schools and Frank Walton of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. She is currently working on a degree in Music Business Administration. 

Over the years, Jennifer has been a member of various symphony orchestras, quartets, quintets, and other groups. She has performed with song artists such as Michael W. Smith and Amy Grant. Jennifer has served with the Augusta Symphony, Gwinnett Symphony, and the Georgia Symphony Orchestra. Jennifer also plays with various area churches for special events. Jennifer is currently the concert master for the First Redeemer Church Orchestra.


 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

 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.



 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

 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.  


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.


   

 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.  


 

 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.



ALLISON SMITH has three degrees in music: a bachelor's from Oklahoma Baptist University, a master's from Southwestern Seminary and a doctorate from Southern Seminary. Her fourteen years of piano study include a piano minor from OBU, five years with a piano professor at Furman University, and a summer at the prestigious Brevard Music Institute. Professionally, Allison has served on the music staff of various churches and as a children's music specialist for a music publisher in Nashville. Her teaching experience includes college level voice and music theory. Currently, her passion is teaching private piano, specializing in beginning to intermediate level students.



 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.



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.


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.  Currently, her passion is teaching private piano, specializing in beginning to intermediate level students.



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.


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.   

   

 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.



 DRAMA

ALLY HECK and her family have been at First Redeemer since 2013 where Ally has served in the large group worship in preschool and children’s ministry. She has been the high school drama director at Fideles Christian School and taught classes for middle and high school in communications and public speaking. She is also an actor in film and TV in the Atlanta area and has been in a few community theater shows including A Christmas Carol, Noises Off, and Sound of Music.  She studied Organizational Management at Tusculum College in Greenville, Tennessee and has held a position in the corporate world in customer service management.  Ally is excited to teach kids to shine for Jesus on and off the stage. Her favorite reminder is to be a light for Jesus in everything. John 1:5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

 

KATHERINE BROWN has been teaching at the Conservatory for a few years now and is thrilled to be the program’s assistant director and in-house stage manager. She is truly “home grown”, having been a student at the conservatory for over 6 years. In her overall time with the conservatory, she has been involved in over 40 Acting Up productions. She has a degree from the University of North Georgia in Communications and a minor in theatre. She had the pleasure of studying theatre at the Gainesville Theatre Alliance, where she found a passion for directing, stage management, and scenic painting. Her life verse is Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” 



   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.



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.



 ART

KAYLEIGH RIKER  Trained in a Bachelors of Fine Arts from the University of North Georgia, Kayleigh has experience in all areas of studio arts and professional practices. Her specialty is in painting and photography. She has been practicing art since she was young, which has nurtured her desire to be a lifelong artist. While in college, she has grown her work into a freelance business. When she is not teaching and working on her business, she enjoys serving in ministry, and spending time with her family and friends. She also loves the outdoors, which is an inspiration to her abstract paintings! Through all her artistic endeavors Kayleigh, above all, seeks to glorify God in all that she does and looks forward to sharing the joy of creative expression through her role as a teacher.