Gabriel Grant is an oboist, reed maker, and teacher located in Austin, Texas. With an affinity for performing and reed making and a passion for teaching, Gabriel continues to strive towards his goal of making classical music more accessible, engaging, and fun.

Gabriel will be performing as Principal Oboe of the Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra in the upcoming 2023-24 season. He has performed with ensembles including the Amarillo Symphony, Chamber Music Amarillo, Central Texas Philharmonic, Temple Symphony Orchestra.

Gabriel teaches a thriving private studio consisting of students from several middle schools and high schools in and around Austin. In addition to teaching, Gabriel works as the Event Manager for the Austin District Music Teacher’s Association (ADMTA).

Currently studying at the Butler School of Music at the University of Texas at Austin for his Master’s in Music Performance, Gabriel is a student of Dr. Andrew Parker. Gabriel completed his Bachelor’s of Music Performance at the Schwob School of Music in Columbus, Georgia where he studied with Dr. Susan Tomkiewicz. In addition to his primary mentors, Gabriel has also worked and studied with renowned oboists such as Elaine Douvas, Frank Rosenwein, Dr. Nancy King, and John Ferrillo.

Gabriel performs on a Loree Royal 125th Anniversary model oboe.

Shawn Karson currently serves as Contrabassoonist with the Central Texas Philharmonic, Second Bassoonist/Contrabassoonist with the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra, Second Bassoonist with the Panama City Symphony Orchestra, and Third Bassoonist/Contrabassoonist in the Punta Gorda Symphony Orchestra. He has performed with numerous orchestras around Texas and the Southeast United States such as Austin Symphony Orchestra, Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra (MS), Savannah Philharmonic Orchestra, Space Coast Symphony Orchestra, Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra (FL), as well as other projects in the University of Florida, Miami Ballet, National Music Festival, Taneycomo Music Festival, and Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp.

In addition to his active performing career, Shawn is an Austin, TX based Private Lessons Instructor and Reed Maker for the Austin, Hutto, Leander, Pflugerville, and Round Rock Independent School Districts. He also teaches students from all over the United States and around the world with students in the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

A native of Fort Myers, FL, Shawn is currently pursuing a Master of Music in Bassoon Performance at The University of Texas at Austin. He holds a Bachelor of Music in Bassoon Performance from the Florida State University College of Music where he has performed alongside his professors and mentors in the Faculty Chamber Recital. His primary teachers include Kristin Wolfe Jensen (UT Austin) and Jeff Keesecker (FSU). 

Michael Rey is a professional trumpet player residing in Austin, Texas. In a city known for its live music, he has carved an impressive path for himself, in not only performance, but instruction, adjudication and studio work as well. A founding member of the acclaimed Austin-based horn trio, The Fresh 2 Def Horns, Michael has busied his performance schedule with groups of many varying genre. From the Grammy award winning Latin piece, Grupo Fantasma, to another Grammy-awarding winning artist, Country singer/song writer Rick Trevino, to say he is a versatile musician is a gross understatement.

Michael has been a long-standing performer at the well-known jazz venue, The Elephant Room, down in the basement on Congress Ave. in downtown Austin; a place where many aspiring Austin transplant musicians hope to one day cut their teeth on the same stage that has been graced by the likes of Winton Marsallis and Harry Connick, Jr. He is among the elite who have had that opportunity, and he has done so on hundreds of occasions - showcasing his chops as the “high note guy” in various established local jazz ensembles.

In between performances, local and on tour, Michael also has quite the rap sheet as a recording artist, playing both solo and within a horn section. He can be heard on the four records of esteemed Austin group, The Nightowls, many tunes featuring horn lines on which he collaborated creatively as well. Most notably, he has found himself blowing away within the walls of the famed Sun Studio, where Elvis Presley was discovered, in addition to being in the talented hands of Grammy-award winning producer Laurence “Boo” Mitchell at renowned Royal Studios.

Michael’s resume is one to envy, yet some of his proudest accomplishments are those where he is not even the recipient of the glory. For almost 15 years, Michael has been a private trumpet instructor, working with kids from the time they first put a horn to their mouth, to when they’re preparing their college audition material. He has coached several students who have excelled in district, region and state competitions, and many of his mentees have achieved the highest accolades during solo and ensemble performances.

Mr. Rey, as they call him, has helped them hone the skills necessary to enter confidently into their respective universities as aspiring music students. Some of his former students are pursuing their own musical dreams at Stephen F. Austin University (Michael’s Alma Mater), Oberlin Music Conservatory, Texas State, the University of Texas and the University of North Texas.

He has had the honor of being an adjudicator and guest artist at Jazz festivals on an annual basis. For the past 15 summers, he has paid homage to his Alma Mater by traveling back to Nacogdoches, Texas to lead trumpet Master Classes, teach private lessons and perform as a guest artist with the campers.

Originally from Austin, trombonist Matthew Flores is a diverse and skilled multi-genre musician with a deep love for music and education.  With 10+ years of performing and teaching experience, music has taken Matthew around the world including Texas, New York, Washington D.C., Georgia, Illinois, Italy, among more. He has participated in music festivals such as the Southeastern Trombone Symposium, International, Trombone Festival, and American Trombone Workshop. His passion for music led him to do his Bachelor’s Degree in Trombone Performance at Texas State University and his Master’s at Ithaca College in NYS. Matt now lives in Austin actively building his trombone teaching studio and playing other local musicians. Along with trombone Matt also teaches trumpet, guitar, and piano respectively. He is a motivated individual artist performing in different ensembles ranging from genres including classical, jazz, and Latin.