Conductors
Dr. Eldred Marshall- Symphony Conductor
Dr. Eldred Marshall- Symphony Conductor
Dr. Eldred Marshall- Symphony Conductor
Eldred Marshall began studying the piano at age six and played in public by age seven. His prodigious and inquisitive mind allowed him to master large swaths of the piano repertoire quickly as well as consistently win top prizes at the competitions he entered as a child. By 16, he debuted with orchestra, playing Brahms’s Second Piano Con
Eldred Marshall began studying the piano at age six and played in public by age seven. His prodigious and inquisitive mind allowed him to master large swaths of the piano repertoire quickly as well as consistently win top prizes at the competitions he entered as a child. By 16, he debuted with orchestra, playing Brahms’s Second Piano Concerto with the Victor Valley Symphony Orchestra. Before entering into Yale University, where he graduated with honors with a B.A. in Political Science, he had already performed all over the United States.
As an orchestral conductor, Marshall has led several international ensembles: The Ukrainian State Academic Orchestra (Kiev, Ukraine), the Kharkov Youth Symphony (Kharkov, Ukraine), the Pleven Philharmonic Orchestra (Pleven, Bulgaria), the Vidin Philharmonic Orchestra (Vidin, Bulgaria), the Filharmonica Oltenia di Craiova (Craiova, Romania), and the Constanta “Black Sea” Philharmonic Orchestra (Constanta, Romania). In the United States, he has worked as the conductor for the Riverside (CA) Opera Institute’s Children’s Opera Division, and has served as assistant conductor of the Meadows Symphony Orchestra at Southern Methodist University (SMU) and the Opera dell’arte Ensemble (NYC). He has collaborated with the University of North Texas (UNT) Symphony Orchestra. Currently, he is the Artistic Director/Conductor of the Mansfield Philharmonic, in Mansfield, TX.
In addition to his activities as a concert pianist and orchestra conductor, Marshall is the Artist-in-Residence and Associate Director of Music at First United Methodist Church in Garland, TX, where he is the founder and curator of the West Avenue B Community Concert Series. Further, Marshall is the Music Director/Conductor of the Music Ministry Conservatory Choir.
Marshall earned his Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance degree from UNT in 2018. Additionally, he earned three Master of Music degrees from SMU: piano (2011), organ (2012) and orchestral conducting (2013). Institutions at which he has taught include UNT, SMU, and North Texas Central College. His doctoral dissertation topic was on the art of conducting piano concerti from the piano – performance practice, discipline, and whether or not it is “real conducting.”
Fletcher Rudd- Philharmonic Conductor
Dr. Eldred Marshall- Symphony Conductor
Dr. Eldred Marshall- Symphony Conductor
Fletcher Rudd began his musical journey in the Arlington Independent School District after joining the string and band programs at Bryant Elementary. By the time he graduated from James Bowie HS in 2014, Mr. Rudd had performed with the “Spirit of the Volunteers” marching, concert and jazz bands – as well as the chamber, string, and full o
Fletcher Rudd began his musical journey in the Arlington Independent School District after joining the string and band programs at Bryant Elementary. By the time he graduated from James Bowie HS in 2014, Mr. Rudd had performed with the “Spirit of the Volunteers” marching, concert and jazz bands – as well as the chamber, string, and full orchestras. Mr. Rudd also served as Senior Orchestra President as a student conductor under the tutelage of Dianne Campbell and Jennifer Cliborn. In addition to school, Mr. Rudd was a consistent attendee of the UT Arlington Summer Strings Camp coordinated by Royce, Sylvia, and Brian Coatney. From 2012-2014, he was also a member of the Arlington Youth Symphony directed by Dr. Clifton Evans.
Since entering college, Mr. Rudd has remained musically active in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area as a
cellist and conductor. In 2017, Mr. Rudd co-founded the Next Gen Chamber Players, now known as the Mansfield Philharmonic, serving as its first conductor and executive director. In the span of five years, the orchestra has grown from a dozen string players to a fully staffed symphonic ensemble. His talents have also led to conducting opportunities with Mid-Cities Strings in 2016 and the B Sharp Youth Orchestras in Fort Worth ISD from 2016-2020. Additionally, he has served as a guest clinician for middle and high school orchestras and as a judge for Texas Solo & Ensemble competitions. Mr. Rudd is a faculty member at Mansfield Summer Strings where he currently directs the camp’s Philharmonic Orchestra.
Mr. Rudd is continuing his undergraduate studies in music education at the University of Texas at Arlington and performs with the UTA Symphony Orchestra. In 2023, the UTASO were invited to perform at the TMEA convention/clinic in San Antonio, TX. Mr. Rudd currently
studies cello with Craig Leffer (Fort Worth Symphony) and Laura Ospina (Las Colinas Symphony). He has also studied conducting at workshops directed by Dr. Clifton Evans at UT Arlington and Miguel Harth-Bedoya of the Fort Worth Symphony. Mr. Rudd is a cello/double bass instructor in Arlington and Mansfield ISD and an avid concert-goer of local amateur and professional orchestras. Mr. Rudd is a member of Texas Music Educators Association and Texas Orchestra Director Association.
Madison Welch- Concert Conductor
Dr. Eldred Marshall- Symphony Conductor
Madison Welch- Concert Conductor
Madison Welch is the Director of Orchestras at Danny Jones Middle School and Mary Lillard Intermediate in Mansfield, TX. Native of West Texas, Ms. Welch previously taught orchestra in Midland ISD for four years before moving to the DFW area. She served as an active violin/viola instructor and performer in the Permian Basin and has been a
Madison Welch is the Director of Orchestras at Danny Jones Middle School and Mary Lillard Intermediate in Mansfield, TX. Native of West Texas, Ms. Welch previously taught orchestra in Midland ISD for four years before moving to the DFW area. She served as an active violin/viola instructor and performer in the Permian Basin and has been a member of the UTPB Philharmonic Orchestra, Big Spring Symphony Orchestra, and sub in the West Texas Symphony. Ms. Welch graduated with her Bachelor of Music from the University of Texas of the Permian Basin and is currently working on her Masters of Music Education at Texas Tech University. In her four years of teaching, she has had the opportunity to serve as chair of Region 6 All-City Orchestra for MISD, Co-Chair of Midland ISD Honor Orchestra, guest clinic sectionals and rehearsals for Permian Basin orchestras, and teach privately to students ages 6+.
Ms. Welch comes to Mansfield, TX excited to help grow the orchestra program in Mansfield ISD. As an advocate of community programs, Ms. Welch currently performs with the Mansfield Philharmonic Orchestra, various church orchestras and small ensemble gigs. She continues to maintain a private violin studio as well.
Faculty
Thao Pham-Violin 1
Carol Lyan-Violin 2
Carol Lyan-Violin 2
Thao Pham is a violinist/violist with 16+ years of musical experience. While obtaining her culinary arts degree at Tarrant County College, she joined the TCC Southeast Orchestra. This led to her involvement in several more ensembles: Northeast Orchestra, Texas Chamber Music Project, and Keene Camerata.
In addition to performing in various
Thao Pham is a violinist/violist with 16+ years of musical experience. While obtaining her culinary arts degree at Tarrant County College, she joined the TCC Southeast Orchestra. This led to her involvement in several more ensembles: Northeast Orchestra, Texas Chamber Music Project, and Keene Camerata.
In addition to performing in various summer musicals, Thao has performed as a featured soloist in numerous concerts and teaches privately for piano and strings. She also teaches masterclasses for orchestra students in the Mansfield School District. She won the Arlington Arts League scholarship twice with performances on both violin and viola in 2016 and 2017. When she is not teaching or performing, she gigs around the metroplex as a wedding/event violinist. She previously studied with violinists Tzu-Ying Chan, Ivo Ivanov (Fort Worth Symphony), and Emmanuelle Boisvert (Dallas Symphony). Thao obtained a full scholarship to continue her education in music at Southern Methodist University and received her Bachelor of Arts in Music. During her time there, she studied violin with internationally-acclaimed violinist Chad Hoopes and viola with the co-founder and violist of the Escher String Quartet, Pierre Lapointe. Currently, she is the principal violist of the Mesquite Symphony Orchestra, and in May 2017 Thao was a founding member of the Mansfield Philharmonic where she currently serves as concertmaster and president.
Carol Lyan-Violin 2
Carol Lyan-Violin 2
Carol Lyan-Violin 2
Carol is a life long violinist (both classical and gospel) from Myanmar and her inspiration for music was passed down to her from her father, David. After coming to Texas, she played in Green B. Trimble
Tech High School Orchestra (2013-14 concert master) under the direction of Doreida Aleksi Anastasiadi who she continues studying violin un
Carol is a life long violinist (both classical and gospel) from Myanmar and her inspiration for music was passed down to her from her father, David. After coming to Texas, she played in Green B. Trimble
Tech High School Orchestra (2013-14 concert master) under the direction of Doreida Aleksi Anastasiadi who she continues studying violin under.
She also played in the Fort Worth Youth Orchestra and TCU Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Dr. German Gutierrez and volunteered with the EG Academy teaching violin. She played in the Christ Chapel Bible Church orchestra, traditional service. She has been an active member of Mansfield Philharmonic Orchestra since 2022.
She graduated from Texas Christian University in 2019 with Bachelor of Music Education emphasizing the violin, studying under Dr. Elisabeth Adkins. Ever since, she has taught violin privately and served the community as an Orchestra teacher. She also served as an orchestra director at Falam Baptist Church, Battle Creek in summer bible camp.
Over the last few years, she taught orchestra at Benbrook Middle High School, FWISD collaborating with Deborah O’Brien. They have taken numerous students to UIL and won Sweepstakes awards and students have earned many solo and ensemble accolades.
She is an active member of Texas Music Educators Association and Texas Orchestra Directors Association. She is now the proud orchestra director of Asa Low Intermediate School and Brooks Wester Middle School, Mansfield ISD.
Dorian Banks-Viola
Carol Lyan-Violin 2
Cassidy Robinson- Cello
Dorian Banks is a violist and the Director of Orchestras at J.P. Elder Middle School in the Forth Worth Independent School District.
Ms. Banks has been playing viola for over a decade; starting in her 6th grade beginner orchestra at Lakeview Middle School. She continued orchestra at The Colony High School where she excelled as first chair
Dorian Banks is a violist and the Director of Orchestras at J.P. Elder Middle School in the Forth Worth Independent School District.
Ms. Banks has been playing viola for over a decade; starting in her 6th grade beginner orchestra at Lakeview Middle School. She continued orchestra at The Colony High School where she excelled as first chair violist during her junior and senior years. She gained an interest in teaching while leading middle school sectionals and student conducting. These opportunities led to her pursuit of music education upon her graduation in 2014.
Ms. Banks enrolled at the University of Texas at Arlington in fall 2014 where she studied viola under Catherine Forbes and performed in the UTA Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Dr. Clifton Evans. During college she also had the opportunity to play in various chamber ensembles including string quartets. She completed her student teaching in FWISD and graduated from UTA in 2019. Dorian feels very blessed to continue her teaching experience in FWISD where she has the privilege to perform in UIL, help out with auditions for all district and continue with sectionals numerous times.
Outside of teaching, Ms. Banks still performs her viola with the Mansfield Philharmonic and Northeast Orchestra. She enjoys playing and working with others and looks forward to making music with you all for the first Mansfield Summer Strings Camp.
Cassidy Robinson- Cello
Rachel Jarvis- Guest Performer
Cassidy Robinson- Cello
Cassidy matriculated in the Arlington Independent School District, graduating in the top 8% of her class. At the elementary level, Cassidy learned cello in her school’s orchestra and continued with orchestra years after under the direction of various music professionals.
Attending Berklee College of Music, she participated in the Symphony
Cassidy matriculated in the Arlington Independent School District, graduating in the top 8% of her class. At the elementary level, Cassidy learned cello in her school’s orchestra and continued with orchestra years after under the direction of various music professionals.
Attending Berklee College of Music, she participated in the Symphony Orchestra and played in various film scoring recording sessions, ensembles, and professional industry gigs. As a composer, Cassidy has scored several student and short films, and continues to work with up and coming film directors.
Cassidy graduated Cum Laude from Berklee College of Music in 2019 and is currently based in the DFW area.
Maranda Shanz- Bass
Rachel Jarvis- Guest Performer
Rachel Jarvis- Guest Performer
Maranda Shanz grew up in Mesquite ISD and started playing double bass at the age of 11 years old. She began playing in one of the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra’s ensemble and also played in the Mesquite Symphony Orchestra when she was in high school. She is a 2017 graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington where she received her Ba
Maranda Shanz grew up in Mesquite ISD and started playing double bass at the age of 11 years old. She began playing in one of the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra’s ensemble and also played in the Mesquite Symphony Orchestra when she was in high school. She is a 2017 graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington where she received her Bachelor’s in Music with emphasis in education. While at UTA, she participated in the Symphony Orchestra, Wind Symphony, and Wind Ensemble as a double bassist. She completed her student teaching in McKinney ISD and then went on to long term substitute teach in Frisco ISD.
Mrs. Shanz began her teaching career in Arlington ISD at Sam Houston High School where she stayed for four years. Now she is in Mesquite ISD at Poteet High School. Throughout her years, she has judged Solo & Ensemble contests, All-Region orchestra and the All-State orchestra. She has also been on the staff for the University of Texas at Arlington’s Summer Strings. This is Mrs. Shanz’s first year teaching at Mansfield Summer Strings and she is very excited to work with all of the students and teachers.
Rachel Jarvis- Guest Performer
Rachel Jarvis- Guest Performer
Rachel Jarvis- Guest Performer
For over twenty years Rachel Jarvis has performed, taught and conducted ensembles in North Texas. Starting as an artist-in-residence instructor at Tarrant County College, she went on to form Mid-Cities Strings Music School and String Orchestras in 2001. Her groups have performed at Casa Manana and at the Texas State Capitol. Ms. Jarvis sp
For over twenty years Rachel Jarvis has performed, taught and conducted ensembles in North Texas. Starting as an artist-in-residence instructor at Tarrant County College, she went on to form Mid-Cities Strings Music School and String Orchestras in 2001. Her groups have performed at Casa Manana and at the Texas State Capitol. Ms. Jarvis spent four years touring as a lead vocalist/violinist with the NEA designated "American Masterpiece" world music ensemble, Tin Roof Tango. She's presently the principal cellist of the New Philharmonic Orchestra of Irving, a guest conductor for the Fort Worth Civic Orchestra summer reading sessions, and performs with the wedding quartet Strings 4 All Seasons.