Music Centre Faculty
Glenn Ferracone (CEO, drums, percussion) is a Grammy-nominated producer who has worked with man of today’s top musicians in jazz, rock, blues and classical music. Numerous recordings in his catalog have topped national and international charts, and have also been critically acclaimed bestsellers. Producing credits include Papa John, Johnny and Joey DeFrancesco, Larry McKenna, Lee Smith, Bill Goodwin, Dave Liebman and many others. He collaborates regularly with John Diliberto on NPR’s award-winning show, Echoes, featuring artists such as Hillary Hahn and Christopher O’Riley of From the Top. Glenn’s drumming discography includes well over 100 titles, featuring many regionally and nationally known performers. He has also appeared with Joe Cocker, Hunter Davis, Steve Allen, Chubby Checker and Robert Goulet. For the past 25 years, Glenn has been a leading figure in the Chester County music scene, creating and directing music programs for numerous area venues and festivals, as well as leading his own jazz group. He has served as a clinician at Berklee College of Music, The University of the Arts, West Chester University, Rowan University and Lehigh University. Glenn maintains an active teaching schedule at The Music Centre, which he founded in 1991, and many of his students have excelled in local, district, state and regional ensembles. Glenn’s students have also been accepted into major university music programs and gone on to fruitful professional careers.
Elyssa Gilmar (cello) earned her B.S. and M. M. from Boston University. She is currently an active member of the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra, as well as a clinician for high schools and colleges. Along with winning numerous awards, she has performed with Rod Stewart, Yanni, Josh Groban, Ronan Tynan, Robert Plant, Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Beatlemania. Her teachers include members of the Philadelphia Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic and Boston Symphony.
Angela Wojes (violin, viola) graduated from Immaculata University with a B.M. in Music Education. She has been playing violin for over fifteen years, and began teaching violin lessons in 2005. Angela has studied with Ardath Belzer and Ann Fontanella, and teaches music at St. Patrick School in Malvern. She plays with the St. Patrick Music Ministry, the Immaculata Symphony Orchestra and various pit orchestras and chamber groups.
Paul Klinefelter (double bass, electric bass) received a performance diploma from the University of the Arts where he studied with Neil Courtney, assistant principal bass with the Philadelphia Orchestra. Paul is a member of the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra and also free-lances with many area ensembles. Once voted Philadelphia’s “Best Bass Player” by WRTI, he has appeared on dozens of critically acclaimed blues and jazz recordings. Many of Paul’s jazz students have gone on to college study and professional careers. In one recent season, two of the eight bassists in the Philadelphia/Chester County District Orchestra were Paul’s students. They, among others, have progressed to Regional, Pennsylvania All-State and All-Eastern Orchestras as well. Students of Mr. Klinefelter have been accepted at the Peabody Conservatory, the Boyer College of Music at Temple University, and the Eastman School of Music. Visit www.paulklinefelter.com.
Paul Vanderslice (saxophone, clarinet) attended the U.S. Navy School of Music, earned his B.S. in Music Education from West Chester University and his M. A. from Colombia University. For 30 years he led an award-winning choral program at Conestoga High School, and was also given an award of excellence by the PMEA. He is currently the Music Director at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Berwyn, where he has served with distinction for many years.
Philip Forlano (trumpet, saxophone, clarinet, flute, beginner oboe) holds a B.S. and M.S. in Music Education from West Chester University. He studied keyboard harmony and jazz improvisation with Jimmie Amadie. Phil has played saxophone, clarinet and flute with the Reading Civic Opera, Fulton and Hershey Theatre Orchestras, and with show bands for Steve Allen, Al Martino, Red Skelton and Bobby Rydell.
David Thomas (piano) received his B. S. in Liberal Studies from West Chester University and his M.M. in Composition from Peabody Conservatory. He has studied with Lukas Foss, Jacques Voois and Ron Thomas. Currently a faculty member at the University of the Arts, Dave is a highly-respected and prolific composer. He has produced numerous works for piano, chamber ensembles and choral groups. His compositions have been documented on critically acclaimed recordings, and many have been performed internationally. Dave is also an accomplished jazz pianist with an active performance schedule. Visit www.davidbthomas.com
Susan B. Guyer (voice, piano) received her B.M. in Vocal Performance from West Chester University, where she studied voice with Alan Wagner and piano with Vincent Craig. Susan has performed at Carnegie Hall with the MENC All-Eastern Honors Chorus. She has been music director for various churches since age 15, including Middletown Baptist Church and currently, Marple Presbyterian Church. She is an accomplished vocalist and pianist, currently active in professional musical theatre. Ms. Guyer brings much energy and expertise to her teaching studio, specializing in designing music programs to fit each student’s needs.
Sean Townsend (guitar) received his B.M. from Berklee College of Music and his M.M. from the University of Miami. He performs in two rock bands and is an active composer/performer of jingles for commercials, video games and film soundtracks.
Stu Frederick (guitar) has been a performing musician for nearly four decades. As a member of the Philadelphia singer-songwriter community, he has appeared in many regional venues and festivals. Stu was a major figure in the original Seattle, Washington rock music scene after serving four years in the US Coast Guard. He is a PA-certified music teacher and graduate of West Chester University.
Joe Mullen (drums, percussion) studied with Armand Santorelli and Carl Mottola. A prodigiously talented technician and master drummer, he has performed clinics and concerts with Drum Squared, an innovative percussion duo, and has also collaborated with Jerry Mulligan, Red Rodney, Manny Album, Steve Giordano and Abstract Truth. Joe is a sought-after clinician at the university level and has performed as sideman on numerous recordings.
Melissa Brun (cello, piano) is a summa cum laude graduate of Purchase College, SUNY. Her performance credits include the American Music Theatre (Lancaster, PA) The Knitting Factory (NYC), the Mark O’Connor Fiddle Camp, and many other venues. She has performed as cellist and vocalist for numerous musical theatre productions and recordings, including several world premieres. Melissa’s teaching emphasizes traditional techniques as well as improvisation and playing by ear.
Jackie Masciana (flute, piano) is currently a music education student at West Chester University and has also studied at Shenandoah Conservatory. She has been trained in the “French Style” of flute playing and has played under Frances Averitt. Her teachers have included Marcel Moyse as well as Leslie Strait and Kimberly Reighley.
Lyndsay Varsaci (voice) is a graduate of West Chester University where she majored in vocal performance and was the recipient of numerous scholarships. She has performed at such venues at the Kimmel Center and has also been a soloist with the Brandywine Singers and many other vocal ensembles. From 2003-2008 she served as the cantor for Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Staten Island, NY. In 2011, Lyndsay was a featured soloist in Faure’s Requiem at St. John’s for the 9/11 Memorial in New York City.