Faculty and Staff
The Music Conservatory at Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts has enjoyed decades of providing outstanding music experiences for students. This success has been built upon a strong work ethic and desire to be the eminent high school music program both nationally and internationally. Our faculty are some of the most respected professional musicians and educators in the nation.
The Music Conservatory at Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts has enjoyed decades of providing outstanding music experiences for students. This success has been built upon a strong work ethic and desire to be the eminent high school music program both nationally and internationally. Our faculty are some of the most respected professional musicians and educators in the nation.
Kent Ellingson
|
Vertical Divider
|
William George-Twyman
|
Vertical Divider
|
Leonard Hayes
|
Vertical Divider
|
Michael Jacko
|
Vertical Divider
|
Brian Michaelz
|
Kent Ellingson
AP Music Theory, Vocal Jazz, Jazz Piano
Room 369
Phone: 972 927 20270
Email: kellingson@dallasisd.org
Website: www.dallasisd.org/kentellingson
AP Music Theory, Vocal Jazz, Jazz Piano
Room 369
Phone: 972 927 20270
Email: kellingson@dallasisd.org
Website: www.dallasisd.org/kentellingson
Read kent ellingson's bio
Kent Ellingson earned his MME from the University of North Texas with emphasis in jazz pedagogy. He is a very active jazz pianist throughout Dallas and North Texas and has been nationally cited for his successful teaching in AP Music Theory.
William George-Twyman
Head of Choral Studies
Room 130
Phone: 972 925 1229
Email: wigeorge@dallasisd.org
Website: www.dallasisd.org/williamgeorge
Head of Choral Studies
Room 130
Phone: 972 925 1229
Email: wigeorge@dallasisd.org
Website: www.dallasisd.org/williamgeorge
Read william george-twyman's bio
William George is A.B.D. in the Doctor of Musical Arts program in Choral Conducting at the University of Oklahoma, where he as the 2016 recipient of the Outstanding Choral Leadership Award from the school of music.
William comes with many years of choral conducting experience at the middle and high school levels, as well as in the collegiate, semi-professional, and liturgical arenas. He has studied with great conductors such as Dr. Richard Zielinski (University of Oklahoma), Dr. Carmen-Helena Tellez (University of Notre Dame), Dr. Eric Stark (Butler University), and Dr. Gary Anderson (Transylvania University). His masterclass experience includes workshops with Dr. Tim Sharp (American Choral Directors Association), Dr. Craig Hella-Johnson (Conspirare), Simon Carrington (The King's Singers), and Dale Warland (Dale Warland Singers).
Striving to find connections between Classical-era repertoire and modern music, William is known for innovative programming ideas and multimedia collaborations. He has served as pit conductor for several musical theatre productions, most recently a performance of the Tony award-winning "Coram Boy" in partnership with the University of Oklahoma School of Musical Theatre. William has also prepared opera choruses, conducted new music by living composers, and performed internationally as both singer and conductor.
In addition to being an accomplished choral conductor, William is a trained countertenor, having performed in Handel's "Messiah" (University of Notre Dame), Bach's "Magnificat in D Major" (St. Mark the Evangelist, Plano, Texas) and numerous early music groups.
Previous degrees include a Master of Sacred Music degree from the University of Notre Dame, a Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting from Butler University, and Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education from Transylvania University.
William comes with many years of choral conducting experience at the middle and high school levels, as well as in the collegiate, semi-professional, and liturgical arenas. He has studied with great conductors such as Dr. Richard Zielinski (University of Oklahoma), Dr. Carmen-Helena Tellez (University of Notre Dame), Dr. Eric Stark (Butler University), and Dr. Gary Anderson (Transylvania University). His masterclass experience includes workshops with Dr. Tim Sharp (American Choral Directors Association), Dr. Craig Hella-Johnson (Conspirare), Simon Carrington (The King's Singers), and Dale Warland (Dale Warland Singers).
Striving to find connections between Classical-era repertoire and modern music, William is known for innovative programming ideas and multimedia collaborations. He has served as pit conductor for several musical theatre productions, most recently a performance of the Tony award-winning "Coram Boy" in partnership with the University of Oklahoma School of Musical Theatre. William has also prepared opera choruses, conducted new music by living composers, and performed internationally as both singer and conductor.
In addition to being an accomplished choral conductor, William is a trained countertenor, having performed in Handel's "Messiah" (University of Notre Dame), Bach's "Magnificat in D Major" (St. Mark the Evangelist, Plano, Texas) and numerous early music groups.
Previous degrees include a Master of Sacred Music degree from the University of Notre Dame, a Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting from Butler University, and Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education from Transylvania University.
Leonard Hayes
Head of Piano Studies
Room 230
Phone: 972 925 1232
Email: leohayes@dallasisd.org
Website: www.dallasisd.org/leonardhayes
Head of Piano Studies
Room 230
Phone: 972 925 1232
Email: leohayes@dallasisd.org
Website: www.dallasisd.org/leonardhayes
Read leonard hayes' bio
Pianist Leonard Hayes is a native of Dallas, Texas, and a former student of Booker T. Washington HSPVA. He holds a B.M. from Lawrence University with additional studies at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam. Recently, Leonard earned a M.M. in Piano Performance and Literature from the Eastman School of Music.
Recently, Leonard received first prize in the 2015 National Piano Competition sponsored by the National Association of Negro Musicians (NANM). He received first prize in the 2009 and 2011 Debose National Piano Competitions (Baton Rouge, LA) and the 2011 Badger Collegiate Piano Competition, and received honorable mentions in both the 2013 Schubert Club Scholarship Competition (St. Paul, MN) and the 2010 Zelpha Wells National Piano Competition for Collegiate Artists (Tuscaloosa, AL).
Leonard is a winner of the 2009 Neale Silva Young Artist Competition and a 3rd prize winner of the 2009 National NANM Piano Competition. As a scholar, Leonard was awarded the prestigious 2015 Links Scholarship and, as a part of that award, he rendered a concert in Kilbourn Hall at the Eastman School of Music. The award, a cooperative effort between the Rochester, New York Chapter of The Links, Incorporated and the Eastman School of Music, recognizes and celebrates the extraordinary talent of an African-American scholar musician.
Leonard has performed in solo master classes for acclaimed pianists such as Richard Goode, Robert McDonald, Jon Kimura Parker, Nelita True, Jade Simmons, and Gilbert Kalish. In March 2011, Leonard was invited to perform in both solo and collaborative master classes at the Music Teacher’s National Association Convention, with Robert Weirich and the duo of Warren Jones and Denyce Graves. Leonard received a High School Diploma from the Interlochen Arts Academy. He holds a Bachelor of Music Degree from Lawrence University with additional studies at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam. Recently, Leonard received a Master of Music Degree in Performance and Literature from the Eastman School of Music where he studied under the guidance of Douglas Humpherys. His other teachers include Catherine Kautsky, T.J. Lymenstull, John Tatum, and Eva Flowers. Leonard’s previous faculty appointments include the Schenectady County Community College School of Music, Lawrence Academy of Music, and Appleton Music Academy.
Recently, Leonard received first prize in the 2015 National Piano Competition sponsored by the National Association of Negro Musicians (NANM). He received first prize in the 2009 and 2011 Debose National Piano Competitions (Baton Rouge, LA) and the 2011 Badger Collegiate Piano Competition, and received honorable mentions in both the 2013 Schubert Club Scholarship Competition (St. Paul, MN) and the 2010 Zelpha Wells National Piano Competition for Collegiate Artists (Tuscaloosa, AL).
Leonard is a winner of the 2009 Neale Silva Young Artist Competition and a 3rd prize winner of the 2009 National NANM Piano Competition. As a scholar, Leonard was awarded the prestigious 2015 Links Scholarship and, as a part of that award, he rendered a concert in Kilbourn Hall at the Eastman School of Music. The award, a cooperative effort between the Rochester, New York Chapter of The Links, Incorporated and the Eastman School of Music, recognizes and celebrates the extraordinary talent of an African-American scholar musician.
Leonard has performed in solo master classes for acclaimed pianists such as Richard Goode, Robert McDonald, Jon Kimura Parker, Nelita True, Jade Simmons, and Gilbert Kalish. In March 2011, Leonard was invited to perform in both solo and collaborative master classes at the Music Teacher’s National Association Convention, with Robert Weirich and the duo of Warren Jones and Denyce Graves. Leonard received a High School Diploma from the Interlochen Arts Academy. He holds a Bachelor of Music Degree from Lawrence University with additional studies at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam. Recently, Leonard received a Master of Music Degree in Performance and Literature from the Eastman School of Music where he studied under the guidance of Douglas Humpherys. His other teachers include Catherine Kautsky, T.J. Lymenstull, John Tatum, and Eva Flowers. Leonard’s previous faculty appointments include the Schenectady County Community College School of Music, Lawrence Academy of Music, and Appleton Music Academy.
Michael Jacko
Assistant Director of Music Conservatory, Head of Orchestral Studies
Room 269, Main Building
Phone: 972 925 1234
Email: mjacko@dallasisd.org
Website: www.dallasisd.org/michaeljacko
Assistant Director of Music Conservatory, Head of Orchestral Studies
Room 269, Main Building
Phone: 972 925 1234
Email: mjacko@dallasisd.org
Website: www.dallasisd.org/michaeljacko
Read michael jacko's bio
Michael Jacko has served as the conductor of the Maryland Sinfonietta and Assistant Conductor for the Capital City Symphony and the National Gallery of Art Orchestra in Washington, D.C. He holds an M.F.A. in orchestral conducting from Bard College and a D.M.A. in instrumental conducting from the University of Maryland, College Park. A devotee of American symphonic music, Michael completed his doctoral thesis at the University of Maryland, in which he discussed the new editions of Charles Ives's Fourth Symphony.
He recently conducted the Maryland Sinfonietta in the opening program of the National Gallery's 65th American Music Festival, which featured a selection of works by Cage, Copland and Ives that the Washington Post called "fascinating," "illuminating," and "a rich study in American mythmaking."
Michael began his conducting study while pursuing a degree from the Faculty of Languages and Linguistics at Georgetown University. While at Georgetown, he conducted the University Wind Ensemble and Symphony Orchestra. Michael completed further studies at Bard College, the University of Denver, and the University of Maryland, where he served as assistant conductor to various instrumental, choral, and operatic ensembles. While at Bard, he coordinated and conducted a string ensemble for Noemie LaFrance’s site-specific ballet, Rapture, staged atop the magnificent Frank Gehry-designed Richard B. Fisher Center, and he also led the Woodstock Chamber Orchestra as a guest conductor.
He recently conducted the Maryland Sinfonietta in the opening program of the National Gallery's 65th American Music Festival, which featured a selection of works by Cage, Copland and Ives that the Washington Post called "fascinating," "illuminating," and "a rich study in American mythmaking."
Michael began his conducting study while pursuing a degree from the Faculty of Languages and Linguistics at Georgetown University. While at Georgetown, he conducted the University Wind Ensemble and Symphony Orchestra. Michael completed further studies at Bard College, the University of Denver, and the University of Maryland, where he served as assistant conductor to various instrumental, choral, and operatic ensembles. While at Bard, he coordinated and conducted a string ensemble for Noemie LaFrance’s site-specific ballet, Rapture, staged atop the magnificent Frank Gehry-designed Richard B. Fisher Center, and he also led the Woodstock Chamber Orchestra as a guest conductor.
Brian Michaelz
Music Technology
Music Technology
Read brian michaelz's bio
Brian Michaelz joins the Booker T. faculty with a background in radio broadcasting, as well as studio and live sound production. He has an extensive career in the music industry, including collaborations with Alvin Taylor, drummer for Elton John, Jimi Hendrix and George Harrison. Brian holds a B.S. in Music Production, as well as advanced degrees in Entertainment Business and Public Relations.
Nathan Myers
Director of Music Conservatory, Head of Opera
Email: nmyers@dallasisd.org
Website: www.dallasisd.org/nathanmyers
Director of Music Conservatory, Head of Opera
Email: nmyers@dallasisd.org
Website: www.dallasisd.org/nathanmyers
Read nathan myers' bio
American baritone Nathan De'Shon Myers is fast establishing himself as an artist with international appeal. During the 2013/2014 Season, he made his Austrian debut with the Salzburg Landestheater in the title role of Ernst Krenek’s Jonny Spielt Auf and returned to The Dallas Opera to recreate the role of Fiorello in its new production of Il Barbiere di Siviglia with Nathan Gunn for which he received excellent critical reviews. In addition to his solo performing, Myers holds a master's degree in Music from Southern Methodist University and since 2012 he has served as director of Opera and associate choral director at the acclaimed Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Dallas.
Five successful seasons as soloist with the distinguished Deutsche Oper Berlin from 2007 to 2012 afforded him the opportunity to be seen in a variety of roles including Schaunard in La Boheme, Ping in Turandot, Dancairo in Carmen, Marullo in Rigoletto, Il Prologo in Cassandra, Silvano in Ballo in Maschera, Matthieu in Andrea Chenier, Dandini in La Cenerentola, Marquis d'Obigny in La Traviata, Antonio in Le Nozze di Figaro and as both the Erzbischof and Florent d’illiers in the world premiere of Walter Braunfels’ Szenen aus dem Leben der Heiligen Johanna among many others. Collaborating with such noted artists as Neil Schicoff, Larry Brownlee, Joyce DiDonato, Johan Botha, Elisabeth Futral and Maestro Marco Armiliato.
A “feisty stage presence and a bright, well-focused baritone” remarks The Dallas Morning News of his portrayal of Dr. Malatesta in Don Pasquale. He has not only caught the attention of many with his vocal prowess, but is also a consummate actor who commands the stage. The Chautauquan Daily heralded, “Nathan Myers, in the role of Valentin, was clearly a favorite. His voice possesses strength, beauty and clarity. Myers’ acting was electrifying.” And at the conclusion of his solo debut at Carnegie Hall in May of 2011, he received a standing ovation for lending his warm baritone voice to the evening’s presentation of “Spirituals Re-Imagined”.
Prior to moving to Europe, Nathan spent the 2006/2007 Season as an inaugural member of The Dallas Opera Young Artist Program where he debuted in Il Barbiere di Siviglia along side Viveca Genaux and Richard Croft. The Dallas Morning News noted him for being “a spunky, vocally appealing Fiorello.” He was also a featured soloist with the Minnesota Orchestra in a performance of a collection of spirituals commissioned by the Albany Symphony specifically for his voice and orchestra, David Alan Miller, conductor.
Nathan also holds degrees from the University of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Mannes College of Music, and is a recipient of the distinguished Richard F. Gold Career Grant. He has worked with many opera companies/orchestras both nationally and internationally including The Lyric Opera of Chicago, Theater Neustrelitz, Dallas Opera, Musik & Theater Saar, Des Moines Metro Opera, Stadttheater Trier, Land of Enchantment Opera, Central City Opera, Chautauqua Opera, Albany Symphony, Dallas Wind Symphony/Turtle Creek Chorale, Pittsburgh Symphony, Tulsa Opera, Tulsa Philharmonic, Oregon Lyric Opera, Nevada Opera, St. Louis Bach Society, Minnesota Orchestra, Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra, and Denver Symphony.
Nathan's operatic role portrayals include Don Giovanni in Don Giovanni, Valentin in Faust, Schaunard/Marcello in La Boheme, Papageno in Die Zauberflöte, Dandini in La Cenerentola, Dancairo in Carmen, Gregorio in Romeo & Juliet, Figaro in Il Barbiere di Siviglia, Pooh Bah in The Mikado. Additional career highlights include, performing the role of The Subway Opera Singer in the Movie "Everyday People" and on the soundtrack of the movie "Kingdom Come" starring Whoopi Goldberg.
Five successful seasons as soloist with the distinguished Deutsche Oper Berlin from 2007 to 2012 afforded him the opportunity to be seen in a variety of roles including Schaunard in La Boheme, Ping in Turandot, Dancairo in Carmen, Marullo in Rigoletto, Il Prologo in Cassandra, Silvano in Ballo in Maschera, Matthieu in Andrea Chenier, Dandini in La Cenerentola, Marquis d'Obigny in La Traviata, Antonio in Le Nozze di Figaro and as both the Erzbischof and Florent d’illiers in the world premiere of Walter Braunfels’ Szenen aus dem Leben der Heiligen Johanna among many others. Collaborating with such noted artists as Neil Schicoff, Larry Brownlee, Joyce DiDonato, Johan Botha, Elisabeth Futral and Maestro Marco Armiliato.
A “feisty stage presence and a bright, well-focused baritone” remarks The Dallas Morning News of his portrayal of Dr. Malatesta in Don Pasquale. He has not only caught the attention of many with his vocal prowess, but is also a consummate actor who commands the stage. The Chautauquan Daily heralded, “Nathan Myers, in the role of Valentin, was clearly a favorite. His voice possesses strength, beauty and clarity. Myers’ acting was electrifying.” And at the conclusion of his solo debut at Carnegie Hall in May of 2011, he received a standing ovation for lending his warm baritone voice to the evening’s presentation of “Spirituals Re-Imagined”.
Prior to moving to Europe, Nathan spent the 2006/2007 Season as an inaugural member of The Dallas Opera Young Artist Program where he debuted in Il Barbiere di Siviglia along side Viveca Genaux and Richard Croft. The Dallas Morning News noted him for being “a spunky, vocally appealing Fiorello.” He was also a featured soloist with the Minnesota Orchestra in a performance of a collection of spirituals commissioned by the Albany Symphony specifically for his voice and orchestra, David Alan Miller, conductor.
Nathan also holds degrees from the University of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Mannes College of Music, and is a recipient of the distinguished Richard F. Gold Career Grant. He has worked with many opera companies/orchestras both nationally and internationally including The Lyric Opera of Chicago, Theater Neustrelitz, Dallas Opera, Musik & Theater Saar, Des Moines Metro Opera, Stadttheater Trier, Land of Enchantment Opera, Central City Opera, Chautauqua Opera, Albany Symphony, Dallas Wind Symphony/Turtle Creek Chorale, Pittsburgh Symphony, Tulsa Opera, Tulsa Philharmonic, Oregon Lyric Opera, Nevada Opera, St. Louis Bach Society, Minnesota Orchestra, Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra, and Denver Symphony.
Nathan's operatic role portrayals include Don Giovanni in Don Giovanni, Valentin in Faust, Schaunard/Marcello in La Boheme, Papageno in Die Zauberflöte, Dandini in La Cenerentola, Dancairo in Carmen, Gregorio in Romeo & Juliet, Figaro in Il Barbiere di Siviglia, Pooh Bah in The Mikado. Additional career highlights include, performing the role of The Subway Opera Singer in the Movie "Everyday People" and on the soundtrack of the movie "Kingdom Come" starring Whoopi Goldberg.
Read Frederick Sanders' bio
Frederick Sanders received his early jazz education at Booker T. Washington HSPVA, where he earned a Downbeat award for Outstanding Instrumentalist for Cello, and he was named High School Arranger of the Year for his arrangement of Dan Haerle's "Crib Chimp." Frederick earned his B.M. from Texas State University, and he has since appeared as a jazz pianist with artists such as Erykah Badu, Benny Golson, and Roy Hargrove. He has strong ties to New Orleans, and has previously served as Piano Chair for Jazz at Lincoln Center.
Larry Schnitzer
Head of Wind Studies
Room 273
Email: lschnitzer@dallasisd.org
Website: www.dallasisd.org/larryschnitzer
Head of Wind Studies
Room 273
Email: lschnitzer@dallasisd.org
Website: www.dallasisd.org/larryschnitzer
Read larry schnitzer's bio
Larry Schnitzer is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and is a proud alumnus of the Arts Magnet High School at Booker T. Washington. Bands under his direction have received 52 consecutive 1st division ratings at UIL concert and marching competitions, while earning 23 UIL Sweepstakes awards and winning 19 contests at both the regional and national levels in Texas, California, Florida, Louisiana and Missouri. Larry is an active clinician and adjudicator and is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association. He is married to Laura and has one son, Jacob and one daughter, Jessica.
Larry teaches Wind Ensemble, Instrumental Technique, Symphony Orchestra, Music Theory and Conducting. All Wind Ensemble students will find information for classes by logging in to www.charmsoffice.com.
Larry teaches Wind Ensemble, Instrumental Technique, Symphony Orchestra, Music Theory and Conducting. All Wind Ensemble students will find information for classes by logging in to www.charmsoffice.com.
Steve Schrag
Guitar
Phone: 972 925 8263
Email: sschrag@dallasisd.org
Website: www.dallasisd.org/stevenschrag
Guitar
Phone: 972 925 8263
Email: sschrag@dallasisd.org
Website: www.dallasisd.org/stevenschrag
Read steve schrag's bio
Steve Schrag has played in live bands and studio sessions across the nation, and maintains an active performance schedule in addition to teaching.
