Arkansas Musicworks - Woodwind Lessons - Bentonville, AR

Woodwind Teachers
	Michael Hanna – Saxophone Michael Hanna holds a MM in Saxophone Performance from Central Michigan University, where he served as teaching assistant to Professor John Nichol. He graduated summa cum laude with a BM in Saxophone Performance from the University of Arkansas in 2016, where he studied with Stanley Morris and Dr. Richard Salonen. Michael has performed with the Arkansas Philharmonic Orchestra, the Fayetteville Jazz Collective, and the United States Air Force Band as a selected participant in its 2016 Collegiate Symposium. He has performed with the Arkansas Saxophones at two World Saxophone Congresses in St. Andrews and Strasbourg. An eclectic performer, Michael is also frequently heard in restaurants, hotels, festivals, and other venues in the Northwest Arkansas area. In 2015, Michael assisted in the production of a historical documentary on the Arkansan territory bandleader Alphonso Trent, transcribing and orchestrating works from his recorded legacy and performing on the soundtrack. Michael has private and group teaching experience ranging from the beginning to the collegiate level. He has worked with high schools throughout the NWA area, assisting with band camps, jazz clinics, and private instruction. At Central Michigan University, Michael taught undergraduate saxophone lessons, coached nationally competitive quartets, and taught beginning saxophone to music education majors. He has also served on the faculty of the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Summer Jazz Camps since 2016.
	Melinda Matthews - Clarinet / Saxophone Melinda Matthews has been playing professionally for 30 years. Melinda received her Bachelor of Music and Master of Music in Performance degrees from Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois. Former teachers include Larry Combs (Chicago Symphony), Aris Chavez (Santa Fe Opera), Franklin Cohen (Cleveland Orchestra), Frank Sabin (Pasadena Symphony), and Thomas O'Connell (Marshall University). Melinda has performed with the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra, Peoria Symphony Orchestra, Occidental Symphony Orchestra, Pasadena Symphony, Illinois Ballet Company, and Santa Monica Opera. Some of her solo performances are the Mozart Concerto with the Occidental Orchestra, Mendelssohn's Concert Piece No. 2 with Carol Stinson (Houston Grand Opera), and the Pirates of Penzance Tour (Los Angeles). Melinda has performed in orchestras behind such well known artists as Doc Severinsen (The Tonight Show), Sarah Vaughn (jazz singer), and Don Ellis (jazz trumpet/composer). Her passion is playing in pit orchestras for operas and musicals. Some favorites have included Fiddler on the Roof, Oklahoma, Phantom of the Opera, La Boheme, Don Giovanni, and Rigoletto. In 2004 Melinda designed Bois Ligatures, a ring-style ligature. It allows the reed much freer vibration and allows the player much more freedom with tone, projection, and articulations. Today they are used all around the world with top reviews. Melinda concentrates now on teaching and her ligature business. Her students have won top positions in All-Region and All-State bands, jazz bands and orchestras. This year included four 1st chair All-Region Junior and Senior High students (among many others). This summer an outstanding clarinet student was selected to the prestigious Penn State Honors Music Institute (only 7 selected nationwide). A very talented saxophone student marched in this past Macy's Day Parade. Several past students have gone on to college to pursue music degrees. One of those clarinet graduates is now an Arkansas All-State Judge. A recent alto saxophone student ranked #3 out of 30 of all saxophone students at University of Arkansas as an entering freshman.
	Bill Punch - Brass / Woodwind Bill Punch has 30 years experience as a music educator. Now retired as a high school band director, his last 26 years of teaching was at Webb City schools in Webb City, Missouri. In his tenure at Webb City he taught all instruments grade 6-12 as band director and jazz band director. His bands performed on several national venues including the 2006 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California. He has had numerous students successfully audition for All-State and All-Region Band and his bands have received over 25 first division ratings while he was director. Whatever your student's goals for private lessons - Bill can accommodate. His number one priority is making the student feel at ease while encouraging the need to practice while never forgetting the big picture - THAT MUSIC IS FUN! Bill presently lives in Neohso, Missouri with his wife Vicki. He has 3 grown boys and 3 grandchildren - including 2 in Bella Vista. He is presently the musical director for the Jack Mitchell Big Band and plays trumpet in the Bella Vista Big band. He also has performed with the Bella Vista Community Band and is in demand as a clinician and adjudicator in the area.
	Belinda Thomas - Brass / Woodwind Belinda Thomas is a native Arkansan and graduate of Henderson State University where she received a Bachelor of Music Education degree with concentration in instrumental music. She began her music career as Director of Bands at Greenbriar High School in 1982 and has 33 years experience as a music educator. Now retired as a middle school and high school band director, her last 29 years of teaching were at Elmwood Jr. High, Kirksey Middle School and Rogers High School in Rogers, AR. In her tenure at Rogers, she taught all band instruments with an emphasis on beginning and intermediate instruction. She also assisted Rogers High School Bands. Belinda has had many students successfully audition for All-Region and All-State Bands and her marching and concert groups received multiple first division ratings. As a young person, Belinda's goal was to pass on the love of music and playing to young and old alike throughout her life. Some of her greatest accomplishments are former students who have gone on to have successful careers as band directors and professional musicians. Belinda is currently Worship Leader at Lowell Assembly of God in Lowell, AR. It is with excitement that she joins the teaching staff of Arkansas Musicworks.
	Kristin Wages - Flute Kristin Wages grew up in West Plains, MO and holds a Bachelor's degree in Music Education from Missouri State University and a Master of Music Education degree from the University of Arkansas. Mrs. Wages is certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. She has experience in an elementary music classroom (beginning her teaching career in Green Forest, AR) as well as a band setting. She launched the Decatur band program in 2005 which nearly quadrupled in size during her 10 year tenure as band director. During this time several Decatur students were selected to numerous honor bands including the Arkansas All-State Band and All-State Jazz Band. Her former students have pursued music degrees of their own. Kristin joined the Musicworks team in November 2013 and has enjoyed playing flute for different occasions in the community including the memorial services for Mrs. Helen Walton. Her primary teachers include Mr. Larry Bridges, Dr. Jill Heyboer, Dr. Belva Prather, and Dr. Ronda Mains. Kristin and her husband, Chris, welcomed their first child, Brett, into the world last year.