Shauna joined the Music Academy as President & CEO in November 2023. She was previously the Executive Director of the New York Youth Symphony since 2011. Under her leadership, NYYS received the 2022 Grammy for Best Orchestral Performance – Classical, expanded its programs and partnerships in the community, toured internationally, and was recognized as one of the most awarded youth orchestras in the United States. Shauna was previously Executive Director of the University of Chicago Presents, the University’s professional presenting series, where festivals she designed and curated on Olivier Messiaen and the Soviet Era were named top cultural events in Chicago by the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, and TimeOut Chicago. Shauna has held senior leadership positions at arts organizations including the Aspen Music Festival and School, La Jolla Music Society, and the Herbert Breslin Agency. Shauna received her bachelor’s degree in flute performance from Carnegie Mellon University where she was a student of Jeffrey Khaner, Julius Baker, and Ethan Stang.

Mimi Do has extensive experience as a CFO consultant for multiple nonprofits at Jones & Associates in Los Angeles, recently managing a staff of 19 serving 30 nonprofit organizations. Previously, Mimi was the CFO for the Cambridge Center for Adult Education in Cambridge, Massachusetts with oversight of all aspects of finance, human resources, insurance, facilities, information technology, and operations. Mimi Do also served as the Budget Manager for the Boston Symphony Orchestra for four years. Mimi holds a master’s degree in Public Administration, Management, and Finance from Columbia University and a bachelor’s degree from Yale University. Additionally, Mimi studied in South Korea on a Fulbright Scholarship.

Marcia Pentony Swires grew up in Pleasanton, California. Marcia attended college at University of California, Santa Barbara, and the Université de Poitiers, France. Prior to joining the Music Academy in 2010, Marcia worked in finance and human resources for Islands Publishing Company. Marcia Swires enjoys using computerized accounting programs, but also still loves a freshly sharpened No. 2 pencil, and she couldn’t live without “T” accounts. Marcia’s favorite part of her job is problem-solving.

A Ventura resident since 2001, Marcia Swires enjoys listening to all kinds of audiobooks during her commute. Marcia also volunteers in her local community on behalf of the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO), serving on their board, coaching, and, quite recently, refereeing. You’ll find her out at the fields at every opportunity.

When Marcia Swires has free time, she likes to solve crossword puzzles and can never get enough of reading. Marcia also is very competitive against her Words with Friends opponents and enjoys the challenge of a good game.

Helen Park, SHRM-CP, is a Human Resources professional with a classical music background who has a passion for creating a fulfilling work culture. Helen is deeply committed to helping organizations optimize their human capital by fostering a culture of integrity and inclusion that drives employee engagement. She enjoys building connections with people to inform, inspire and empower them to achieve their best at work and beyond.

With over 15 years of experience in the nonprofit and higher education sectors, Helen possesses a wealth of knowledge and expertise in strategic talent management, organizational development, as well as diversity and inclusion. She’s enthusiastic about bringing a commitment to excellence, education, and empowerment.

Helen earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Clarinet Performance from the University of California, Santa Barbara, where she studied with Paul Bambach. As a freelance musician, she frequently performs with numerous ensembles and organizations in the Santa Barbara area.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Helen is a strong advocate for early musical education and is dedicated to helping young children develop their musical talents. In her personal time, Helen enjoys traveling, attending concerts, trying new culinary experiences, reading, and spending quality time with her husband Aaron, and their dog, Leonard.

Britta grew up moving around the country with her family, with time spent in Tennessee, Maine, New York and Louisiana, but she’s been happy to call Santa Barbara home since 2005. She studied art in her undergraduate years and completed her Bachelor of Fine Arts in printmaking at the University of Iowa. After graduating she worked in education, teaching visual and language arts, before joining the administration team in the fall of 2022.

As the manager of the Music Academy’s front office and assistant to the president, she enjoys the opportunity to use her talent for organization and eye for detail while working with a broad community of patrons, staff and Board members. When she’s not at the front desk, she can be found practicing yoga, hosting dinner parties with her neighbors, or painting and sketching in the foothills of Santa Barbara.

Music Academy Chief Artistic Officer effective February of 2024, Nate Bachhuber has been recognized for his collaborative and strategic approach to artistic planning. His work as Artistic Administrator of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Vice President of Artistic Planning for the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, and Artistic Advisor for the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra has had a significant impact on the field of orchestral music. With experience in public relations and digital strategy at Carnegie Hall and degrees in voice and opera from the Curtis Institute of Music, Bachhuber’s career has been marked by creativity and thoughtful innovation.

In his role with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, Bachhuber contributed to artistic plans for the 2025 reopening of Powell Hall following a multi-season expansion and renovation. As Vice President of Artistic Planning for the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Pops and May Festival, Bachhuber contemporized and diversified programming. In partnership with Music Director Louis Langrée and CSO musician leadership, he launched groundbreaking series and impactful initiatives. During the CSO’s 125th Anniversary Season his experience in the digital sphere became evident, steering the CSO’s innovative digital efforts into the modern age.

As Artistic Administrator of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Bachhuber played a vital role in programming and commissioning efforts. He contributed to the success of the LA Phil’s 2017 Reykjavík Festival and in collaboration with LA Phil Creative Chair John Adams, launched the Noon to Midnight Festival in addition to his role leading artistic planning efforts for the LA Phil’s Hollywood Bowl, Green Umbrella, and additional series.

Nate is excited about returning to Southern California with his family. He looks forward to engaging Santa Barbara’s vibrant communities through music and, with his colleagues, expanding the Music Academy’s future artistic impact.

Travis Wells joined the Music Academy as Director of Artistic Operations in March 2022. He spent over 11 years at the Philadelphia Orchestra in a variety of roles in Production and Artistic Operations. Travis oversaw the planning and execution of numerous international and domestic tours as well as annual residencies at the Bravo! Vail Music Festival in Colorado and at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center in New York. He supported many high profile events such as Pope Francis’ 2015 visit to the USA where Philadelphia Orchestra performed a concert and mass that was attended by over 800,000 people on Philadelphia’s Ben Franklin Parkway.

Most recently Travis was the Senior Director of Concert Operations at Pacific Symphony where he managed their first tour of China as well as their Carnegie Hall debut by invitation from Philip Glass. The symphony performed several works that explored the influence of Ravi Shankar on Glass’ music and featured sitar soloist Anoushka Shankar.

Travis is a tuba player and has a bachelor’s degree in music performance from Temple University in Philadelphia where he graduated summa cum laude.

Originally trained as a classical violinist, Jonathan Lee Chan has had a life-long passion for a variety of musical genres and now proudly serves as the Manager of Production and Technology at the Music Academy. Here he oversees the Academy’s orchestral production needs during the summer festival and manages the technological requirements that support the mission year-round.

Jonathan has had a multi-faceted career in production, but has primarily worked as an audio and recording engineer for organizations such as the Nashville Symphony and the National Repertory Orchestra and as Chief Engineer of historic SugarHill Recording Studios in Houston, Texas, his hometown. His recording credits include notable artists such as Khruangbin, Robert Glasper, James Francies, Lee Ann Womack, and Little Big Town. In his free time, Jonathan enjoys photography, cooking, and playing guitar.

Indigo Fischer joined the Music Academy of the West in 2021 as Artistic Operations Coordinator, swiftly advancing to Artistic Operations Manager and currently serving as the Artistic Administrator. In her role, she oversees key areas including chamber music programming, guest artist relations, and festival scheduling. Prior to her full-time position, Indigo held seasonal roles as an artist liaison at both the National Repertory Orchestra and the Music Academy of the West.

An award-winning flutist and former Associate Member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, Indigo co-founded Quintessence woodwind quintet which was a two-time finalist in the Coltman Chamber Music Competition. Indigo also has extensive experience teaching, both as a private flute instructor and as the graduate Teaching Assistant for The University of Texas at Austin flute studio.

Indigo Fischer received her Master of Music from The University of Texas at Austin, where she was one of three university-wide recipients of a 2021 Outstanding Master’s Thesis Award for her virtual degree recital. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Flute Performance and a micro-credential in Arts Administration from the University of Colorado Boulder, and is an alumna of Interlochen Arts Academy. Her former teachers include Marianne Gedigian, Christina Jennings, Erika Boysen, and Nancy Stagnitta.

An educator and performer, Isaac is excited to join the Artistic Operations team this summer at the Music Academy, managing the Lehrer Vocal Institute. As a violinist, Isaac has traveled to 30 countries, performing as a soloist, chamber musician, and concertmaster. Isaac performs regularly with the Santa Barbara Symphony, Boulder Philharmonic, Colorado Ballet, and Opera Colorado. He currently serves on faculty at Metropolitan State University (Denver), the Community College of Denver, and is a Visiting Artist at Westmont College. He is also the Director of Primavera Place Suzuki School (Denver), a pre-college program for string players. As a past Fellow of the Aspen Music Festival and School, Isaac is excited to help facilitate an amazing summer for the 2025 MAW Fellows.

Melissa Ruge is a seasoned opera production professional with over two decades of experience behind the scenes. As a dedicated Stage Manager and Assistant Stage Manager, she has worked with prestigious companies including Los Angeles Opera, Santa Fe Opera, Opera Santa Barbara, and many others. Her portfolio features major productions like Phelim McDermott’s Akhnaten and Barrie Kosky’s The Magic Flute. Melissa currently leads the production team at the Lehrer Vocal Institute, where she brings her deep expertise and passion for the craft to every project she manages. In addition to her role with Music Academy, she is a faculty member at CalArts, where she teaches Stage Management to both BFA and MFA students in the School of Theater. Melissa lives in Newbury Park, California where she is busy raising three young daughters, balancing her professional life with the joys and challenges of motherhood.

Erin McKibben is an active Grammy-nominated performer, educator, and conductor in Southern California, originally from Portland, Oregon. She is the Director of the Music Academy’s Sing! choral program and Director of the Santa Barbara School of Music. Erin is principal flutist for the Los Angeles-based experimental classical ensemble, Wild Up, whose performances have been listed in both the LA and New York Times “Best Of” lists.  Their album “The Pieces that Fall to Earth” was nominated for a Grammy and their latest album, “Femenine,” listed on NPR’s Top 10 albums of 2021.  She has performed at the Aspen Music Festival, Carnegie Hall, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Hahn Hall at the Music Academy, Colburn’s Zipper Hall, Warner Brothers Studios, The Granada Theatre, Brooklyn’s National Sawdust, several National Flute Association Conventions as a prize winner, as a soloist at the Ford Amphitheatre in Hollywood, and with the LA Philharmonic, the experimental LA-based Opera company, The Industry (performing in the acclaimed productions, “Hopscotch” and “Sweet Land”), and the International Contemporary Ensemble. As a chamber musician, Erin has participated in the Fischoff Chamber Music Competition and has been heard on Santa Barbara’s classical music radio station as a featured artist. Erin has also been engaged as the Keynote Speaker for the College Music Society. Erin holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Puget Sound and a master’s degree from the University of Michigan, where she studied with Amy Porter as a fellow.

Steven Browning Thomson is Director of Music and Organist at All Saints-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church in Montecito. He recently completed his master’s degree in Choral Conducting at UCSB, studying with Dr. Nicole Lamartine and directing the university’s Tenor/Bass choir, the Singing Gauchos. Steven also serves as the Assistant to the Conductor of the Santa Barbara Choral Society. Steven holds a master’s degree in Humanities from the University of Chicago, with a specialization in Ethnomusicology. He has a particular passion for Armenian choral music, inspired in large part by his 27 months living and working in the Republic of Armenia as a teacher with the US Peace Corps. While in Armenia, Steven formed and directed a 40-member children’s chorus, sang with the Hover State Chamber Choir of Armenia under the direction of Sona Hovhannisyan, and studied voice with Anna Mayilyan. At UCSB, along with Choral conducting, he pursued advanced coursework and research in ethnomusicology and continued voice studies with Dr. Isabel Bayrakdarian. In June 2022, Steven was pleased to present a program of Armenian choral music to the Santa Barbara community as the guest conductor of the Adelfos Ensemble.

mica basilici is a multi-faceted artist. mica’s approach to the voice is rooted in functional singing, and often incorporates joyful movement. Since relocating to Santa Barbara County, mica has performed with Out of the Box Theatre Company, Opera Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Revels, and the Santa Barbara Choral Society.

They earned a Voice Pedagogy Certificate in Somatic Voicework™ The LoVetri Method; a bachelor’s degree in Music Performance (Voice) from Ball State University; and is currently completing a master’s degree in Education in Global Perspectives: Teaching, Curriculum, and Learning Environments from Boston College.

mica serves on the editorial board for the Jazz Education Network Journal, and on the board of directors for Out of the Box Theatre Company, and is a member of Women in Music.

mica is passionate about using the arts to promote positive social change throughout the world and in their local community. They are especially interested in creating accessible and inclusive experiences for community members to engage in belonging with one another through the performing arts.

Kristine Pacheco-Bernt (she/her/ella) is a professional violinist, arts administrator, and music educator motivated to make instrumental music relevant within the community. Raised at the intersection of mariachi and minuets, she draws upon over a decade of performing and teaching experience. Kristine strongly believes in the power of creative youth development through music and is proud to bring her perspective and skills to all kinds of projects. Previously, Kristine served as a Teaching Artist at the Incredible Children’s Art Network (iCAN) music program, and as the Director of Education at the Santa Barbara Symphony. She currently maintains a private violin studio designed to support students at all levels of musical development. She enjoys bringing together school administrators, families, and music professionals to create dynamic music education programs. Kristine holds a master’s degree in violin performance from San Francisco State University and dual bachelor’s degrees in music and premedical studies from University of California Berkeley. She performs regularly throughout the central coast with the San Luis Obispo Symphony, the Santa Barbara Symphony, and the Santa Maria Philharmonic.

Sara has extensive experience as a choral collaborative pianist, most recently at Ellensburg High School in Ellensburg, Washington, and over 30 years at the Visalia School District in Visalia, California. She holds a degree from Fresno State University in Education.

Matthew is a versatile musician, currently pursuing a Music Studies degree at UC Santa Barbara, with a focus on violin.  He has been a violinist with the Inner City Youth Orchestra (Lincoln Heights, California) since 2013, performing in concerts and recording sessions at venues like Disney Concert Hall and the California African American Museum, and with the groups Imagine Dragons and Brent Faiyez. He also has experience as a video editor.

Andrea Fullington received a master’s degree from the Early Music Institute at Indiana University and has sung extensively with many ensembles specializing in music written before 1750. She was a founding member of the unique and controversial ensemble Bimbetta, and has toured and recorded with Theatre of Voices, American Bach Soloists, Magnificat, and been a soloist at many Early Music Festivals in the United States and Europe. Beyond Early Music, Andrea’s projects include a recording of John Cage’s music and Steve Reich’s Proverb, which she premiered at Lincoln Center and toured throughout Europe with Steve Reich. Since the birth of her two children, Andrea has focused more on teaching fundamental musical skills, voice, and musical theater to children and sharing the joy of music-making with people of all ages. She studied and taught the Orff Schulwerk method – a holistic approach to music education that uses language, percussion, movement, and improvisation as the building blocks of musical expression and discovery. She was the co-founder, and later Board Chair of the East Bay Community Music Project, based in the Bay Area, which provides musical experiences and connection for entire families and communities. Andrea has been delighted to work with many children’s music theater productions as a music director and stage director and is thrilled to bring her years of experience as a choral singer and an educator to her role at Sing!

Crystal Hosea is a local voice teacher and music educator with over 20 years’ experience guiding singers on their musical journeys. Crystal received a Bachelor of Music degree in Choral-Vocal Studies from the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at Long Beach State University where she studied conducting under the baton of Dr. Jonathan Talberg and voice under the guidance of Elisabeth Pehlivanian.

A versatile musician, Crystal has sung professionally with the Pacific Chorale in Orange County, CA, as a section leader and cantor at various churches, and as a studio singer in Los Angeles. In 2016, Crystal published the first novella and accompanying guide to a music curriculum and book series that caters to the unique environment of home education. She has since released three additional levels with three more in development.

Crystal is a highly sought after vocal masterclass clinician for young singers, having successfully hosted masterclasses with the shyest of beginners in an inner-city youth chorus, budding stars at the prestigious Orange County School of the Arts, and as a guest clinician for international choirs. An intuitive and compassionate educator, Crystal has the ability to meet students where they are and gently guide them into an awareness of their individual instruments, where they can then feel comfortable and confident sharing in the music-making process whether singing in the car with friends or on stage to an audience of thousands.

Kevin Huang is majoring in Music Performance, with an emphasis in Piano, at the University of California, Santa Barbara, under the tutelage of Dr. Charles Asche and Dr. Natasha Kislenko.  Equally comfortable in solo and group settings, Kevin’s piano skills take him from the classical canon to jazz improvisation.  Kevin is an avid cyclist and loves working with the young artists of Sing!

Ellie Lim is a recent graduate of UCSB with bachelor’s degrees in English and Violin Performance. She is currently a gigging violinist throughout the Santa Barbara area and Central Coast and works to share music with her local community as a proud member of the Devereux String Quartet. With gratitude for the opportunities and people who have shaped her as a musician, Ellie holds a passion for opening access to those same opportunities by supporting other musicians and music lovers at every age and stage of learning.

Italian pianist Alvise Pascucci has been awarded over 60 prizes in national and international competitions, recently including his First Prize in the 2nd International Franz Liszt Center Online Piano Competition, and the Budapest Concert division at the 2022 Los Angeles International Liszt Competition. He has performed in various venues, including Steinway Hall in London, UK; Military Circle Hall in Ploieşti, Romania; Teatro degli Industri of Grosseto, Italy; Dar Sebastien in Hammamet, Tunisia; and the Gnessin Academy of Music concert hall in Moscow, Russia. He has played as a soloist with several orchestras, including Orchestra Città di Grosseto, the Taipei Philarmonia Orchestra, and the Philharmonic Orchestra of Ploiesti. Recently, he performed concerts in New York at the Weill Recital Hall of Carnegie Hall, as well as concerts in Taiwan, Italy, the UK, and Hungary.

Demonstrating his musical versatility, in addition to the piano, Alvise started to learn the violin at the age of nine. After graduating in September 2006 from St. Cecilia Conservatoire in Rome, Mr. Pascucci decided to concentrate on his piano studies. He completed his degrees in the R. Franci Conservatoire and the Chigiana Academy of Siena, P. Mascagni Conservatoire of Livorno, International Piano Academy of Imola, and Trinity Laban Conservatoire of London studying with Martino Tirimo. In 2017 he relocated to Indiana, obtaining a Performer Diploma from the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University, studying with Roberto Plano. He is currently working towards his DMA at UC Santa Barbara with Paul Berkowitz, where he has been awarded the prestigious Chancellor’s Fellowship.

Mia Paul is a cellist involved in solo, chamber, and orchestral music. Notable ensembles Mia has partaken in include the San Louis Obispo Symphony, Santa Barbara Chamber Players, Ensemble Theatre Company Santa Barbara, and the Winter Solstice Chamber Orchestra at The Granada Theatre. Mia has performed at the Fondazione Giorgio Cini in Venice, Italy, as well as recorded at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, CA. Mia Paul is currently in her last year at UC Santa Barbara, studying with Jennifer Kloetzel and Diane Chaplin.

At UC Santa Barbara, Mia has performed in masterclasses for the Juilliard String Quartet, Kronos Quartet, and Callisto Quartet. During the weekends, Mia instructs Santa Barbara youth musicians as a Professional Music Educator for Santa Barbara Strings, Site Coordinator for Music Academy of the West’s Sing! program, and cello coach for Santa Barbara Symphony’s Youth Camerata and Philharmonia.

Outside of music, Mia is the Executive Assistant for the Associated Students Office of the President, a student of the Letters and Sciences Honors Program, a research assistant in the UCSB Music and Brain Cognition Lab, as well as a Professional Writing Business Communication and Educational studies double minor.

Grace is a recent graduate from Lewis & Clark College (Portland, OR.) where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Music, with a concentration in Vocal Performance. A singer and keyboardist, Grace has also studied piano from a very young age, and at Lewis & Clark studied accompaniment with piano professor Stephanie Thompson.

In his final year at Lewis & Clark, in addition to completing his senior vocal recital featuring a diverse program of art songs and arias, Grace also provided piano accompaniment for the school’s theatre department, and was the alto section leader in the premier level choir, Cappella Nova, under the direction of Dr. John Cox. Grace currently sings in the choir of Trinity Episcopal Church, and will be performing in the Santa Barbara Revels production this December, as well as in a number of other engagements around Santa Barbara.

Kerry Allen joined the Music Academy as Vice President, Marketing & Communications in March 2024. A seasoned writer, journalist and marketing and communications strategist, Kerry has collaborated with innovative tech start-ups, high-growth B2B/B2C companies, and passion-fueled nonprofits to deliver impactful marketing and communications programs. Most recently, Kerry served as Chief Strategist at Kerry Allen Communications; Vice President, Communications for AppFolio, Inc.; and Chief Communications Officer for Ontraport. Kerry is a member of Forbes’ Communications Council and previously served on the Santa Barbara-based Community Environmental Council. 

Kate Oberjat, a native of San Diego, California, has worked at the Music Academy since December 2015, previously as Director of Marketing and Communications and currently in the role of Senior Director of Content Marketing & Digital Experience. However, Kate’s first encounter with the Academy was as an infant, when both of her parents attended the Music Academy as Voice Program fellows.

Kate Oberjat joined the Music Academy from the New York Philharmonic, where she was the Single Ticket Marketing Manager. A classically-trained singer, Kate studied voice at Northwestern University in addition to earning a music business degree, and went on to sing professionally with companies including Nashville Opera, LA Opera, Center for Contemporary Opera, Chelsea Opera, Dicapo Opera, and Lyric Opera San Diego.

Mary, a native of Ventura, California, has served as Director of Guest Services since 2022. Mary previously served as the Ticket Office Manager during the 2022 Summer Festival season and Front of House Supervisor during the 2016 Summer Festival season. She is excited to be back at the Music Academy full-time and grow in the field of performing arts administration.

Mary’s passion for performing arts began in college, where she served as the Performing Arts House Manager and as a student usher for UC Santa Barbara’s Arts & Lectures in 2014-2016. She graduated from UCSB in 2016 with a degree in Psychology. Mary previously lived in Phoenix, Arizona, where she worked as a Registered Behavior Therapist with children and teens on the autism spectrum at a local non-profit from 2016 to 2021. While there, she received her master’s degree in Exceptional Student Education and Applied Behavior Analysis. Mary returned to her hometown in 2021 and is happy to be out of the Arizona heat. In her free time, she loves to spend time by the beach, read, and go to the movies.

Emma Matthews, a native of Vernon, New Jersey, joined the Music Academy in May 2024. At the age of 14, she earned a scholarship to attend the renowned Rock School for Dance Education in Philadelphia. She went on to enjoy a ten-year professional ballet career, performing with Orlando Ballet, Nashville Ballet, and State Street Ballet. Some of her favorite productions she performed in include Carmina Burana, Pavane, The Sleeping Beauty, La Sylphide, Western Symphony, and The Nutcracker.

Emma began her career in social media, photography, and marketing in 2021 with State Street Ballet. She is a graduate of Northeastern University, where she completed her Bachelor of Science in Digital Communication and Media with honors. Emma brings a unique blend of artistic talent, strategic insight, and creative versatility to her role at the Music Academy and is thrilled to contribute to its mission.

Nicholas Walls is a seasoned philanthropy professional with an extensive track record in donor engagement and major gift fundraising. As Senior Director of Philanthropy at the Seattle Symphony, he led an $8.5 million+ annual individual giving program, securing transformational contributions, including a $3 million major gift and a $2.5 million capital campaign commitment. His leadership resulted in significant revenue growth across multiple seasons.

Prior to his tenure in Seattle, Walls served as Director of Major Gifts at The Philadelphia Orchestra, where he managed a portfolio of over 100 donor households and growing revenue from major donors and securing funding for key education programs from individuals, families, and foundations. His expertise spans major donor pipeline development, board engagement, and data-driven fundraising strategies.

Walls began his career in development with Seattle Opera and The Metropolitan Opera Guild, honing his skills in donor research, patron engagement, and community outreach. A dedicated advocate for the arts, he currently serves as Vice President of the Board of Directors for Ensemble Mise-En in New York City.

Walls holds a Master of Music from Mannes College The New School for Music and a Bachelor of Music from UC Santa Barbara. Nicholas is excited to reconnect with the Santa Barbara community and advance the Music Academy’s mission.

Born overseas on the tiny Mediterranean island of Malta and raised in China, Australia, and Hong Kong, as well as stateside, Anaïs Pellegrini has a deep interest in what strengthens and enriches lives and communities, and is honored to be a part of the nonprofit world in Santa Barbara. Anaïs credits her mother for instilling in her a strong appreciation and affinity for the arts and music by taking her to performances in New York City at a very young age.

After graduating with a degree in Art History, Anaïs began her career at the Katonah Museum in New York. A resident of Santa Barbara since 2008, Anaïs is proud to have served as Director of Development for a wide range of organizations such as the Community Environmental Council and the Jewish Federation of Greater Santa Barbara. She also served as Associate Director at the Santa Barbara/Tri-Counties office of the Anti-Defamation League where she was professionally trained to facilitate anti-bias and diversity training throughout Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo Counties. Anaïs has held volunteer leadership roles on the boards of the Association of Fundraising Professionals- Ventura/Santa Barbara Chapter, Santa Barbara Education Foundation, and Girls Rock Santa Barbara. She is the current Board Chair at the environmental non-profit, Regenerative Progress.

Anaïs has two daughters, Talia Bee and Lena Simone, and enjoys exploring the incredible beauty of the West Coast with them. They are passionate arts and music enthusiasts, and can regularly be found at small and large venues across the region, be it at a Camerata Pacifica concert in downtown Los Angeles or at a country music show at the Santa Barbara Bowl.

Born and raised in Orange County, California, Jill came to Santa Barbara to attend UCSB and receive her degree in biopsychology. After serving as the Vice President of Philanthropy in her sorority, her path changed to fundraising, and she hasn’t looked back.

Recognized as Fundraiser of the Year by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Jill has served as Director of Development for many organizations on the Central Coast, including the American Red Cross, Santa Barbara Zoo, Santa Barbara Symphony, and the Channel Islands YMCA.

Jill is a frequently requested speaker at conferences and for webinars due to her expertise in fundraising and planned giving, including for the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners, Western Regional Planned Giving Conference, and Crescendo Creative Gift Conference.

An active volunteer, she has served as President of the Junior League of Santa Barbara as well as the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Currently, Jill serves on the board of the South Coast Railroad Museum & Goleta Depot and volunteers for Dream Foundation’s Flower Empower program and the Planned Parenthood Booksale.

Jill is married to her husband, Scott, and they have two adult daughters, Katelyn and Jenna. You will frequently find Jill in the low brass masterclasses, as she is a fan as Katelyn plays trombone as well as piano.

Leila Drake grew up in Santa Cruz, California, training intensively in classical ballet.  She moved to Santa Barbara in 1999 to attend UC Santa Barbara and graduated with a double major in Art History and Film Studies. Leila joined State Street Ballet in 2004 where she performed as a principal dancer for nearly 14 years, dancing the leading roles in Carmen, An American Tango, Appalachian Spring, Carmina Burana, and Scheherazade on Santa Barbara’s many incredible stages.  Throughout her time with the company she also toured extensively throughout the United States, China, and Chile, and worked with inspiring choreographers such as Robert Battle, Nancy Colahan, Autumn Eckman, Rodney Gustafson, William Soleau, and Edgar Zendejas.

After retiring from the stage, Leila transitioned into numerous roles in State Street Ballet’s administrative team, working in marketing, fundraising, and social media, and managing the company’s busy touring schedule. She joined the Music Academy team in 2022 and is excited to remain a part of Santa Barbara’s vibrant performing arts community while contributing to the future of music education and performance. Leila loves living on the American Riviera with her guitar-playing husband and their young son, immersing herself in every kind of art, and enjoying the exceptional beauty of planet Earth.

Born in Houston, Texas, Byron is a doctoral student at University of California, Santa Barbara studying with Dr. Linda Di Fiore, and earned his bachelor’s degree at Columbus State University. As a 2017-2018 Opera Santa Barbara Chrisman Studio Artist, Byron appeared as Fiorello in Il Barbiere di Siviglia and Sam in Trouble in Tahiti. He attended the Music Academy as a vocal fellow in 2020 and 2021, and was a winner of the Music Academy’s 2020 Digital Challenge.

Tiffany DeVries, a member of the Academy’s administration for over 20 years, was named Dean of the Music Academy in 2007 after serving as Associate Dean. As director of the Student Services department, Tiffany oversees the Academy’s annual recruitment, audition, and admissions processes, as well as all aspects of Academy fellows’ off-stage experience including the residence life program, housing/transportation/dining services, Alumni Program, Wellness Program, Compeer Program, international student services, and health and counseling resources. During her tenure, Tiffany launched the Wellness Program; an innovative series of classes and resources offering fellows tools and principles to help support and sustain their careers as active 21st century musicians. In 2011 she also developed and launched the instrumental live audition tour, which has spanned eleven cities including international auditions in London and Montenegro. Since her role as Dean, the Academy’s applicant pool has increased by over 67% due to expanded recruitment efforts and impactful programmatic developments.

Prior to her tenure at the Music Academy, Tiffany worked for EF Educational Tours as a Tour Consultant, consulting more than 140 groups comprised of over 1,500 students/teachers traveling internationally and managing sales generating over 1.2 million dollars in revenue. EF awarded her “National Top Sales Person” in January 2001. In 2005, she was invited to serve as Westmont College’s Student Life Director of a European study-abroad program with courses throughout Europe, Russia, and Turkey.

Tiffany DeVries earned a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Westmont College, where she was a Presidential Scholarship recipient, member of Phi Kappa Phi and the Omicron Delta Kappa Society, and awarded the National Dean’s List. She has a background in piano studies.

Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, Jessica took her first dance steps at the tender age of three, igniting her eternal spark and passion for movement and the arts. She grew up training as an elite competitive dancer and was selected to attend the highly esteemed Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts where she was a member of the Advanced Repertory Dance Ensemble.

In 2006, Jessica graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the prestigious California Institute of the Arts where she was awarded the National Dean’s List and was a selected representative of the Sharon Disney Lund School of Dance. While attending CalArts Jessica worked for both the Housing Office and the California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA), where she developed an excitement for resident life and in-depth knowledge of an intensive-focused arts program.

As a professional educator with a focus in movement, Jessica has worked with aspiring artists and nonprofit arts organizations to achieve artistic goals and support student growth. Jessica has over 15 years experience working in arts education, fitness, and hospitality. She joined the Music Academy team in October of 2023 and is excited to work alongside an array of extremely talented artists. Jessica, her professional musician husband Pete, their little boy Teddy, and cat Tikka are thrilled to have moved from the hustle and bustle of busy Los Angeles city life to the relaxed charm of Coastal California.

Chas Barnard is a proud three-summer alum of the Music Academy of the West, where he was the recipient of the Susie and Ted Cronin Cello Scholarship. He has also served on the summer staff as the Chamber Music Specialist, performed on the Mariposa Series as a guest artist, and won the London Symphony Orchestra – Keston MAX Audition, leading to performances with the LSO under Simon Rattle and Gianandrea Noseda. Chas is grateful for the many wonderful experiences the Music Academy provided him. Now, as the Manager of Fellow & Alumni Engagement, he enjoys contributing to the organization’s future and helping to create transformative opportunities for the next generation of fellows and alumni.

Before moving to Santa Barbara, Chas was a member of the Lírios Quartet, the Graduate Quartet-in-Residence at the University of Colorado-Boulder, studying under the Takács Quartet and David Requiro. He also maintained a successful freelance career as a member of the Boulder Philharmonic and Boulder Chamber Orchestra, and frequent substitute with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, Chas is the co-founder of the Sohap Ensemble, a soprano-cello duet with his wife, Sabina Balsamo. Together, they commission, record, and present out-of-the-box musical experiences, including a children’s chamber opera, Colorado Sky by Ben Morris and Laura Fuentes, which features innovative shadow puppetry.

Chris Buckpitt joins the Music Academy following a long career with Brooks Institute, where he held multiple posts during a 16 year span with the organization. Chris is also a very proud graduate of Brooks Institute. Chris began his employment there as a student employee assisting his mentor in all aspects of the classes he instructed. Other positions followed upon graduation, when he was hired full time as an Assistant Studio Manager, followed by Facility Manager of the Historic Lyon building, and finally as Ventura Facility Manager and Equipment Checkout Manager.

Brendon Tompkins’ career has spanned a wide spectrum including business ownership, management, teaching, and art. He has served on the board of directors for non-profits, a charter school, and a food cooperative. He has owned several businesses including a successful bicycle shop, an organic farm, and a handyman business. He’s been a successful retail manager in the natural food industry, managed educational travel programs for a non-profit, and was a facility manager for a homeless shelter. He was also a certified trail crew leader and vocational instructor for at-risk teens. Lastly, he creates artwork in acrylic and watercolor. Brendon enjoys time with family, cycling, and the outdoors.

Tanner Blee, from Grand Junction, Colorado, joined the Music Academy in March 2025. At age 17, he left home to pursue a professional career in ballet. He has performed with the Orlando Ballet, Nashville Ballet, and State Street Ballet. After seven seasons with State Street Ballet, Tanner retired from ballet and joined the Music Academy of the West team. He looks forward to contributing his skills and dedication in his new role.

Scott was named President and CEO of the Music Academy in 2010 after serving as Vice President for Institutional Advancement. He served in that role through August 15, 2023.

As the Academy’s President and CEO, Scott Reed forged a number of transformative initiatives including partnerships with the New York Philharmonic and London Symphony Orchestra, the Mosher Guest Artist Program, an annual four-week String Quartet Seminar led by the Takács Quartet, a solo piano competition presented in collaboration with Steinway & Sons, Community Access programs cultivating new audiences, the Alumni Enterprise Awards, the Classical Music Evolution/Revolution Conference, and a Commissions and Premieres program.

Prior to his tenure at the Music Academy, Scott worked for the San Francisco Opera as Associate Director of Development and as a consultant for St. Luke’s Hospital Foundation.

Scott Reed earned his bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

As the third president in Music Academy history serving from July 2004 to August 2010, NancyBell Coe presided over a series of ambitious campus efforts, including the renovation of Hahn Hall prior to the start of the Academy’s 2008 Summer School and Festival. The Academy’s stature had grown steadily, resulting in a record number of applications for its 2009 Summer School and Festival and increased national notice for its programmatic offerings.

A graduate of Wellesley College in Massachusetts, NancyBell Coe began her lengthy career in classical music administration as a staff member of the Spokane Symphony Orchestra from 1978 through 1985. Prior to being named president of the Music Academy, she served as artistic administrator of the Aspen Music Festival and School from 1999 through 2003, and as manager and general manager of The Cleveland Orchestra from 1990 through 1998. NancyBell went to Cleveland from the Los Angeles Philharmonic, where, between 1986 and 1990, she served as administrator of the Philharmonic Institute (a summer professional training program), orchestra manager, and general manager.

President of the Music Academy from 1993 to 2004 , David Kuehn was previously professor of music and dean of the Conservatory of Music and Dance at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (1985-1993). He taught at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (1965-1967) joined the University of North Texas faculty in 1967 and became assistant dean of the College of Music in 1975. In 1980 he was appointed professor of music and chair of the Department of Music at California State University, Long Beach.

David Kuehn holds degrees from the University of North Texas, the University of Illinois and the Eastman School of Music. A Fulbright Scholar in London (1964-1965), he holds diplomas from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and the Royal College of Music.

David Kuehn has been a member of the Ojai Music Festival Board of Directors. He was president of the National Association of College Wind and Percussion Instructors, University Music Administrators of California, and the Missouri Association of Departments and Schools of Music. He has also served as a member of the National Association of Schools of Music Commission on Accreditation, a reviewer for the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools Higher Learning Commission, and an on-site reporter for the National Endowment for the Arts Opera and Musical Theater program. His three volumes of vocalise transcriptions for tuba were published by Southern Music Company. He is co-author of the text/workbook, A Guide to Successful Instrumental Conducting, published by Brown and Benchmark.

April and Nick have been working as a team for 15 years, specifically in real estate since 2017. April is a realtor and property manager and loves serving the Santa Barbara community. Nick is a Santa Barbara native and an award winning photographer, as well as a certified drone pilot/photographer. Their combined talents and knowledge in the real estate world make them highly sought after.

A native of sunny Santa Barbara, Katelin Ridenour has always possessed a passion for people, parties, and uniting the two for a greater purpose. She is the hands and heart behind Katelin Event Productions, a local event planning company.

After receiving her bachelor’s degree in Business and Communications from Point Loma Nazarene University, Katelin worked as an Event Producer at the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego. There she cultivated relationships with elite companies including Entertainment Weekly, Warner Brothers, Xbox, and Disney. In 2015 she returned to her hometown, taking the role of Chief Operating Officer at the The Joy Agency. At the Joy Agency Katelin managed all client accounts and sales, and enjoyed the unique opportunity of working with notable speakers including Bethany Hamilton, Lisa Oz, and Tim Tebow.

Katelin continues to find inspiration from her fundamental passions of connecting individuals, impacting communities, and inspiring positive change through live events.