​Alexander Koops
Director of the Azusa Conservatory of Music
Dr. 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. He has worked in California, Colorado, and New Mexico teaching band, orchestra, and choir as well 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 Company's 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 director of undergraduate music education, associate director of bands, and director of the Azusa Conservatory. He frequently conducts the Lake Avenue Chamber Symphony as well as performing regularly on his horn. His wife, Shaelyn Theule-Koops, and their two children, Dana and Daniel, live in Azusa, California.
Cassandra Barbato
Associate Director of the Azusa Conservatory of Music, and Director of Guitar Studies
Cassandra received her Bachelor of Music in Guitar Performance at California State University Northridge under the director of guitar studies, Dr. Steven Thachuk in the spring of 2006. In the spring of 2009 she received her Masters of Music in Guitar Performance at Azusa Pacific University under the director of guitar studies, Michael Kozubek. Cassandra has performed in master classes held by renowned guitarists Stephen Robinson, Scott Tennant, Oscar Ghiglia, Dusan Bogdanovic, and Roland Dyens. In 2006 she advanced to the semifinal round in the Juan Serrano Guitar Competition, and in June 2008 was a finalist in the LMC Awards Tour competition in Seattle, WA. Cassandra has been teaching music since 2006 at a variety of locations, is currently adjunct faculty at Azusa Pacific University, is Head of Guitar Studies for the Azusa Conservatory and in August 2016 she also accepted the position of Associate Director of the Azusa Conservatory.
Charles Horton
Director of Vocal Studies
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.
Asaph Kim
Director of Marketing and Professional Guitar Instructor
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Asaph began playing guitar when he was five, and by the age of 10, he was performing at local events and his father’s church, where his passion for music performance was established. As his love for playing the guitar cultivated through his childhood and into his college years, he yearned for a higher education and understanding in music. Then, he decided to pursue a Master’s Degree in Guitar Performance at Azusa Pacific University, knowing he would have to complete all the prerequisite requirements before starting the master’s program. Over the next three years with the help and guidance of Professor Michael Kozubek, Asaph successfully developed his musicianship and has come to understand the complex techniques of the classical guitar. Additionally, Asaph has studied the jazz guitar under Professor Thomas Hynes and has taken master classes with several world-renowned guitarists including Jason Vieaux and virtuoso guitarist Denis Azabagic. Asaph has placed second in the American Guitar Society’s competition, the Bickford Award. He graduated in December of 2013 with a Master’s Degree in Guitar Performance. Asaph is the marketing director at Azusa Conservatory of Music. He is also the guitar, ukulele and pop/rock band instructor at ACM. Additionally, he is a free-lance guitarist, currently performing at various events all throughout Southern California. 
Dona Kachele
Early Learning Music Instructor
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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!
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Eyana Fomby 
Graduate Teaching Assistant
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Eyana Fomby received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from University of California, Santa Barbara studying Ethnomusicology.  Thereafter, she decided to change course to pursue a degree in music education. Thus, began her graduate studies at Azusa Pacific University.
 
Ms. Fomby has participated in the APU Symphonic Band, Lancer Marching Band and Concert Band at Pasadena City College, Tournament of Roses Honor Band, Chamber Ensembles, and Orchestra as a flutist. Eyana is also the administrative assistant for the Tournament of Roses Honor Band. Outside of PCC, she has performed with a professional orchestra for the 9/11 Patriot’s Day in 2016.  
 
Ms. Fomby is a full-time student at APU pursing her Masters in Music Education. She is a graduate teaching assistant for Dr. Alexander Koops at APU assisting with undergraduate music education course work and California Music Educators Association (CMEA) conferences.  Eyana is also a graduate assistant and assistant coach for the Azusa Conservatory of Music. Other teaching experience includes volunteering as a flute coach and assistant at Wilson Middle School in Pasadena.
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Kelsey De Pree
​Graduate Teaching Assistant
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Kelsey is working toward her Masters Degree in Music Education at Azusa Pacific University. Her journey of music playing began with the piano at age six. Since then she has learned to play 11 musical instruments as well as being trained in voice.  She acted and played violin in musical theatre productions throughout middle and high school. She received a Bachelor of Vocal Music Education from Cedarville University. While in undergrad, she took lessons on piano, violin, and voice, taught voice lessons, and also participated in multiple musical ensembles including, two choirs, jazz band, and symphonic band. In addition, she worked and led music department work Crew, served on the Music and Worship department’s, student board, and served for three years as the accountant, president, and VP for her College chapter of National Association of Music Education (NAfME). She was also the recipient of a Music Department Professor’s Choice award. She has a passion for teaching music to children as well as working with children with special learning needs. She joined the Azusa Conservatory of Music as a Graduate Assistant in Fall 2018.  
Thaissa Santiago
​Professional Piano Instructor 
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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.


Spring 2018 Conservatory Instructors
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​Mikaella Nam
​Piano Instructor
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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.
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​Kelsey Retich
​Piano Instructor
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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
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​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
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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.
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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. 
Charlotte Van Houten
Viola and Viloin Instructor
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Charlotte Van Houten is a viola performance major often praised for her passion and drive.  She has appeared with the Idyllwild Chamber Orchestra, Orange County Symphony, CSUN Youth Philharmonic, CSUN Symphony, APU Symphony, and toured in three states with the APU Choir and Orchestra.  Ms. Van Houten is an avid chamber musician and was the only underclassman to appear in the Inaugural Chamber Music Masterclass Program at APU with Karen Dreyfus.  She has performed in Masterclasses with Ben Ullery of the LA Philharmonic, Alex Russell on the APU Faculty, and Gina Coletti, who she currently studies with as a Sophomore violist at APU.  Ms. Van Houten recently received honorable mention in the Parness Concerto Competition and was featured on two cues on the feature film Tomorrowland.  ​
Kendrick Haskins
Percussion Instructor
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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.
​David Monroy
​ Guitar Instructor
David Monroy is a undergraduate freshman here at Azusa Pacific University and is on course for achieving his B.A. in Music Education to achieve his career goal of becoming a music teacher. David's primary instrument is guitar, but he also has will fiddle with his Uke or Guitar Bass. David’s relationship with guitar grew intensely after his father was diagnosed with prostate cancer back in 2012 and has continued playing since as a self taught musician. David’s from the city of Huntington Park in LA County and one day hopes to serve and guide the struggling youth in his community. Before moving to APU David was serving as a Bassist for congregational Worship and lead guitarist for the youth group at his home church, Calvary Chapel South LA. (CCSOLA)
​Regina Boeller
​Choir Assistant
Regina Boeller is a student at Azusa Pacific University studying Music Education with an emphasis for voice. Her primary instrument is voice with basic knowledge and experience in piano and clarinet. Ms. Boeller was first introduced to the world of music through a year of acapella choir in high school. This love for the art compelled her to study Music Education in the hopes of  influencing others through music as well. As of now, Ms. Boeller takes part in both the Masterworks Chorale and Bel Canto Women’s Choir here at Azusa Pacific University. Some notable performances that Ms. Boeller has taken part of include singing in Glendale First Baptist Church with Masterworks Chorale, and performances with Bel Canto, such as the Community Arts Showcase at Disney California Adventure and at the Plotkin Art Gallery. With the inspiration of her peers, the music faculty and staff at Azusa Pacific University, and her inner passion for music, Ms. Boeller continues to grow as a musician and learn how to teach others about music.
​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.
​Mary Nyberg
​Euphonium Instructor and Administrative Assistant
Mary Nyberg is a student at Azusa Pacific University studying Music Education. Her primary instruments are euphonium and voice.  Music has been a part of Mary’s life since she was a small child.  She was in preschool & elementary musicals, starting taking classes in music at 6 years old, learned recorder  at 9  and  began studying euphonium at the age of 10. She began singing in choir at 11 and added Jazz band in the mix the following year.  At Valley Christian High School she was a music minor where she took lessons with John Russell and Dr. Michael Jones during her high school years.  She  sang in Conservatory Chorus and playing euphonium in  Wind Ensemble & valve trombone in Jazz Lab getting the opportunity to compete in the Folsom & Reno Jazz festivals 3 of those years .  She also played & competed in Open Air Ensemble marching band and was Euphonium section leader for 2 years having the opportunity to compete In San Antonio, Texas, Indianapolis, Indiana as well as performing in Oahu, Hawaii. She has also sung at her church with the worship team. In her senior year of high school Mary had the opportunity to help teach a first grade choir, an elementary percussion class & several trumpet students at local elementary schools in San Jose, California. She is excited to work with the Azusa Conservatory this year.



More instructors to be announced
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