Fantasies and Dances

Christopher Davis, pianist, has been concerto soloist with several orchestras including the Northwest Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, and has studied with renowned teachers and scholars in Germany, Austria, and Portugal. He earned his BA Degree from UC San Diego, his MM Degree from the University of Arkansas, and his DMA Degree from UCSB. In addition to serving as the Music Academy of the West’s House Manager (2009-2016), Dr. Davis has been on the staff of the Ojai Music Festival and Westmont College (2014-2016), and has worked for Camerata Pacifica, collaborating independently with many of their musicians.

Adriane Hill Cleary is a flutist based in Santa Barbara, CA, where she works as the Marketing and Communications Manager for the UC Santa Barbara Department of Music. She studied performance at UC Santa Barbara (M.M.) with Jill Felber and the University of Central Florida (B.M.) with Dr. Nora Lee Garcia. As a member of the new music group, the Now Hear Ensemble, she has toured throughout much of California, including appearances at the Center for New Music in San Francisco and the Roy and Edna Disney/CalArts Theater (REDCAT) in Los Angeles. Adriane also serves as the Marketing and Communications Manager for the Los Angeles-based composer-directed collective, Synchromy. Learn more at www.adrianehill.com.

Amanda Kritzberg, clarinetist, received her BM and MM Degrees from UCSB, studying with Paul Bambach. She has been involved in many diverse ensembles, including symphonies, chamber orchestras, wind ensembles, clarinet choirs, and contemporary music ensembles, and has been featured recording artist for mixed-media projects, including film. As member of the Now Hear Ensemble she has premiered numerous works, and has toured with the group in the “Made in California” project, which included the “Made in California” album. Most recently, Amanda was awarded a residency at the Avaloch Farm Music Institute and was featured soloist at the Roy and Edna Disney/CalArts Theater (REDCAT) in Disney Concert Hall Complex in Los Angeles.

Nicole McKenzie, violinist, has performed widely as soloist and chamber musician. The Santa Barbara Independent declared, “McKenzie made a splash… she performed with gorgeous musicality.” Winner of the Sutton Chamber Music Award, she graduated from Interlochen Arts Academy, earned a BM degree from Oberlin Conservatory, an MM degree from Florida State University, and studied with Gary Kosloski at the Music Academy of the West. She has studied improvisation with Christian Howes. Ms. McKenzie is concertmaster of the Santa Barbara Folk Orchestra, and performs in the accordion/violin duo Continental Cafe. She played electric violin in M.O.B. Jazz Ensemble, and regularly concertized with renowned pianist, Betty Oberacker. She has taught music to students of all ages, and is currently the elementary music teacher for the Carpinteria School District. She has worked at UC Santa Barbara as a lecturer and as a music director and music performer in the Theater and Dance Department. She has created a collaborative dance and music improvisation group and has performed in various music styles including classical, jazz, folk, klezmer, and musical theater. She performs on a violin created for her by Michel Eggimann of Rome, Italy.

Sonos5Winds is the Westmont College Woodwind Quintet-in-Residence and is comprised of Andrea Di Maggio, flute; Trey Farrell, oboe; Joanne Kim, clarinet; Andy Radford, bassoon; and John Mason, French horn. Currently in its fifth year, Sonos5Winds performs traditional and contemporary repertoire and is deeply involved in music education within the Santa Barbara community. The ensemble sponsors events such as last year’s WindFest and the annual Westmont Academy of Young Artists, providing opportunities for students to receive chamber music coaching and lessons with Sonos5Winds members. For information on member bios and the group’s concert schedule, please visit their website here.

Cynthia Vong, flutist, is currently pursuing her MM Degree at UCSB, studying with Jill Felber. Cynthia earned her BME Degree from Pennsylvania State University, was featured soloist with the Reading Symphony Orchestra and Ringgold Band, and was invited to perform at the 2013 and 2015 National Flute Association Conventions. At UCSB she serves as Teaching Assistant for the University Wind Ensemble and Flute Choir, and she also teaches flute students in the Santa Barbara School District. She has recently formed a duo, “Midground,” with percussionist, composer and producer Kevin Eppinger, producing electronic music featuring the flute. The duo released its first single, Chroma, on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, and Apple Music in January.