concertmaster
associate concertmaster
assistant concertmaster
principal
principal
Hi, I’m Michael Vaughn, the newly appointed concertmaster of the Columbia Orchestra. I’ve been performing in the Mid-Atlantic region since 2009, when my wife, Nana, and I moved to Ellicott City from our home state of Indiana. In addition to my work with Columbia, I also serve as concertmaster and soloist with Bach in Baltimore and regularly perform with groups like the Baltimore Choral Arts Society, Baltimore Chamber Orchestra, and Maryland Symphony. I’ve also appeared as guest assistant concertmaster with the Reading and Lancaster Symphonies.
Before relocating to Maryland, I was a regular with the Indianapolis Symphony and Chamber Orchestras and served as associate concertmaster and soloist for the Muncie and Richmond Symphonies. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to perform with music icons like Dave Brubeck, Aretha Franklin, Plant and Page, and The Moody Blues.
Nana and I co-founded the Fisher Chamber Players back in Indiana, where I served as conductor and artistic director, and we were both active in the local arts community. The Town of Fishers even declared a “Michael and Nana Vaughn Day” in 2009 before we moved to Maryland.
I hold a degree in violin performance with a minor in computer science, and a master’s in music education from Indiana University. I currently work remotely from Ellicott City as Associate Director of Accessibility and AI Platform Services for Yale University, where I lead AI and digital accessibility initiatives.
When I’m not making music or working in tech, I’m probably watching the Orioles—despite the friendly baseball rivalry with my identical twin brother, Matt, who plays in the Philadelphia Orchestra and roots for the Phillies. We both still cheer on our Indiana teams and stay connected to our Hoosier roots.
I have a background in mathematics and am now working as a software engineer. I have been a member of the orchestra since 2001. In addition to playing in the orchestra, I enjoy playing chamber music, working on getting a tiny bit better at chess, and spending time with my two calico cats, Olivia and Kylie.
Hi, I’m Elizabeth and I am a a violinist and middle school orchestra teacher in the Howard County Public School System. In addition to music, I love houseplants, mystery books, escape rooms, and trying new restaurants. I have two tabby cats, fern and rumble that keep me entertained. My favorite place to visit if Cape May, New Jersey. I would love to be there at any time of year!
Hi everyone! I am a Organizational Psychology and Executive Coach, and I balance my love for music with hobbies like golf and martial arts. I love how all three activities use the same mental strength, patience, and mastery. I am married to my wonderful husband, Harold, and am a proud mother of three amazing adult children. I also enjoy exploring Korean food–I am half Korean and grew up loving it!
Hi! I am Mike, a first violinist in the orchestra and mechanical engineer. Alongside my wife, Shira, who shares my love for music, I perform in the Greenspring Valley Orchestra and the Baltimore Philharmonia Orchestra. My greatest accompllishment so far is learning all six of J.S. Bach’s Sonatas and Partitas for solo violin. Inspired by Captain Picard, my favorite quote is “The only person you’re truly competing against is yourself.”
I’ve been part of the Columbia Orchestra since 2002 and served on the Board of Directors from 2004 to 2023—so it’s safe to say this place is like a second home! Outside of the orchestra, I’ve had the chance to perform with groups like the Piedmont Symphony and the Howard County Ballet Orchestra, as well as in the pits for musical theater productions with companies like Maryland Theatre Collective and Silhouette Stages. My instrument was made by Jeremy Yoder in Winchester, Virginia. By day, I’m a systems engineer in the Baltimore-Washington area, but music is my true passion.
Hi, I’m Matt! I am an orchestra teacher in Howard County, and when I’m not teaching, I am an avid enthusiast of pop culture. I love “Star Wars,” “Star Trek,” video games, Dungeons and Dragons, and playing ultimate frisbee. My favorite food is homemade mac and cheese (none of that store bought stuff!). I am not a morning person so the thing that gets me out of bed in the morning is my alarm clock (after hitting snooze several times)!
Hi! I am Morgan Dice and I work as an orchestra teacher for Howard County Public Schools. I have a variety of hobbies including running, hiking, knitting, crocheting, and sewing. I have a lovable black lab mix named Rebel and my favorite foods are tacos, pizza, and pasta (Who doesn’t love those three?)
Hi! I am Amanda in the first violin section, and I work as the hiring director of an instrumental music organization. Besides playing my violin, my hobbies are reading, baking, and rewatching episodes of “The Office.” I try to remember to “enjoy the little things in life” as i go about my days. My favorite food is any type of pasta dish! (who doesn’t love that?!)
Hi, I’m Valerie, and after a 32-year career as an Orchestra Director with Howard County Public Schools, I’m enjoying a new chapter filled with music, travel, and time outdoors. These days, I continue to teach in my private violin studio, and I love spending time reading and taking walks around Columbia’s beautiful lakes.
My husband Tom and I share a love for the performing arts—and for travel, especially to Aruba. We’ve even had the chance to perform together as a violin and guitar duo, which has been a fun and meaningful way to stay connected to music.
My name is Amity, and I am a Licensed Behavior Analyst/BCBA. In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, traveling, and my two pets – Daisy, the Dog-Toy Miniature Schnauzer, and Mittens, the Tabby/Calico cat. My two (or three depending on how you look at it!) greatest accomplishments are being a loving mom to my two children Spencer and Hallie and advancing in my career to become the Clinical Director and Director of Assessments at her ABA company. This orchestra is very special in my family–my husband, Art Monroe, is the former principal cellist of the Columbia Orchestra!
I am Paige, second violinist in the orchestra and marketing & communications manager for The YEARS Project. At the YEARS project, I am involved in the creation of documentaries about climate change. I love music, nature, gardening, jigsaw puzzles, and I have over 60 houseplants! I live in a charming Victorian-style house in Baltimore City with my husband Brody and our very sassy and curvy calico cat, Piper. I truly enjoy going on a walk through my neighborhood park every morning. It’s a great way to wake you up, get your body moving, and gain energy for the day.
Hi, I am Ashley and I am an archivist at the National Archives. When I’m not working or playing my violin, I enjoy reading, walking my Schnauzer mix, Schmidt, kayaking, and crocheting. I love Reese’s Cups, but only the varieties with a correct peanut butter/chocolate ratio!
Hi, I am Shira Jamie Catelinet! I am a stay at home cat mom, and wife to first violinist, Mike Catilinet! My favorite piece of music is The Bach Chaconne for solo violin; nothing comes close to the depth of this piece to me. Our cat, Shayna, is a suspected Norwegian Forest Cat (we don’t know for sure).
I am a Data Analytics Supervisor (Chief, Reports and Analysis Branch, Office of Science Policy, Planning and Communications) at the National Institute of Mental Health. I love to make things–mostly drawing, painting, and sewing in addition to playing violin. I am married and we have a daughter and son. Every morning I am motivated by my to-do list, the light shining through my window, and the desire for coffee!
I am an Elementary Orchestra Teacher at Deep Run Elementary. When I’m not doing something music-related, I enjoy family time with my husband, who is also a violinist, and our two children, one in middle school and the other in elementary. One of my greatest accomplishments is raising over $12,000 for breast cancer in memory of my younger sister and my mother. My favorite place to be is Disney World!
Hi, my name is Christine, and I am a Freelance Violinist/Violist. I lived in Connecticut all my life until moving to Maryland in 2021. I met my husband, Christopher, a music teacher (he played trumpet) during an orchestra rehearsal. Our first date was after a concert and we were married the following year, having 42 years together before his passing in 2018. I played in a number of chamber ensembles and orchestras while living in Connecticut and I’m now enjoying meeting and playing with wonderful musicians here in MD. I travel quite often and also enjoy gardening, photography, making soup/baking, sketching, and the simple pleasure of reading a good book.
I have been a member of the Columbia Orchestra since moving to the area in 2000 and am part of the second violin section. After graduating from college and prior to 2000, I played in several community orchestras in Northern Virginia. In my spare time, besides playing my violin, I enjoy reading, sewing, and preserving family memories. Some of my favorite orchestra pieces are The Reformation Symphony by Felix Mendelssohn, Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring, and Academic Festival Overture by Johannes Brahms.
My name is Kate and I am a violinist (and sometimes violist) with the orchestra. I work as an Audio-Visual Preservation Librarian with the National Library of Medicine, working on digitizing the audiovisuals of the collection. The best parts of playing in Columbia Orchestra include the variety of challenging music we get to play and the community of amazing musicians I feel lucky to call friends. When I get the opportunity to do so, I also love playing in community theatre pit orchestras with memorable past shows including West Side Story, Les Miserables and Ragtime. Outside of music and work I enjoy a good cup of tea, reading (you can usually find me as one of the first people to rehearsals or concerts with a book in hand), Dungeons and Dragons, and trying new foods.
My name is Brynne, and I am an Account Services Manager at Blanchard. I have two golden retrievers, Murphy and Sierra, who keep me busy! One thing I am very proud of is my decision to teach English in a village in the Dominican Republic, following a challenging job search after college. The experience proved to be humbling, rewarding, and life-changing. Something a lot of people don’t know about me is that I almost quit violin in 5th grade because I disliked practicing. My violin teacher (bless her soul) gave me a nickel for each day I practiced to motivate me. It worked and I’m so glad I didn’t quit! If only I got paid for each hour I practice now… :)
Hi! My name is Barbara Memory and I joined the orchestra in 2023! I am a retired professor of music therapy who now spends time volunteering in my community through League of Women Voters & church outreach projects, I play chamber music, and teach Suzuki violin. My greatest accomplishment is establishing good relationships with my family, and my favorite place to enjoy those close bonds is at my family cottage in northern Wisconsin!
Hi, I’m Jessica! I have loved music since I would watch my mom teaching piano lessons when I was young. I thoroughly enjoy playing with the Columbia Orchestra! I enjoy sharing my love for music with my private violin students, and am always excited to have a conversation about the science of sound or how people learn to process the music they hear.
Hi! I am Esther Wagner Yuan, a violinist in the orchestra. I work as a reading teacher and also as a violinist. In my spare time, I enjoy Crocheting, sewing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I share my home with my husband and two daughters, as well as Willow, our black lab. My ideal spot to be is a comfortable cabin in the mountains with plenty of chocolate
I am David Zajic, and I am the principal viola of the Columbia Orchestra. When I’m not playing Viola, I am a computer science researcher for for BBN Technologies. I have my Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Maryland–my dissertation was in the field of Computational Linguistics. All kinds of music making is my hobby. I love playing in and conducting pit orchestras for musical theater, playing chamber music, and singing in synagogue choirs.
Hello! I am Martin Chandler and I am currently savoring the joys of retirement, which allow me ample time to indulge in my two favorite things: music and reading. My favorite piece is R. V. Williams’ Tallis Fantasia. I have a wife of 39 years, Mary Rampolla, two sons, and two daughters-in-law. I had a career that spanned 21 years in the public drinking water supply sector, and my part in ensuring access to clean water for communities is something I am very proud of!
I began playing the viola in the fifth grade and immediately fell in love with the instrument. From fall to spring, I play with the Columbia Orchestra and the Naptown Philharmonic, which was formerly known as the Londontowne Symphony Orchestra. I also serve as a substitute for the Anne Arundel Community College Orchestra and have performed with the Mid-Atlantic Symphony. Since 1995, I have been the music director for the Summer String Orchestra, which meets during the summer months. Additionally, I am the music director of Arundel Community Strings, a group for adult string players who are either beginners or are renewing their connection with their instruments. In my spare time, I enjoy painting with acrylics on canvas, rescued violins, Adirondack chairs, and Baltimore-style window screens. My newest artistic endeavors include painting ceramic tiles with alcohol ink, watercolors, or any other medium that doesn’t move too quickly – just ask my granddogs!
I’m Lydia, and I work as a Strings Teacher in Howard County. I’m also a Music Therapist for an assisted living facility. In my spare time, I enjoy playing video games and listening to K-Pop music, especially SHINee. One of my favorite pieces is Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini – 18th Variation. I chose to walk down the aisle to this beautiful, sweeping melody that really moves me. As a music therapist, I get to create individualized musical experiences to help others become their best selves. It’s incredibly rewarding to use music to empower people. I feel fortunate to share my passion for music through teaching strings and therapeutic work. I find joy in helping my students progress and watching music enrich the lives of my therapy clients. While I’m proud of becoming a certified therapist, my greatest sense of accomplishment comes from small daily moments where music makes a difference.
I am an archivist at the National Park Service. When I’m not safeguarding historical documents, enjoy reading, hiking, and knitting. My favorite classical music to listen to is anything from a movie soundtrack. When I’m at work I’m usually playing the LotR soundtrack by Howard Shore on repeat. My favorite pieces to play include Holst’s The Planets (specifically Jupiter), Smetana’s The Moldau, and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7, movement 2. I have two cats, Loki and Totoro who wake me up in the morning standing on the headboard while meowing and scratching the walls so we’ll get out of bed and feed them.
Hi! I am Becca, and I am a high school math teacher. In my spare time, I enjoy cooking and baking, reading, playing viola and piano, drawing and painting. I also enjoy spending time with my family anywhere–as long as we are together, It’s the people not the place that matters most.
I’m Lynn Moorhead, a retiree who loves playing the viola and has always felt connected to horses. Now that my career is over, I spend my days working with these beautiful animals. It continues to bring me joy and peace. At home, my cat Duncan adds some fun to my day–he’s very affectionate. My greatest happiness comes from my loving family – two daughters and four wonderful grandkids who make me smile and laugh.
Hi, I’m Bruce Newhall, a retired mathematician from the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory. I play the viola with the Columbia Orchestra, and my wife, Elaine, is one of our flutists. Together, we also serve as the orchestra’s music librarians—a role we both enjoy as part of our shared love for music.
These days, I spend much of my time with our labradoodle, Daisy, and take pride in watching our three children thrive in their own technical and educational careers. Katie is a professor of applied mathematics at UNC Chapel Hill, Glen teaches at Marriotts Ridge High School, and Eric works as a software engineer at Northrop Grumman.
During my time at APL, I was honored to receive the Donald Tufts Award from the IEEE for my work in underwater signal processing—a career highlight I’m proud of. Now, I’m grateful to stay active in the arts and support the orchestra as both a musician and board member.
My name is Stephanie Ouer! I am an elementary band and orchestra teacher in Montgomery County and a total potterhead! I LOVE all things Harry Potter and my favorite place to be is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida. I went to Towson University (where I taught spin classes while a student!) and am married to my middle school sweetheart. My favorite saying is “If it is important to you, you will make it happen!”
Hi! I’m Margaret! I am a scientist with USDA. I have two kids in their 20s who are launched and independent. They grew up coming to all the CO concerts. I love seeing my friends in CO every week at rehearsal, but I especially like the way it feels to play a concert and everyone brings their A-game and we are in sync, and I am focused on my own playing, but can’t help but hear and be awestruck by the incredible music and musicians that surround me on stage.
Hello! I am Sara Richman Sanders, and I work as a Membership Director at a nonprofit association, where I focus on recruiting and retaining members to support the organization’s mission. In my free time, I am an avid sports fan who roots for the Houston Astros and New York Giants. I also enjoy frequent visits to museums and art galleries to take in the culture and history on display. Civic engagement is important to me – I volunteer as an election judge to support the democratic process. I love to travel and have already been to 40 of the 50 states and someday I hope to visit them all! I also have a bit of a nerdy side, building legos and playing Dungeons and Dragons! During the pandemic, I picked up my viola again after nearly twenty years without playing. Reconnecting with music has been a rewarding creative outlet. Most of all, I love spending time with my family, including husband Brandon and daughter Keira. I also enjoy spending time with my extended family and friends!
I am a music teacher in Prince George’s County Public Schools. I am a thrill seeker so my favorite things to do are ride roller coasters and visit haunted houses. I have two feline companions named Chidi and Tahani, (Elizabeth is clearly a fan of the tv show The Good Place.) My greatest accomplishment is getting my PHD in music education.
Hi! I am Annemarie Scimonelli, and I am a viola player in the orchestra and full-time I work as a human resources consultant. My favorite piece of music is Dvořák’s 8th Symphony and I am very excited to have it programmed this season! My husband Mark and I are the parents to one son and two dogs, Zeus and Winter.
Hi, I’m Kara Woolcock! I’m a viola performance student at the University of Maryland, College Park, and I also work at Sephora in Annapolis. I love anything creative—drawing, photography, cooking, makeup, sewing, and embroidery are some of my favorite hobbies. I also have a black cat named Minnow, who keeps life interesting. My ultimate goal is to get my BM in viola performance, and that keeps me motivated every day!
I am a recently retired IT professional from a prominent Howard County-based University Affiliated Research Center where my experience focused on web/cloud/data security and enterprise software integrations. I also have a background in healthcare and practiced pharmacy in Maryland for a number of years.
Music and the performing arts have always been my passion. I have served on the boards of various arts organizations in Howard County over the past 25 years and love having the opportunity to support the arts in the community and to serve the Columbia Orchestra both as a musician and member of the Board of Directors.
I am a family-oriented person in a multicultural, multi-generational household. When not making music, you can probably find me in my vegetable garden or cooking something healthy and organic.
I’m Jennifer, a member of the wonderful Columbia Orchestra cello section! Although I pursued STEM degrees in school, music has always been my primary hobby and passion. I have played the cello for over 15 years and even once had the opportunity to play in a masterclass conducted by Lynn Harrell! Some of my favorite pieces of music include the Elgar cello concerto, Mahler Symphony No. 2, and Beethoven String Quartet 15.
Hello! I’m Judy, a retired orchestra teacher who taught for over 40 years! My favorite piece of music is Bach’s Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major – a true classic! I live with my husband and our beloved pets: two dogs named Harmon and Lizzie, and a cat named Pippin. I’ve been fortunate to teach for 45 years in 5 American states and in England, as my husband served in the Air Force. Together we raised three wonderful children. I feel blessed to have dedicated my life to sharing my passion for music with students. Even in retirement, music continues to be a part of my life as I play cello in the local orchestra section! I find that music still fills me with joy and purpose even after all these years.
Hi! I am Christina, a devoted mother to two wonderful kids, and a loving wife. My husband and I are proud Texans from El Paso, TX! Our two kids keep us very busy and I am so proud that they share my love of music! My favorite saying is “When words fail, music speaks.” My favorite food is mexican cuisine of any kind but especially chiles rellenos!
I am Sophia Jang, a statistical programmer with a passion for the cello. I began playing as an adult and enjoy continuing to learn! I stay active skiing and making flower bouquets and baskets. I also like to paint. I love to travel and explore new destinations with my husband and two sons when time allows. My family traditions are important to me, including enjoying Korean food together as a family.
Hi! My name is Jeremy Keaton and I am a cellist, composer, and arts administrator. I am the concert coordinator for the UMBC Department of Music where I oversee the logistics of 125+ events each year. In addition to playing in the Columbia Orchestra, I performs with the UMBC free improvisation ensemble and pit orchestras for community theaters. When not participating in musical activities, I enjoy spending time outside walking, biking, or hiking.
I am a retired elementary instrumental music teacher from Montgomery County Public Schools. I enjoy bicycling, playing the cello, reading, and traveling. My greatest accomplishment in life is raising my two daughters. One is a data scientist and the other a software engineer. Though I don’t understand what they do, they seem quite happy with their careers!
I am Jen, a Middle School Orchestra Teacher for HCPSS. Making pottery is a hobby of mine, and I enjoy making various things! My favorite piece of music is Nimrod from Enigma Variations by Elgar. It touches my soul deeply. If I had to choose somewhere to be stranded, I’d love to be stranded in Prague. What an amazing city!
Hi, I’m Susan Wagner, a retired strings teacher who spent my career helping young musicians grow and thrive. Teaching was always more than a job—it was a way to share my love for music and inspire the next generation.
Outside the classroom, I enjoy reading, knitting, and line dancing. Mahler’s Symphony No. 5 is one of my all-time favorite pieces—it never fails to move me. While I don’t have any pets right now, I have many fond memories of the animals I’ve had over the years.
I’m married to my husband, Harold, and I’m grateful every day for the joy of being a mom to three and a grandmother to seven. Music, family, and creativity continue to shape my life in retirement.
Hi, I’m Nancy, a family physician at MedStar Franklin Square. Music is a big part of my life—Beethoven’s 9th is a favorite, but honestly, there are so many others I love! I’m lucky to have an amazing support system with my mom, dad, brother, and husband, who are regulars at Columbia Orchestra concerts. At home, I hang out with my mostly-bulldog, Dave. My go-to motto is “Work hard and be nice,” and my favorite foods? Sushi and ice cream, of course!
Hi, I’m Elaine. I’ve spent many years teaching private flute lessons and have always had a strong passion for both music and community involvement. In 1990, I joined the Columbia Orchestra’s Board of Directors because I saw something truly special in the organization. Since then, I’ve been fortunate to be involved not just as a board member, but also as a musician, helping support the orchestra’s mission to enrich our community through music and education.
It’s been a joy to watch the orchestra grow and to contribute in whatever ways I can. Outside of orchestra life, I enjoy cooking, reading, and spending time outdoors.
Hei! I’m Laura, second flutist of the orchestra among many other things! By day I am the Chief Financial Officer of All-Stage and Sound, my husband’s special events production company, and by night I am a flutist. Married since 1994, I have a blended family of four children and four grandchildren. I have spent many years planning flute conventions–I served as the Convention Director for the Mid-Atlantic Flute Convention for 14 years and was the Assistant Program Chair for the National Flute Association’s 50th Anniversary Convention in Chicago in 2022. My favorite quote is “Character is what you do when no one is looking.” Playing the flute brings me joy and fulfillment, whether performing chamber music, in orchestras, or in flute choirs.
I am a native of Baltimore County, Maryland and I joined the Columbia Orchestra as piccoloist in 2006. I also currently serve as Principal Flutist of the U.S. Naval Academy Band. I was formerly Principal Flutist of the U.S. ATLANTIC Fleet Band and have held positions with the Virginia Beach and Annapolis Wind Symphonies.
I received Bachelor of Music degrees in education and performance in 1998 from James Madison University, where I studied with Carol Kniebusch Noe. Under the tutelage of Anthony Maiello, I received a Master of Music in conducting from George Mason University in 2003.
An experienced soloist, I have been the first prize winner of the James Madison University Concerto Competition, Virginia Music Teachers Association Concerto Competition, and the Sigma Alpha Iota Scholarship Competition. I can be heard on the James Madison University Flute Choir’s CD Sounds and Colors.
I frequently teach and serve as a clinician and adjudicator in Baltimore and Anne Arundel County schools. I currently reside in Annapolis, MD and enjoy spending time with my husband, John and family. Other interests include serving in church ministries, women’s lacrosse, weight training, cooking, biking, and interior design.
Hi, I’m Elizabeth—a nonprofit administrator and fundraiser who’s passionate about building connections and making a positive impact. Outside of work, I love gardening, playing video games, and spending time with my kids, especially when I get to share in their interests.
Music has always been a big part of my life. I find joy in everything from Josh Groban to classical favorites like Scheherazade, Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony, Brahms, Ravel, and Debussy. I don’t have any pets at the moment, but my kids are doing their best to convince me we need a turtle.
My greatest joy is being a mom and watching my children grow into their own unique selves. I try to live by the idea that change is always possible—and that each day brings a new chance to learn, grow, and do some good in the world. As for my best-kept secret? Let’s just say it’s staying a secret for now.
Hi, I’m Stacia Pratt, an instrumental music teacher with a love for all things music and education. Outside the classroom, I enjoy road trips with my husband, hiking Maryland’s trails, and starting the day with strong coffee. I’m originally from Idaho, so it’s no surprise that my favorite food is potatoes—any kind, any way!
One of my favorite places in the world is Harstine Island off the coast of Washington State, and if I had to be stranded somewhere, that’s where I’d want to be. I try to live by the phrase, “The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing,” and that mindset keeps me grounded in both my personal and professional life.
I am a nurse at Johns Hopkins Hospital and play oboe and English horn with the Columbia orchestra and VLOC (Victorian Lyric Opera), and multiple community theater pit orchestras. I especially enjoyed all (14?) years of the Nutcracker conducted by Columbia Orchestra principal violist, David Zajic, and a number of ballets conducted by him for Howard County Ballet. I have been married to Steve for 42 years, and we have played in the Hopkins Symphony Orchestra and UMBC orchestras for decades.
I am a poet and teacher! When I’m not teaching, writing poetry, or playing my clarinet, I enjoy rowing, hiking, and reading.I am married to Steve, a retired woodwind repairman whose expertise comes in handy with all of my various clarinets! Our children, Paul and Rose, are both embarking on their own academic journeys, with Paul pursuing his education in Japan and Rose studying at Drexel University.
I am a freelance clarinetist and teacher. I work with Gallery Winds, PGCC, MCYO, and St. Vincent Pallotti High School, in addition to gigging all over. My greatest accomplishment is hosting 10 years of Gallery Winds Chamber Music Camp with great colleagues! My favorite piece of music is any tonal large orchestra work where I get to play several clarinets!
Hi! I am Stacy, principal bassoon in the orchestra! I my day-to-day, I play multiple roles as a mom, teacher, and bookkeeper. I have pride in my children, who are a perfect blend of my and my husband’s best qualities. My favorite place to be is somewhere up North on a lake, immersed in nature and away from all the chaos of my life. As a Wisconsin native, I cherish memories of snowmobiling and participating in the time-honored tradition of making maple syrup with my family– I have hauled many a sap bucket!
Hi! I am William (Bill) Thayer, a retired Anne Arundel County Schools music teacher. In addition to playing bassoon and contrabassoon, I enjoy photography and family history/genealogy. I have a very musical family, my spouse, Melinda is also a retired music teacher (flute & violin.); my son, William plays french horn in the Marine Corps; my other son, Michael, is a captain in the Army stationed in Korea (also an oboe player); and my Daughter, Marianne,is a first year music teacher in Howard County (also a french horn player)!
Hi, I’m Paul Lindenmann, and I serve as a Police Officer with the U.S. Capitol Police. I’ve always been drawn to the power and excitement of big, classic orchestra finales—Pines of Rome, Firebird Suite, the 1812 Overture, and Mahler symphonies are what I live for musically. That’s a big part of why I joined the Columbia Orchestra.
Outside of rehearsals and work, I find meaning in playing taps for ceremonial events with the Capitol Police Ceremonial Unit. I’m also a proud husband of 31 years and a dad to three amazing daughters. Music has always been a source of inspiration and energy in my life, and I’m grateful to be part of an ensemble that brings that experience to our community.
Hi, I’m Richard, a retired police officer and polygraph examiner with the U.S. Capitol Police. Music has been a meaningful part of my life for many years—Verdi’s Requiem holds a special place in my heart as one of the first orchestral works I ever played, and it continues to inspire me.
I’m also a proud husband, father, and grandfather, and I find my greatest joy in the love and support of my family. My Golden Retriever, Charlie, brings plenty of daily laughter and companionship. If I ever had to be stranded somewhere, I’d choose the peaceful landscapes of Ireland—somewhere quiet, beautiful, and full of music.
I try to make each day count, starting with the alarm clock and a sense of purpose. My personal motto is simple: “The only person you’re truly competing against is yourself.” It’s a reminder to keep growing, learning, and enjoying the journey.
Hi, I’m Rob, an instrumental music teacher with Anne Arundel County Public Schools. I feel incredibly lucky to share my love of music with students every day—teaching has become a way for me to give back to the musical world that meant so much to me growing up. Earning two master’s degrees and becoming a music educator is one of my proudest accomplishments.
When I’m not in the classroom, I’m probably cooking or baking something new, or working on paper crafts and printing projects. I love a wide range of music—from Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony to Gusty Garden Galaxy from the Super Mario Galaxy soundtrack. My favorite travel spot is New Orleans—between the food and the music, it’s hard to beat.
At home, I’m married to my wonderful wife Kasey, and we share our lives with quite the crew: two dogs (Briar and Prim), a cat (Lina), a ball python, and a fish tank. And just for fun—not many people know I’m the Dungeon Master for my family’s D&D group!
Hi, I’m Ben Yehle, and I play French horn with the Columbia Orchestra. By day, I work as a Website Analytics Lead, but music has always been an important part of my life. One of my favorite musical memories is playing Lincolnshire Posy by Percy Grainger—it’s a concert band piece, but it was my first experience in a higher-level ensemble back in college, and it really stuck with me.
Outside of music, I enjoy video games, working on websites, and recently started getting into woodworking. I’m also a big fan of the ocean—though being stranded at sea isn’t on my bucket list, I wouldn’t mind being “stranded” on the beaches of Aruba with their beautiful weather!
I am a “retired”pastor, and have been a member of the orchestra for 35 years! After serving in churches, I now direct a prayer house in Frederick, MD. I love playing music with the Columbia Orchestra. I have been playing second horn with the orchestra since the day we became a full orchestra, over 35 years ago. Playing music together is something different than my profession, and being a part of an excellent orchestra is something I cherish. My eldest daughter was born right after our first season as a full orchestra. She and her sister always came to the children’s concerts as they were growing up. Recently my adult girls were able to bring some of their own children, and the grandkids were able to see “Gigi” play Peter and the Wolf. Honestly, that was a thrill!
Hi, I’m Don Patterson, a retired trombonist and arranger with the U.S. Marine Band. Music has been at the heart of my life for decades, and I’m grateful to still be freelancing and staying active with my trombone. Over the years, my performances and arrangements have taken me around the world, but it’s the joy of making music that keeps me going.
I’ve been married to my wife, Iris, for over 40 years, and together we’ve raised four amazing kids—our daughter Erin, and triplets Sean, Emma, and Bryan. Family has always been my greatest accomplishment and source of pride. At home, our beagle Susie keeps things lively and brings a lot of happiness to our lives.
If I had to be stranded anywhere, I’d pick the rolling green hills of Ireland—beautiful, musical, and full of stories. And as a proud Texan, I’ll never turn down some good barbeque. I try to keep things simple and steady, living by the saying, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
I’m a lifelong Maryland resident and enjoy playing trombone whenever I can, whether it’s in big band jazz groups, musical pits, or full-size orchestras. I studied music at the University of Maryland, College Park, where I got to play in a variety of bands and ensembles. Honestly, my favorite piece of music is whatever I’m currently playing!
Outside of music, I love to travel with my wife Josie, seeking food, art, and memories. We have an orange tabby named KitKat who has too many brain cells for his own good. I work as a design engineer and love to solve sudoku variants. I like to think solving puzzles stimulates the mind, while playing music calms it.
Everyone thinks that trombones only want to play loudly. It’s understandable that we get dirty looks from the violas. It’s just that, counting rests most of the time, we need to let loose once in a while. We call it playing dynamically.
After a career as an Army musician (where I often played dynamically), I enjoyed an exciting second career as a librarian, where I had to be very quiet and tell others to shush.
So glad that now, as a retired soldier/musician/librarian, I have found the perfect place: The Columbia Orchestra. Where the music, not the volume, is paramount.
I’m Tom, an Executive Assistant at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. But before that, I had an illustrious career as a tuba player in “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band. My time in the Marine Band fills me with pride and fond memories of friendship, camaraderie, and countless incredible musical performances. Although now in a different career, music remains my true passion in life. My favorite place to be is enjoying a long gig at a bar with a killer drummer behind the kit, me blasting away on tuba! With an optimistic spirit and lighthearted outlook on life, my favorite saying is “What could POSSIBLY go wrong?”
I’m Tad White, a mathematician with a passion for piano and chamber music. My mornings typically start with the NYT Crossword and Thirdle puzzles before diving into the day’s work.
Our household includes a yellow lab and a rescued barn cat who’ve learned to coexist peacefully. When I’m not working or practicing piano, I enjoy running and reading. A significant part of my time is spent with my grandchildren – or as I like to call them, my “negative-first cousins twice removed” (a bit of mathematician’s humor there).
Hi, I’m Nathan, a music teacher with a passion for composing for vibraphone, rock climbing, and speedrunning video games. Some of my favorite pieces of music are The Planets (Movement 5), Jan Freicher’s The Vega Concert, and, of course, Dancing Queen.
