Panelists
Mary Jo Papich, known for her passionate leadership in arts education has spread the gospel of jazz from the heart of the Midwest to South Africa! She is Cofounder of the Jazz Education Network which is in 44 countries. Serving public school education for 35+ years as teacher and fine arts adm for Niles D219, Highland Park HS D113 and Peoria #150, her vision is that all children will know and benefit from the arts. She loves singing/directing the central Illinois St. Anthony Camerata Festival.
Dr. Crystal Rebone is the Instructor of Bass at Bradley University. Originally from Beloit, Wisconsin, Dr. Rebone graduated Western Illinois University with a Bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a Master’s degree in Jazz Performance. Graduating with her Doctorate in Jazz Performance from the University of Illinois in 2021, she has striven to research ways that secondary jazz ensemble directors support female students in their jazz programs.
Gaelen McCormick is the Program Manager of the Eastman Performing Arts Medicine (EPAM) program, a part of the University of Rochester. Before joining EPAM in 2018, she was a musician with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra from 1995-2017. Since losing her hearing in 2017, Gaelen has forged a new career path as a composer, arranger, and arts administrator. She is grateful that her abilities as a performing artist have shaped the way for her new career path.
Sibongile Buda, known as Ms Buda Bass, is a Mamelodi born, South African performing artist. She is a bassist, composer, music teacher, band conductor, founder and programme Director. Her passion for music is traced back to her grandmother who plays an African drum in church; her love for music emanates from growing up in a musical background following on her grandmother’s footsteps. This lead to a discovery of a music programme known as Committed Artist for Cultural Advancement (CAFCA).
Austrian Ariane Cap is an electric bassist, educator, author, and blogger. Credits include Keith Olsen, Muriel Anderson, The Montclair Women’s Big Band, Generation Esmeralda, Cirque du Soleil and others. As a leader, Ariane has teamed up with star Jazz bassoonist Paul Hanson to create the critically acclaimed duo ‘OoN’. A new collaboration with Stu Hamm recently took her to Brazil. Ariane is an online teaching personality with a thriving blog and bass courses that draw a loyal following.
Brittany Frompovich (Chair, Artist as Entrepreneur)
Bassist, bass bow maker & restorer Instructor of bow classes UNH Violin Craftsmanship Institute
May Halyburton, highly acclaimed Scottish performer and educator, brings to life her multi-faceted career experience in the form of the delightful, “Bessy Bass!” This project began as a series of books with music for children up to the age of 12 called “Around the World with Bessy.” It is constantly developing and growing and now includes spin off shows, concerts, workshops and most recently, the Bessy & Benny School of Bass!
