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Zach Childress is a decorated saxophonist, educator, and overall music nerd currently residing in the Baltimore area. Zach completed his Master's at the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, where he studied Saxophone Performance with Dr. Nicki Roman as well as Music History and Literature under the guidance of Dr. Gillian Rodger, both of which he held Teaching Assistantships with. Previously, Zach completed his B.M. and a Graduate Performance Certificate at the University of Northern Colorado where he studied with Dr. Andrew Dahlke.
While at UWM, Zach won both concerto competitions offered at the school and performed William Bolcom's Concert Suite for Alto Saxophone and Wind Ensemble with the UWM Wind Ensemble, and his own arrangement of Joseph Haydn's Concerto for Oboe in C Major with the UWM Symphony Orchestra. While in Milwaukee, Zach had the honor of performing with a local new music ensemble, Present Music, as both an ensemble member, and as an endorsed soloist through UWM. At UNC, Zach won the Rocky Mountain Concerto Competition and performed John Mackey's Concerto for Soprano Sax and Wind Ensemble with the UNC Wind Ensemble. He also won UNC's Southard Competition with the Front Range Saxophone Quartet playing Pierre Max Dubois' Quartour pour Saxophones.
While Zach was based in Colorado, he spent his summers as a saxophone instructor through both the Masonic Society as well as the Colorado Honor Band Association. After moving to Austin, TX, Zach traveled to La Grange, TX to give sponsored private lessons to the middle and high school students in the area. Staying flexible through the COVID pandemic, Zach worked with a local school in Milwaukee to give virtual lessons to assist in the necessary virtual learning. His private students are historically prolific young musicians with high placements in Solo and Ensemble events, as well as high placements in local and statewide youth ensembles. Zach's students not only enjoy the high level of music-making in lessons, but also the humor, lightness, and passion that he brings to his teaching.
No availability at this time.
Kimberly McNicholas Keehner inherited her love of music from her father, who played trumpet with a US Army Air Force band during World War II. Kim began playing flute at age 10 and was a member of bands and orchestras associated with Towson University’s outstanding music department. She earned bachelor and masters degrees in music education at Towson where she studied flute under noted instructor Robin McKey-Day.
During a 32-year teaching career with the Baltimore County Public Schools, elementary and middle school bands and orchestras under Kim’s direction received superior and excellent ratings at both county and state levels of competition. In addition she served as the elementary instrumental music representative to the Maryland Music Educators Association and has played flute and piccolo with the Gettysburg Symphony Orchestra.
Kim specializes in developing a lifelong love of music and performance in the youngest musicians. Although she excels at playing and teaching woodwinds (flute, clarinet and oboe), Kim is happy to work with students who are learning strings and brass. Quite simply, Kim’s passion isn’t just music, it’s teaching the techniques that guide beginning players to excel. Whether working with young musicians in several Howard County schools or as a part of the Mike’s Music family, Kim is uniquely qualified to nurture the sheer joy that comes from making music.