Johnna Birri, Dance

Johnna has been a student and lover of dance since she was a child, studying ballet, modern, jazz, tap, African, Afro-fusion, and social dancing. She is originally from the Boston area, and now resides in Northampton after graduating from Smith College with a BA in Dance. For the last two summers, she has participated in an intensive with the Mark Morris Dance group in Brooklyn, NY and hopes to again next year. She has also performed here in the Valley and in New York City with local companies such as the Sorvino Project. Johnna taught dance at Stoneleigh-Burnham School for three years, and is currently in her fifth year at Holmes Studio of Dance Music, and Wellness.  

Melissa Creagh, Dance

Melissa received her Associate of Arts (2005) and Bachelor of Arts degree (2007) in Dance from the Dean College School of Dance in Franklin, Massachusetts. While in college, Melissa studied the techniques of Ballet, Modern, Tap, and Jazz extensively; as well as dance composition, creative movement for children, pedagogy, rhythmic analysis, anatomy & physiology, kinesiology, film survey in dance, and dance history. Melissa also had the opportunity to take part in many student and faculty choreographed shows, including being a featured tap dancer in the esteemed Dean College Dance Company. Prior to college, Melissa spent 2 years as a dance instructor and 7 years as an assistant instructor at her hometown dance studio in Connecticut, where she obtained much experience working with children age 3+ in all genres of dance. Melissa has over 20 years of experience in dance and her dedication to the art form is lifelong.

Kayla  Leverault, Dance & Acrobats

Ever since Kayla was a little girl she loved perfoming, in gymnastics and dance. She began gymnastics at the age of 5 and started competitions soon after, where she traveled the United States. Having ballet class incorported into her gymnastics training she knew early on she loved to dance. She began studying ballet, hip hip, jazz and contemporary 4 years ago, where she learned that she loves every style of dance. She travels to New York City and also participates in dance conventions to learn everything she can. She has taught gymnastics to children ranging from 16 months to 13 years of age. She assisted acro jazz classes at her previous studio where she was in charge of keeping the class under control and excited to dance. Kayla is a honor student at South Hadley High School where she particiates in her school theater program and is a mentor for the upcoming freshmen. She recieved a Certificate of Excellence in Child Development and Nursery School Management on June 3, 2009 for her outstanding contribution to her childcare class. After she graduates she plans to go to college and earn her degree in elementary education. Kayla is very excited to become part of the Holmes Dance Studio.

Jocelyn Kinlock, Wellness

Jocelyn has been an active fitness instructor for close to two decades. She holds certifications from AAAI/ISMA and ZUMBA Fitness. Her love for teaching and feeling great reflects on to her class participants so that you truly have fun and all the while you are getting a great workout. Jocelyn’s experience and versatility can adjust easily for any participant so that no matter what age or fitness level anyone can join in and get fit.  

Jodie Bigelow, Music (Piano, Oboe)

Jodiespent most of her childhood composing and playing piano, and when asked what other instrument she wanted to play, she said, “Something that very few others play.” Throughout high school she worked intensely with Susan Henkel of Keene State College, participated in All-State and All New England music festivals, and spent several summers participating in Summer Youth Music School at the University of New Hampshire. . Before college, Jodie spent some time in Australia. She eventually earned her BA in music from Smith College in Northampton, MA, where she studied oboe with Karen Hosmer. Since graduation, Jodie has taught private piano lessons, in addition to working in the healthcare profession. For the past 4 years, she has been principal oboist for the Holyoke Civic Symphony, and continues to solo throughout New Hampshire and New England. Jodie currently resides in Easthampton, MA. She enjoys being active outdoors and cooking. She also enjoys cats, gardening, exploring, and crafts.  

Sarah Beardon, Music (Piano, Violin, Cello, Chamber Music Coach)

Sarah began her private music studies on cello and piano at age four in her home town of Huntsville, AL. She later added the study of violin and organ. With her siblings, Sarah helped form the Bearden String Quartet, with whom she performed throughout the Southeast for over 10 years. Having received their highest academic scholarship, Sarah attended Pensacola Christian College. She graduated cum laude in 2004 with a BA in music. After graduating, Sarah began teaching in her own private studio in Winston Salem, North Carolina, and enjoyed working with students of all ages. She also taught lessons in several area private schools, and was adjunct string faculty at Piedmont Baptist College and the Performing Arts Institute of Virginia. Sarah loves chamber music, and while in North Carolina she was the cellist for the Emmaus Quartet. With them, she toured the Southeast and sold over 1,000 copies of their cd. Sarah enjoys traveling, and has performed as a soloist and with chamber groups in England, Scotland, Czech Republic, Austria, Ontario, and throughout the Southeast and New England. She has recently moved to Amherst, MA, to pursue her Masters of Music in cello performance.

Shanta P. Cortez-Greig, Music (Voice, Guitar)

Shanta was born in California and raised in India, France and Turkey. Her multi-cultural background has profoundly impacted her perspective on music and music education. At the age of seven, while living in Paris, France, she saw a piano in the basement of an old music store that had a single white key amongst a myriad of beige keys. Her parents agreed to purchase the piano should she start playing and Shanta began her studies at the Conservatoire de Paris.  In 2004, Shanta graduated cum laude with a B.A. in Music and in Philosophy from Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT. At Wesleyan, Shanta gained exposure to some of the best ethnomusicologists in the country, learning about West African Drumming, Indonesian Gamelan, Renaissance Music, Classical Music, Flamenco, Solkattu from South India, Western Harmony and Counterpoint, Jazz, Experimental music and Electronic music. She also managed the university recording studio, gaining experience with the recording process. Shanta continues to write and perform professionally in Western Massachusetts In addition to teaching at The Holmes, Shanta is a music teacher at Performance Music in Westfield, The Community Music School in Springfield and The Springfield Conservatory. She has experience with private lessons, in facilitating seminars for troubled teens and in music groups for pre-school age children.

L. Franklin Newton I, Music (Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute, Beg.Piano/Keyboards, Jazz Improvisation for all instruments, Composition & Arranging)

Frank, as he is known by most, graduated from Bruton High School in the spring of 1996, and went on to attend James Madison University where he attained a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies with a performance emphasis (Saxophone). After graduating James Madison University in the spring of 2000, Frank was accepted to play in Disney’s 2000 Collegiate All-Star Band, in Orlando, Florida. It was in Orlando where Frank began arranging music, and wrote for the Disney All-Star Band. After a short stint with Celebrity Cruise Lines as a saxophonist, Frank joined the U.S. Navy in February 2001, as a saxophone and clarinet instrumentalist. During his six years in the Navy, Frank was a staff arranger, clinician, jazz soloist, and band leader. He has performed in many foreign countries, such as Japan, Russia, China, South Korea, Australia, India, Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines. His music has been played on the international stage at the 2006 Adelaide International Police Tattoo, and the 2006 Black ships festival held in Shimoda, Japan just to name a few. Mr. Newton left the Navy in 2006, to pursue his love of writing at University of Massachusetts Amherst. While attending Umass, he was awarded the 2007 Fletcher Henderson Jazz Excellence Scholarship and served on the music chair’s student advisory board. In March 2008, Frank was awarded a student composers award for best jazz arrangement from Downbeat Magazine. In May 2008, Mr. Newton graduated from Umass Amherst with his Masters of Music in Jazz Composition and Arranging and was selected to the National Scholars Honor Society. Franklin is recently married and currently lives in Easthampton. He maintains as busy schedule as a freelance private instructor, composer/arranger and performer. He currently performs with the Amherst Jazz Orchestra, Jeff Holmes Big Band, and Leah Randazzo Group.  

Demse Zullo, Music (Drumset)

Demse is a multi-talented drummer, percussionist and music producer with twenty years of experience performing and studying music. He is a multi-percussionist and drum kit specialist with roots in hip-hop; rock; metal; hardcore punk and R&B, and has traveled the United States and the Caribbean to further his musical studies. For the last ten years he has studied with masters of Afro-Cuban, Afro-Brazilian, Jazz, Funk, and Reggae traditions. He is an artist who is able to connect and translate his knowledge to people of all ages and levels of expertise. Demse has performed at schools for all age and education levels as well as numerous festivals, and community events throughout the U.S. & Canada. As co-owner and session musician of Northfire Recording Studio, he has the opportunity to work with a multitude of talented musicians to create projects that are both inspired and of the highest quality. Demse is also a founding member of Western Massachusetts sensations The Alchemystics; a band which produces music reflecting the diverse backgrounds and musical influences several members. Demse continues to develop a portfolio that demonstrates his passion for music while paying homage to those who inspire his own creativity.  

Josh Wachtel, Music (Bass, Guitar, Drums)

Josh grew up in southeastern Pennsylvania, and began playing drums at age 10. He played in school concert and marching bands, the pit orchestra for musicals, county, district and regional select bands.  Josh studied history at Penn State University, and graduated Phi Beta Kappa with honors in 1993. During college he continued to study and play the drums, and branched out into melodic instruments with beginner courses in marimba and piano. His musical tastes were developing into new areas, and when a friend taught him a few guitar chords, Josh began to sing and play the guitar, which has become his primary instrument. Josh joined the Peace Corps in 1995 and spent two years in Romania teaching English. He also started an open mic at a pizza restaurant, played at a folk festival and on local tv, and made recordings with Romanian friends. When he returned to the US he taught history, music and the history of rock'n'roll in alternative schools in Bucks County, Pennsylvania and San Diego, California, and helped launch an arts and music program. Josh founded the band Radio Free Earth in 1998. He performs locally and regionally with his wife Kim Wachtel and other players, has written and composed over 60 songs, and has produced four CDs. Josh is a largely selftaught musician, but he has also studied privately, focusing on the areas of music theory, voice and the history of tuning systems. He has developed a musical style, Crossover Music, which both draws inspiration from musical traditions - from country, blues, folk, and jazz to rock'n'roll, rhythm and blues, world and pop - and is also original in approach and presentation. Josh is a self-employed musician, carpenter, freelance writer and music teacher. In his teaching, Josh tries to understand the level and needs of his students, and enjoys making connections with music to other branches of knowledge, including math, physics, history, philosophy and story.  

Dan Prindle, Music (Bass, Cello, Piano, Guitar, Voice)

Dan is an instrumentalist and composer originally from Manchester, Connecticut who now resides in Northampton, Massachusetts. Dan can be found playing all styles of music, from classical to jazz to rock, on either of his two main instruments: bass or cello. He is also a proficient pianist, guitarist and vocalist. He can be found performing in a wide range of venues from rock clubs to weddings, both as a soloist and accompanying some of the Northeast United States' finest artists. Dan was named the Best Bassist in both 2004 and 2006 by the Hartford Advocate. He has also worked with numerous award-winning ensembles. RANE, with whom Dan has played since 1996, has been recognized in various years as the Best New Band, Best Groove Rock Band, Best Indie/Emo Band, and Best Pop Band. RANE has appeared in cities all over the Northeast, including Hartford, Boston, Providence, Portland, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, New York, Chicago and many others. They have opened for the Allman Brothers Band, Jerry Garcia Band, Santana, Rusted Root, Tom Petty, Guster and Ozomatli, to name a few. Dan has also appeared on recordings by many regional and national artists, such as Brian Jarvis, Bill Carleton, Mark Mulcahy (formerly of the Miracle Legion), Frank Black of the Pixies, The Whatnot, Missing Joe (featuring members of The Brightwings), John Rodgers of Mighty Purple, David Cain and many others. Dan holds a Bachelor's Degree in Music from the Berklee College of Music, where he majored in composition and where his principle instrument was the electric bass. Dan graduated in 2001, Magna Cum Laude. He is currently enrolled in the Music Theory Master's Degree program at the University of Massachusetts and plans to continue his studies and earn a doctoral degree in Music Theory.  

Karl Rausch, Music (Electric & Acoustic Guitar, Bass Guitar)

Karl Rausch grew up in Hamden CT. At the age of 10, began studying the guitar with a private teacher and continued music studies all through High School. After he graduated from High School Karl was accepted to Berklee College of Music. He finished Berklee with a Bachelor of Music Degree. Since then he’s worked with Alto Saxophonist and composer Marion Brown and had the pleasure of recording with him in New York. Karl has also traveled in Germany playing music and upon returning home continued to perform and teach music throughout western mass. He has recorded several CD's, once as a solo performer and then in group recordings. I currently work with The Clay Jazz Band. www.clayjazz.com