A quick note on biographies...
Writing about yourself is hard! So, our students learn to write biographies through writing about each other. Each biography below is written by someone else in the group after an interview and multiple rounds of drafts, peer review, and revisions.
Until we can have a safe photo shoot this year, we asked everyone to submit their own headshots!
Until we can have a safe photo shoot this year, we asked everyone to submit their own headshots!
2020 | Gilbert Town Fiddlers | 2021
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Elyse Ackerman, viola Aubrey Breen, cello Olivia Breen, violin Hallie Brinton, violin Simon Chavez, cello Jacob Crossley, viola |
Connor Dooling, viola Marlee Hales, violin Nestor Hernandez, violin Betsy Jones, cello Kayden Karis, violin Jacob Kupanoff, viola |
Celena Messbarger, violin Grace Mollenhauer, violin Bella Navarro, violin Rachael Pabst, violin Allie Rederick, violin Michael Rencher, violin |
Elizabeth Sipe, violin Jo Tougas, viola Valeria Tuka, cello Victoria Tuka, violin Isabella Warner, violin Eve Wodarcyk, violin |
ELYSE ACKERMAN, a junior at Campo Verde High School, is an accomplished 16-year-old violist and fiddler. She's been playing viola for 7 years, currently studies with Louis Privitera, and has contributed her talent, creativity, and kindness at every GTF rehearsal since she joined the group last year. Alongside GTF, Elyse participates in the Youth Symphony of the Southwest, her school’s Symphony Orchestra and Strolling Strings program, and United Sound, which gives students with special needs the chance to play and perform music. She’s also received a letter in orchestra, which she was awarded for her participation, dedication, and hard work. When she’s not pursuing one of her many musical endeavors, you can usually find Elyse reading fantasy or dystopian fiction books, drawing, playing video games, or listening to music. Her favorite bands are the Beatles, Queen, ABBA, and Nirvana. Alongside being an exceptional violist and just an overall amazing person to be around, Elyse is also outstanding in school, where she has earned the Golden Scholar award for high grades and overall scholarship. Elyse plans to attend college and study either viola performance or music education, and there is no doubt that she will continue to excel in college and beyond.
Written by: Rachael Pabst
AUBREY BREEN, currently in her fourth year with GTF, 17-year-old cellist in her senior year at Basha High School. She’s been playing the cello for five years, along with the piano, guitar, mandolin, and bodhrán. Aubrey studies under Dr. Jenna Dalbey, and is a valuable member of the Willow String Quartet and a part of Basha High School's very own Symphonic Orchestra. Aubrey is a leader of Girls STEMpowerment as the Director of Biology Curriculum at Basha High School, where she gets other girls involved and excited about STEM by creating and leading workshops. She also participates in the Science is Fun program at Basha as a helper, to get elementary and middle school kids interested in science. Aubrey is also a part of the National Honors Society. Her hobbies include reading, especially novels by John Flanagan, handwriting letters, learning Italian, and studying math and science. Currently, her favorite bands are The Fretless, a folk string quartet, and Vampire Weekend, an indie pop themed group. She also enjoys listening to 50’s music and Christmas music. She doesn’t know what she will do as her career, but whatever she does, I know Aubrey will be great at it.
Written by: Grace Mollenhauer
OLIVIA BREEN, 17-years-old and an amazing violinist, is currently a senior at Basha High School. Notably, the 2020-2021 season marks her 4th year in Gilbert Town Fiddlers, a huge accomplishment, as there has only been one previous alumnus to participate for four years! She has been playing the violin for 10 years and she also plays the piano. Her private violin teacher is Taylor Morris, who is also a co-director of the Gilbert Town Fiddlers. In addition to playing in her school’s Symphony Orchestra, she is also a co-founder of the Willow String Quartet. When she’s not playing the violin, Olivia enjoys many fun outdoor activities such as bike riding and fishing. She also loves to spend her time reading fiction novels or creating colourful oil pastel art. She is in many extracurricular activities like NHS, Girl STEMpowerment, and Science is Fun. Another one of Olivia’s favorite things to do is go to musical summer camps and meet new people. Some of her most influential camp experiences have been at StringPlay, the Mike Block String Camp, Tetra Chamber Music Camp and Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival. In the future, she hopes to be an aerospace engineer and a professional violinist.
Written by: Hallie Brinton
Fourteen-year-old HALLIE BRINTON has been playing the violin for five years. As a freshman at Gilbert High School, Hallie plays in the Symphony Orchestra. Hallie is also talented at piano and ukulele. This will be Hallie’s first year in the Gilbert Town Fiddlers, but she has fiddled before with her violin teacher Chrystal Smothers. Fiddling interested her because it's not something you typically play in school. Outside of school, Hallie enjoys baking and reading dystopian and fantasy books. Some of her favorite classes in school are orchestra, math, and science. Hallie is a hard worker and the oldest of three sisters, and she has a pug named Horace. Vacationing with her family in Utah and California is one way Hallie likes to spend her summer. In the future, Hallie wants to be a music therapist so she can help people while still keeping music in her life. Gilbert Town Fiddlers is beyond thrilled to have her in the group this year!
Written by: Betsy Jones
SIMON CHAVEZ is in his sophomore year at Campo Verde High School and is ready to join the Gilbert Town Fiddlers for his first year! Simon is a skilled cellist who has been playing cello for about five years. Aside from classical training, Simon has two years of fiddling experience under his belt, giving him some extra experience in the fiddle world. Simon also enjoyed playing a bit of violin in 5th grade and some piano now, giving him all sorts of experience when it comes to musicianship. When Simon isn’t playing his cello in his school orchestra or in GTF, he dedicates his talents to play for his church or with helping a program called United Sound. This program is one where students get an amazing opportunity to help special needs students learn how to perform on their instruments. Although Simon can spend a great deal of time making music, he also has other hobbies that include trampolining or any type of outdoor activity he can participate in with his friends. Though Simon is thinking of options for his future, we are sure he will accomplish great things with the skills that he has!
Written by: Jacob Kupanoff
JACOB CROSSLEY, who is currently 17-years-old, was born on January 31, 2003, in Columbus, Ohio. He is currently a senior at Campo Verde High School and an excellent viola player. Not only is he in his school orchestra and captain of the strolling strings, but this year he will also be participating in the Phoenix Youth Symphony and Youth Symphony of the Southwest. Apart from playing viola, with Louis Privitera, his private teacher, he also plays the piano. He also loves exploring all different types of music and culture. Some of Jacob’s favorite music to explore are Latin, fiddle, jazz, and classical music. After high school, Jacob would like to pursue a degree in music performance or even double major in aviation. During the great quarantine of 2020, Jacob has enjoyed watching Criminal Minds, playing Minecraft, and learning Spanish. Jacob would love to travel the world, and especially visit Spain because he wants to learn the language. He also loves the Spanish architecture and wants to meet the kind, social people. When he is older, he would like to retire to his happy place, San Clemente, California because he loves the ocean and the cliffs.
Written by: Isabella Warner
CONNOR DOOLING, age 16, is a talented and committed senior at Campo Verde High School. Connor has many years of experience on viola, four of which have been under the guidance of his private teacher, Louis Privitera. He has been dabbling in the world of fiddling for a total of four years. Although it’s Connor’s first year in GTF, he got his start in fiddling and arranging at StringPlay, a camp based in Gilbert, which he’s attended for 4 years. In school, Connor is a part of the CVHS Symphony Orchestra as well as their Strolling Strings, where they perform pop and modern music for various retirement homes and events around Gilbert. Outside of school, he is currently a member of the Youth Symphony of the Southwest, an orchestra based in the valley that performs the standard orchestra repertoire.
When Connor isn’t performing or practicing, he enjoys playing video games like Mario Kart and Animal Crossing -- in fact, at the time of writing this, he holds a world record in the Moo Moo Meadows map in Mario Kart! Other than video games, Connor enjoys sewing, oil painting, and baking. In the future, Connor currently plans on studying viola performance at an out-of-state college, although he isn’t yet sure where he would like to go. Wherever his path takes him, it is sure to be successful and rewarding all his hard work and efforts.
When Connor isn’t performing or practicing, he enjoys playing video games like Mario Kart and Animal Crossing -- in fact, at the time of writing this, he holds a world record in the Moo Moo Meadows map in Mario Kart! Other than video games, Connor enjoys sewing, oil painting, and baking. In the future, Connor currently plans on studying viola performance at an out-of-state college, although he isn’t yet sure where he would like to go. Wherever his path takes him, it is sure to be successful and rewarding all his hard work and efforts.
Written by: Valeria Tuka
MARLEE HALES is a 15-year-old violinist who has been playing for six years! She is a sophomore at Mountain View High School where she plays for the orchestra program and also played in the Metropolitan Youth Symphony for a year. This is her second year in Gilbert Town Fiddlers and she has some experience with piano. Marlee takes private violin lessons from Cathy Worcester so she can work to get better every day. In her free time, she loves to read, especially fiction books, hang out with friends, listen to country music, including Kane Brown, and swim. She competes in swim for her school every fall season and also for Mesa Aquatic Club every year which she enjoys very much. When she grows up she wants to attend college and study something in the science field. She is the middle child of five and she loves her family. Marlee is really excited for Gilbert Town Fiddlers this year and will continue to be an amazing member to the team!
Written by: Simon Chavez
Fifteen-year-old violinist NESTOR HERNANDEZ is guaranteed to bring his irresistible energy and hype-ness to every Gilbert Town Fiddlers event. As an elementary school orchestra student, Nestor saw GTF perform at his school and immediately wanted to become a member. From rapping at his first Summer Retreat Talent Show, to making everyone laugh at rehearsals, to inspiring other young musicians, Nestor is a genuine, hilarious, and supportive friend to everyone in GTF. Nestor studies violin with Marna Bowling, plays in the Gilbert High School Symphonic Orchestra and East Valley Youth Symphony, and aspires to play in the AMEA High School Regional Festival. An exemplary student, Nestor won the Golden Scholar Award for earning all As on his report card four years in a row! If you know Nestor, you know that his dream jobs suit him perfectly: he wants to be a spokesperson for a company or use his captivating storytelling skills to write books, movies, music, or video games. He enjoys cooking and is especially talented at making dishes like shrimp, lobster, and steak. Nestor’s favorite playlist is filled with the 2010s classics like One Direction, “Party in the USA,” “Call Me Maybe,” and “Rolling In the Deep.” Now, we know who we’ll be calling for all of our GTF dance parties this year!
Written by: Aubrey Breen
As a straight-A student, avid athlete, Bob Ross apprentice, and a rockin’ cellist, there isn’t much 15-year-old BETSY JONES can’t do. A current student of Melanie Yarger, Betsy has 5 years of cello and 10 years of piano under her belt, contributing her talents and passion at every GTF event since her first rehearsal last season. Entering her sophomore year at Mountain View High School, Betsy plays in the Symphony Orchestra and participates in swim and track. Before swim meets, you may find Betsy combining her love of music and sports by blasting some tunes and having a dance party to get pumped for the competition. These bands might include some of her indie pop favorites, like Vampire Weekend and Fleet Foxes. Beyond music, Betsy also loves to plunge into a murder mystery novel or laugh at an episode of Friends or The Office. Going on a road trip with close friends is Betsy’s idea of a perfect day, which fits right in with her adventurous nature. As for long-term goals, Betsy aspires to one day be an orthodontist and keep music as an integral part in her life.
Written by: Olivia Breen
Be prepared to have your mind blown when you see KAYDEN KARIS in The Gilbert Town Fiddlers this season! When it comes to playing the violin, this 14-year-old musician is undeniably talented. After five years of studying violin and four years of exploring the fiddling scene with his private teacher, Taylor Morris, Kayden has cultivated his talent and is hyped to start his first year in GTF. He is attending Highland High School in his freshman year, taking on every day with a contagiously positive attitude and extraordinary sense of humor. Academically, Kayden is exceptionally profound, particularly in mathematics. He was proudly accepted onto the honor roll and maintained such a status throughout the entirety of his middle school career. When time allows for it, Kayden enjoys sketching and playing video games, but if he could choose to visit any destination in the entire world, spending a day Knott’s Berry Farm with family and friends would be his happy place. He is inspired by the famous pop artist, Charlie Puth, whose music occupies most of his playlist. Kayden appreciates Puth’s musical gift and the work he puts into his albums. If you ever get the chance to meet Kayden, be sure to ask him to beatbox for you. His pro skills will surely impress you! When Kayden graduates high school, he plans to pursue a career in musical performance, specifically fiddling, and is looking forward to sharing his talent with you this season of GTF!
Written by: Jacob Crossley
JACOB KUPANOFF’s family excitedly welcomed him into their lives on the day of January 15, 2003. Little did they know how talented and musical he would become! To this day as a 17-year-old senior at Gilbert High School, Jacob has played the viola for seven years, four of them experimenting with fiddling. While being very accomplished with his viola, Jacob’s musical abilities don’t stop there, as he is also skilled in the cello, which he played last year in GTF, violin, and bass! This year will be Jacob’s third year in GTF, playing the viola. Outside of school orchestra, Jacob participates in the Youth Symphony of the Southwest and has diligently taken lessons from his viola teacher, Tricia Dana, for the past three years. When Jacob graduates, he plans to continue with music in college, as either a major or minor. Occasionally when he is not making music, Jacob enjoys listening to the Beatles.
When he isn’t excelling in school, Jacob participates in multiple clubs, including: Orchestra Council, Tri-M Music Honors Society, and Math Club. In past years, he has earned many awards, including participating in the Regional Orchestra for three years, receiving the Paganini award twice, and the Director’s Choice at his school. Even with all his accomplishments, Jacob Kupanoff is a talented, funny, and kind student who enjoys music, video games, his two dogs, and his friends. With the little free time he has, Jacob certainly fits in a lot of activities.
Given the choice between the mountains and the ocean, Jacob would choose the ocean every time, which makes sense, as Jacob and his family routinely take trips to the beach in California enjoying the cooler weather. While he looks forward to these trips, Jacob’s all-time favorite was the trip he took with his orchestra to New York. He loved seeing all the famous tourist attractions and even got the chance to see cellist Yo-Yo Ma! If Jacob could travel anywhere in the world, he would choose to go to Tokyo and explore the city, hopefully finding some cool video games. His favorite meal includes chicken parmesan pasta and Oregano’s pizookie for dessert. Jacob’s positive attitude and energetic personality make him the perfect addition to the Gilbert Town Fiddlers.
When he isn’t excelling in school, Jacob participates in multiple clubs, including: Orchestra Council, Tri-M Music Honors Society, and Math Club. In past years, he has earned many awards, including participating in the Regional Orchestra for three years, receiving the Paganini award twice, and the Director’s Choice at his school. Even with all his accomplishments, Jacob Kupanoff is a talented, funny, and kind student who enjoys music, video games, his two dogs, and his friends. With the little free time he has, Jacob certainly fits in a lot of activities.
Given the choice between the mountains and the ocean, Jacob would choose the ocean every time, which makes sense, as Jacob and his family routinely take trips to the beach in California enjoying the cooler weather. While he looks forward to these trips, Jacob’s all-time favorite was the trip he took with his orchestra to New York. He loved seeing all the famous tourist attractions and even got the chance to see cellist Yo-Yo Ma! If Jacob could travel anywhere in the world, he would choose to go to Tokyo and explore the city, hopefully finding some cool video games. His favorite meal includes chicken parmesan pasta and Oregano’s pizookie for dessert. Jacob’s positive attitude and energetic personality make him the perfect addition to the Gilbert Town Fiddlers.
Written by: Marlee Hales
Now a senior at Casteel High School 18-year-old CELENA MESSBARGER is ready to tackle her seventh year of playing violin and her fourth year in Gilbert Town Fiddlers. Besides rocking it out on the fiddle, Celena also plays the ukulele, guitar, and keyboard in her free time. From writing original classical and fiddle tunes to simply relaxing in the sun, this Ohio native can do anything her heart sets her to. Her aspiration is to be a psychologist. Her interest stems from her fascination of the human mind and behavior. She wants to lend a helping hand to those who struggle, which is no wonder due to her love for people. The vibrant and positive light that Celena brings will no doubt get her far in her personal life and career.
Written by: Victoria Tuka
With her incredible cooking skills and her love for writing and literature, 13-year-old GRACE MOLLENHAUER joins the Gilbert Town Fiddlers with a smile! She began the violin in 2nd grade along with private lessons from her teacher, Heidi Wright, and has come to adore orchestra ever since. Along with her violin, she excels at piano, ukulele, and singing, which she started learning at 7. She recently started to fiddle, but with seven years of playing instruments, it’ll be a walk in the park. Yet, while she’s not at rehearsals, you’ll probably find her buried in a book. Grace constantly enjoys reading different genres of books along with writing her own stories. In fact, she’s so good at writing she’s even participated in the Geography Bee and gotten third place in a Father's Day writing competition! She’s been influenced by her 3rd grade teacher who constantly encouraged her to keep going book after book, by giving her pieces of literature way above her grade level. With her love for deep reading, it’s no surprise she’s also a big fan of theatre. Performing in six plays, she has brought her ability to depict her feelings to a new level. Along with theatre, Grace enjoys cooking, especially her favorite dish of salmon and risotto. Seeing her mom cook as a kid has always left her wanting to do it herself and now, she might be even better than her! With her ability to express emotion so well and her deep understanding of reading, Grace hopes to become a therapist or work with people as her future career. And joining the Gilbert Town Fiddlers, a community of aspiring musicians who help one another reach their goals, was a perfect start.
Written by: Nestor Hernandez
Gilbert Town Fiddlers is incredibly lucky to have the beautiful violinist, BELLA NAVARRO, for a second year in the group. Bella is a 16-year-old sophomore at Dobson High School, where she is a member of the Chamber Orchestra and Da Capo Choir. This talented musician has been playing for approximately thirteen years, and studying privately with our amazing Co-Director, Taylor Morris, for about five to six years. In addition to the violin, Bella enjoys jammin’ out on the mandolin, ukulele, and even the jaw harp! She took tap dance lessons for three years and continues to tap outside of the studio today. Bella loves all things theatre, which explains her super bright and charismatic personality. One of her favorite musicals is Into the Woods, as she is greatly inspired by it. Not only does she love watching theatre productions, but she has participated in many herself! Her life is filled with numerous activities, yet she manages to do it all in style. Bella tops off her cute outfits with her recent obsession (aside from Kombucha tea, of course): Swatch Watches! Some of Bella’s favorite artists include Pink Floyd, musical theatre pop singer, Ben Platt, and alternative pop singer, King Princess. She is extremely passionate about history and was awarded first place at the Arizona National History Day competition in 2018. In regards to future plans, she relayed, “I just want to be the best person I can be.” With her many interests, including women's studies, Bella will undoubtedly be successful in whatever paths she chooses.
Written by: Celena Messbarger
RACHAEL PABST is currently 17 and a lovable senior at McClintock High School. She’s been studying the violin for 13 years and currently studies with Taylor Morris. Rachael has been fiddling for about five years and has been in Gilbert Town Fiddlers for four years! She is quite an active participant when it comes to music related groups, for example, she is part of her school's Chamber Orchestra and Orchestra Council, the Youth Symphony of the Southwest, Willow String Quartet, Regional Honor Orchestra, and All-State Honor Orchestra. Besides participating in multiple music groups, she also loves to engage in cross country and track competitions.
When she has free time, Rachael loves to read any book she can get her hands on, bake lots of scrumptious cookies and pies. She enjoys hanging out with her friends, because no matter what they do they always have fun together. In addition, she enjoys listening to a plethora of music! Her favorite music genre is centered around fiddle music consisting of some fiddle groups such as The Fretless, Hanneke Cassel, and the Danish String Quartet. After graduating high school, she plans to go to college. Although she is not sure of what she will major in, she is sure she will still pursue music for the rest of her life!
When she has free time, Rachael loves to read any book she can get her hands on, bake lots of scrumptious cookies and pies. She enjoys hanging out with her friends, because no matter what they do they always have fun together. In addition, she enjoys listening to a plethora of music! Her favorite music genre is centered around fiddle music consisting of some fiddle groups such as The Fretless, Hanneke Cassel, and the Danish String Quartet. After graduating high school, she plans to go to college. Although she is not sure of what she will major in, she is sure she will still pursue music for the rest of her life!
Written by: Elizabeth Sipe
A senior at Gilbert High School, ALLISON REDERICK has played the violin for four years, learning from Ikuko Kanda. Allison, the Vice President of Student Activities in the GHS orchestra council, is very involved in her community and is even a member of the National Honor Society. Outside of school, her bright and caring personality helps with her job as a freelance babysitter. She gets along well with kids and plans to study in Elementary Education at Northern Arizona University next year. Allison is very responsible and serves as a social chair for the Gilbert Town Fiddlers, helping to create and plan group events.
In her free time, Allison enjoys playing music with a variety of instruments, including guitar, piano, voice, violin, and kalimba. Another pastime of Allison's is watching The Office or true crime shows. She also enjoys composing her own songs and likes to roller skate. Cooling down after is easy with some Ben and Jerry's ice cream and music from an ever-changing playlist.
In her free time, Allison enjoys playing music with a variety of instruments, including guitar, piano, voice, violin, and kalimba. Another pastime of Allison's is watching The Office or true crime shows. She also enjoys composing her own songs and likes to roller skate. Cooling down after is easy with some Ben and Jerry's ice cream and music from an ever-changing playlist.
Written by: Michael Rencher
The Gilbert Town Fiddlers are excited to welcome violinist MICHAEL RENCHER into his first year in the group! Although this is his first year with the organization, he has about seven years of classical playing and one year of fiddling already under his belt. He has been taking private lessons from our very own Taylor Morris for about two years. This sophomore is a prestigious member of the orchestra program at Red Mountain High School. His interest in music doesn’t end here; Michael also plays piano, guitar, and even sings a bit, having recently joined his school’s choir. When it comes to listening to music, he claims that his music taste is “kind of all over the place.”
When he is not fiddling around on any of his instruments, Michael enjoys playing video games, particularly an action-packed game titled Crossout, reading a good book, or sleeping in. But don’t let his relaxed demeanor fool you -- Michael is a recipient of the Eagle Scouts Award, the highest achievement for a Boy Scout; in fact, only four percent of scouts receive this award. Additionally, he is gratified by robotics, as he finds the payoff of creating something unique and functional very rewarding. He has won multiple state championships while on the Red Mountain APEX robotics team, so it is no surprise that this student is intelligent and dedicated. GTF is lucky to have someone as talented and passionate as Michael!
When he is not fiddling around on any of his instruments, Michael enjoys playing video games, particularly an action-packed game titled Crossout, reading a good book, or sleeping in. But don’t let his relaxed demeanor fool you -- Michael is a recipient of the Eagle Scouts Award, the highest achievement for a Boy Scout; in fact, only four percent of scouts receive this award. Additionally, he is gratified by robotics, as he finds the payoff of creating something unique and functional very rewarding. He has won multiple state championships while on the Red Mountain APEX robotics team, so it is no surprise that this student is intelligent and dedicated. GTF is lucky to have someone as talented and passionate as Michael!
Written by: Eve Wodarcyk
One of the Gilbert Town Fiddlers’ outstanding musicians is ELIZABETH SIPE, a talented violinist, who is currently a sophomore at Highland High School. She has been playing violin for 11 years, and her private teacher is Jamilyn Richardson. In those 11 years, she has participated in the Regional Honor Orchestra, Highland’s Symphony Orchestra, as well as Highland’s Strolling Strings. Outside of school and music, Elizabeth can be found watching anime, spending time with her friends and family, or baking anything sweet, from cake, to cinnamon rolls, to pan dulce. She also enjoys listening to various types of music, some of the artists she listens to include the Wallows, Arctic Monkeys, and 5 Seconds of Summer. Beyond high school, Elizabeth aspires to own a small business and travel all over while she’s at it!
Written by: Elyse Ackerman
Seventeen-year-old senior, from McClintock High School, JO TOUGAS has been jamming on the violin for just over ten years. During this time, she has been under the instruction of the violinist and fellow fiddler Taylor Morris. She is a multi-talented musician who has learned to not only play violin, but also the electric bass, acoustic guitar, and the viola. So, to show her talent during the 2020-2021 season of Gilbert Town Fiddlers, you'll be hearing this amazing musician on the viola. Jo loves music and is always up for a new challenge, and this season she is going out of her way to show her talent to everyone she performs for.
When this musician isn't playing in GTF, you can find her playing the viola in the McClintock Chamber Orchestra or playing in the band for her traditional dance group, “Fairhaven Morris.” She is a very accomplished violinist and has performed as a member of the Southwest Regional Orchestra and with the Gilbert Town Fiddlers at the American String Teachers Association National Conference, in New Mexico, during the 2018-2019 season. You can also find her playing Dungeons and Dragons with her friends, working as the librarian for McClintock's Orchestra Council, or “mourning the loss of her beloved can hammock.” You may also see her working at the Renaissance Festival with her band. In just a few years time, she aspires to be either a mortician or a music historian. GTF is as strong as it is today thanks to the work of many amazing musicians. And, Jo is a prime example of a musician that makes GTF as great as it is to this day!
When this musician isn't playing in GTF, you can find her playing the viola in the McClintock Chamber Orchestra or playing in the band for her traditional dance group, “Fairhaven Morris.” She is a very accomplished violinist and has performed as a member of the Southwest Regional Orchestra and with the Gilbert Town Fiddlers at the American String Teachers Association National Conference, in New Mexico, during the 2018-2019 season. You can also find her playing Dungeons and Dragons with her friends, working as the librarian for McClintock's Orchestra Council, or “mourning the loss of her beloved can hammock.” You may also see her working at the Renaissance Festival with her band. In just a few years time, she aspires to be either a mortician or a music historian. GTF is as strong as it is today thanks to the work of many amazing musicians. And, Jo is a prime example of a musician that makes GTF as great as it is to this day!
Written by: Connor Dooling
Sixteen-year-old VALERIA TUKA is one of Gilbert Town Fiddler’s finest. Studying under Melissa Silva, Valeria has played cello for five years and has been fiddling for just as long. She wishes she could polish her skills on her original instrument, the viola, but without a viola to practice on, that’s pretty hard to do.
Valeria is engaged in music-making wherever she goes through programs like the Chandler Symphony Orchestra’s Cheers to the Youth, where she and her peers have the opportunity to join Chandler Symphony Orchestra to experience classical repertoire, or in occasional sessions with Arizona Repertory Orchestra. As publicity co-manager of Gilbert High School’s Orchestra Council and a member of the pit orchestra, Valeria is an instrumental part of her community. She’s also revered among Gilbert High School’s Swim Team and Culinary Club.
Valeria often finds herself rocking out to some Marilyn Manson or Alice Cooper while baking or making homemade pasta, like the coolest cottage-dwelling grandma ever. When she finally gets that dream fish tank setup, her fish are going to enjoy Black Veil Brides’ metallic melodies and Anne Rice’s Vampire Chronicles books just as much as she does. After graduating high school, Valeria plans on attending ASU and majoring in cello performance or music therapy. GTF is honored to have her as a member of its 2020-2021 season.
Valeria is engaged in music-making wherever she goes through programs like the Chandler Symphony Orchestra’s Cheers to the Youth, where she and her peers have the opportunity to join Chandler Symphony Orchestra to experience classical repertoire, or in occasional sessions with Arizona Repertory Orchestra. As publicity co-manager of Gilbert High School’s Orchestra Council and a member of the pit orchestra, Valeria is an instrumental part of her community. She’s also revered among Gilbert High School’s Swim Team and Culinary Club.
Valeria often finds herself rocking out to some Marilyn Manson or Alice Cooper while baking or making homemade pasta, like the coolest cottage-dwelling grandma ever. When she finally gets that dream fish tank setup, her fish are going to enjoy Black Veil Brides’ metallic melodies and Anne Rice’s Vampire Chronicles books just as much as she does. After graduating high school, Valeria plans on attending ASU and majoring in cello performance or music therapy. GTF is honored to have her as a member of its 2020-2021 season.
Written by: Jo Tougas
VICTORIA TUKA is an incredible 16-year-old violinist and a junior at Gilbert High School! Her journey as a violinist began seven years ago with Greenfield Elementary’s orchestra program. Since then, Victoria has performed with the Greenfield Junior High Advanced Ensemble, the Arizona Repertory Orchestra, the Gilbert High School Symphony Orchestra, and private lessons with her teacher, Melissa Silva Williams. Aside from the violin, Victoria is a huge fan of musical theatre! She especially loves Broadway legend Patti LuPone. Victoria also has a large affinity for collecting colorful vinyl records! Some of her favorite artists include pop singer Marina and the Diamonds, rock singer David Bowie, alternative sensation Lana Del Ray, and her absolute favorite, and pop legend, Lady Gaga! Victoria describes her love for Gaga as, “a piece of diamond I found in a ton of coal. I literally don’t know where I’d be if I didn’t discover her and her music.” Victoria is without a doubt, GTF’s wildly-talented diamond!
Written by: Bella Navarro
ISABELLA WARNER is a 15-year-old junior from Arizona College Preparatory. Being taught by Patricia Cosand, Isabella has been playing violin for over 13 years and has been exploring fiddling for six years. Besides violin, she also plays guitar, piano, viola, and the ukulele. In school, she has been involved in such programs as the Red Cross, Key Club, the National Honors Society, and this year, she will be a part of the Youth Symphony of the Southwest. She has also been in the Metropolitan Youth Symphony for five years. She was awarded with Best Player and she received an award for hardest working. After high school, Isabella wants to go to medical school to one day become a cardiothoracic surgeon.
Outside of school and GTF, she likes spending her time reading mystery, romance, and horror books. She also listens to singer-songwriter Alec Benjamin and pop star Ariana Grande. Her other interests include trips to Mexico, chilly winters, and playing games with her family. In short, Isabella Warner is excited for her second year in GTF.
Outside of school and GTF, she likes spending her time reading mystery, romance, and horror books. She also listens to singer-songwriter Alec Benjamin and pop star Ariana Grande. Her other interests include trips to Mexico, chilly winters, and playing games with her family. In short, Isabella Warner is excited for her second year in GTF.
Written by: Kayden Karis
EVE WODARCYK is a creative senior at Hamilton High School. She has been playing violin for the past twelve years, five of which have been under the instruction of Cathy Worcester, and fiddling for four years. In her spare time, she loves jamming on her ukulele and playing in the Willow String Quartet, a group that arranges and plays music all over town. She has also been selected to play in the Regional Honors Orchestra every year of high school so far.
When she’s not making music, Eve participates in several community service clubs. Some of these include When We All Vote, an organization that helps increase youth voter participation, Girl Scouts, and the National Honors Society. Additionally, she has a job with Kids Express, an after school program for kids. Her other hobbies include painting, photography, and anything else that uses her imagination! She loves listening to indie and coming-of-age music, playing with her dogs, and eating ice cream. After high school, Eve hopes to attend university in a big city and pursue a career in international communications to fulfill her passion of traveling and meeting new people.
When she’s not making music, Eve participates in several community service clubs. Some of these include When We All Vote, an organization that helps increase youth voter participation, Girl Scouts, and the National Honors Society. Additionally, she has a job with Kids Express, an after school program for kids. Her other hobbies include painting, photography, and anything else that uses her imagination! She loves listening to indie and coming-of-age music, playing with her dogs, and eating ice cream. After high school, Eve hopes to attend university in a big city and pursue a career in international communications to fulfill her passion of traveling and meeting new people.
Written by: Allison Rederick