Maggie Chvatal is a flutist and private flute instructor based in Austin, originally from Cypress, Texas. She earned her Bachelor of Music in Flute Performance from the University of Texas at Austin, where she studied with Ebonee Thomas and Marianne Gedigian. During her time at UT, Maggie performed with the Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, Opera, New Music Ensemble, and a variety of chamber ensembles, and was selected to perform at the Consummate Flutist Workshop at Carnegie Mellon University.

As a teacher, Maggie is passionate about helping students develop not only strong musical skills but also confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of music. She believes every student learns differently and enjoys creating lessons that encourage creativity, discipline, and genuine enjoyment of playing the flute.

Maggie is grateful for the guidance of her mentors and strives to pass that same encouragement and knowledge on to each of her students. Outside of music, she enjoys cooking, hosting gatherings, spending quality time with friends and family, and serving in her church’s kids ministry! 

Zane Laijas is an oboist, educator, and reedmaker based in Central Texas. He earned his Bachelor of Music in Oboe Performance with a minor in Business from The University of Texas at Austin where he performed in many of the university's premier ensembles. Zane has over a decade of experience playing the oboe and is passionate about helping students develop strong fundamentals, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for music. 

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit."

 - Will Durant, summarizing Aristotle 

Marcie Tirrell started playing clarinet in the 5th grade and has been playing for over 35 years. In high school she begged her parents to take lessons from the professor of clarinet at BYU 90 minutes away. Her dedication in high school paid off as she won several competitions and was a Music Sterling Scholar. She later attended BYU playing in the top orchestra and band there, and playing first chair in the BYU Wind Symphony. She toured with these groups in several countries in Asia, Europe, and the South Pacific. She graduated with honors from BYU with a bachelor’s in Music Performance and Pedagogy. After graduation she performed with the Utah Valley Symphony for 7 years. She currently plays with the Millennial Choir Orchestra performing at the Meyerson Center in Dallas, the Long Center and Bass Concert Hall.

Marcie enjoys teaching and helping students develop skills on the clarinet and improve in musicianship. She has taught private lessons for over 25 years. She enjoys teaching all levels, from beginning to college. She also plays the piano and enjoys singing. She and her husband live in Pflugerville and have three beautiful children who are developing a love of music as well. 

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.

Jorge Rodriguez is an active musician and educator currently on his final year pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.) degree in Trombone Performance at the University of Texas at Austin. He has previously served as the Teaching Assistant at UT and as Adjunct Professor of Trombone at Texas A&M University - Kingsville for two years. Jorge received his Bachelor of Music in Performance at Texas A&M University - Kingsville, and his Masters of Music at UT Austin. In his free time, he enjoys playing video games, birding, portrait photography, and taking pictures of deep space through his telescope. 

Alex Doolittle is a freelance low-brass specialist, educator, performer, and arranger from Spartanburg, SC. Alex earned a Master’s Degree in Euphonium Performance from Columbus State University - Schwob School of Music, where he served as a Graduate Assistant for the Tuba-Euphonium Studio and Music Theory Department. Alex also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Instrumental Music Education and a Performer’s Certificate from the University of South Carolina.

As an educator, Alex has worked for many public school band programs throughout the Southeast, working primarily with trombone, euphonium, and tuba students. He provided sectional instruction and private lessons, focusing on building strong fundamentals, efficient practice habits, and finding a musical voice. Alex is also a member of the brass staff for Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps, one of the top brass-lines in the world. His diverse teaching background enables him to prepare students for honor bands, all-state auditions, solo and ensemble performances, collegiate music study, and Drum Corps International auditions.

As a performer, Alex has been active in a wide range of ensembles, including the Schwob Wind Ensemble, Schwob Trombone Choir, MAGE Tuba-Euphonium Quartet, the South Carolina Brass Band, and the USC Swing Shift Jazz Band. He is also a former member of Music City Drum and Bugle Corps, as well as Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps. Currently, Alex is in the process of editing and releasing his first solo euphonium album.

Through his work as an educator, Alex strives to equip his students with the technical foundation and artistic skills to succeed within the classroom, on the stage, and beyond. Alex is excited to begin building his low-brass studio in Austin, TX. 

Ching-Ping (Peggy) Wang is a versatile freelance percussionist based in Austin, TX. Renowned for her versatility, she has performed extensively in orchestral, ensemble, and solo settings, earning accolades for her expressive artistry and dynamic contributions to the musical community. Peggy’s musical journey began at the age of four with piano, laying a strong foundation for her later pursuit of percussion. With over a decade of teaching experience, she has guided students of all ages, helping them excel in public performances, competitions, and auditions.

In 2010, Peggy earned her Master of Music in Percussion Performance from the State University of New York at Purchase College, where she studied under Dr. Dominic Donato, Dr. Pablo Rieppi. She also holds a Bachelor of Music Education from Taipei Municipal University of Education in Taiwan (2004). Beyond performing, Peggy has experience as a percussion ensemble conductor and brings a deep understanding of music theory and history to her work. Outside of her professional endeavors, Peggy enjoys spending time outdoors with her family.