Joseph Basile
Trumpet

Joseph, whose primary instrument is trumpet, is a retired music educator from Bridgeport CT. He previously worked as an educator in the Bristol CT public schools. Joseph joined KEYS in 2022 to assist KEYS band directors with ensembles and to provide instrumental music instruction at Bassick High School and Roosevelt Elementary School.

Misty beyer
Piano

Ms. Beyer is the Executive Program Director for Music for Youth, Inc. (MYF). She oversees all day-to-day operations for MFY, in charge of programing, managing and executing school and professional concerts. Her responsibilities also include writing grants, and website and social media management. She maintains a private piano studio in her home and teaches piano for the KEYS (Kids Empowered by Your Support) program in the Bridgeport Schools. Ms. Beyer was on the Greater Bridgeport Symphony Board for eight years, serving as co-chair for the Education Committee.  She has enjoyed working with the elementary schools as a teacher in the KEYS program and appreciates the great work the organization has done in Bridgeport to support the talented and motivated students who have built life skills through the study of music.

Jennifer received her BM and MM in Violin Performance from Wichita State University. Having pursued postgraduate instruction with Burton Kaplan, she currently maintains a private studio in Fairfield County. In addition, Jennifer teaches for the Neighborhood Music School and coaches sectionals for the Norwalk Youth Symphony. Jennifer uses Suzuki and traditional teaching methods and believes that talent can be taught. She loves to teach people of all ages and abilities how to play the violin. Jennifer joined KEYS in 2012.

Josué Bustamante
Violin

A resident of Bridgeport and an alumnus of the KEYS program, Josué became the first KEYS student to transition over into the role of teacher. He received his B.M. in Music Education and B.M. in Violin Performance from the University of Bridgeport where he added viola and piano to his studies under a wide range of music styles ranging from classical and jazz to gospel and rock. While serving as an instructor for KEYS, Music for Youth, and his own private studio, he simultaneously holds the positions of Orchestra Director and Choir Director in the Fairfield Public Schools. As part of the Asombro String Quartet, Josué has placed as finalist in the International Grande Music Competition and National League of Performing Arts Chamber Music Competition for three years running, taking the stage at Merkin Concert Hall at the Kaufman Music Center as well as Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall. For his contributions to the music community, he has been inducted into the KEYS Hall of Fame and received the Music Ambassador Award from the Greater Bridgeport Symphony. Josué joined KEYS in 2017.

Ernest chamberlain
Piano

Ernest received his B.A. in Music from Houghton University in 2013. There, he studied piano, conducting, composition, and voice. Ernest taught as a part-time band director in New Haven for two years before receiving his M.S. in Elementary Education from the University of Bridgeport in 2016. Since then, Ernest has been teaching general music in the Bridgeport Public Schools, working with pre-kindergarten through 8th grade students. He especially enjoyed teaching bilingual classes (English/Spanish) and classes of students with Autism. Ernest has taught piano in person and online since 2014 and loves to incorporate classical and contemporary elements in his music lessons. He plays the clarinet and euphonium in both university and community bands as well as sings bass-baritone in choruses around southern Connecticut. Ernest joined KEYS in 2022.

Charlie Conti
Guitar

Charlie owns Bravo Sound studio in Trumbull and also teaches guitar, bass, ukulele and banjo lessons through Crescendo Music in Darien.  Charlie is a former Show Director and teacher at School of Rock in Fairfield.  Charlie has a degree in Sound Engineering and Music Production from SAE Institute in New York. Charlie joined KEYS in 2016.

Madeleine Corliss
Cello

Madeleine is an active teacher, chamber musician, and performer in CT and NY. She graduated from the Hartt School of Music at the University of Hartford in 2000. She currently holds the co-principal chair of the American Chamber Orchestra (Fairfield, CT) and the Fairfield County Symphony Society Orchestra (Norwalk, CT). Madeleine has led small ensembles for orchestral teachers in the Fairfield County area, and has performed in chamber music ensembles in CT and NYC, including a master class for David Finkel of the Emerson quartet at the Hartt School in 1999. In addition to her classical endeavors, Madeleine has also been a guest artist on several rock/pop/folk/indie music recording projects (acoustic and electric cello/vocals) and live performances in Boston, Fairfield county, Manhattan and more. Her approach to teaching is focused on correct body mechanics and position, as the foundation to playing with ease. She specifically meets the student on his or her level, and builds confidence and joy for every musical endeavor. Madeleine joined KEYS in 2017.

Andrew Crape
Violin

A Fairfield native, he began his music studies as a violinist in the Fairfield Public School System. In college, he studied Mechanical Engineering and was a member of the Lehigh University Philharmonic where he had the opportunity to play internationally with the Johannesburg Symphony Choir, in South Africa. Andrew spent two years in South America playing in various groups ranging from Peruvian Flute Bands to Indigenous Drum Ensembles. He currently practices Chiropractic and Functional Medicine in Fairfield. Andrew joined KEYS in 2012.

dave crespo
guitar

Dave has been teaching and performing in the tristate area for over 30 years. He studied guitar with jazz greats Sal Salvador, Gene Pino, John “Ratso” Girardi, and Chris Risola (SteelHeart). Dave joined KEYS in 2019.

Matthew DeTroy
Piano

Matthew attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, studying jazz piano and composition. Matthew plays with several bands in the local Fairfield area and has been involved with many recording projects. He teaches private lessons throughout Fairfield County. Matthew's love is jazz and improvisation. He is very involved in working with the KEYS students that have graduated high school to try and help them further their music experience by playing together, writing music, and recording. Matthew joined KEYS in 2013.

jillian emerson
cello

Jillian received her B.S. from Kansas State University where she served as the Assistant Principal Cellist in the symphony orchestra. Recently, she graduated with a M.M. in Cello Performance at The Hartt School where studied with Mihai Tetel. Jillian has performed with the Tampa Bay Symphony, Ocala Symphony, Saint Petersburg Opera Company, Connecticut Gilbert and Sullivan Society, and at the Yale School of Drama. She has attended the Chamber Music Conference of the East and participated in guest cello and chamber music classes, most notably with the PUBLIQuartet and the Lionsgate Trio. In 2020, she and other Hartt students founded the Maskerade String Quartet. Jillian has over 10 years of teaching experience in both private and classroom settings. Jillian joined KEYS in 2020.

Brian Ente
Percussion

Brian is a musician and composer who studied at Ithaca College with Gordon Stout and Conrad Alexander. He has performed across the US and internationally, including performances in England, Italy, China, and Trinidad. Brian is an instructor at the Jim Royle Drum Studio in Bridgeport CT, assistant director of the award winning Silver Steel Band, and one of the percussion coaches and percussion ensemble directors for the Greater Connecticut Youth Orchestras. As a performer, Brian sings and plays steel drums for Roylety Entertainment and the band, Standard Banana. He has also been a percussionist for the Bridgeport Diocese since 1999. Brian joined KEYS in 2021.

Jorhendi Esquivel
Violin

Jorhendi Esquivel, born in Mexico, concluded his undergraduate studies with honors at the University of Veracruz in 2018. For three years, he worked in several professional orchestras inside Mexico, such as Boca del Rio Symphonic Orchestra, Oaxaca Symphonic Orchestra and Puebla State Symphonic Orchestra, occupying in the latter, the position of Second Violins' Associate Principal. As an active violinist, he has performed with several music groups throughout the New England area, from chamber ensembles to symphony orchestras. As a performer, Jorhendi is an international string player who has performed in Mexico, Argentina, Canada, Austria, and the United States.

Besides performance, Jorhendi has an advocacy for music education. Since 2018, he has been actively involved in music teaching, particularly violin, music theory, piano, and chamber ensembles. In 2024, he received his Master's degree in Music Performance from the University of Hartford. Jorhendi joined KEYS in 2024.

Amy Griswold
Violin

A native of Wichita, KS, Amy Griswold received her M.M. in Violin Performance from Ithaca College (2012) and a B.M. in Violin Performance from Wichita State University (2010).  Amy has completed Suzuki Association of the Americas teacher training for Levels 1-7 and a teaching practicum with Sanford Reuning at the Ithaca Talent Education Suzuki School. An active chamber musician, Amy performs in the Vistamente Trio (violin, clarinet, piano) with her husband Terrance Griswold, and with the Ithaca College Graduate String Quartet.  Amy has been a full-time teacher at the Suzuki Music Schools of Westport and Orange in Fairfield County, Connecticut since 2012. Amy joined KEYS in 2014.

Terrance Griswold Clarinet

Terrance teaches clarinet, flute, and saxophone lessons, repairs woodwind instruments, and supervises the after-schools programs. Terrance earned his Master of Music in Clarinet Performance from the Conservatory at Ithaca College in 2012, and graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Music in Clarinet Performance from Wichita State University in 2009.   An advocate of new music, Terrance’s background fuses experimental improvisation with electro-acoustic mediums, electronic looping, and conceptual realizations of avant-garde compositions.  Terrance maintains private clarinet studios in New Haven, Connecticut; Ithaca, NY; and Wichita, KS. Terrance joined KEYS in 2013.

Jeremey Lombard Piano

Jeremey is a pianist based in Western and Southern CT. As a native of Derby, he is a graduate of Western CT State University where he earned his degree in Classical Piano Performance. Jeremey is currently a private piano instructor of over 50 students at Family Music Center in Waterbury, KEYS Music in Bridgeport, Easton Parks and Rec, and Continuo Music. Jeremey also serves as the Minister of Music and church pianist at Union Congregation Church in Watertown, CT. In addition to his church work, he regularly performs as lead pianist in many musicals throughout CT. Pit orchestra credits include “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” (Co-Op Arts High School), “Annie” (Foote School), “Brigadoon” (Foote School), “Fiddler on the Roof” (Clay & Wattles Theatre), and many more. Looking to the future, Jeremey is planning on continuing his musical education by pursuing degrees in keyboard pedagogy and collaborative piano. Jeremey joined KEYS in 2018.

Bennett mazzola
Clarinet, Alto Sax, Tenor Sax, Baritone Sax, & Flute

Bennett has been performing and teaching Clarinet, Alto Sax, Tenor Sax, Baritone Sax and Flute for over forty years. Bennett holds a Bachelor of Music in Clarinet Performance from WCSU. While at University he studied Clarinet with Professor Vincent Krulak, and Flute with Dr. Michael Mennone. Bennett still performs professionally with local bands and combos. Bennett has successfully prepared Fairfield County students for Western Regionals, and various auditions for over 10 years. Bennett joined KEYS in 2020.

Corinne Metter
Violin

Corinne has been performing and teaching in lower Fairfield County since 1983.  As a performance major, she studied at the Hartt College of Music with Raphael Druian, and for several years afterwards with Frances Magnes.  Corinne is currently a member of Bridgeport Symphony, Norwalk Symphony, and Ridgefield Symphony.  Additionally, Corinne has extensive opera, choral, solo, and chamber music experience.  She has taught for several area music schools and currently maintains a private studio in her home in Norwalk, CT.  While working with students of all ages and abilities, Corinne draws upon a wealth of experience with early childhood music education to help her students lay the best possible foundation in order to pursue their own musical goals throughout life. Corinne joined KEYS in 2012.

jenny ong Piano

A pianist, instructor, soloist, and collaborator artist, Jenny began her piano studies at the Associated Board London Royal School of Music, and continued at the Sydney Conservatory, the University of Texas, and Columbia University. An active member of the Silvermine Duo Ensemble Piano group, she has attended and performed at the Aspen Music Festival, the New York International Festival, and the Nice Music Festival in France. Jenny has been taught and mentored by world-renowned pianists such as Hiroko Nakamura, Mykola Suk, Danielle Matin, Valida Rassoulova Suk, Lyall Duke, and Rickie Oui, and maintains an active performing and teaching schedule throughout the tri-state region. In recent years, she has been a steady adjudicator for the National Music Teachers Association. Jenny joined KEYS in 2018.

Edita Orlinyte Violin/Viola

Edita holds her bachelor and masters degrees from the Music Academy of Lithuania. She is a member of the Greenwich Symphony. Edita joined KEYS in 2011.

tim ouimette trumpet

Lifelong NYC trumpet player, Tim has played and recorded with Ray Charles, Keith Richards, Blood, Sweat and Tears, Ray Barretto, Frankie Valli, Darlene Love and arranged and produced two CDs for Ben E King. He has taught at CCNY, and coached ensembles at Manhattan School of Music and the Drummers Collective. Also he has recorded hundreds of TV, radio spots and film scores.Tim joined KEYS in 2020.

JULIE LUDWIG OVERLAND
Violin, VIOLA, PIANO

Julie received a BFA in Music from Ithaca College and then became a Registered Music Therapist. After that, she attended the University of CT to earn an MS in Education and then a 6th year Diploma in Educational Leadership. Julie has toured with orchestras, performing on violin in Japan, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Okinawa, Italy, Austria, the Czech Republic, Alaska, and Hawaii. She has performed with the Connecticut, Norwalk, and Ridgefield Symphony Orchestras and currently plays violin with the American Chamber Orchestra, Broadway Bach Ensemble, and her own string quartet. Passionate about ensuring that all students receive an appropriate music education, Julie developed a note-reading method for students who have been identified with visual processing deficits. Julie joined KEYS in 2018.

evelyn pellicane
Guitar

Evelyn has been a music educator in both New York City and Connecticut for 40 years. She also has a private studio. She obtained her Masters Degree in Music from CUNY Hunter. She has been teaching guitar and has performed in chamber ensembles and as a soloist in both NY and CT. Evelyn joined KEYS in 2018.

Peter Randazzo
Piano

Peter received his B.A. in Music Theory from the University of Bridgeport. He usually has at least 25 KEYS piano students and directs the KEYS-Bullard Havens HS chorus. He has a studio in Trumbull where he teaches piano and voice. Peter is currently the musical director for the Cheshire High School Drama Club and has been nominated for Best Music Director in the state of CT. He is a regular music director and conductor at the Curtain Call Theater in Stamford and recently was music director/keyboard player for the new streaming show Vocal Match, a competition show that combines singing and song writing. He is the Director of the Park St Singers in New Canaan and runs a Musical Theater Camp with his wife during the summer. Peter joined KEYS in 2008.

Michael A. Roche
Clarinet, Trumpet

A graduate of the University of New Hampshire and the University of Bridgeport, Michael has worked as a band director for over six years, and taught music in Bridgeport since 2008. He currently plays trumpet for the Augusta Curtis Concert Band. As a private music teacher his goal is to foster a love of music and teach basic values that will benefit students throughout their lives. Michael also directs the KEYS Band, which meets on Saturdays, during the school year. Michael joined KEYS in 2012.

Amy Selig
Violin, Viola and Cello

Amy received her Bachelor of Music degree from SUNY Stony Brook and Suzuki teacher training in both violin and cello. She performs as a violist, violinist and cellist as soloist, and chamber musician and is Principal Violist with the Orchestra 914. She performs as Assistant Principal Violist with the Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra, as well as on viola and violin with the Bridgeport, Wallingford, and Norwalk Symphonies, and is Assistant Principal Violist with the Caspian Monday Music Summer Festival. She performs with many other groups both locally, and around the globe. Amy has been teaching for 20+ years, maintains her own private studio, and teaches chamber music and group classes as well. Amy's students have consistently won high honors, top grades at adjudicated festivals, and gone on to become professional musicians. Amy joined KEYS in 2011.

Gregory Stan
Violin, Orchestra coach

Greg has taught orchestra, voice, guitar, composition, and production for 27 years in Seattle, Bridgeport, and Norwalk. He has performed solo, with bands, and in Music Theater throughout North America and East Asia. While earning his BA in English at UConn, Greg studied music with Hale Smith. He earned his masters in music education at UB. Greg studied voice at Westminster and Juilliard. Greg joined KEYS in 2021.

Audie Szymanski
Violin, Viola

Audie is a Bridgeport native and an alumnus of the KEYS Program, having been both a student and a college intern before returning as a teacher. He received his BS in Music Education with a concentration in violin from Western Connecticut State University, where he served as assistant concertmaster and played the violin, viola, and cello in various chamber ensembles. He has additional pedagogical education in the Suzuki method for both violin and early childhood education and has also undergone Kindermusik training. His belief in the power of music and music education to transform individuals and society drives his approach to teaching and reflects his commitment to our Bridgeport community. Audie teaches violin and viola and is the Director of the KEYS Saturday Orchestra.

Abby Gross Walker
Cello, Drama

Abby began teaching for KEYS when she taught drama at the Beardsley School in their Light House after school program. Later she became a cello teacher for KEYS and now also instructs multiple instruments. She received her B.A. at Sarah Lawrence College. Abby is certified through Cellist David Darling’s Musicianship Leadership program and served as the Performing Arts Specialist at the Montessori School in Wilton, CT, for seventeen years. She is trained in the Michael Chekhov Acting Technique through the National Michael Chekhov Association. Abby founded and produced the Michael Chekhov Theatre Festival in Ridgefield from 2009 to 2019. Abby joined KEYS in 2009.

Adam Weiss
Piano

Adam has been drumming since elementary school in Short Hills, NJ, and added piano during his teenage years. At Colgate University, he performed with the marching and jazz bands. After a career as an investment analyst and portfolio manager, Adam retired in 2016. He now spends his time in New Canaan, CT. He is the drummer with the Fairfield County rock band, Not My Problem, and plays piano with the trio, Acoustic Quarantine. His approach to teaching is to blend musical theory and reading music with songs the students find appealing. Adam joined KEYS in 2023.

George Wilkinson
Piano

Mr. Wilkinson began playing the piano at age five. By age 10, he played Clementi’s Sonatina No. 6 and recorded it. He also presented three recitals at Juilliard School of Music in New York City. George studied piano under Mary Boyd, a concert pianist from a line of performers that began with Franz Liszt. He has been teaching piano for over 30 years, and works to move students from the basics of note recognition, music theory, and rhythm, to exercises that improve finger strength and instruction in how to practice effectively. He teaches with listening, patience, care, and a sense of fun – even to the absurd if it helps move things along! He has been teaching with KEYS since December of 2021.