Meet the Musicians

Meet the extraordinary musicians who travel from across the region and beyond to create unforgettable performances with North State Symphony.

First Violin

Terrie Baune, Concertmaster's Headshot
Terrie Baune, Concertmaster

First Violin

Learn More
Ryan Lee, Assistant Concertmaster's Headshot
Ryan Lee, Assistant Concertmaster

First Violin

Learn More
Kana Luzmoor's Headshot
Kana Luzmoor

First Violin

Learn More
Cherie Gans's Headshot
Cherie Gans

First Violin

Learn More
Juan Gutierrez's Headshot
Juan Gutierrez

First Violin

Learn More
Lauren Dillon's Headshot
Lauren Dillon

First Violin

Learn More
Abigail Wilensky's Headshot
Abigail Wilensky

First Violin

Learn More
Alice Kao's Headshot
Alice Kao

First Violin

Learn More
Rebekah van Tinteren's Headshot
Rebekah van Tinteren

First Violin

Learn More
James Johnston's Headshot
James Johnston

First Violin

Learn More

Second Violin

Dan Kristianson, Principal's Headshot
Dan Kristianson, Principal

Second Violin

Learn More
Janetta DeMott's Headshot
Janetta DeMott

Second Violin

Learn More
Taryn Rosenquist's Headshot
Taryn Rosenquist

Second Violin

Learn More
Amy Lindsey's Headshot
Amy Lindsey

Second Violin

Learn More
Sarah Murray Espinoza's Headshot
Sarah Murray Espinoza

Second Violin

Learn More
Joel Quivey's Headshot
Joel Quivey

Second Violin

Learn More
Stephanie Costanza's Headshot
Stephanie Costanza

Second Violin

Learn More
Maggie Czajka's Headshot
Maggie Czajka

Second Violin

Learn More
Ebba Herritt's Headshot
Ebba Herritt

Second Violin

Learn More

Viola

Leah Carl, Principal's Headshot
Leah Carl, Principal

Viola

Learn More
Gregg Rice's Headshot
Gregg Rice

Viola

Learn More
Sherry Hanson's Headshot
Sherry Hanson

Viola

Learn More
Corrie Taillon's Headshot
Corrie Taillon

Viola

Learn More
Barb Barasa's Headshot
Barb Barasa

Viola

Learn More
Julia Bastuscheck's Headshot
Julia Bastuscheck

Viola

Learn More
Cathleen Davis-Storm's Headshot
Cathleen Davis-Storm

Viola

Learn More
Kim Fitch's Headshot
Kim Fitch

Viola

Learn More

Cello

Carol Jacobson, Principal's Headshot
Carol Jacobson, Principal

Cello

Learn More
Timothy Stanley, Assistant Principal's Headshot
Timothy Stanley, Assistant Principal

Cello

Learn More
Jennifer Mathers's Headshot
Jennifer Mathers

Cello

Learn More
Treble Cierpke's Headshot
Treble Cierpke

Cello

Learn More
Alex Winter's Headshot
Alex Winter

Cello

Learn More
JJ Tiefenbach's Headshot
JJ Tiefenbach

Cello

Learn More
Corey Oiler's Headshot
Corey Oiler

Cello

Learn More
Lisa Truelove's Headshot
Lisa Truelove

Cello

Learn More

Bass

Michael Schwagerus, Principal's Headshot
Michael Schwagerus, Principal

Bass

Learn More
Leif Dering, Assistant Principal's Headshot
Leif Dering, Assistant Principal

Bass

Learn More
Bryce Holmes's Headshot
Bryce Holmes

Bass

Learn More
Carlos Valdez's Headshot
Carlos Valdez

Bass

Learn More
Stephen Rice's Headshot
Stephen Rice

Bass

Learn More

Flute

Cathie Apple, Principal's Headshot
Cathie Apple, Principal

Flute

Learn More
Megumi Nomura's Headshot
Megumi Nomura

Flute

Learn More
Ruth Polcari's Headshot
Ruth Polcari

Flute

Learn More

Oboe

Susie Lundberg, Principal's Headshot
Susie Lundberg, Principal

Oboe

Learn More
Murray Campbell's Headshot
Murray Campbell

Oboe

Learn More

Clarinet

James Pytko, Principal's Headshot
James Pytko, Principal

Clarinet

Learn More
Kyle Beard's Headshot
Kyle Beard

Clarinet

Learn More
Diego Borges's Headshot
Diego Borges

Clarinet

Learn More
Stephen Zielinski's Headshot
Stephen Zielinski

Clarinet

Learn More

Bassoon

Michelle Keem, Principal's Headshot
Michelle Keem, Principal

Bassoon

Learn More
Bruce Finch's Headshot
Bruce Finch

Bassoon

Learn More
Barbara D’Augelli's Headshot
Barbara D’Augelli

Bassoon

Learn More

Horn

Robert Fant, Principal's Headshot
Robert Fant, Principal

Horn

Learn More
Angelina Mejia's Headshot
Angelina Mejia

Horn

Learn More
Wayne Van Lieu's Headshot
Wayne Van Lieu

Horn

Learn More
Robbie Mayes's Headshot
Robbie Mayes

Horn

Learn More

Trumpet

Alan Matteri, Principal's Headshot
Alan Matteri, Principal

Trumpet

Learn More
Ayako Nakamura's Headshot
Ayako Nakamura

Trumpet

Learn More

Trombone

Lloyd Roby, Principal's Headshot
Lloyd Roby, Principal

Trombone

Learn More
Paul de Silva's Headshot
Paul de Silva

Trombone

Learn More
Eric Bolstad's Headshot
Eric Bolstad

Bass Trombone

Learn More

Tuba

Nathan Bastuscheck, Principal's Headshot
Nathan Bastuscheck, Principal

Tuba

Learn More

Timpani

Brian Simpson, Principal's Headshot
Brian Simpson, Principal

Timpani

Learn More

Percussion

Troy Symington's Headshot
Troy Symington

Percussion

Learn More
Laura Specht's Headshot
Laura Specht

Percussion

Learn More
Michael Costa's Headshot
Michael Costa

Percussion

Learn More
Nathra Kem's Headshot
Nathra Kem
Learn More
Andrew Curteman, principal's Headshot
Andrew Curteman, principal

Percussion

Learn More

Harp

Candace LiVolsi Valentine, Principal's Headshot
Candace LiVolsi Valentine, Principal

Harp

Learn More

Piano

Alda Turgieva, Principal's Headshot
Alda Turgieva, Principal

Piano

Learn More
Terrie Baune, Concertmaster's Headshot

Terrie Baune, Concertmaster

First Violin

Sponsor:

Sponsor: Johnson Family Foundation

Terrie is concertmaster of the Eureka Symphony, Mendocino Music Festival, North State Symphony and co-concertmaster of the Oakland Symphony. She is the director of the Humboldt Chamber Music Workshop.  She is also a member of Earplay Ensemble and Temporary Resonance Trio, and frequent performer with Empyrean Ensemble and other new-music groups.

Ryan Lee, Assistant Concertmaster's Headshot

Ryan Lee, Assistant Concertmaster

First Violin

Sponsor:

Available for Sponsorship: $1000

If you are interested in sponsoring Ryan's chair, click the button below, or contact Siana Sonoquie at ssonoquie@csuchico.edu.

Kana Luzmoor's Headshot

Kana Luzmoor

First Violin

Sponsor:

Available for Sponsorship: $1000

If you are interested in sponsoring Kana's chair, click the button below, or contact Siana Sonoquie at ssonoquie@csuchico.edu.

Cherie Gans's Headshot

Cherie Gans

First Violin

Sponsor:

Available for Sponsorship: $1000

If you are interested in sponsoring Cherie’s chair, click the button below, or contact Siana Sonoquie at ssonoquie@csuchico.edu.

Cherie has played in the Twin Falls, civic Symphony, (Idaho), and the Alton Symphony, (Illinois) Orchestras. She was concertmaster of the Shasta Symphony for almost 20 years and the Redding Symphony before it became the North State Symphony. She was a founding member of Redding’s Performing Arts Society, Trio Français and SonaTrio, and Opus Three. Currently, she is the third seat in the first violin section of the North State Symphony. She earned her music minor from Cal State, LA, studying organ and violin. She has performed string quartets in Romania, Argentina, Italy, France, and England.

Juan Gutierrez's Headshot

Juan Gutierrez

First Violin

Sponsor:

Available for Sponsorship: $1000

If you are interested in sponsoring Juan’s chair, click the button below, or contact Siana Sonoquie at ssonoquie@csuchico.edu.

Juan Gutierrez serves as a member of the First Violin section of the North State Symphony Orchestra. He holds a Master of Music degree in violin performance from the Royal Conservatory of Madrid, where he studied under Xavier Turull. In addition, Mr. Gutierrez earned a Business degree from the University of Buenos Aires. Beyond his performing career, he is dedicated to teaching violin and enjoys culinary experimentation with his wife, Maria, and their son, Nicolas.

Lauren Dillon's Headshot

Lauren Dillon

First Violin

Sponsor:

Sponsor: Joe and Judy Chiapella

Abigail Wilensky's Headshot

Abigail Wilensky

First Violin

Sponsor:

Available for Sponsorship: $1000

If you are interested in sponsoring Abigail’s chair, click the button below, or contact Siana Sonoquie at ssonoquie@csuchico.edu.

Alice Kao's Headshot

Alice Kao

First Violin

Sponsor:

Available for Sponsorship: $1000

If you are interested in sponsoring Alice’s chair, click the button below, or contact Siana Sonoquie at ssonoquie@csuchico.edu.

Alice grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and has played piano and violin since childhood. While studying medieval history and literature at Harvard University, she served as concertmaster of the Harvard Bach Society Orchestra. She has performed with ensembles and artists such as Magik*Magik Orchestra, Berkeley Opera (West Edge Opera), Blixa Bargeld, Father John Misty, and The Dodos—including live performances at SFMOMA, the Performa Biennial, Noise Pop Festival, and Outside Lands Music Festival. Alice has played in the North State Symphony since 2009.

Rebekah van Tinteren's Headshot

Rebekah van Tinteren

First Violin

Sponsor:

Available for Sponsorship: $1000

If you are interested in sponsoring Alice’s chair, click the button below, or contact Siana Sonoquie at ssonoquie@csuchico.edu.

Rebekah has played violin crossing genres from classical to playing/singing in folk, jazz, gypsy and worship bands. She has played on live tv, radio, film score and at cabaret and arts festivals. Rebekah has toured Australasia/South Pacific (Australian YO and AYO Camerata), Germany (Berlin Scandinavian YO) and the USA (Bethel Music). She has performed in the Beijing Concert Hall, the Berlin Philharmonie and the Grand Ole Opry. Rebekah played with the Adelaide Symphony and Adelaide Art Orchestras before moving to the USA in 2009. She has played with NSS since 2014.

Rebekah studied Violin Performance at Elder Conservatorium (Australia) and in Basel (Switzerland). She has recorded her own original instrumentals and songs since 2011. Her latest 2025 project release is “Notes to Nurture - Live at Pilgrim” captured with choreography and a live audience for YouTube. Favorite ?? moments: Singing on Uluru, playing to Ugandan prisoners, making music with children in a dump in the Philippines.

Rebekah van Tinteren's website

James Johnston's Headshot

James Johnston

First Violin

Sponsor:

Available for Sponsorship: $1000

If you are interested in sponsoring James’ chair, click the button below, or contact Siana Sonoquie at ssonoquie@csuchico.edu.

Dan Kristianson, Principal's Headshot

Dan Kristianson, Principal

Second Violin

Sponsor:

Available for Sponsorship: $1500

If you are interested in sponsoring Dan’s chair, click the button below, or contact Siana Sonoquie at ssonoquie@csuchico.edu.

Janetta DeMott's Headshot

Janetta DeMott

Second Violin

Sponsor:

Sponsor: Redding League of the North State Symphony

Janetta DeMott has been playing the violin since she was 9 and knew immediately she would pursue it for her career! She graduated Magna Cum Laude with her Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance from CSU Stanislaus and obtained her Music Teaching Credential from Simpson University. In 1990 Janetta had the privilege of performing with the CSU Symphony at multiple colleges all over (what was then) the Soviet Union. During her time in California's Central Valley she enjoyed being a member of the Modesto Symphony for 9 years and the Townsend Opera Company for 13 years. She has been a violin/string orchestra instructor in multiple schools of the Redding School District since 2001. Janetta was a member of the Redding and Chico Symphonies back in 1997, before they became the North State Symphony in 2001, and has continued to be a happy member of the North State Symphony to this day!

Taryn Rosenquist's Headshot

Taryn Rosenquist

Second Violin

Sponsor:

Available for Sponsorship: $1000

If you are interested in sponsoring Taryn’s chair, click the button below, or contact Siana Sonoquie at ssonoquie@csuchico.edu.

Amy Lindsey's Headshot

Amy Lindsey

Second Violin

Sponsor:

Available for Sponsorship: $1000

If you are interested in sponsoring XXXXXX’s chair, click the button below, or contact Siana Sonoquie at ssonoquie@csuchico.edu.

Sarah Murray Espinoza's Headshot

Sarah Murray Espinoza

Second Violin

Sponsor:

Available for Sponsorship: $1000

If you are interested in sponsoring Sarah’s chair, click the button below, or contact Siana Sonoquie at ssonoquie@csuchico.edu.

Joel Quivey's Headshot

Joel Quivey

Second Violin

Sponsor:

Available for Sponsorship: $1000

If you are interested in sponsoring Joel’s chair, click the button below, or contact Siana Sonoquie at ssonoquie@csuchico.edu.

Joel Quivey has been with NSS since its beginning. Other current music activities include concertmaster of the Paradise SO and the local contemporary Latin band Los Caballitos. The list of his private teachers includes Jaroslav Kasal, Vera Barstow, Harris Goldman, and most recently, vocal lessons with Daun Weiss. He studied Violin at USC, but his BA is from the UCLA dept. of Ethnomusicology. Before moving to Chico from Los Angeles his most valuable professional experience was with Mariachi Los Camperos, amplified violin with the Don Ellis band, and numerous Spanish language recording sessions. Past experience in Chico include; concertmaster of the Chico S.O., violin instructor at CSU Chico, lead violin and a singer with Mariachi Mixteco de Chico, and a snare drummer with CCDB fife and drum corps. Like many other musicians he also had a full time "day job"; 30 years as a medical lab tech. with specialties in histology, immunology, and electron microscopy.

Stephanie Costanza's Headshot

Stephanie Costanza

Second Violin

Sponsor:

Sponsor: Charles and Marvey Mueller

Stephanie Costanza has been a violinist with North State Symphony since its inception in 2001. She is also a violinist with Symphony of the Redwoods in Mendocino/Ft Bragg, and has performed with the Berkeley, Santa Rosa, Ukiah, and Stockton Symphonies, Artea Chamber Orchestra, and other groups. On the side, she is an aficionado of Traditional American music, participating in festivals and fiddling for contradances.

Stephanie has taught violin and coached chamber ensembles at Lick-Wilmerding High School, served as a faculty member of the Suzuki String Program at San Francisco State University, and done consulting/teaching at the Mission Dolores Academy string program, SF. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music, a California Teaching Credential, and a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Humanities.

She is grateful to Charles and Marvey Mueller of Chico, longtime friends, generous sponsors of her chair, and enthusiastic supporters of North State Symphony.

Maggie Czajka's Headshot

Maggie Czajka

Second Violin

Sponsor:

Available for Sponsorship: $1000

If you are interested in sponsoring Maggie’s chair, click the button below, or contact Siana Sonoquie at ssonoquie@csuchico.edu.

Ebba Herritt's Headshot

Ebba Herritt

Second Violin

Sponsor:

Available for Sponsorship: $1000

If you are interested in sponsoring Ebba’s chair, click the button below, or contact Siana Sonoquie at ssonoquie@csuchico.edu.

Leah Carl, Principal's Headshot

Leah Carl, Principal

Viola

Sponsor:

Sponsor: Diane Fossum

Gregg Rice's Headshot

Gregg Rice

Viola

Sponsor:

Sponsor: Diane Fossum

Sherry Hanson's Headshot

Sherry Hanson

Viola

Sponsor:

Available for Sponsorship: $1000

If you are interested in sponsoring Sherry’s chair, click the button below, or contact Siana Sonoquie at ssonoquie@csuchico.edu.

Sherry McHurd Hanson began playing violin in 4th grade and later switched to viola when the orchestra needed violas. Moving to playing the viola has provided her with many musical opportunities. She has played in Alexander Schneider’s New York Christmas String Seminar at Carnegie Hall, the Sacramento Symphony, the North State Symphony, the Eureka Symphony, and the Juneau Symphony. While attending the Peabody Conservatory of Music, she studied with Walter Trampler. She graduated from Humboldt State University (now CalPoly Humboldt) with a degree in Elementary Education. She has been a member of the TBAM Festival String Orchestra and played Hindemith's "Trauermusik" with them. She has also played with the Arcata Bay Quartet, and the Compass Quartet and has performed with the CalPoly Humboldt faculty concerts. She loves chamber music and has attended workshops at Humboldt CMW, CalCap, SoCal, and in Predeal, Romania.

Corrie Taillon's Headshot

Corrie Taillon

Viola

Sponsor:

Sponsor: Redding League of the North State Symphony

Barb Barasa's Headshot

Barb Barasa

Viola

Sponsor:

Available for Sponsorship: $1000

If you are interested in sponsoring Barb’s chair, click the button below, or contact Siana Sonoquie at ssonoquie@csuchico.edu.

Barb lived the first 50 years of her life in the Chicago area. She started piano lessons in second grade and studied violin starting in fourth grade. She played in the Civic Orchestra, run by the Chicago Symphony, in the 1960s and in many community orchestras around Chicago, then moved to Ashland, Oregon in 1996. In 2000 she switched from violin to playing viola. Barb has played in Rogue Valley Symphony, Jefferson Baroque, and other groups near home and has played every concert with NSS since 2004, as well as playing concerts with Shasta Symphony since 2022 and occasionally playing in Eureka Symphony. In addition to knowing how to play piano, she can also play Sundanese gamelan and the theremin and she sang in the jazz choir at SOU for several years.

Julia Bastuscheck's Headshot

Julia Bastuscheck

Viola

Sponsor:

Available for Sponsorship: $1000

If you are interested in sponsoring Julia’s chair, click the button below, or contact Siana Sonoquie at ssonoquie@csuchico.edu.

Julia Bastuscheck is recently retired from a 30+ year career in music education. She taught orchestra and beginning strings in the Juneau, AK School District from 1988-2009. She played in the Juneau Symphony and performed in numerous opera and chamber groups. She was conductor of the Juneau Youth Symphony from 1989-2000.

Upon relocating to Bend, OR, Julia worked in the Bend LaPine School District as an orchestra teacher and substitute, conducted district festivals and opened a private music studio. She worked at the Cascade School of Music from 2010 to 2024, teaching private and group lessons. She was conductor of the Central Oregon Youth Orchestra from its inception in 2012 until 2020.

Now, Julia is focused on her own viola playing. She continues to serve as principal viola of the Juneau Symphony, and is a regular section violist with the North State Symphony in California. She also performs regularly as a substitute with local regional orchestras.

Cathleen Davis-Storm's Headshot

Cathleen Davis-Storm

Viola

Sponsor:

Available for Sponsorship: $1000

If you are interested in sponsoring Cathleen’s chair, click the button below, or contact Siana Sonoquie at ssonoquie@csuchico.edu.

Kim Fitch's Headshot

Kim Fitch

Viola

Sponsor:

Available for Sponsorship: $1000

If you are interested in sponsoring Kim’s chair, click the button below, or contact Siana Sonoquie at ssonoquie@csuchico.edu.

Carol Jacobson, Principal's Headshot

Carol Jacobson, Principal

Cello

Sponsor:

Sponsor: Endowment from Peggy Steel

Carol Jacobson has been the Music Director of the Eureka Symphony for twenty years. Former teacher and conductor of the Arcata/McKinleyville High School Orchestra and Madrigal Choir for twenty years, she has inspired numerous young people to excel. The North Coast Journal referred to Ms. Jacobson as a "force of nature." Ms. Jacobson earned her B.A at Humboldt State with further chamber music studies with Endre Wolf at The Royal Danish Conservatory, master classes with Antonio Janigro at the Saltzburg Mozarteum and chamber studies at the Netherlands Royal Conservatory in The Hague. She was a member of the Oslo Opera Orchestra, the Netherlands National Ballet Orchestra in Amsterdam, the Netherlands Radio Symphony and the Netherlands Strijkers Ensemble.

She is currently studying conducting with Scott Seaton and plays in a piano trio, The Temporary Resonance Ensemble with Terrie Baune and John Chernoff.

Timothy Stanley, Assistant Principal's Headshot

Timothy Stanley, Assistant Principal

Cello

Sponsor:

Sponsor: Barbara Echonocian and Jack Kimple

Jennifer Mathers's Headshot

Jennifer Mathers

Cello

Sponsor:

Available for Sponsorship: $1000

If you are interested in sponsoring Jennifer’s chair, click the button below, or contact Siana Sonoquie at ssonoquie@csuchico.edu

Treble Cierpke's Headshot

Treble Cierpke

Cello

Sponsor:

Available for Sponsorship: $1000

If you are interested in sponsoring Treble’s chair, click the button below, or contact Siana Sonoquie at ssonoquie@csuchico.edu

Treble has been playing with NSS since 2013. She teaches and performs in Redding and Chico, and directs the choir at Redding First United Methodist Church. Educated at Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, TN (Vocal Performance and Philosophy) and the University of Glasgow in Scotland (Literature, Theology, and the Arts), Treble is also the Personnel Coordinator for the North State Symphony. She enjoys singing and playing with friends in the North State's music community and snuggling with her 4 cats. Treble is also passionate about mental health awareness and spreading love amongst society in division.

Alex Winter's Headshot

Alex Winter

Cello

Sponsor:

Available for Sponsorship: $1000

If you are interested in sponsoring Alex’s chair, click the button below, or contact Siana Sonoquie at ssonoquie@csuchico.edu

JJ Tiefenbach's Headshot

JJ Tiefenbach

Cello

Sponsor:

Available for Sponsorship: $1000

If you are interested in sponsoring JJ's chair, click the button below, or contact Siana Sonoquie at ssonoquie@csuchico.edu

JJ Tiefenbach is an 18-year-old cellist attending Shasta Community College who has been playing cello since they were 9 years old. JJ plays on an 1872 H.C. Silvestre cello. JJ has been a member of the Shasta Symphony Orchestra for 6 years and a member of the North State Symphony for 4 years. JJ has won concerto competitions including The Shasta Symphony Young Artist Competition of 2024, the Paradise Symphony Young Artist Competition of 2024, and the North State Symphony Young Artist Competition of 2025. JJ enjoys nature, painting, and listening to music.

Corey Oiler's Headshot

Corey Oiler

Cello

Sponsor:

Available for Sponsorship: $1000

If you are interested in sponsoring Corey’s chair, click the button below, or contact Siana Sonoquie at ssonoquie@csuchico.edu

Lisa Truelove's Headshot

Lisa Truelove

Cello

Sponsor:

Available for Sponsorship: $1000

If you are interested in sponsoring Lisa’s chair, click the button below, or contact Siana Sonoquie at ssonoquie@csuchico.edu

Michael Schwagerus, Principal's Headshot

Michael Schwagerus, Principal

Bass

Sponsor:

Sponsor: Endowment from Dr. Manuel and Gloria Esteban

test

Michael Schwagerus, double bass, joined the North State Symphony in 2001 and continues serving there as principal bassist. During this time, he has also performed with the Sacramento Philharmonic, Modesto Symphony, Sacramento Choral Society, Sacramento Chamber Music Society, and was also principal bassist for the Townsend Opera.

As a full-time music teacher at St. James School in Davis, Michael enjoys conducting Concert Band and Choir while teaching K–8 music to the school’s 300 students.

Michael maintains a private lesson studio of 45 students and teaches a variety of instruments including piano, guitar, and woodwinds. His bass students have been accepted to the Manhattan School of Music, Berklee College of Music, and Brubeck Institute Jazz Colony.

Leif Dering, Assistant Principal's Headshot

Leif Dering, Assistant Principal

Bass

Sponsor:

Available for Sponsorship: $1000

If you are interested in sponsoring Leif’s chair, click the button below, or contact Siana Sonoquie at ssonoquie@csuchico.edu.

Leif Dering joined the North State Symphony in the 2023-24 season at the young age of 20 and was appointed assistant principal bass the following season. He is also a member of Symphony of the Redwoods and is on the substitute list of several California orchestras. He has also performed at the Eastern Music Festival under the direction of Gerard Schwarz and was a member of the world-renowned San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra, conducted by Daniel Stewart.

Leif is earning his Bachelor of Music at Sonoma State University under the tutelage of Mark Wallace.

Bryce Holmes's Headshot

Bryce Holmes

Bass

Sponsor:

Sponsor: Sam and Sam Hillaire

Carlos Valdez's Headshot

Carlos Valdez

Bass

Sponsor:

Available for Sponsorship: $1000

If you are interested in sponsoring Carlos' chair, click the button below, or contact Siana Sonoquie at ssonoquie@csuchico.edu.

Carlos Valdez is a Peruvian double bassist in the San Francisco Bay Area. Carlos plays with the Bridge Music Collective which is an innovative chamber music group with an unusual instrumentation. In addition, Carlos serves as Assistant Principal Bass of the Rogue Valley Symphony. Carlos performs regularly with the Berkeley Symphony, Modesto Symphony, Reno Philharmonic, etc. He holds an AD from the SF Academy Orchestra; a PSC and a MM from the SFCM where he studied with Scott Pingel; and a BM from the University of Southern Mississippi where he studied with Dr. Marcos Machado. Carlos is a fellow at the Orchestra of Americas under the guidance of Dominic Seldis, Principal Bass of the Royal Concertgebouw in the Netherlands.

Stephen Rice's Headshot

Stephen Rice

Bass

Sponsor:

Available for Sponsorship: $1000

If you are interested in sponsoring Stephen’s chair, click the button below, or contact Siana Sonoquie at ssonoquie@csuchico.edu.

Cathie Apple, Principal's Headshot

Cathie Apple, Principal

Flute

Sponsor:

Sponsor: Dana Silberstein

Dr. Cathie Apple is the Flute Instructor at Sacramento State, principal flutist of the North State Symphony, and a founding member of Citywater's new music ensemble and Sinfonia Spirituosa baroque ensemble. In addition to a busy performing and teaching schedule, Cathie is a fitness instructor, an avid weight-lifter and swimmer, and enjoys long backpacking trips to recharge her batteries. She is always reading at least two books and would not survive without coffee.

Megumi Nomura's Headshot

Megumi Nomura

Flute

Sponsor:

Available for Sponsorship: $1000

If you are interested in sponsoring Megumi’s chair, click the button below, or contact Siana Sonoquie at ssonoquie@csuchico.edu.

Ruth Polcari's Headshot

Ruth Polcari

Flute

Sponsor:

Available for Sponsorship: $1000

If you are interested in sponsoring Ruth’s chair, click the button below, or contact Siana Sonoquie at ssonoquie@csuchico.edu.

Susie Lundberg, Principal's Headshot

Susie Lundberg, Principal

Oboe

Sponsor:

Sponsor: Richard and Giovanna Jackson

Susie Lundberg has been the Principal Oboist of the North State Symphony for 25 years. She studied oboe with Neil Tatman and has been coached by John De Lancie, Wayne Rapier, Nancy Ambrose King, and Laura Arganbright. She has performed in many CSU musical productions and with other regional orchestras. Susie enjoys teaching local students.

Murray Campbell's Headshot

Murray Campbell

Oboe

Sponsor:

Available for Sponsorship: $1000

If you are interested in sponsoring Murray’s chair, click the button below, or contact Siana Sonoquie at ssonoquie@csuchico.edu.

James Pytko, Principal's Headshot

James Pytko, Principal

Clarinet

Sponsor:

Available for Sponsorship: $1500

If you are interested in sponsoring James' chair, click the button below, or contact Siana Sonoquie at ssonoquie@csuchico.edu.

James Pytko is an avid performer and educator in the SF Bay Area. He is the Principal Clarinet of the North State Symphony, the Second/Bass Clarinet of Opera San Jose, the Second Clarinet of the Monterey Symphony, and the Clarinetist with Avenue Winds, a woodwind quintet. James has also performed with San Francisco Symphony, San Francisco Ballet, San Francisco Opera, Chrysalis Orchestra, Trinity Alps Music Festival, Modesto Symphony, Symphony San Jose, West Bay Opera, Townsend Opera, Fresno Grand Opera, Symphony Napa Valley, Sphinx Symphony, Berkeley Symphony, Monterey Symphony, Ensemble Miknawooj, Santa Cruz Symphony, Espressivo Ensemble, Vallejo Symphony and many other Bay Area Ensembles.

In addition to his busy performance schedule, he also proudly works for the American Federation of Musicians Local 6 as their Financial Assistant. James has taught clarinet at CSU Stanislaus and UC Santa Cruz and has also given masterclasses around the country. He received his Bachelor of Music and Artist Diploma from the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati. His primary teachers were Richie Hawley, Carmine Campione, Scott Andrews, and Naomi Drucker.

Kyle Beard's Headshot

Kyle Beard

Clarinet

Sponsor:

Sponsor: Bobba Family Fund

Kyle Beard enjoys a varied musical career in the Bay Area. He is active as a performer on clarinet and bass clarinet (along with occasional saxophone!) with numerous groups across Northern California, including the Luke Doughty Quartet, North State Symphony, the Slow Wave trio, ECHO Chamber Orchestra, Symphony Parnassus, and the Bay Area Rainbow Symphony.

In addition to performing, Kyle is also a dedicated educator, working as an orchestral and reed instrument coach at Berkeley High School, as well as with various schools in Oakland, CA through the Oakland Symphony's MUSE program. He also maintains a private studio, and has had students gain admission to schools such as San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Boston Conservatory/Berklee College of Music, and the Peabody Conservatory.

When not teaching or performing, Kyle is the owner and technician for RBK Winds, a repair shop in Oakland, CA performing instrument repairs for professionals in the Bay Area in addition to the public schools in San Francisco and Oakland.

Kyle received his training at the Peabody Conservatory with Steven Barta, at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music with Luis Baez, and with Michael Sussman at UMass Amherst

Diego Borges's Headshot

Diego Borges

Clarinet

Sponsor:

Sponsor: Chico Guild of the North State Symphony

Stephen Zielinski's Headshot

Stephen Zielinski

Clarinet

Sponsor:

Available for Sponsorship: $1000

If you are interested in sponsoring Stephen’s chair, click the button below, or contact Siana Sonoquie at ssonoquie@csuchico.edu.

Michelle Keem, Principal's Headshot

Michelle Keem, Principal

Bassoon

Sponsor:

Sponsor: Ailsie McEnteggart

Michelle Keem is the principal bassoon of the North State Symphony and Santa Cruz Symphony, in addition to performing regularly with many orchestras around the Bay Area. She has played with orchestras and chamber ensembles across North America and Europe, including the Oregon Symphony, San Antonio Symphony, Antwerp Philharmonic, Buffalo Philharmonic, and Trio Auloi, whose performances included a recital in Boston’s Jordan Hall. Michelle is also on the faculty at Sacramento State School of Music.

A native of New York state, Michelle has Bachelor's and Master of Music degrees from New England Conservatory, where she studied with Rick Ranti and Richard Svoboda, and did additional graduate studies with Marc Goldberg and Patricia Rogers at Bard College Conservatory.

In addition to working as a performer and educator, Michelle is an avid knitter and a longtime volunteer at a local farm animal sanctuary.

Bruce Finch's Headshot

Bruce Finch

Bassoon

Sponsor:

Sponsor: Endowment from Connie Eccles

Barbara D’Augelli's Headshot

Barbara D’Augelli

Bassoon

Sponsor:

Sponsor: Endowment from Connie Eccles

Robert Fant, Principal's Headshot

Robert Fant, Principal

Horn

Sponsor:

Sponsor: Richard and Giovanna Jackson

Angelina Mejia's Headshot

Angelina Mejia

Horn

Sponsor:

Available for Sponsorship: $1000

If you are interested in sponsoring Angelina’s chair, click the button below, or contact Siana Sonoquie at ssonoquie@csuchico.edu.

Wayne Van Lieu's Headshot

Wayne Van Lieu

Horn

Sponsor:

Available for Sponsorship: $1000

If you are interested in sponsoring Wayne’s chair, click the button below, or contact Siana Sonoquie at ssonoquie@csuchico.edu.

Robbie Mayes's Headshot

Robbie Mayes

Horn

Sponsor:

Available for Sponsorship: $1000

If you are interested in sponsoring Robbie’s chair, click the button below, or contact Siana Sonoquie at ssonoquie@csuchico.edu.

Alan Matteri, Principal's Headshot

Alan Matteri, Principal

Trumpet

Sponsor:

Available for Sponsorship: $1500

If you are interested in sponsoring Alan’s chair, click the button below, or contact Siana Sonoquie at ssonoquie@csuchico.edu.

Ayako Nakamura's Headshot

Ayako Nakamura

Trumpet

Sponsor:

Available for Sponsorship: $1000

If you are interested in sponsoring Ayako’s chair, click the button below, or contact Siana Sonoquie at ssonoquie@csuchico.edu.

Lloyd Roby, Principal's Headshot

Lloyd Roby, Principal

Trombone

Sponsor:

Available for Sponsorship: $1500

If you are interested in sponsoring XXXXXX’s chair, click the button below, or contact Siana Sonoquie at ssonoquie@csuchico.edu.

Dr. Lloyd Roby has performed with the Glenn Miller Orchestra, Tommy Dorsey Band, Woody Herman’s Thundering Herd, Cincinnati Symphony, Pittsburgh Symphony, and Sacramento Symphony. Dr. Roby has performed for entertainers such as Ray Charles, Barry Manilow, Bob Hope, Jimmy Dorsey, Charo, Stan Kenton, Glenn Campbell, Steve Martin, and others. He is Emeritus faculty at CSU, Chico and has taught at public schools in Florida, Illinois, and California. He is also a veteran of the U. S. Army.

Paul de Silva's Headshot

Paul de Silva

Trombone

Sponsor:

Available for Sponsorship: $1000

If you are interested in sponsoring Paul’s chair, click the button below, or contact Siana Sonoquie at ssonoquie@csuchico.edu.

Paul plays alto, tenor, and bass trombone. He has been with the symphony since 2001 and also performs with the Apollo Orchestra, regional shows and musicals, jazz bands, and smaller ensembles. Paul retired from public education after 34 years. Beyond retirement, he accepted a short-term teaching assignment with the Chico State Music Department which gave him great joy every day he was there. He also plays euphonium and enjoys singing jazz. He lives happily in the country with his wife 37 years.

Eric Bolstad's Headshot

Eric Bolstad

Bass Trombone

Sponsor:

Sponsor: Walt Schafer

Nathan Bastuscheck, Principal's Headshot

Nathan Bastuscheck, Principal

Tuba

Sponsor:

Sponsor: Sam and Sam Hillaire

Brian Simpson, Principal's Headshot

Brian Simpson, Principal

Timpani

Sponsor:

Sponsor: Nena L. Perry, MD and Dan C. Purtzer, MD

Brian Simpson is a triple threat in the Northern California music scene. On drums, he was a regular member of Dan Hicks’ various groups (Dan Hicks and The Hot Licks, Bayside Jazz, 2005-2016) having performed on 2 of Dan’s CD’s, one of which was Grammy Award nominated. Brian is the principal timpanist for The North State Symphony (since 2004) and is also a highly respected music educator. Upon completion of his Bachelor of Music Degree in Percussion Performance (1986), he moved to England where he played in numerous groups and orchestras in the London area. Before returning to California in late 1989, Brian completed a Master of Arts Degree in Music Performance Studies at The City University, London, during which he attended the prestigious Guildhall School of Music.

Troy Symington's Headshot

Troy Symington

Percussion

Sponsor:

Available for Sponsorship: $1000

If you are interested in sponsoring Troy’s chair, click the button below, or contact Siana Sonoquie at ssonoquie@csuchico.edu.

Troy Symington is from Auburn, CA and attended college at California State University, Chico where he received his Bachelors in Music Education. He is currently the director of bands at Pleasant Valley High School in Chico, CA where he teaches concert band, wind ensemble, marching band, jazz band, and guitar. He is currently pursuing his Masters Degree in Music Education from the American Band College of Central Washington University.

Troy has been performing with NSS since 2019 and regularly plays drum set and percussion with various ensembles in the Chico area.

Laura Specht's Headshot

Laura Specht

Percussion

Sponsor:

Available for Sponsorship: $1000

If you are interested in sponsoring Laura’s chair, click the button below, or contact Siana Sonoquie at ssonoquie@csuchico.edu.

After a shoulder injury limited her 20+ years of violin playing, Laura Specht discovered that hitting things is more fun! Now she plays percussion regularly with the North State Symphony, the Shasta Symphony, and the Shasta Symphonic Band. Opera and pit orchestras are her favorite musical outlets, but she also enjoys using Oxford commas and writing fiction under the pen name Laura Est.

Michael Costa's Headshot

Michael Costa

Percussion

Sponsor:

Available for Sponsorship: $1000

If you are interested in sponsoring Michael’s chair, click the button below, or contact Siana Sonoquie at ssonoquie@csuchico.edu.

Michael Costa joined the North State Symphony in 2013. He is an Adjunct Professor of Music at Simpson University and has served as part-time Lecturer at CSU Chico and music instructor for Shasta College. He has been a music educator for over 30 years and taught music in California Public Schools for eighteen years. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Music from the University of the Pacific and a Masters Degree in Music from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Michael currently works for the Anderson Union High School District and performs regularly throughout the North State. His most recent musical endeavors have focused on jazz vibraphone. He is a member of several local jazz groups and leads his own. Michael has also performed with several chamber ensembles, community bands, and orchestras in Northern California.

Nathra Kem's Headshot

Nathra Kem

Sponsor:

Sponsor: Chico Guild of the North State Symphony

Andrew Curteman, principal's Headshot

Andrew Curteman, principal

Percussion

Sponsor:

Available for Sponsorship: $1500

If you are interested in sponsoring Andrew’s chair, click the button below, or contact Siana Sonoquie at ssonoquie@csuchico.edu.

Andrew Curteman is an accomplished orchestral percussionist and educator based in Northern California. He has performed with numerous ensembles across the Sacramento area, showcasing his versatility in both traditional and contemporary percussion. Andrew studied at San Jose State University under the guidance of Galen Lemmon, refining his technical skill and artistic expression. In addition to his performance career, he is dedicated to teaching, currently instructing elementary and high school band students. Known for his creativity, Andrew also enjoys crafting custom percussion instruments, blending his passion for music with his love for innovation. His unique approach to percussion and education continues to inspire both students and fellow musicians alike.

Candace LiVolsi Valentine, Principal's Headshot

Candace LiVolsi Valentine, Principal

Harp

Sponsor:

Available for Sponsorship: $1500

If you are interested in sponsoring Candace’s chair, click the button below, or contact Siana Sonoquie at ssonoquie@csuchico.edu.

Alda Turgieva, Principal's Headshot

Alda Turgieva, Principal

Piano

Sponsor:

Available for Sponsorship: $1500

If you are interested in sponsoring Alda’s chair, click the button below, or contact Siana Sonoquie at ssonoquie@csuchico.edu.

Alda Turgieva is a very well-known name in the classical music industry, not just in California but in Europe too. She has served as staff piano accompanist for numerous organizations, opera companies, music theatres, chorales, philharmonics, university schools, and churches including Mariinsky Opera Theatre in Saint-Petersburg (Russia), Sacramento State University, Sacramento Opera, Modesto Opera, Yuba Sutter Master Chorale and many others. Currently, she is a staff pianist at North State Symphony and Shasta College.