Email: ianwenzflute@gmail.com

A native of Cleveland Ohio, Ian Wenz enjoys an active and versatile career as both educator and freelance performer throughout Northeast Ohio. An accomplished flutist, Ian has performed in various orchestral ensembles in addition to performing solo and chamber music recitals both locally and throughout North America. Ian attended Bowling Green State University for his Bachelor of Music in performance degree where he studied with Nina Assimakopoulos and Conor Nelson. He later earned a Master of Music degree in flute from the University of Akron under the tutelage of George Pope and Jane Berkner where he also served as a graduate teaching assistant Upon graduation, Ian was fortunate to attend two summer sessions at the Orford Music Academy in Quebec, Canada where had the privilege of studying with renowned performers and pedagogues  Julien Beaudiment and Denis Bluteau. Ian is dedicated teacher and his students encompass all ages and levels, from beginner to advanced. He teaches privately for Lakewood City School District, is on staff at the Hudson School and Fairlawn Schools of Music and is a chamber music coach for the Contemporary Youth Orchestra. He hopes to inspire and motivate students to acquire skills not only to help them succeed as a musicians but as individuals.

Email: brbiggin@netscape.net

Bruce Biggin is a retired hospital pharmacist with a BS in Pharmacy from Ohio Northern University. Musically, Bruce is a life long oboist having played with the Parma Symphony, Chagrin Falls Studio Orchestra, Strongsville Community Band, Symphony West, and Bay Village Community Band to name a few.  

Bruce's primary teachers included Loyal "Bud" Mould and Danna Sundet. Bruce gives back to the oboe community by volunteering at the John Mack Oboe camp annually at Wild Acres, North Carolina and as a member of the reading sessions committee for the International Double Reed Society.

The previous two items have led to performing in master classes with luminaries of the oboe world such as Frank Rosenwein (Cleveland Orchestra), Joe Robinson (New York Philharmonic), and Scott Hostettler (Chicago Symphony) and chamber music performances at IDRS conventions in faraway places including Granada, Spain, and Tokyo, Japan.

Email: ian.bassoon@gmail.com

Bio coming soon!

Email: erikacikraji@gmail.com

Erika Cikraji received her undergraduate performance degree at The Ohio State University where she studied with James Pyne and her masters degree from Rice University where she studied with Dr. Michael Webster and Richie Hawley. Additionally, Erika worked extensively post-graduate school with Cleveland Orchestra clarinetist, Robert Woolfrey. As a freelance clarinetist, Erika enjoys substituting with local regional orchestras as well as performing for fun in German bands such as North Coast Prost. As a private instructor, Erika’s teaching experience has spanned over a decade beginning in Brazoswood, Texas and continuing in the Greater Cleveland area. She prides herself on her ability to tailor her teaching to meet students of a wide variety of ages, levels, and interests.

Email: home.michael24@gmail.com

Website: https://www.michaelmccannwoodwinds.com

Michael McCann, a Cleveland-based musician, graduated Summa Cum Laude from Cleveland State University, where he was deeply immersed in the world of jazz performance. His dedication to his craft is evident through his invaluable tutelage under esteemed virtuosos such as Randy Bowman, Erin Torres, Jenny Northcutt, Stefan Hoskuldsson, Thomas Robertello, Joe Miller, Dan Bruce, and Lew Tabackin. Michael's musical prowess has graced prestigious venues like Playhouse Square's State and Connor Palace Theatre, The Beck Center, The Schuster Center, and Victoria Theatre, and he has showcased his talent as a Reed 1 doubler in various productions, including the Broadway touring show of Company under Charlie Alterman.

Notably, Michael's remarkable achievements extend beyond the realm of performance. His exceptional skills were recognized when he received an honorable mention in the Young Arts Classical Division. He has also had the privilege of playing with the esteemed National Flute Association's Flute Choir and emerged victorious in the Central Ohio Flute Association's high school flute competition. These experiences have further solidified his reputation as a versatile and accomplished musician.

When Michael is not immersed in his musical pursuits, he finds solace and fulfillment in his dedication to physical fitness. A true enthusiast, he seizes every opportunity to embark on invigorating hikes, exploring the beauty of nature. Additionally, he engages in powerlifting, pushing his physical limits to impressive heights. 

Looking ahead, Michael envisions a future where he continues to thrive in Cleveland. His passion for teaching, performing, and physical fitness remains unwavering, serving as pillars of his personal and professional endeavors. Above all, he cherishes the company of his loved ones, finding joy in sharing meaningful experiences with his friends and family.

Email: massicotte.etienne@gmail.com

Links: Listen Here, Instagram

Etienne Massicotte is a classically trained trumpet player and multi-instrumentalist with degrees in trumpet performance from The College of Wooster (B.Mus. 2012) and McGill University (M.Mus. 2014). Étienne is looking forward to his 10th year offering private lessons for the Lakewood band program.

The first purpose of private lessons is to ensure every student’s success within their school band program. Lessons are perfect for the student who needs some tutoring on their assigned music if they feel behind, especially if they switched from another instrument and want to catch up to their peers. For students who are already excelling in their music curriculum, private lessons are a great opportunity to provide enrichment and extra-curricular projects tailored towards the individual interests and abilities of the student. These frequently include learning melodies and tunes to play for family around the holidays (requests welcome!); solo or small group performances at Solo & Ensemble Contest; learning to improvise and compose original music; and preparing auditions for music camps or college scholarships. All lessons include playing along with the student frequently and providing written goals and recorded play-along materials to assist with their individual practice. At all ability levels, private lessons are a great way for students to continue developing solid work habits and life skills that will serve their future. For more information including pricing and availability, please don’t hesitate to get in touch using the provided links.

If you would like to learn more about Etienne’s music, you can hear his latest release titled If I Leave Before You, a full-length album of 11 songs under the name “Hello, Passenger” available on all major streaming platforms. On the album, Etienne is the vocalist and plays piano, trumpet, French horn, and harmonica, alongside bassist Alfredo Guerrieri and drummer Stephen Klunk.

Etienne is proud to release music to raise awareness for charitable organizations such as the Challenged Athletes Foundation and Dare2Tri who support athletes with disabilities in adaptive sports. Thanks to the generous donations of listeners, Etienne has been fortunate to participate in a number of organized fundraisers for these non-profit groups, which have led to the finish of some exciting marathons (Boston 2026, Chicago 2024, 2025) and triathlons (Alcatraz 2022). For more news and updates, you can follow along on Instagram to stay in touch with Etienne’s music and other adventures.

Tren Cheshier is a graduate of Cleveland Heights High School and was trained at the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music as well as at Cleveland State University. He has been teaching private lessons since 1992 and has worked with hundreds of horn students over the years. He finds great pleasure in enhancing his students' skills and their enjoyment of music. In addition to teaching privately, he has been a member of the applied faculty at Cleveland State University. Tren has played with Tony Bennett as well as many local organizations, including: City Music Cleveland, the Akron Symphony, the Erie Philharmonic, the Youngstown Symphony, the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra, and Cleveland Ballet. He has served as principal horn of the Cleveland Opera and is currently principal horn of the Heights Chamber Orchestra and horn section leader of the Cleveland Philahrmonic Orchestra. Tren also performs with the Hillcrest Concert Band and the Shaker Heights Community Band.

Email: deanty8@gmail.com

Ty Deane is a bass trombonist and low brass instructor currently active in Cleveland, Ohio. He has appeared with diverse ensembles ranging from classical to jazz in Canada, Germany, Spain and China. 

Mr. Deane holds a degree in Music Performance from the University of South Carolina and a TESOL Certification from Kennesaw State University. Most recently, Ty earned an Artist Diploma from Cleveland State University, where he studied with Cleveland Orchestra trombonist Shachar Israel. Other principal teachers include Dr. Bradley Palmer, Dr. Brad Edwards and Brian Hecht. 

Ty has extensive teaching experience across the southeastern US as well as abroad. He has had students succeed in the Georgia and South Carolina All-State Bands and was well-received while in residence as an English teacher in Figueres, Spain. Because of this diverse background, he is comfortable teaching both beginning and advanced students in individual as well as group settings. 

Email: andrew.weiss.tuba@gmail.com

Andrew Weiss is a professional tuba player and teacher in the Cleveland area. He has a Bachelors in Music Education and Tuba Performance from the Hartt School of Music, and a Masters in Tuba Performance from the Cleveland Institute of Music. Andrew has performed with the Richmond Symphony Orchestra (Virginia), the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra (Ohio), and the Cleveland Orchestra, and taught with Lakewood City Schools, Bay Village School District, and Gilmour Academy, among others. Andrew is also a member of the Lacus Brass Quintet.

Email: tmhampton.percussion@gmail.com

Tim Hampton has been teaching percussion lessons in the Lakewood City Schools since 2013, and has been the Percussion Advisor for the Lakewood Ranger Marching Band since 2011. He earned his BM from Youngstown State University and MM from the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati. 

Mr. Hampton has taught privately for more than a decade, including seven years at Educator’s Music in Lakewood. He has performed with the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra, Firelands Symphony Orchestra, North Coast Men’s Chorus, Samba Joia Brazilian percussion ensemble, Tim is a regular timpanist at St Stanislaus Church, and performs regularly in pit orchestras for local community theaters. He has experience teaching snare drum, mallet percussion, timpani, drum set, and orchestral percussion.