Artist Ambassadors

October 27, 2025

Dr. Marjory Serrano-Coyer began her violin studies in Venezuela at age 7 with Ismenia Molina at the Aragua Symphony Foundation. As a teen she studied at the Academia Latinoamericana de Violin with Jose Francisco del Castillo and Sergio Celis. She also studied with a number of additional noted teachers, including maestros Williams Naranjo, Luis Miguel Gonzalez and Pablo Vazquez.

She moved to the United States to study at Shenandoah Conservatory under Marc Ramirez and Akemi Takayama. There she completed an MA in Violin Performance, and Artist Diplomas (post-graduate degrees) in Violin and String Quartet Studies, respectively. She finished her studies at Catholic University of America (Washington, D.C.), where she completed her Doctor of Musical Arts degree under Jody Gatwood in Violin Performance with a specialization in Latin American studies.

October 30/31, 2025

Rooted in the deep traditions of the jazz piano trio and driven by a spirit of exploration, The Sam Schaeffer Trio brings fresh energy and dynamic interplay to the classic format. Based in New York’s Hudson Valley and consisting of alumni of the world renowned Eastman School of Music, the trio blends swing, modern jazz, and original compositions into a sound that’s both timeless and forward-thinking. 

Sam Schaeffer is a jazz drummer, percussionist, educator, and composer hailing from Harrisonburg, Virginia located in the Shenandoah Valley. Sam holds a BA in jazz studies from SUNY Fredonia and a MM in Jazz and Contemporary Media from the renown Eastman School of Music. Currently based in New York’s Hudson Valley, Sam is active as a drummer and percussionist on both the New York and Virginia jazz scenes. 

An accomplished and varied performer, Sam has worked with such diverse musicians as John Clayton, Brad Leali, Derrick Gardner, America’s Got Talent Winner Sal Valentinetti, Delefayo Marsalis, Kim Nazarian, Mike Gibbs, and many more. In June 2025, Sam was selected as a member of the JAS Aspen Academy which included collaborations with Jose James, Alicia Olatuja, trumpeter Brian Lynch, and the academy’s Artistic Director Christian McBride. Sam also leads and composes for his own groups who have performed at the Fredonia Jazz Festival, Rochester International Jazz Festival, and other numerous venues in both Virginia and New York. 

November 6, 2025

José Antonio Meléndez Rodríguez is a Nicaraguan-American guitar player, composer, singer, and songwriter who was born without arms. His mother took thalidomide while pregnant, which caused his disability. Meléndez has learned to play the guitar with his feet.[1]

Meléndez began playing and singing in the Los Angeles area in 1985.[1] On September 15, 1987, Meléndez sang Never Be the Same while playing the guitar with his feet in a special performance for Pope John Paul II. Visibly moved, the Pope descended from his chair and embraced Meléndez. The Pope told Meléndez, "My wish to you, is to continue of giving [sic] this hope to all, all the people," which inspired him.[2]

His band, Tony Meléndez and the Toe Jam Band, has a busy concert schedule. Meléndez gives motivational talks and has written a book.