Alexander Koops
Director of the Azusa Conservatory of Music
Director of the Azusa Conservatory of Music
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Alexander Koops was born and raised in Jos, Nigeria. He holds a D.M.A. in Music Education from the University of Southern California, with minors in theory, orchestral conducting, and horn performance. His dissertation materials on introducing composition in middle school and high school bands and orchestras have been used by multiple schools in southern California and will be published soon in a book from Rowman Littlefield titled Composition Concepts for Band and Orchestra: Incorporating Creativity in Ensemble Settings. He completed his B.A. degree in Music Education from Calvin College (Grand Rapids, MI) and his M.M. degree in Wind Conducting from the University of Colorado (Boulder), where he studied with Allan McMurray. He has also studied voice and opera conducting with Nicholas Laurienti, former Artistic Director of the Denver Opera Company. Additionally, he has a chapter published in Composing our Future, (Oxford University Press, 2012), and was a contributor to Musicianship: Composing in Band and Orchestra published by GIA in 2013. Koops was awarded a Fulbright grant in 2012 to teach at the Jazeps Vitols Latvian Academy of Music in Riga, Latvia.
Alexander Koops has worked in California, Colorado, and New Mexico teaching band, orchestra, and choir as well as conducting professionally and performing on horn and voice. While in Colorado he worked as the assistant conductor for the Denver Opera Company and led many performances, including The Magic Flute, La Boehme, The Medium, and The Threepenny Opera. In a review of The Magic Flute, Marc Shugold of the Rocky Mountain News stated, "Koops' conducting of the orchestra maintained a high artistic standard and a decent pace." Jeff Bradley of the Denver Post gave a fabulous review of the Denver Opera Companies production of The Medium emphasizing, "A fine chamber orchestra under the firm baton of Alexander Koops." Koops joined the music faculty at Azusa Pacific University in August 2001 and is currently an Associate Professor of Music education, Associate Director of Bands, and Director of the Azusa Conservatory Community Music School. He frequently conducts the Lake Avenue Chamber Symphony and performs regularly on his horn. His wife, Shaelyn Theule-Koops, and their two children, Dana and Daniel, live in Artesia, California. https://www.apu.edu/music/faculty/akoops/ |
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Jared Storz
Associate Director of the Azusa Conservatory of Music
Associate Director of the Azusa Conservatory of Music
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Jared Storz recently completed his Master’s degree in Cello Performance at Azusa Pacific University after completing both a Bachelor’s Degree in Cello Performance and a Humanities degree last year. He was born in Seattle, Washington, and, prior to his time at Azusa, studied with Seattle Symphony cellist Walter Gray. He also participated in master-classes with both former principal Chicago Symphony cellist Stephen Balderston and renown cello soloist Joshua Roman. Jared enjoys studying at Azusa Pacific under the exceptional guidance of Dr. Marek Szpakiewicz DMA, and has had the opportunity to study solo, orchestral, and chamber works. In his Freshman and Junior years, Jared performed Bach’s 1st and 6th suites in collaborative Bach concerts with Midori Goto and her University of Southern California violin studio. In the summer of 2017, Jared had the opportunity to travel to Zhengzhou, China with a small group from Azusa Pacific University Symphony and perform with the Yellow River Symphony Orchestra at the Henan Art Center.
As a private instructor, Jared has taught numerous students of all ages throughout Los Angeles County for the past three years and enjoys sharing his passion for music and musical performance with the next generation In addition to his classical training, Jared has also had the privilege of working throughout Los Angeles as a performing and recording artist. Alongside playing for weddings and events in strings quartets and as a soloist, Jared has also performed in live shows, including J. Michael O’Neal’s "Experience Music Project." Furthermore, he has recorded in numerous projects at independent studios throughout L.A., and has taken part in professional music videos. Jared looks forward to continuing in his musical development and pursuing his professional career, seeking God’s will in every step. |
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Charles Horton
Director of Vocal Studies
Director of Vocal Studies
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Charles Horton is a graduate of Azusa Pacific University where he studied Vocal Performance, Music Theory, and Music Education. Recently he completed the APU Masters Degree Program in conducting. His performance experience includes solo appearances with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and in APU opera productions as Don Alphonso in Cosí fan Tutti and Uberto in La Serva Padrona. As a member of Robert Shaw’s Atlanta Symphony Chorus, Horton gained the experience of tutelage under one of the world’s great choir masters. He arranges and composes original music for choirs of all ages. “Learning the basics of healthy and proper use of the voice for young singers is just like learning fingering on a guitar or piano,” he says. “It is an important key to good musicianship and beautiful singing.” Horton brings to the ACM Children’s Choir his passion for seeing young students get the best possible musical education. He is committed to seeing young musicians grow their vocal and musical abilities through discipline and practice that result in quality singing and performance. Whether teaching his students in classic or contemporary styles, Horton’s approach to music is found in the words of Johann Sebastian Bach: Soli Deo Gloria—To the Glory of God Alone.
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Dona Kachele
Early Learning Music Instructor
Early Learning Music Instructor
Dona Kachele Grew up in a musical family, to parents who were entertainers. Family fun was gathering around the microphone and making harmony to guitar accompaniment. Entertaining, however, didn’t really interest her, but a statement her mother made about entertaining did: “I always told the audience with my eyes, ‘I’m glad you’re here; let me give you this [song].’” That planted a seed, watered by a high school music teacher, that would form a passion to give music to others; to teach.
Mrs. Kachele earned her Bachelor of Music with Education Emphasis from University of Nevada, Las Vegas. In graduate work at UNLV and Seattle Pacific University she earned Levels I-III certifications in the Orff-Schulwerk, an experiential music learning process which spawns creativity and critical thinking while growing the learner in musical skills.
She taught in public and private schools for 13 years, and is excited to join the Azusa Conservatory this fall, teaching families to have fun together while learning musical concepts. The classes make use of speaking, singing, body percussion, movement and pitched and unpitched percussion instruments. All family members participate; and to Mrs. Kachele, that’s the most fun of all!
Mrs. Kachele earned her Bachelor of Music with Education Emphasis from University of Nevada, Las Vegas. In graduate work at UNLV and Seattle Pacific University she earned Levels I-III certifications in the Orff-Schulwerk, an experiential music learning process which spawns creativity and critical thinking while growing the learner in musical skills.
She taught in public and private schools for 13 years, and is excited to join the Azusa Conservatory this fall, teaching families to have fun together while learning musical concepts. The classes make use of speaking, singing, body percussion, movement and pitched and unpitched percussion instruments. All family members participate; and to Mrs. Kachele, that’s the most fun of all!
Merlyn Kelly
History of Rock and Roll Instructor
History of Rock and Roll Instructor
Merlyn Kelly is an extremely versatile American bassist from Los Angeles, CA. He plays both electric and upright basses as well playing synth bass. Merlyn has recorded, performed and toured in over 30 countries around the world with various artists playing virtually all styles of music including Rock, Pop, Jazz, Classical, Heavy Metal, and Country. While in the U.S., Merlyn has toured and recorded with Willie Nelson and also co-founded band, Lukas Nelson and the Promise of the Real. Merlyn has performed on international television with Willie Nelson, Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Gwen Stefani, Natalia Lesz, and Eliana Burki. Other live performances include work with Pat Simmons of The Doobie Brothers, Derek Trucks, Bill Watrous, and John Beasley. Merlyn spent ten years living and working in Tokyo, Japan. He has performed live, on television, and recorded with many Japanese artists such as SMAP, Sekai no Owari, Dean Fujioka, Niizuma Seiko, MIWA, and Kenichi Asai. He also held a position as an international advisor at Tokyo School of Music.
Thaissa Santiago
Professional Piano Instructor
Professional Piano Instructor
Born in Brazil, Thaissa Santiago began playing the piano at age 7 and has since been participating in orchestras, music festivals, chamber ensembles and as an accompanist. She attended masterclasses with Dora Castro, Miguel Proença, Paulo Steinberg, Sérgio Monteiro, Marco Antônio de Almeida, David Wintten, Yara Bernete, Geir Braaten, Ricardo Ballestero and Jean Louis Steurman. With youth orchestras she has performed in Argentina, the United States and some Brazilian cities. In the last few years she had the opportunity of replacing the holder pianist of the Symphonic Orchestra of Paraíba in some concerts and, for ten years, she was a member of the Municipal Chamber Orchestra of João Pessoa. From 2008 to 2010, she worked as a substitute piano teacher at the Federal University of Paraíba. In 2009, she was became a piano teacher at the Music Conservatory of Pernambuco and received an invitation to perform at the 2010 Schumann-Chopin Festival held in the same city.. At this event, Thaissa received a commemorative medal on the bicentenary of the birth of Frédéric Chopin, issued by the Consulate of Poland in Pernambuco.
Thaissa holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in piano performance from Federal University of Paraíba under Dr. José Henrique Martins. She recently received her Artist Certificate from Azusa Pacific University under the guidance of Dr. Joel Clifft.
Thaissa holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in piano performance from Federal University of Paraíba under Dr. José Henrique Martins. She recently received her Artist Certificate from Azusa Pacific University under the guidance of Dr. Joel Clifft.
Spring 2020 Conservatory Instructors
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Mikaella Nam
Piano Instructor 
Mikaella Nam started the music program at Azusa Pacific University in 2017 as a Piano Performance major. She started playing piano back in her hometown in Brazil (São Paulo) at the age of six, and came to the United States to pursue her dreams of studying music.
She had many opportunities to perform as a soloist, collaborative pianist, member of ensembles and orchestra at multiple concerts in her previous college (Pasadena City College). She held her first Solo Recital in 2016, at Westerbeck Recital Hall. Mikaella also has received a variety of awards from Pasadena City College’s Music Department. In 2016, she won the scholarship award from Old Town Music Award for Piano (1st Place), Franklin Tzeng Piano Award, and Faculty Honors Extraordinary. In 2017, she received the Collaborative Piano Scholarship Award. Currently at Azusa Pacific University, Mikaella is under the tutelage of Dr. Eugene Alcalay. She had the opportunity to perform in the Southern California Chapter of the American Liszt Society Festival, and also performed in a Master Class taught by Dr. Joel Clifft, the director of Keyboard Studies. In April, 2018, she held her Junior Recital at Munson Chapel. As a Piano Performance major, Mikaella not only wants to perform as a soloist, but also to collaborate with other instrumentalists and vocalists. Her future plan is to further continue her studies in music, and keep being inspired by many other musicians around the world. Kelsey Retich
Piano Instructor 
Kelsey Retich, a freshman at Azusa Pacific University, has been studying piano for twelve years at different musical studios throughout California, and has been a part of many performances, as well as a competitor in county and state piano excellency competitions. She has received state honors for her performances of contemporary pieces on five different occasions, as well as state honors for her piano proficiency. She is passionate about current composers, and was the first to introduce a new composer to her branch, which, as a result, caused her to be invited to New York to interview and publish a document on the composer. She also started her own piano studio out of her home in high school, where she taught over twenty-five students over the course of four years. Because of her passion for teaching, she is excited to give back to the community in the ways that most influenced her, and teach piano this semester.
Melody Sparks
Piano Instructor 
Melody Sparks is a pianist and vocalist pursuing a double major in Piano and Vocal Performance at Azusa Pacific University. She grew up performing piano pieces in public studio recitals twice a year, singing in church, participating in a semi-professional children’s choir called VOENA, and performing with her sister Violet Sparks for weddings, festivals, events, churches, and retirement homes. Performing professionally with her sister as “The Sparks Sisters” inspired Melody to pursue music at a higher level. Since she began studying music at Azusa Pacific University, Melody has been involved in piano tutoring through the Learning Enrichment Center, accompanying the Azusa Conservatory Children’s Choir, substitute accompanying at churches, accompanying voice students on campus, and teaching private lessons in both voice and piano. Outside of piano, Sparks completed the Honors Humanities Minor through her participation in the university’s Honors College and has performed in Bel Canto Women’s Choir, Oratorio Choir, University Choir and Orchestra, and Chamber Singers at APU. Melody has been a soprano soloist in all four of these ensembles. She is honored to be studying piano with Joel Clifft, DMA and voice with Patricia Edwards, DMA. As she gains more opportunities to glorify God through music, Sparks desires to pursue graduate studies in voice while using her piano skills to continue teaching and playing for churches, choirs, projects, or shows.
Richard Liautaud
Music Technology and Brass Instructor 
Richard Liautaud started his musical journey at the age of 12 as a double bass player. During high school, he was introduced to tuba and marching band and fell in love with both. This love of music propelled him to pursue a Bachelors of Music in Tuba Performance and Composition. Mr. Liautaud started his tuba career at Pasadena City College under the instruction of Beth Mitchell and slowly started to refine his musicianship skills through lessons and chamber brass. At PCC, Mr. Liautaud was a participant of the Pat Sheridan master class in the spring of 2013. The following spring, he was blessed to be a participant of the Roger Bobo master class during spring 2014 and 2015. Mr. Liautaud was also rewarded Third Friday Recital and nominated for Student Recital for his tuba playing while at PCC. Mr. Liautaud transferred to Azusa Pacific University in the Spring of 2015 and is currently studying under John Van Houten.
He has attended master classes held by tuba giants such as Roger Bobo, Roland Szentpali, and Oystein Baadsvik. As a freelance musician, he also performed with the Burbank Community Theatre, the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Band and the Colburn Wind Ensemble. Mr. Liautaud has also played with the Local 47 Symphony Orchestra in Hollywood, CA. A strong believer of giving back, Richard has mentored several music majors at PCC with brass techniques, breathing, musicianship, and music theory. He started volunteering at the Azusa Conservatory of Music since the Summer of 2016 teaching brass techniques and composition to local music students. Forever grateful at the opportunities given, Richard hopes to continue his music career as a tubist, composer, orchestrator, arranger, teacher, and mentor at all musical levels. |
Kendrick Haskins
Percussion Instructor 
Kendrick Haskins is a student at Azusa Pacific University studying Commercial Music with an emphasis on Composing and Arranging. His primary instruments are drum set and other percussion instruments. Kendrick was born in Nashville, Tennessee but was raised in Lincoln, California. He has played various percussion instruments in Marching Band (in which he was the Drum Captain for two years), Jazz Band, Concert Band, Worship Band, and even a few Rock Bands. Kendrick has had experience teaching drum set not only at APU, but in his hometown. Inspired by his musically inclined parents and an AP Music class Kendrick has actively pursued music and continues to grow in his overall musicianship and percussion skills.
Sandy Gomez
Clarinet Instructor Sandy Gomez began studying clarinet at the age of thirteen and was awarded the John Philip Sousa award at the age of sixteen. She advanced her studies by commencing private lessons at the age of eighteen at Citrus College. Sandy has had the privilege of studying clarinet under the tutelage of Bill Hoehne, Jennifer Gillette, Heather Millette, and currently studies with Professor Jennifer Showalter at Azusa Pacific University. Sandy has been a woodwind private instructor at the Azusa Conservatory of Music since the summer of 2015. She is also a music coach for the woodwind sections at multiple middle schools and high schools in the greater Los Angeles area. Currently, she is developing and expanding her private woodwind studio at Lee's School of Music in Arcadia, CA. Sandy has been a member of various ensembles such as The LAMA Orchestra, The Big Five Orchestra, The Lancer Concert Band, The Sierra Wind Symphony, Musical Theatre Orchestra, as well as Azusa Pacific University’s Symphonic Band, Studio Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra, and Wind Ensemble.
More instructors to be announced |
