Instructors

Stephanie Wilkes

A specialist in voice and piano instruction, Stephanie holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education/Choral from the University of Delaware and a Master of Arts in Music Education from the University of Maryland-College Park. Her research is geared towards rural elementary music teaching and how teachers can provide strong characteristics and attributes to teaching in rural demographic areas.

Stephanie spent four years teaching high school choir and theatre. She directed three different high school choirs including a mixed choir, women’s choirs, and a cappella choirs. In addition to her classroom teaching, Stephanie is an experienced private vocal instructor able to teach in a variety of styles including jazz, classical, and musical theater. She spent three years teaching with a music studio in Washington, D.C. where she taught piano and voice to students ages 4-18, as well as adults. Stephanie has also played the piano for 26 years, in classroom, church and other accompaniment settings. 

Van Powell

Van is a strings instructor originally from Arkansas with expertise on Bass, Violin, Viola and Cello He holds a Bachelors degree in music theory and his Masters degree in music composition from the University of Arkansas. During his tenure he performed with the Symphony Orchestra, Jazz Combos and Big Band. Currently he is the leader of Denver-based group Vanimal Kingdom.

 

Casey Wilkes

A Conifer native, woodwind doubler, guitarist, pianist, and arts educator. Casey has committed his life to sharing the power of the arts. He holds a Master of Music from the University of Delaware and a Bachelor of Music from Loyola University in New Orleans.

A diverse, utilitarian musician, Casey has performed in the United States, France, Germany, Luxembourg and Taiwan appearing with symphony orchestras, combos and, and commercial acts. Currently he is a member of Denver-based group Vanimal Kingdom.

As an educator, Casey has been teaching clarinet, saxophone, flute, guitar and many other instruments since 2009. He has worked with schools in Delaware and DC as a teaching artist and sectional coach. His students have won top chairs in bands and college scholarship awards.