Michael Plotkin Originally from upstate New York, Michael received his Bachelor of Music degree in Percussion Performance from the Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt University in 2001. While there, he won the school’s annual concerto competition, performing Darius Milhaud’s Concerto pour Batterie et Petite Orchestre with the Vanderbilt Orchestra in 2001. In 2003, Michael received his Masters of Music degree in percussion from Southern Methodist University. An active freelancer and teacher in Dallas, TX, Michael performs with groups such as the East Texas and Los Colinas Symphonies, Dallas Wind Symphony, Lyric Stage, WaterTower Theatre, and Garland Summer Musicals. Internationally, Michael has performed with the Lyrique en Mer Opera Festival in France, and with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. Since 2008, Michael has been the resident percussionist at the New London Barn Playhouse in New Hampshire. Locally, Michael can be seen performing with the quartet Swing Therapy, and the nearly 20 piece Fox-Trot orchestra The Singapore Slingers.

Andy Pruyn graduated from Northern Kentucky University with a degree in Music Education with specialty in Percussions/Drums. He has a Standard Texas Educator Certificate for all levels of Music in grades K-12. He has taught in Mansfield Independent School District where he was a percussion instructor for grades 6-12. He was assistant band director/percussion specialist in Mesquite Independent School District. This past year Mr. Pruyn has been a percussion instructor for the Richardson Independent School District at J.J. Pearce High School as well as North Junior High School, and Parkhill Junior High School. He performs in several local bands and enjoys teaching drums to all ages.

Lamont Taylor is one of the most innovative musicians and music teachers in the DFW area. His distinct drum-instruction is designed to establish coordination and music proficiency most efficiently, while making learning fun and exciting. Lamont is distinguished in all musical styles, especially Rock'n Roll, Jazz, and Funk. He has hosted and adjudicated numerous drum competitions for a dozen years, and he has appeared as a guest clinician at countless music schools throughout America, Japan and Germany. Lamont has studied at the prestigious New School University of Jazz and Contemporary Music and is currently studying at Southern Methodist University. Lamont insists that composing, performing and teaching music are absolute passions, but he also enjoys traveling, cooking, reading and cycling.

Theresa Francesconi is a pianist turned percussionist. She played both instruments all through middle school and high school and started pursuing a Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance at Southern Methodist University. After her first semester she realized where her heart truly belongs and graduated from SMU in 2005 with a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education with an emphasis in percussion. Since graduating, Theresa has worked with drumlines and taught private lessons for Midlothian ISD, Arlington ISD, and most recently and currently Garland ISD. She is now working on her Master of Music in Music Education at SMU, and would like to someday teach middle school band. Along with her passion for music, Theresa also enjoys mountain biking, camping, and knitting. She is on leave during the 2010 Spring semester.