Michelle Vaughn
Program Director

Michelle is looking forward to directing the Preparatory Strings Program during the 2011-2012 school year! 2011 marks the start of Michelle’s work towards a Master’s Degree in Violin Performance and Pedagogy here at CWU. Michelle graduated in 2008 from CWU wit

a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education and Violin Performance with four years of experience working with the Prep Program as a coach and director. She then stayed in Ellensburg to teach violin! Michelle is currently teaching violin at Ellensburg Christian School and teaches private violin lessons from her home. When she is not playing violin Michelle loves to read, cook, and (her favorite) take long walks with husband Kevin and their two dogs Lily and Max.

Bret Smith
CWU Advising Faculty

Bret Smith is a teacher educator, conductor, and cellist who specializes in instrumental music education. He holds degrees in music and systematic musicology from the University of Washington, where he worked with James C. Carlsen and Barbara Reeder Lundquist, and a Master of Music and Doctor of Philosophy in music education from the University of Michigan, where his mentors were Robert L. Culver, James O. Froseth, Richard J. Colwell, and Anthony Elliott. 

James Pham
Director and Graduate Teaching Assistant

James is a Conductor, Teacher, Clarinetist and Guitarist rooted in the
Pacific Northwest. While studying Music Education at Portland State
University, he conducted the Symphony Orchestra, Opera Orchestra, New Music
Ensemble and Classical Guitar Orchestra, assisting Ken Selden and Bryan
Johanson. James held teaching positions at Westview High School and
Clackamas High School, teaching Clarinet, Guitar and conducting bands and
orchestras. In addition to studies with Ken Selden and Edward Higgins, James
participated in the Rose City International Conductor's Workshop. He is
definitely looking forward to working with Dr. Nikolas Caoile and the
Kittitas Valley Youth Orchestra!

Tim Rooney
Debut Orchestra Director

Tim Rooney grew up in Spokane, WA and graduated from Shadle Park High School in 2007. Since then, he's enjoyed pursuing his bachelor’s degree in music education here at CWU. Over the past couple of years, Tim has enjoyed taking viola, piano, and voice lessons and has been heavily involved in string and choral ensembles. He hopes to eventually teach middle school orchestra or high school choir somewhere in Eastern Washington. This is his fifth year working with the Prep Strings program and third year as a Prep Strings director.

Bret Smith
String Cats Director

Bret Smith is a teacher educator, conductor, and cellist who specializes in instrumental music education. He holds degrees in music and systematic musicology from the University of Washington, where he worked with James C. Carlsen and Barbara Reeder Lundquist, and a Master of Music and Doctor of Philosophy in music education from the University of Michigan, where his mentors were Robert L. Culver, James O. Froseth, Richard J. Colwell, and Anthony Elliott. 

Instructor:
TBA

Cassie Dickerson
Gold Strings Director

Bio coming soon.

Nicole Dayton-VanPatten
Silver Strings Director

Bio coming soon.

Instructor:
Grace Bergman

Marysa Gunning
Beginning and Early Beginners,, Director

My name is Marysa Gunning. I have been playing cello for 12 years. I am a junior and I started working with the Prep program my freshman year. I worked with beginning strings freshman year and sophomore year. During these years I worked with both Beginning Strings and the Suzuki Early Beginners. This year I am the director of Beginning Strings and the youngest Suzuki group, Early Beginners 1. I have learned so much about teaching from the Prep Program and I am excited to keep learning and teaching these kids!

Instructor:
Amanda Wheat

Barb Riley
Master Teacher
Early Beginners 1 & 2 Director

Barbara Riley, violinist and violist, received Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from Western Washington University. While in Bellingham, WA, she was introduced to the Suzuki Method and encouraged to begin teaching. In 1988, she spent several months in Matsumoto, Japan, studying with Dr. Shinichi Suzuki. For 23 years she led a busy life in Seattle, teaching violin and viola and playing in musical theater. Barbara has taught at many Suzuki Institutes including Seattle, Oregon, Idaho, Palouse and Walla Walla. Since moving to Ellensburg, Washington in 2005, Barbara enjoys sharing the Suzuki method and philosophy with her new students and their families. She continues to be active in chamber music, orchestra and fiddling groups, and enjoys her new life on a small farm that she shares with her husband, a dog, a cat, and two horses.