Brass Lessons

STEPHEN MARTIN, TRUMPET INSTRUCTOR

Stephen Martin, originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota, attended St.Olaf College and Bemidji State University for his undergraduate studies where he received his BA. Soon after the completion of his BA, he moved to Arizona for his graduate studies, and received his MM at Arizona State University. His Teachers have included Robert Dorer, Martin Hodel, Charles Lazarus, Delon Lyren, and David Hickman.

Stephen is an active freelance musician, he has performed with Doc Severinsen, Amy Grant and Micheal W. Smith, Steve Smith, Graham Breedlove, The Pheonix Chamber Brass, local theater companies, and has toured with La Chica Cumbia. Prior to living in Arizona, he performed regularly with the Musicians of the Minnesota Orchestra, and the Bemidji Symphony Orchestra. Along with this, he has performed as a featured soloist with various ensembles throughout Minnesota, performing works by Handel, Tartini, Telemann, and Vivaldi. In addition to performing, Stephen is an active educator and maintains a private studio.

KAREN TEPLIK, FRENCH HORN INSTRUCTOR

Karen Teplik recently won the principal horn position in the newly formed Arizona Philharmonic. She also plays principal horn in the Tempe Symphony and Tempe Wind Ensemble, as well as freelance work. She received her Masters in Performance from Arizona State University, and her Bachelors in Performance & Music Education from the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music.

BRENDON VEGA-FOLEY, TROMBONE INSTRUCTOR

Brendon Vega-Foley is a passionate music educator who is dedicated to inspiring and developing young musicians to hold a high demand of excellence in performance and citizenship. Brendon believes that music is universal, cultural, and individual, and that every student regardless of grade level, ability level, or background should have the opportunity to receive a high quality musical education. His goal is to guide students to achieve a personal level of understanding, appreciation, and lifelong passion for music. Brendon is committed to making music, as it is the perfect artistic medium to connect individuals across lines of difference and ultimately improve the lives of all.

Brendon has worked with celebrated programs programs such as: The 10-time DCI World Champion, The Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps., Phenom SoundSport, The 2-time WGAZ Champion and 2017 WGI Regional Champion, Vision Percussion, The University of Connecticut Marching Band, The Arizona State University Sun Devil Marching Band, United Sound, ABODA Central Region Honor Bands, Teach for America, and the 2016 AZMBA Grand Champion, Highland High School Marching Band. In addition to his extensive experience, Brendon is also a member of The National Association for Music Education, Percussive Arts Society, Arizona Band and Orchestra Directors Association, and a proud brother of Kappa Kappa Psi. In 2017, Brendon was named as SBO Magazine’s Arizona Director That Makes A Difference.

Brendon holds a BA in Music from The University of Connecticut and MA in Education from Arizona State University.

Outside of the band and concert hall, Brendon loves spending time with his family. You will most likely find him with his beautiful wife, Angelica and baby, Lana, cheering on his eldest daughter, Kaya, at the soccer pitch.