Audio Recording Technology Faculty
JOHN MACHADO, Associate Professor
Audio Recording Technology Department Chair
Mus.B., Mus.M., Five Towns College
Professional audio engineer with 20 years’ experience working in the world of audio recording technology. Engineer/producer on many projects that range from independent recordings to major and indie label recordings, and post production for movies, television, radio, and theatre.
JEE YUN LEE, Assistant Professor
B.S., Ewha Woman’s University
Mus.M., Five Towns College
Professional audio recording engineer with experience at Buttons Sound Inc. Assistant Director of Music Television Programs at Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS) for the Soyo Rock Festival in Seoul, Korea.
MICHAEL MAZZARACO, Instructor
B.A., SUNY Purchase
Michael Mazzaraco attended the Conservatory of Music at SUNY Purchase, where he completed a four-year degree in Studio Composition. During that time, he furthered his skills as a bass player, drummer, and sound engineer. Michael has been the Head of Sound Engineer for the past 13 years at The Stephen Talkhouse. In addition to his work as a live sound engineer, he has served as a broadcast engineer, recording engineer, and production coordinator. He is a owner of a private live sound company, and an in-demand guitarist and bass player. Michael has also worked live sound for the past 7 years for all musical performances at Bay Street Theater.
Adjunct Audio Faculty
MATT BLOSTEIN, Instructor
B.M., Manhattan School of Music
M.M., University of Valley Forge
PAUL FALCONE, Instructor
B.M., Berklee College of Music
DAVID MARINO, Instructor
A.A., Nassau Community College
B.F.A., Long Island University
PHIL PAINSON, Instructor
AVID Pro Tools Certified
Business Faculty
CATHERINE KIMMEL, Associate Professor
Business Division Chair
B.S., SUNY College at Buffalo
M.B.A., Dowling College
Former Associate Dean and Full-Time faculty member at Briarcliffe College, Professor Kimmel has over 30 years’ experience in higher education as an instructor and administrator.
DAVID M. COHEN, Professor, Business
College President
B.A., State University of New York at Oneonta
J.D., New York Law School
JANET KAPLAN, Professor, Business
Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, Director of Compliance
B.A., Emory University
M.A., Stony Brook University
J.D., Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law
DONNA LATORRE, Associate Professor, Business B.S.,
M.B.A., St. John’s University
Experienced Business educator with specialization in finance, human resource management, and marketing. Professional experience includes Shearson Lehman.
CAROLANN P. MILLER, Professor, Business
Provost/Dean of Academic Affairs
B.A., M.B.A., St. John’s University
Former Assistant Dean at St. Joseph’s College and experienced higher education specialist in curriculum, assessment, and administration. Developed curriculum for project management certificate, not-for-profit management, and organization management programs. Created a Cisco Academy for software training development. Member of the Omicron Delta Epsilon economics honor society and the Society of Human Resource Management.
KRYSTI O’ROURKE, Assistant Professor, Business
B.S., Ithaca College
M.P.A., Long Island University: C.W. Post College
Research Associate for Town of Huntington Programs, LIU’s Department of Public Administration and publications in Journal of Gerontological Social Work on Job Interests and Employment Barriers. Active member in local Chamber of Commerce and Career Director Associations.
Adjunct Business Faculty
JOHN BLENN, Assistant Professor, Music Business
B.A., Hofstra University
Producer, SAG actor, director, screenwriter and published playwright with more than 75 productions. President, Middle Class American Productions, former General Manager, Westbury Music Fair and Dix Hills Performing Arts Center, founder and publisher of Long Island Entertainment. Directed World Premiere of Eddie Money’s autobiographical musical, Two Tickets to Paradise and has appeared in such films as Here Comes the Boom, Bronx Bull and Paul Blart: Mall Cop. He is also currently developing the Valley Stream Performing Arts Center.
ANNE BROWN, Assistant Professor, Business
B.A., Hofstra University
J.D., Fordham University School of Law
Experienced attorney licensed to practice in the State of New York. Solo practitioner specializing in bodily injury, real estate, and elder law for over 20 years. Active member of the Nassau County Bar Association’s Animal Law Committee and Plaintiff’s Round Table, Hofstra and Fordham University Alumni Associations. Mentor at the Barack Obama Elementary School in Hempstead.
MARK CARPENTIERI, Assistant Professor
Music Business
B.A., Queens College
M.S., Clarion University of Pennsylvania
President and Founder of M.C. Records, a five time Grammy nominated label that has released over 45 recordings nationally and internationally. Was nominated for a Grammy as a musician, producer and for his record label. Inducted into the honor society of Phi Kappa Phi. Professor Carpentieri has been teaching at Five Towns College since 2006.
KARYN CERNERA, Assistant Professor
A.A.S., Katharine Gibbs School
B.A., Adelphi University
M.F.A., Pratt Institute
D.M., Colorado Technical University
Director of Marketing and Chief Social Media Officer with over twenty years of experience in the commercial art and graphic design industry. Fifteen years of college-level teaching experience, rising to the position of Assistant Professor, with a doctoral degree in Management focusing on Higher Education Teaching and Learning. Dr. Cernera Bush has been teaching at Five Towns College since 2019.
BRUCE COLFIN, Associate Professor, Business
B.A., Queens College
J.D., New York Law School
President of the Law firm of Bruce Colfin Law, P.C., THE FIRM ®, primarily concerned with Entertainment Law, Copyright, Trademark, Video, Comics and Toys, Literary Property, Theater and Intellectual Property Law.
MELVIN GLAZER, Associate Professor, Music Business
B.S., Rutgers University
Educator, Songwriter, Business Executive (Past V.P. Sales, Chanel Cosmetics and V.P. Sales, Godiva Chocolates USA), Actor, Columnist, Raconteur and State sponsored speaker on behalf of the New Jersey Council for the Humanities on Frank Sinatra. Publishing and songwriter credits include recordings by Etta James, Robert Plant, Elvis Presley, and Static-X. Collaborations with Hall of Fame writers, Carole King, Sammy Fain, and Aaron Schroeder. Awarded the Doctor of Humane Letters degree for lifetime achievement in Music and Business in May 2014.
BARRY HEYMAN, Assistant Professor
B.M., New York University
J.D., New York Law School
Mr. Heyman practices business, entertainment, intellectual property (copyrights and trademarks), and new media law. Trained as a classical pianist and performing as a DJ has resulted in Mr. Heyman’s deep understanding of the students he teaches and creative talent he represents adding to the knowledge and expertise he brings as an established attorney. Active member of New York University’s Alumni Association.
KEITH HOELL, Assistant Professor
B.S., St. John’s University
M.B.A., St. John’s University
Keith Hoell owns his own technology consulting business and has worked in the education industry as a faculty and administrator for over 20 years. He has authored two textbooks on database management. In his spare time he likes to run, having competed in 10 marathons.
DIANA KUBIK-WALKER, Associate Professor
B.S., Long Island University
M.B.A., SUNY Utica
Ph.D., Touro College
An Organizational Psychologist who has extensive knowledge in areas of finance, management theory, business development. Dr. Walker is recognized for her research in the value of trust and ability to develop corporate training programs that successfully bring business theory to practical use.
CHRISTINA LANGSTON, Instructor
B.S. University of Phoenix
M.S., Post University
JOHN MASSERWICK, Assistant Professor
B.B.A., Pace University
M.B.A., Adelphi University
Certified Public Accountant (C.P.A.)
ERIN NOURIJANIAN, Instructor
B.P.S., Five Towns College
Erin is the Senior Director of Marketing at UBS Arena and formerly the Senior Director of Marketing at NYCB LIVE, home of The Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Before venturing into the arena world, Erin was the Director of Marketing at Webster Hall, one of the world’s most iconic historical club venues, and guided direction to win Pollstar’s 2016 Nightclub of the Year award. During her tenure, the venue was the #1 club-sized venue in New York. Erin is an alumnus of Five Towns College
THOMAS O’BOYLE, Assistant Professor
B.A., Harwick College
M.B.A., Pace University
LOU PLAIA, Instructor
B.S., SUNY New Paltz
M.B.A., Dowling College
Founder and EVP of ReverbNation, an online artist services platform used by more than 5 million artists/bands to help build their careers. Prior to ReverbNation, Plaia worked 12 years at Atlantic Records as VP of Strategic Marketing and 4 years at Atlantic imprint, Lava Records, where he was the Head of Marketing and Artist Development. Plaia has helped develop the careers of Kid Rock, Matchbox 20, Hootie & the Blowfish, Stone Temple Pilots, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Jewel, Simple Plan, and many others. Professor Plaia has been teaching at Five Towns College since 2017.
MAUREEN POLLICINO, Instructor
B.A., State University of New York at Oneonta
M.B.A., Adelphi University
A former banker and business advisor who has an extensive business background dealing with corporations and entrepreneurs. Spent 18 years at JPMorgan where she was a Vice President who advised corporations on financial and management strategy. Was a Business Advisor for 4 years at the Small Business Development Center at Farmingdale State College where she advised entrepreneurs on overall business strategy and attained her New York State Business Advisor Certification. Professor Pollicino has been teaching at Five Towns College since 2015.
CHRISTOPHER REMEDIANI, Instructor
A.A.S., Five Towns College
B.S., SUNY Empire College
M.B.A., SUNY Empire College
An alumnus of Five Towns College, Professor Remediani, has worked in the music industry for more than forty years on both the creative and administrative sides of the business as the General Manager of Notting Hill Music Publishing, USA, Director of Research for New On The Charts Magazine, and a Public Relation Representative for Heartfelt Productions. Outside of the music industry he has worked as a Project Manager for IBM and owned a digital document management and database production company that served clients in the construction industry for more than a dozen years.
GEOFFREY VANDERPAL, Assistant Professor
B.S., Columbia College
M.B.A., Webster University
D.B.A., Nova Southeastern University
RHONDA TENENBAUM, Instructor
B.A., Hofstra University
M.B.A., CW Post Long Island University
Professor Tenenbaum has over 20 years of experience in academia as a Business Instructor, and a comedy writer. Additionally, she develops interactive and traditional marketing strategies and campaigns for the financial services and retail industries.
NENETTE WHITE, Instructor
B.S., Long Island University
M.B.A., Long Island University
Film/Video Faculty
ERIKA HOULE, Assistant Professor
Film/Video Division Chair
B.F.A., M.A., New York University
Erika Houle is a cinematographer, director, and documentary filmmaker based in New York. She has worked around the world on feature films, documentaries, commercials, and episodic television shows. Her early work as a documentary cinematographer took her across the country and internationally to India and Haiti. Most recently, she shot for Equal Means Equal, the feature documentary film cornerstone of the movement to pass the Equal Rights Amendment. Houle lived in Morocco while working on cable network Spike’s 2015 mini-series Tut and continues working in the camera department on for NBC’s Saturday Night Live. In 2016 she received her master’s in Art, Education, & Community Practice from Steinhardt, NYU. She remains creatively connected in experimental work, most recently directing a music video for Joan Baez’s 2019 Grammy nominated album Whistle Down the Wind.
JUSTIN ANDREWS, Assistant Professor
B.A., Framingham State College
M.F.A., Savannah College of Art and Design
After earning his Bachelors In 2010, Andrews left Massachusetts to earn an MFA in Film/Television in Savannah, GA. It was here that he honed his skills in directing and found joy in collaborating with actors. His MFA thesis film, DIRT, went on to earn the Filmmaker Magazine Award at the 2013 Savannah Film Festival.
Andrews has been a teaching artist since 2013 when he taught a young filmmakers workshop at the Savannah College of Art and Design and became hooked. He combined his new joy for teaching with the art of filmmaking and has mentored and taught new filmmakers ever since.
THOMAS CALANDRILLO, Assistant Professor
Mass Communication Division Chair
B.P.S., M.A., Five Towns College
L.M.H.C., C.A.S.A.C., Adelphi University
Thomas Calandrillo began his work in the Television and Film industry in 1995 producing and editing industrial videos and local commercials for various` clients throughout Long Island. In 1998, Tom and a colleague founded a production company, American Media Productions Inc. Under Tom’s leadership, American Media Productions obtained contracts for the 1998 – 2001 Jones Beach Concert series season. In that time, American Media Productions provided the technical engineering support and video directing for over 450 shows.
Calandrillo has traveled across the country and many parts of the Caribbean coordinating various projects and performances. From aerial photography in the Bahamas for a LeAnn Rymes Concert to the logistical coordination of satellite transmission for a live internet broadcast for Andrea Bocelli to New York City’s Birdland for Dave Brubeck, Tom has toured with some of the top bands as their IMAG/vision mixer video director.
In 2001, Tom sold his partnership share of American Media Productions and began working on next business, Empire Production Support (EPS, Inc). As President of EPS, Tom coordinated camera support equipment rentals and crewing support for broadcast and feature films. He is an active member of IATSE 600 (International Cinematographers Guild), where he worked on many major blockbuster films as a special effects /stunt camera-‐crane operator/technician.
ROBERT DIGIACOMO, Associate Professor
B.F.A., Cornell University
Robert DiGiacomo has spent over thirty years working professionally in both photography and cinematography. He has worked on a diverse range of projects with world renowned
Directors, Directors of Photography and Photographers. Feature film credits include: Shine A Light (featuring The Rolling Stones) directed by Martin Scorsese, and filmed by three-time Academy Award winner Robert Richardson, ASC; Big Fish filmed by Oscar winner, Phillipe Rousselot, and Directed by Tim Burton. Additionally, he has worked on over 600 television commercial productions, documentaries, and a variety of music videos with: Diddy, Bon Jovi, Jay-Z and Beyoncé, Carole King, U2, and Britney Spears (featuring Madonna). Robert is an active member of the International Cinematographers Guild, on the Industry Roster, and CSATF Safety Passport certified.
Adjunct Film/Video Faculty
MICHAEL ATKINSON, Assistant Professor
B.F.A., Long Island University: C.W. Post
M.F.A., Long Island University: Brooklyn
He is a staff writer and film critic for The Village Voice, reviews for Sight and Sound and The New York Times. Author of his film genre book called Exile Cinema.
CHARLES DESJARDIN, Instructor
B.F.A., Five Towns College
Charles DesJardin is a working professional Freelancer, working currently in such Industry and Commercial production houses as Manhattan’s Southeby’s. He offers Director of Photography work for Independent film and media industrials. He has a BFA in Film/Video, receiving training in cinematography from season professional Sol Negrin. Also putting his films in film festivals and working on his own independent work!
DAN GALIARDI, Associate Professor
B.S., B.A., SUNY Buffalo
M.S., Hofstra University
Member, International Cinematographers Guild/Local 600 IATSE, Hollywood, California. Film industry professional camera assistant, proficient in the use of various motion picture cameras (both 16 mm and 35 mm): Panavision, Arriflex, Aaton, Moviecam, and Photosonics. Expert in studio and location filmmaking techniques. Has administered the Guild’s entrance exam on several occasions. Major motion picture credits include: Batman Forever, Major Payne, Conspiracy Theory, Independence Day, The Truman Show, Jungle 2 Jungle, and others. Network television credits include: Law & Order, NYPD Blue, Time of Your Life, etc. National commercial campaign credits include: AT&T, Smith Barney, Avon, and more.
DAVID GROTELL, Instructor
B.A., Wesleyan University
M.F.A., Columbia University
KENNETH KELSCH, Instructor
B.A., Montclair State University
M.F.A., New York University
MAHNOOR KHAN, Instructor
B.S., Iqra University
M.F.A., LIU Post
Originally from Karachi, Pakistan Mahnoor believes in capturing the essence of the moment and her photographs act as a medium of communication for those unheard, metaphors of reality and expression to emotions that are well kept hidden. She looks to create artwork that resonates with people to embody the soul and message. She has exhibited her work in solo and groups exhibitions internationally including New York and Spain.
DAVID KIRSCH, Assistant Professor
B.A., Dickinson College
M.A., Harvard University
CHRISTOPHER LIANG, Instructor
B.M., Berklee College of Music
Christopher Liang established the Audio Dojo LLC in 2010 in Queens, NYC. He has extensive experience in both film and television. He was part of the team which mixed and sound designed promos for HBO’s hit show Sopranos and he has mixed thousands of spots and shows for Syfy, USA, TBS, Nickelodeon, Spike, A&E, CNN, Tru, Vh1, Discovery and Netflix.
He is a re-recording mixer and sound fx designer for independent feature films and documentaries. His collaborations include What She Said, Fire In Water, Dead Pigs, Hold The Dark, 93Queen, In Case of Emergency, Over Oceans, Myanmar: Bridges to Change, Suicide Killers, The Wall, Kiss Me Again, Outlands, and Behind The Shadows. Such works were featured at Sundance, Tribeca, Bushwick, Telluride, BANFF and Queens World Film Festivals. Christopher also freelances as a music composer and sound designer for Viacom, in New York City. As a production sound recordist, his portfolio includes recordings for Sprint, Reebok, Shiseido, Empire Market, Busby Family Eye Care and Aubin Pictures.
KEVIN LOPEZ, Instructor
B.A., University at Buffalo
M.A.H., University at Buffalo
M.S., City College of New York
DAVID MARINO, Instructor
A.A., Nassau Community College
B.F.A., Long Island University
MICHAEL PRYWES, Instructor
B.S., Northwestern University
J.D., Hofstra University
Michael Prywes is a writer, producer, teacher, and attorney for artists and entrepreneurs. His bestselling business book “The Gasp: How to Seize that A-Ha! Moment and Turn It Into a Winning Business” teaches creatives how to launch and grow a creative enterprise.
At Five Towns College, Michael teaches media law, writing, and producing. Michael is also an adjunct professor of entertainment law at the Touro Law Center. Over the past two decades, Michael has taught at CUNY Queens College, LIU Brooklyn, St. John’s, and has guest lectured at NYU and UCLA. Michael has also been a producer on a number of feature films, including his award-winning theatrically-released comedy “Returning Mickey Stern,” starring Joseph Bologna, Tom Bosley, and Connie Stevens, and he has advised and served as panelist for a number of film festivals.
As an undergraduate at Northwestern University, Michael was one of twelve students selected for the two-year intensive Creative Writing for the Media Program, alongside some of today’s most renowned Hollywood writers and producers. He is also a graduate of UCLA’s yearlong professional film and television writing program.
Michael is counsel to the Long Island Film and Television Foundation, and continues to serve New York City and Long Island small business owners, filmmakers, performers, recording artists, writers, and innovators.
AMANDA ROCCO, Instructor
B.F.A., Five Towns College
Interactive Computer Graphics Faculty
JON SQUITIERI, Assistant Professor
Interactive Computer Graphics Interim Chair
B.F.A., New York Institute of Technology
M.F.A., New York Institute of Technology
Jon Squitieri has been in the entertainment, motion capture, and animation industry for over 20 years. As a director, project manager, studio manager and animator, Jon has worked on award winning AAA title video games, feature films, television shows, and Broadway stage productions. As a project manager for NASA, he worked on the Orion capsule assignment using motion capture software for a manned mission to Mars. Serving in the roles of consultant and a director, Jon has worked with national and international law enforcement agencies to develop virtual reality training as a supplement to physical training.
Jon has directed real time virtual productions for commercial clients such as Kraft, Pepsi, Nabisco, Hershey, and Planters among many others.
KAREN PELLECHIA, Assistant Professor
Acting, Interactive Computer Graphics Division Chair
Dean of Online Education
B.A., Queens College
M.F.A., Brooklyn College
Karen Pellecchia has been serving as both educator and administrator in Higher Education for over 30 years. She has served as mentor and senior faculty member at several institutions specializing in studio art and application of design principles. Earning an MFA in Painting and Drawing from Brooklyn College, Pellecchia received the Charles G. Shaw graduate award for distinction in the painting medium, and was the recipient of a Full Fellowship at the Vermont Studio awarded by renowned artist Wolf Kahn. Her work is part of international and corporate collections and has been featured in several interior design publications. Throughout her career, Pellecchia has expanded her art to fashion, interior and landscape design. Her fashion designs have been sold at Bergdorf Goodman, NYC; Mitsukoshi and Lane Crawford, Japan; and have been featured in Women’s Wear Daily, Elements, and W Magazine.
PAUL LIPSKY, Assistant Professor
B.F.A., M.F.A., School of Visual Arts
Paul Lipsky brings with him over 30 years of experience in the field of 3D Animation servicing the advertising and broadcast fields in NYC. He has successfully provided creative direction and advanced animation expertise to such clients as HBO, Grey Advertising, MSG Network, CBS Sports, and to TV programs such as The McLaughlin Group, America’s Most Wanted, and Inside the NFL. This expertise has won him such industry awards as the National Telly Award, the Medical Illustrators’ Award and a bronze BDA Broadcast Designer Award. In addition to his professional career Lipsky has taught in higher education for over 15 years at NYU, St John and Hofstra University. He has been invited to lecturer internationally in Taiwan, China, London, Jamaica, and South Africa.
JULIE HARING, Instructor
B.F.A., Cooper Union School
M.A., New York Institute of Technology
M.S., Long Island University
Julie Haring, a successful professional in the field of Motion Graphics, holds a MA in Communication Arts from NYIT and an MS Ed from Long Island University.
During her many years in digital design and animation, Professor Haring has worked in small creative teams on a broad range of projects for local broadcast, medical simulation, virtual reality, and corporate events. She has designed and animated branded and original assets for clients such as Cablevision, SmileTrain, Canon USA, Inc., Weight Watchers, and ABC.
She has also brought her expertise and creative skills to educational projects to include online course design for corporate training at Canon USA, Inc. and virtual exhibit components for the Heckscher Museum and Huntington Long Island School District.
Adjunct Interactive Computer Graphics Faculty
PAUL BIEDERMANN, Instructor
B.F.A., Washington University in St. Louis (School of Design & Visual Arts)
KRISTY CARATZOLA, Instructor
B.F.A., LIU Southampton
M.F.A., LIU Post
ROBERT FIELD, Assistant Professor
B.A., LIU Post
M.A., Syracuse University
LINDA KLAHR, Instructor
B.F.A., Long Island University
NICK SELVAGGIO, Instructor
B.S., New York Institute of Technology
ADAM TATZ, Instructor
B.F.A., University of Delaware
Liberal Arts/General Education Faculty
JENNIFER DARDZINSKI, Associate Professor
Liberal Arts and Sciences Division Chair
Assistant Dean of Instruction
A.A., Nassau Community College
B.A., Hofstra University
M.S., Ph.D., St. John’s University
JERRY COHEN, Associate Professor, Science
Dean of Students
B.S., Ohio University
M.S., Hofstra University
ALISSA GAMBINO, Instructor
B.A., LIU Southampton College
M.F.A., Stony Brook University
DOMINICK QUARTUCCIO, Assistant Professor
A.A., Suffolk Community College
B.A., M.F.A., Stony Brook University
Adjunct Liberal Arts/General Education Faculty
MARY FERNANDEZ, Instructor, Spanish
B.A., SUNY Stony Brook
M.A., Long Island University: C.W. Post College
KELLY HEIDER-WALSH, Instructor
A.A.S., State University of New York at Farmingdale
B.A., Dowling College
M.A., Long Island University: C.W. Post
JACK HEIFNER, Instructor
B.F.A., M.S., Brooklyn College
CARL KIRSCHNER, Professor
B.A., Queens College
M.A., Ph.D., New York University
Dr. Kirschner received his PhD degree in Industrial/Organizational psychology from New York University. He began his academic career at Baruch College where he was Director of Student Support Services. He continued on to become College Dean at Suffolk Community College and University Dean for Student Affairs at CUNY where he was responsible for over 4000,000 students.
Dr. Kirschner has experience in public, private and for profit schools. He has created and taught courses on the undergraduate and graduate levels ranging from introductory psychology to emotional intelligence. In addition to educational settings, Dr. Kirschner has collaborated with the American Management Association and other consulting firms to improve work life satisfaction and productivity. He is the recipient of several awards for his work in education. At present he serves on the Five Towns College Board of Trustees and continues his consulting projects.
ANGELINA LIBARDI, Instructor
B.S., M.S., Adelphi University
DAWN LOSHIGIAN, Instructor
B.A., Long Island University
M.S., Clarks Summit University
JUDAH MAHAY, Instructor
B.A., Calvin College
M.F.A., SUNY Stony Brook
SANDRA MARDENFELD, Assistant Professor
B.A., SUNY at Buffalo
M.A., New York University
Ph.D., Rutgers University
A freelance writer, editor, social media manager, marketing consultant and educator with more than 30 years’ experience. She worked as managing editor for several national magazines, as the Broadway editor of Playbill and as an editor/writer for many media organizations. Sandra has also written articles and blog posts for more than 50 newspapers, magazines, and websites, and has done content marketing for various clients.
MERRICK MONCK-ROWLEY, Assistant Professor
B.A., Trinity College
M.S., Queens College
M.S., New York Institute of Technology
RASHEEN NORTHINGTON, Instructor
B.A., Hunter College
M.A., SUNY Potsdam
SOPHIA PANAGOS, Instructor
B.A., St. Joseph’s College
M.S., Dowling College
ELIZABETH SALGADO, Assistant Professor
B.S., Southern Connecticut State University
M.S., Walden University
RONALD STANIEC, Instructor
B.A., George Mason University
M.A., Hofstra University
PHEBE SZATMARI, Instructor
B.A., Queens College
M.F.A., Stony Brook University
Mass Communication Faculty
THOMAS CALANDRILLO, Assistant Professor
Mass Communication Division Chair
B.P.S., Five Towns College
L.M.H.C., C.A.S.A.C., Adelphi University
HOLLI HAERR, Instructor
B.A., Indiana University
M.S., Quinnipiac University
Holli Haerr has been teaching Mass Communication courses at Five Towns College since the Spring of 2016. She has previously worked for News 12 Long Island, FiOS1 News and 1010WINS radio as well as radio and TV stations in Washington D.C. Holli brings her experience into the classroom and helped develop a hands-on Mass Comm lab and other courses.
Adjunct Mass Communication Faculty
MICKEY ALOSIO, Instructor
B.F.A., Fashion Institute of Technology
RICH BARRABI, Instructor
B.A., University of Scranton
Rich Barrabi is the Managing Anchor for News 12 Long Island. He has spent more than a decade covering news as anchor, reporter and photographer throughout the tristate area.
BRIDGETTE BOYLE, Instructor
B.A., Fairfield University
M.B.A., Fordham University
Brigette Boyle is currently an Adjunct Professor at Five Towns College, where she teaches media, writing, and branding classes. Prior to working in higher education, Boyle spent 18 years in media and human resources and was most recently Senior Vice President, Recruitment & Development at Fox News Network in New York City, where she built and was responsible for the company’s hiring initiatives across all divisions, including the launches of Fox Business Network, Fox News Headlines 24/7 and Fox News Latino. In addition to teaching at FTC, Boyle is Co-Owner and Director of Admissions & Career Services at Campus Boss, where she specializes in guiding students and professionals of all levels through resume writing, interview preparation, and essay collaboration.
DANIELLE CAMPBELL, Instructor
B.A., Adelphi University
MICHAEL GRAHAM, Instructor
B.S., University of Tennessee
Over 35 years as a radio and television news and sports reporter and anchor. Worked for major market television station WPIX TV in New York and ABC Network Radio, WABC radio, Wor radio and Bloomberg radio in New York City as well as numerous Long Island radio and cable tv stations. Was Play by Play announcer for the Atlantic League’s Long Island Ducks and for many other minor league and college sports teams.
REBECCA KLEIN, Instructor
B.A., Brandeis University
M.S., Columbia University
Rebecca Klein is a senior reporter at The Huffington Post, where she covers education, politics and policy. Before that, she served as the education section’s editor. She has worked as a producer at WNYC, New York City’s public radio station, and her work has been recognized by groups like the Online News Association and the Education Writers Association.
ANTHONY LIUZZI, Instructor
B.A., SUNY at Geneseo
HAROLD NAIDEAU, Assistant Professor
B.A., Antioch College
B.A., Brooks Institute of Photography
M.F.A., Long Island University: C.W. Post College
MICHAEL PRYWES, Instructor
B.S., Northwestern University
J.D., Hofstra University
SHARON RYBA-PERTZ, Instructor
B.S., College of Staten Island
Video and Film Editor with 25 years’ experience working in news and documentary for television broadcast and entertainment industries. Still and Motion Graphics Designer with 20 years’ experience in private, public, government, and educational sectors. Editor and designer on various projects ranging from producing content and shows for 3D stereoscopic domed and immersive environments to designing and developing corporate branding and UX/UI design.
MICHAEL QUICK, Instructor
B.A., Sacred Heart University
DAVID WEISS, Instructor
B.A., Curry College
WILL WRIGHT, Instructor
B.A., Fordham University
Will J. Wright is an award-winning Manager, Diversity Leader and Creative Development Broadcast Executive. In his 52 years of service in the mass communication industry, he has worked for NBC News, MSNBC, CBS News, Cablevision, KRIV in Houston and was part of the original startup staff at CNN. Wright was Vice President and News Director of WWOR-TV in the New York Market. He was a member of the team that established NBC BLK and NBC OUT, website verticals of NBC News.com with the specific mission to market to and develop an outreach to new potential audiences.
He has won three Emmy awards, a national Edward R. Murrow Award, and more.
Music Faculty
JILL MILLER-THORN, Professor
Music Division Chair
Chair, Graduate Music Studies Committee
B.M., M.M., Ithaca College
D.M.A., Temple University
Dr. Jill Miller-Thorn received her DMA in composition from Temple University in January 1994. Her compositions include two symphonies, a concert band piece, various chamber works and piano music. She has studied with Karel Husa, a Pulitzer Prize winning composer at Cornell University, and Maurice Wright at Temple University. Awarded the Penn Woman Award in musical composition in May 1986, Dr. Miller-Thorn’s success that year included a world premiere of Woodwind Quintet # 1 by “1807 and Friends” a renowned chamber group comprised of members from the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Philadelphia Public Library accepted her first symphony, Symphonic Fantasies, as part of its Fleishman Collection of Orchestral Music.. In 2003, the Five Towns College Concert Band premiered By the Band Shell, a reflective work on her childhood in a rural setting where she would sit near the band shell to hear the community band play Sunday concerts in the local park. Lament for solo clarinet was premiered in NYC by Demetrius Spaneas for Women’s Work 2011. She is currently the Chair of the Music Division and Director of Graduate Music Studies at Five Towns College.
SCOTT BALLIN, Associate Professor, Jazz Piano*
Director of American Songbook Ensemble
Mus.B., Mus.M., D.M.A., Five Towns College
Professional engagements include: Pianist for Isotope Stompers, numerous concerts including main stage Hechsher Park in Huntington. Musical Director for Gene Santini, at Feinsteins N.Y.C. Pianist with Long Island Jazz All Stars directed by Mike Carubia. Jazz concerts and club appearances with Byran Carrott, Teddy Charles, Jerry Weldon, Jay Hogard. Music Director for Rat Pack Show, Rainbow Room, N.Y.C. Pianist/Music Director for Henry Prego, Harrah’s Atlantic City. Pianist Garden City Hotel, Parker Meridian Hotel N.Y.C. Bandleader and pianist on Carnival Cruise ship M.S. Tropicale.
Contributing writer for Jazz Improv Magazine - Concert and CD reviews, instructional articles. Undergraduate and Graduate instructor at Five Towns College for: Keyboard classes, Ear Training, Harmony, Music History and Private Instruction. Director of American Songbook Ensemble, Upbeat Entertainment, Jazz Piano Concert Series. Professional Development: IAJE Conventions, Jazz Times Conventions, N.Y.C., Chick Corea Workshop, Lenox, Mass., JEN Convention, Reno, Nevada. Host of radio program The Music of Miles Davis on WFTU radio.
STEVE BRIODY, Associate Professor, Guitar,
Composition/Arranging *
Director of Instrumental Music
B.A., SUNY Fredonia
Mus.M., D.M.A., Five Towns College
Dr. Briody is a recognized guitarist, composer, educator and arranger. He has played guitar with legends such as Randy Brecker, Jeff Lorber, Dave Valentin, Jane Monheit, Charlie Daniels, Funk Filharmonik, Carl Fischer, and the Long Island Music Hall of Fame All-Star Band. He is the author of the Jamey Aebersold book Jazz Guitar Lines of the Greats, which has become a popular Jazz guitar publication. Steve is a staff arranger at Smart Chart, prominent publisher of college and high school jazz ensemble arrangements. He has also contributed lesson articles to Guitar Player and Guitar World magazines. His song “Footsteps” appeared on the #1 Jazz album of sax great Eric Alexander. Recently, he had the honor of being guest conductor of the Nassau All-County Jazz Ensemble in 2018, performing at the Tilles Center. In addition to his international credits, he often performs in the NY area with jazz, funk, and top-40 bands. At Five Towns College, Steve currently teaches Graduate-level Jazz Harmony, Arranging, Big Band Arranging, Improvisation, Guitar Instruction, Jazz/Pop
Composition, Popular Music Lab, Graduate Jazz Pedagogy, and directs the Jazz Orchestra.
DAVID GOMEZ, Assistant Professor
Director of Choral Activities
B.A., M.A., Queens College
David Gomez has directed choirs and orchestras at the professional, community, sacred, collegiate, and school levels to notable success in concert and competition. Some of his prominent posts included Artistic Director of the Brooklyn Borough-Wide Chorus, the New York City All-City Choir, and the Stamford Chorale. David was a member of the choral conducting department at the Summer Arts Institute of New York City and Music Minister at the historic First Congregational Church of Stamford.
His career has offered him experience in leading top-notch New York and Connecticut music programs to award-winning accomplishments. David regularly guides future teachers in collaboration with university music education programs and is a choral curriculum consultant for the Weill Music Institute at Carnegie Hall. David’s strong understanding of music theory has allowed him to serve as Director of Music Theory at the Brooklyn-Queens Conservatory of Music and lead several Advanced Placement® music theory programs.
Adjunct Music Faculty
KRISTI ADAMS, Instructor
Director of Vocal Jazz
B.S., Dowling College
M.A., SUNY Stony Brook
Kristi Adams has been an educator of music, dance, and theatre for Middle County Central School District on Long Island for 19 years. Throughout her career, Kristi has taught sight-reading, vocal pedagogy, and professional singing techniques to students ranging from sixth grade through the college level. Most notably, Kristi has directed both the Rhapsody in Pink Girls Ensemble and the Spartan Barbershop Chorus, an ensemble that competes internationally. Kristi has won numerous achievements for her work, including the Jenkins Lifetime Achievement Award and special recognition by the New York State School of Music Association as being an expert on the male changing voice. This recognition earned her a place on the organization’s “Music Views” DVD.
In addition to her educational accomplishments, Kristi is also an accomplished dancer who has trained professionally with members of the Joffrey Ballet and Julliard Ballet School. Her training enabled her to teach beginning through advanced ballet, modern, lyrical, jazz, tap, and hip-hop styles at various dance schools. Currently, she sings with the award-winning Greater Nassau Chorus and works full-time as a music teacher at Newfield High School.
MICHAEL BLUTMAN, Adjunct Professor, Trumpet*
B.M., University of Maryland
Mus.M., Julliard
Michael Blutman enjoys a diverse career as a trumpeter and music educator. A graduate of The Juilliard School and the University of Maryland, some of his performing and recording credits include: Sting, Orchestra of St. Luke’s, Paragon Ragtime Orchestra, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, Jonathan Batiste Jazz Band, Broadway shows, David Bowie’s band, and many others. As an educator, Michael has taught at Five Towns College, Ithaca College, Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts, East Meadow’s (NY) Fusing Culture and Curriculum, Nassau Suffolk Performing Arts, and has a private trumpet studio on Long Island. Michael also co-founded Pinnacle Music Press (www.pinmusicpress.com), a music education publishing company, and has written articles for several music education journals and websites.
BRYAN CARROTT, Assistant Professor, Percussion *
Coordinator of Percussion Studies
B.A., William Paterson College
A native New Yorker, Mr. Carrott has toured and recorded throughout the U.S., Europe and Japan, with Ralph Peterson, Henry Threadgill, Butch Morris, Dave Douglas, The Jazz Passengers and Charlie Hunter. He is a two-time recipient of New York’s Meet The Composer Award and has been cited for several years in Down Beat Magazine’s International Critics’ Poll. He has also been featured on BET’s Jazz Central, on the film soundtrack, 3 A.M. with Branford Marsalis, and as a mallet/multi-percussionist for Disney’s Lion King on Broadway. As a clinician for Ross Mallet Instruments, Bryan has led performances at the International Association of Jazz Educators (IAJE) and the Percussive Arts Society Conventions. He was a featured soloist with Cologne, Germany’s WDR Orchestra conducted by Gunther Schuller.
MARY ALICE DOMENICA, Assistant Professor, Piano,
Music Theory*
B.M., Covenant College
Mus.M., Belmont University
D.M.A., University of Miami
Dr. Mary Alice Domenica’s musical background includes undergraduate and master’s degrees in classical solo piano performance, and a doctoral degree in collaborative piano with a cognate in music theory. Her chamber music experience includes frequent work in instrumental chamber ensembles, musical theatre accompanying, and extensive experience as a choral and instrumental accompanist, including accompanying the Nashville Symphony Chorus. She is currently the owner of Dix Hills Piano, a studio where she teaches beginning through advanced piano and specializes in teaching piano technique to promote relaxation and improve artistry. In addition to being a piano instructor, Dr. Domenica also coaches vocal students at the studio.
Dr. Domenica is also a trained organist and vocal coach. She has worked as an organist for the Astoria Community Church and a piano instructor at the Community School of the Arts at Austin Peay State University. At Austin Peay State University, Dr. Domenica appears as a recording artist on several albums produced on campus.
FRANK DOYLE, Instructor
B.A., Queens College
M.M., New England Conservatory of Music
D.M.A., Five Towns College
Frank completed a D.M.A in Music History and Literature with a dissertation titled,”Horace Silver: Transcription and Analysis of Ten Blues Compositions including the Piano Improvisations 1954-1969.” He has additionally studied computer music synthesis with Barry Vercoe and taken additional courses with futurist, Issac Asimov at MIT. Professor Doyle was inducted into The LI Music Hall of Fame as the “Educator of Note 2016” for his pedagogical career in music theory, composition and musicology. Frank’s numerous literary contributions include the editing of Barron’s Review Book in AP Music Theory and co-writing of the 2014 National Standards in Secondary Music Theory and Composition. He is currently an editor for The Journal of Music Pedagogy Online and serves as program evaluator and workshop leader for NYSSMA, NAfME and the AP College Board where he presents lectures and training sessions on creative applications of popular music and music technology in the music theory curriculum. Frank has performed and recorded as keyboardist with Meatloaf, as musical director/composer with Weird Al Yankovic on his, “MTV’s Big Al Show,” and has scored original music for television, commercials and films. He plays piano with his quintet, “Lush Life” in jazz clubs throughout Long Island and NYC.
WILLIAM FARRISH, Assistant Professor, Guitar, Jazz
Harmony*
A.A.S., Mus.B., Five Towns College
M.M., SUNY Purchase College
For the past 30 years, Bill Farrish has earned his living as a performing musician touring throughout the United States and Canada in various groups ranging in size from solo to big band. Bill has performed with Shunzu Ohno, John Stowell, Dennis Wilson, Bernard Purdie, Tiny Grimes, Charles Eubanks, David Garibaldi, Arthur Prysock, Ray Alexander, Jimmy Halperin and many others. His work also includes Off-Broadway productions of: Man of LaMancha, Lil’ Shop of Horrors, Hair, and Tapestry. Television credits include: Bea Moss Productions and “The Carl Bruno Show” (TCI Cable), featured artist in the independently released production “An Evening with Bill Farrish” by Raven Productions, QPTV., composer of the theme and incidental music for The Park, Eun Kyung Show, Radio Seoul, Flushing NY and many jingles.
Having released six CD’s for MCR Records under his own name, Bill’s music has been featured on several radio broadcasts in Europe, the Far East, and South America. In 2014 All About Jazz featured an article about Bill entitled “Practice, Do You? Part 3-3” Bill has also published two books, entitled Jazz Guitar Volume I and Basic Musicianship.
KENNETH FRIESE, Associate Professor, Voice *
B.S., SUNY Potsdam
M.M., Boston University
Before his employment at Five Towns College, Professor Friese worked for many years as the choral director of the Plainview Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School, where he led the choir to numerous accolades, including multiple “gold with distinction” medals at choral festivals held by the New York State School of Music Association. His choirs have performed at various concerts and events nationally, and most notably, multiple performances at the Tilles Center on Long Island. He is currently the organist and director of music at Old First Presbyterian Church and Temple Beth-El, both in Huntington. In addition to his multiple directorships, he is also a prolific vocal coach, specializing in vocal development and Baroque singing techniques. He has taught classes in secondary choral methods, choral conducting, accompanying for the high school teacher, and multiple levels of sight-singing.
STEPHEN GLEASON, Associate Professor
Mus.B, M.M., Five Towns College
Professional musician, vocalist, and choral conductor. Extensive experience with a cappella vocal groups. Worked in New York’s premiere top 40 band The Touch as a singer/guitar player and a session player for selected artists’ recordings at Jellybean and Arista records.
JEFFREY GLEMBOSKI, Assistant Professor
Director of the Barbershop Harmony Ensemble
Mus.B., Mus.M., Five Towns College
Jeffrey Glemboski is a professional public-school music educator at the Norman J. Levy Lakeside School in Merrick. He is a member of the National Music Educators Association (NMEA) and the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS). Recently, he was the recipient of the Parent Teachers Association (PTA) Founders Award. Professor Glemboski is currently the musical director of the Long Island Sound Barbershop Chorus and its scholastic offshoot at Five Towns College.
In addition to his educational pursuits, he currently sings bass in the internationally known barbershop quartet Round Midnight. The quartet recently achieved Top 10 Finalist status in the BHS International Barbershop Quartet Contest and they are past BHS Mid-Atlantic District Quartet Champions. The group has received praise for their recording efforts too, garnering multiple Contemporary A cappella Recording Award (CARA) nominations. The foursome has won the New York City Harmony Sweepstakes Championship and was appointed an official “Arts Envoy” group by the U.S. State Department.
MASATORA GOYA, Assistant Professor, Composition*
B.A. Kyoto University
M.M. New Jersey City University
D.M.A., Five Towns College
Trained as a vocal performer first, Masatora explores the musical landscape of drama, space, and emotion. Described as a “composer of cultural crossroads” by American Composers Forum, his unique eclecticism has attracted many musicians performing in nontraditional chamber ensembles, such as Alturas Duo, Duo Anova, Liberté Mandolin Orchestra, Duo Yumeno, Tomoko Sugawara, Thomas Piercy, and Hidejiro Honjoh. Masatora also frequently collaborates with visual artists and filmmakers, such as Yuki Ideguchi, Sam Platizky, Andre Lewis, Nori Mizukami, Chloe Miller, and Takashi Nasu. His music has been performed worldwide and his album “Dream of Sailing” has been released from Ravello Records.
Masatora received a BA in Integrated Human Studies from Kyoto University and studied music at Koyo Conservatory. Since relocating to the United States, he earned a Master of Music from New Jersey City University and a Doctor of Musical Arts from Five Towns College, and studied in the BMI-Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop. A resident composer of Kadoma Film Commission as well as a recipient of ASCAP Plus Awards, Jerome Fund for New Music, and Diversity Doctoral Fellowship at SUNY Purchase College, Masatora served assistant director of Vox Novus Composer’s Voice and taught at NJCU and Purchase College.
KELLY HORSTED, Assistant Professor, Voice, Piano *
B.M., Applied Piano, Eastman School of Music
M.M., Collaborative Piano, Eastman School of Music
Pianist Kelly Horsted, a native of Sioux City, Iowa, enjoys an active career in NYC as an accompanist, music director and vocal coach specializing in new opera, art song, and role preparation.
An enthusiast of new music, Kelly has enjoyed a long relationship with American Opera Projects including his sixth season as a co-music director for the Composers and the Voice series. Other notable collaborations with AOP include Hershel Garfein’s Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, Tarik O’Regan’s Heart of Darkness, Paula Kimper’s The Bridge of San Luis Rey as well as Patience and Sarah for the chamber opera’s premiere at the Lincoln Center Festival.
Kelly has been a frequent collaborator at NYU’s Tisch Graduate Musical Theater Program, and Ann Baltz’s Operaworks. He has taught at Hunter College, Mannes College of Music, the International Workshops in Graz, Austria, the Bowdoin Summer Music Festival and the Hartt School of Music.
Mr. Horsted has appeared at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall, Zankel Hall and Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, Merkin Concert Hall, and Symphony Space in NYC. He has also performed at the Wintergreen Festival, in Fountainbleau, France, and on the Opera America Songbook. While at Eastman he was a 1st place winner in the Kneisel Lieder Competition.
JOHN KELLY, Assistant Professor, Guitar *
Mus.B., Mus.M., Five Towns College
Professional guitarist and mandolin player. Currently working as musical director and staffing coordinator for one of New York metropolitan area’s premier entertainment companies. Featured soloist of The Concert Pops. Performances with The Platters, The Coasters, Charo, Robert Klein, and Fred Travalena. Numerous radio and television appearances, including the show Fox and Friends. Recipient of the Tony Mottola Award.
JOSEPH KIMURA, Assistant Professor, Cello*
B.M., M.M., Juilliard School of Music
Currently a member of the Five Towns Master Quartet, Joseph Kimura has had a very diverse musical career. Formally a member of the Laurentian String Quartet, he has appeared as a soloist with many orchestras, including the Stamford Symphony, Hoboken Chamber Orchestra, Garden State Chamber Orchestra, Korean Symphony, Gloria Chamber Orchestra, and the Orchestra of the State of Mexico. Joe appears on recordings for the EOS ensemble and Riverside Symphony, as well as numerous movie and TV soundtracks. He has performed live on National Public Radio and appeared on Broadway with The Will Rodgers Follies and Beauty and the Beast. He has taught at Summertrios and the Greenwood Junior Music Camp during the summer. He studied with Harvey Shapiro at Julliard, including studies with Paul Katz and Channing Robbins.
SCOTT LITROFF, Assistant Professor, Saxophone
B.A., Stony Brook University
M.M., Mannes School of Music
D.M.A., Stony Brook University
Scott Litroff is a saxophonist recognized for his versatility as a performer and educator in both jazz and classical styles. Dr. Litroff performed his solo debut at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall, and has since performed at venues including Weill Hall, Merkin Hall, The DiMenna Center, Yoshi’s Club San Francisco, and Jazz Alley in Seattle, as well as venues in Thailand, Taiwan, and Japan. He has performed alongside some of the world’s finest musicians including Koh Mr. Saxman, Ray Anderson, Bakithi Kumalo, Steve Salerno, Nellie McKay, William Wei-Leng Chen, and has performed under the baton of renowned conductors including George Manahan, Rosen Milanov, Joseph Colaneri, and David Hayes. Dr. Litroff previously held positions at Adelphi University, Stony Brook University, and Suffolk Community College.
Dr. Litroff’s numerous awards and honors include the prestigious 2013 Samuel Baron Prize, the 2012 Ackerman Prize in Music, the 2011 Bob Meyers Award for Excellence in Jazz, as well as First Prize in the Stony Brook University Graduate Concerto Competition, First Prize in the Mannes Concerto Competition, and Two-Time Winner of the Stony Brook Undergraduate Concerto Competition.
DAVID LOBENSTEIN, Assistant Professor
Director of Jazz Ensemble
B.M., SUNY College at Fredonia
M.F.A., California Institute of the Arts
Dave Lobenstein currently teaches orchestra for the Long Beach Public School System and is an Adjunct Professor at Five Towns College where he instructs Jazz Combo and Jazz History classes. Dave has been very involved around the NYC area as a jazz clinician. He has conducted workshops at local colleges and high schools which focus on beginning improvisation and introduction to the jazz repertoire. As a performer, Dave has worked with a variety of musical styles. His credits include: Performances at the JVC Jazz Festival w/ The Dave Lobenstein Quartet, Interplay Jazz Orchestra, Erie Philharmonic, Roscoe Mitchell, Leo Smith, Jeff Jarvis, Jimmy Wormworth, Kevin Clark, Sam Dillon Quartet, Manhattan Vocal Project, Regis and Kathie Lee, Danny Holmes, and the Mike Fahn Quartet.
Dave’s primary teachers have been: Charlie Haden, Darek Oles, Marc Johnson, Peter Rofe, Scott Colley, and Harry Jacobsen.
ANDREA LODGE, Assistant Professor, Piano*
B.Mus., Memorial University of Newfoundland
M.Mus., University of British Columbia
D.M.A., SUNY at Stony Brook
Pianist Andrea Lodge has been called a “Must See” (The Telegram, St. John’s, Canada). A specialist in the performance of contemporary music, she frequently collaborates with composers on the creation of new works including Herbert Deutsch, Elliot Cole, Nicholas Deyoe, Andrea Mazzariello and C. Curtis Smith. Andrea was awarded top prizes at the Eckhardt-Gramatté Canadian National Competition for the Performance of New Music, including the award for best performance of the commissioned work, Curlicue, by Karen Sunabacka. She was featured in the Village Times Herald (Long Island, NY) for her showing at this competition in an article called “Stony Brook Pianist Hailed as One of Canada’s Best!”
Dr. Lodge is an integral part of nief-norf, a contemporary music organization and ensemble focused on bringing together new ideas in performance, composition and research. Since 2014, Andrea has been faculty pianist at the annual nief-norf summer festival and for nief-norf project performances. She performs regularly as soloist, with guitarist Jay Sorce as the Sorce/Lodge Duo, and with Hypercube, a cutting-edge new music quartet of saxophone, percussion, guitar and piano/accordion. Hypercube has been bringing their music to new audiences with tours across the country. Her piano studies include work with Gilbert Kalish and Christina Dahl.
MELANIE MALUSA, Instructor
B.M., University of Delaware
M.M., FiveTowns College
JAMES MCCRANN, Assistant Professor
B.S., Hofstra University
M.A., Hofstra University
D.M.A., Rutgers University
Recently appointed Wind Ensemble Conductor at Five Towns College, Dr. James P. McCrann has experience at the higher education level for other institutions. This experience includes directing a Symphonic Band and teaching graduate courses in conducting and music education. Since 1994, he has been High School Director of Bands in Garden City, having also served as a District Arts Coordinator and orchestra conductor. During his tenure, Garden City music programs expanded by over four-fold, earning national recognitions from the Grammy Foundation and the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM).
McCrann holds a D.M.A. in Music Education and Wind Conducting from Rutgers University, a B.S. and M.A. from Hofstra University, a P.D. in Administration, and membership in National Association for Music Educators (NAfME), New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA), College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA), World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles (WASBE), National Band Association (NBA), New York State Band Directors Association (NYSBDA), Suffolk County Music Educators Association (SCMEA), and Nassau Music Educators Association (NMEA). He was recognized by Grammy in the Schools, Pi Kappa Lambda, Tri-M, and School Band & Orchestra (SBO) magazine as one of “50 Directors Who Make a Difference.”
McCrann is Band/Wind Ensemble Editor for NYSSMA, with research appearing in national and international publications and regional conferences. His collaboration with renowned composers, including Pulitzer Prize winner Paul Moravec, Stephen Melillo, and Brian Balmages, culminated in new works for band, chorus, and orchestra. Active as a clinician and guest conductor, McCrann has worked with various ensembles from across the country.
AUDRA MORICCA, Assistant Professor, Voice*
Applied Instruction Administrator
B.M. Applied Voice, Mannes School of Music
M.A. Voice Performance, Aaron Copland School of Music, CUNY Queens College
Dramatic Soprano Audra Moricca, a native of Northport, New York, began her musical studies as a violinist, studying at Manhattan School of Music. Ms. Moricca maintains an active performing career and is a highly respected interpreter in both the operatic and concert arenas. Audra specializes in the dramatic roles of Strauss, Verdi and Wagner, as well as the title roles of Tosca, Turandot, and Vanessa.
With pianist Kelly Horsted, Ms. Moricca has performed extensive recital repertoire exploring less standard expansive song works reflecting their particular affection for modern dramatic song in venues across the US. As a scholar, Audra has studied with internationally respected pedagogues, notably, Joanna Levy, Ruth Falcon, Leo Lozito, Barbara Peters, Elisabeth Vrenios and Robert C. White.
As a pedagogue, Audra has taught both performance classes and private study. She is a technical specialist working with students in all musical styles frequently noted for accomplishing extensive range and power and quick progress among her students. In addition to Five Towns College, Audra has served as a vocal faculty member at Molloy College, the Hartt School at the University of Hartford and at Music in Chappaqua. She maintains a private studio in Manhattan, West Hartford, Connecticut and Northport, New York.
SEIN OH, Instructor
B.M., University of North Texas
M.M., University of North Texas
Sein Oh is a creative, energetic, yet sentimental pianist as well as a composer and arranger. Sein has released her album “It’s Okay” in August, 2014. She was awarded 3rd place in the West Virginia University intersection of classical and jazz festival 2014 college jazz piano competition. She has toured with The Dave Alexander Orchestra, The Cold Front with billboard chart topping artist Kayla Waters and has performed in the Bruce Johnstone quartet. She has performed with many other great jazz musicians in the United States, Canada and South Korea.
In 2018 she started her position at Washing D.C’s preeminent music school, Levine School of Music where she taught jazz improvisation, music theory, jazz piano lessons, jazz combo, and group jazz piano classes. In the Fall of 2019 she has joined the faculty members at the Five Towns College in Dix Hills, NY.
In 2008, She was accepted to the University of North Texas jazz studies program as a jazz piano performance major. While in college, she performed in various UNT ensembles and studied with Michael Palma, Stefan Karlsson, and world renowned educator Dan Hearle. She graduated with her Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz studies in 2012 and continued on to receive her Master of Music in jazz studies in 2014.
JEBEDIAH PATTON, Assistant Professor, Jazz Piano*
B.A., Duke University
M.A., CUNY Queens College
Jeb Patton has toured throughout the United States and abroad with the Heath Brothers and with Jimmy Heath’s Generations Quintet, performing in theaters, festivals, concert halls, colleges, and clubs. Recent highlights include two performances with the WDR Bigband in Germany, a tour of France, Spain, Germany, and Switzerland with his quartet, a solo concert in Versaille, a tour of Mexico with his trio, and a solo/duo performance honoring Thelonious Monk as part of Monk@100 Duke Performances Series in North Carolina.
He has recorded and published a number of workbooks and transcriptions of comping by artists such as Horace Silver, Bill Evans, Herbie Hancock and Art Tatum. Career highlights also include performing at the Opening Nights of Jazz at Lincoln Center, Jimmy Heath’s 75th Birthday Celebration, October 2001 as well as at Jimmy Heath’s 90th Birthday Celebration, October 2016 at Jazz at Lincoln Center and the Kennedy Center.
ANDREW PEREA, Associate Professor, Strings*
B.Mus., Aaron Copland School of Music, Queens College
M.M., University of South Florida
D.M.A., University of Texas, at Austin
JOSEPH ROMANO, Assistant Professor, Woodwinds*
B.M., M.M., Manhattan School of Music
Joseph Romano received his Bachelors and Masters of Music Degrees from Manhattan School of Music. Studies include private lessons with Peter Simenauer, Joseph Allard, David Tofani, Charles Russo, Leonard Hindell, and Eddie Daniels. Recipient of MSM Scholarships and a member of the Dean’s List. Additional studies include Augustin Duques at The Julliard School and with Bob Mintzer. Also received New York State Permanent Public School Teacher Certification while at MSM.
Since 1986 has been a member of the faculty of Friends’ Academy as Band Director, Woodwind Instructor, and Jazz Ensemble Director. Since 2015 has been a faculty member of The Green Vale School as Woodwind Instructor. Prof. Romano co-led the Dowling Jazz Ensemble with Charles Sarling from 2014-16. He has performed at Carnegie Recital Hall, Town Hall, Symphony Space, On and Off Broadway Shows, Westbury Music Fair, Nassau Coliseum, The Tilles Center, recording sessions for CBS Records, The Rainbow Room Orchestra, the Mineola Choral Society, The Concert Pops, and Theater Three. Performances with Donna Summer, Nell Carter, the Annual Juvenile Diabetes Foundation Dinner hosted by Mary Tyler Moore and the Make A Wish Foundation which featured Tony Bennett, Lainie Kazan, and Mariah Carey.
TONY ROMANO, Assistant Professor, Guitar*
Mus.B., Five Towns College
M.A., CUNY Queens College
Guitarist, composer, and Centaur Recording Artist Tony Romano has been a visible part of the New York City music scene for over twenty years. Just Jazz Guitar magazine wrote “His tone is beautiful and soulful, and his remarkable technique is a servant to his rich musical imagination and broad harmonic palette.” With a wide range of playing styles, Tony has toured worldwide and performed and recorded with many notable Jazz, Latin, Pop, and Broadway artists, including Randy Brecker, Joe Locke, Michael Feinstein, Bill Warfield, Steve LaSpina, Joe Bataan, Dave Valentin, Candido Camero, Chembo Corniel, Yomo Toro, Joel Frahm, Thomas Chapin, Brit Woodman, Santi DeBriano, Paul Bollenback, Stanley Jordan, Debbie Gibson, Kat Gang, Alex Gemignani, and Chuck Cooper. Tony’s guitar work can be heard on all 52 episodes of the BBC series 3rd & Bird as well as the Discovery Channel miniseries Going, Going, Gone! He has also performed for NPR broadcasts, and has appeared on NBC’s The Today Show, Telemundo, and the ABC Morning Show. Tony is an adjunct Professor at Five Towns College, and has been a Teaching Artist for the Kupferberg Center at Queens College, as well as an instructor for the National Guitar Workshop. MA from the Aaron Copeland School of Music at Queens College, BM from Five Towns College.
JEFFREY SULTANOF, Assistant Professor
B.A., Queens College, City University of New York
M.A., Seton Hall University
Jeffrey Sultanof has had an eclectic career as a composer, arranger, conductor, historian, editor, author and teacher. He holds a B.A. degree from Queens College (CUNY) and an M.A. from Seton Hall University.
Sultanof worked at Warner Bros. Publications from 1977-1994 as an educational music editor, editor/arranger for ensembles large and small, and historian, preparing corrected editions of Gershwin, Porter and other legendary American composers. He worked with Burt Bachrach, Neal Hefti, Gordon Lightfoot and John Williams, arranging his “Liberty Fanfare” for Brass Quintet. He prepared facsimile editions of the orchestral music of George Gershwin, and edited “Arranged by Nelson Riddle,” an arranging text completed before Riddle’s death.
From 1994-2002, he was an editor and consultant with the Hal Leonard Corporation, where he worked as an editor and producer of recordings with Sonny Rollins, Ahmad Jamal, Andy Laverne and Gerry Mulligan, producing the last recordings of Mulligan as a baritone saxophonist. From 2002-2004, he was assistant professor of music at Five Towns College, arranging for and coaching singers, conducting the jazz ensemble, and teaching courses on the music business, music history, and film music on the Bachelor’s and Master’s degree levels. From 2013-2017, he was an instructor and administrative coordinator of the MEMP (Music and Entertainment Management and Production) program at the Institute of Audio Research in New York City.
He was one of the first editors who championed researched and corrected vintage big band, orchestral, and combo music for use by historians, educators and students. His most notable achievement in this area is a folio of the Miles Davis Nonet repertoire (The Birth of the Cool), published by Hal Leonard Corporation, and over 50 pieces composed and/or arranged by legendary Canadian composer Robert Farnon with the composer’s participation and approval. Sultanof has written many articles on music and film history; he was the only writer who contributed two articles to The Oxford Companion to Jazz (Oxford Univ. Press). In 2017, the book “Experiencing Big Band Jazz: A Listener’s Companion” was published by Roman & Littlefield to overwhelmingly positive reviews. It has been adopted as a required text at the University of North Texas. In 2019, he wrote the booklet notes for the Mosaic Box “The Complete Woody Herman Decca, Mars and M-G-M Sessions (1943-1954).”
As a composer, a Clarinet Concerto for Ken Peplowski and a Piano Concerto for Ted Rosenthal will be premiered in 2020, both with Jazz Ensemble accompaniment. As an arranger, Sultanof has written for Lynn Roberts, Ellen Gould, the Palm Beach Pops, and many other performers and ensembles. He has conducted student and professional symphonic orchestras, wind ensembles, and jazz ensembles all over the United States, and has lectured at Rutgers University, Queens College, George Washington University and The New School for Social Research.
MARK VERDINO, Assistant Professor, Electric, Acoustic, String Bass*
Mus.B., SUNY Potsdam
M.M., Manhattan School of Music
Mark is fluent on both acoustic bass and fretted and fretless electric bass. He is a sub on the Broadway show Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen, School of Rock, Jersey Boys, The Book of Mormon, Aladdin, Mean Girls, Waitress, Hello Dolly, Pretty Woman, Matilda, Miss Saigon, On Your Feet, Groundhog Day, Finding Neverland, Bandstand, The Great Comet, Fun Home, Gigi, Mary Poppins, Spring Awakening, Young Frankenstein, The Pirate Queen and Movin’ Out. Mark held the bass chair for the Jersey Boys 1st National Tour, Jersey Boys 2nd National Tour, Aladdin 1st National Tour and the Spring Awakening 1st national tour. He also subs in the Radio City Music Hall Orchestra and in the band for the Big Apple Circus. He plays in the corporate party/club date band LUXE. He played for 10 years in the acclaimed Dave Matthews Tribute Band Ants Marching, as well as the Billy Joel Tribute band Glass Houses. He has performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and The 55 Bar along others. Mark is endorsed by D’Addario stings, New York Bass Works basses.
DEANA VERONE, Assistant Professor, Voice *
B.A., Molloy College
M.A., Long Island University: C.W. Post
Deana Verone has been an adjunct professor of Vocal studies for over 10 years. As a well-known Mezzo-Soprano vocalist, she has performed at the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, NJPAC, and Hofstra University. She performed with Sal Valentinetti, Chris Macchio, and Jim Sergi. Ms. Verone’s performing career has taken her throughout the tristate area, as well as Pennsylvania and Florida.
When Ms. Verone is not performing she is a music educator for a local school district, and teaches Early Childhood Music Education and Beginner Piano at Nassau Community College. She holds an advanced certificate in Educational Leadership from Long Island University and graduated with the Music Achievement Award of Excellence. She has been a proud member of the Music National Honor Society and Delta Omicron.
Ms. Verone has worked as a music librarian/backstage assistant for many performing artists who include: Brian Stokes Mitchell, Idina Menzel, Nathan Gunn, Kelly O’Hara, Natalie Merchant, Linda Eder, Kristin Chenoweth, Johnny Mathis, and Frank Sinatra Jr.
JONATHAN WAXMAN, Adjunct Professor, Music History
B.M., Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development
M.A., Ph.D., New York University
Jonathan Waxman completed a Ph.D. in historical musicology at New York University with a dissertation titled “Prefacing Music in the Concert Hall: Composer Commentaries, Program Books, and the Conflict over Musical Meaning.” He has recently published an article in the journal Popular Music History which examined the influence of Ives’s music on the film scores and concert works of Bernard Herrmann. As Vice-President of the Greater New York City chapter of the American Musicological Society, Jonathan has supervised several scholarly conferences for the society, and has recently given papers on concert program books at the national meetings of the Society for American Music, and the American Musicological Society.
YUKI YAMAGUCHI, Instructor
B.M., Tokyo College of Music Conservatory
Mus.M., Five Towns College
* Private Instruction Music Faculty
|
Private Instruction Faculty
|
| Bass |
Guitar |
Strings |
| David Lobenstein |
Steve Briody |
Andrew Perea |
| Mark Verdino |
William Farrish |
Dzhuneyt Mustafa |
| |
Tom Guarna |
Rebecca Perea |
| Brass |
John Kelly |
|
| Michael Blutman |
Tony Romano |
Woodwind |
| Ryan Hayward |
|
Scott Litroff |
| Eric Miller |
Percussion |
Joseph Romano |
| David Pennise |
Frank Bellucci |
|
| |
Bryan Carrott |
Voice |
| Composition |
Christopher Tibaldi |
Kristi Adams |
| Steve Briody |
|
Kenneth Friese |
| Masatora Goya |
Piano |
David Gomez |
| Tony Romano |
Scott Ballin |
Kelly Horsted |
| |
Andrea Lodge |
Audra Moricca |
| |
Jeb Patton |
Deanna Verone |
| |
Sein Oh |
|
| |
Yuki Yamaguchi |
|
Music Education Faculty
MARGARET THIELE, Professor
Music Education Department Chair
B.M.Ed., Ohio State University
M.A., Eastern Michigan University
D.M.A., Boston University
Dr. Margaret Thiele recently joined the faculty at Five Towns College as the Music Education Department Chair. Dr. Thiele holds degrees from The Ohio State University (BME), Eastern Michigan University (MA), and Boston University (DMA). She previously taught at Heidelberg University and Eastern Michigan University. Dr. Thiele’s specialty is Elementary General music having taught elementary general music and choir in the Dexter Community Schools in Dexter, MI for many years.
Dr. Thiele has presented research in Utah, Virginia, Nebraska, Florida, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Published articles have appeared in TI:ME, the FMEA Research Perspectives in Music Education, and the OMEA Triad. Her research interests include music development and cognition, and the impact of public policy on music education. Professional affiliations include the American Orff-Schulwerk Association and NAfME. A mother of four and grandmother of six she enjoys biking, hiking and traveling with her family.
JENNIFER DARDZINSKI, Associate Professor
Assistant Dean of Instructors
A.A., Nassau Community College
B.A., Hofstra University
M.S., Ph.D., St. John’s University
WILLIAM FORTGANG, Associate Professor
B.A., M.S., P.D., Long Island University
Professor Fortgang has been an educator for over 40 years. Throughout his career, he has taught public school instrumental music at the elementary and middle school levels and was a Supervisor of Fine Arts. He also served as a Junior-Senior High School principal for 21 years.
At Five Towns College Professor Fortgang teaches at the undergraduate and graduate levels and is responsible for placing and supervising our student teachers. He also supervises our Education faculty members and is responsible for coordinating the NCATE/CAEP (National Council for Accreditation for Teacher Education/Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation) accreditation process for our Education Division.
Professor Fortgang is a former President of the Nassau County Music Educators Association and is currently the Executive Director of Nassau NYSCAME (New York State Council of Administrators of Music Education). He holds New York State Permanent Certifications in Music K-12, School Administration and Supervision (SAS) and School District Administration (SDA). Professor Fortgang is an active member of the Suffolk County Music Educators Association, Nassau County Music Educators Association, New York State School Music Association and NAfME (National Association for Music Education).
DAVID GOMEZ, Assistant Professor
Director of Choral Activities
B.A., M.A., Queens College
David Gomez has directed choirs and orchestras at the professional, community, sacred, collegiate, and school levels to notable success in concert and competition. Some of his prominent posts included Artistic Director of the Brooklyn Borough-Wide Chorus, the New York City All-City Choir, and the Stamford Chorale. David was a member of the choral conducting department at the Summer Arts Institute of New York City and Music Minister at the historic First Congregational Church of Stamford.
His career has offered him experience in leading top-notch New York and Connecticut music programs to award-winning accomplishments. David regularly guides future teachers in collaboration with university music education programs and is a choral curriculum consultant for the Weill Music Institute at Carnegie Hall. David’s strong understanding of music theory has allowed him to serve as Director of Music Theory at the Brooklyn-Queens Conservatory of Music and lead several Advanced Placement® music theory programs.
Adjunct Education Faculty
MICHAEL CANIPE, Instructor
B.S., East Carolina University
M.M., Cleveland Institute of Music
TIMOTHY KELLY, Associate Professor
A.A.S., Hocking College
B.S., M.S., Ed.D., Dowling College
ANGELINA LIBARDI, Associate Professor, Science
B.S., M.S., Adelphi University
MELANIE MELUSA WINK, Instructor
B.M., University of Delaware
M.M., Five Towns College
Melanie Malusa Wink is a graduate of the University of Delaware and Five Towns College. She is currently the high school band director at Mattituck High School where she teaches band, music theory, jazz band, pep band, pit orchestra, and marching band. Primarily a horn player, Melanie has worked with marching bands and pit orchestras across Long Island.
LAURA MOLE, Instructor
B.A., M.A., Queens College
Theatre Arts Faculty
DAVID KRASNER, Professor
Theatre Arts Division Chair
B.F.A., Carnegie Mellon University
M.F.A., Virginia Commonwealth University
Ph.D., TUFTS University
David Krasner, Ph. D., Chair of Theatre at Five Towns College, has taught acting, directing, and theatre history for over 40 years. He received his doctorate in drama from Tufts University. He is the published author of 11 books and over 3 dozen articles on acting, modern drama, African American theatre, theatre and philosophy, and dramatic theory and criticism. He twice received the Errol Hill Award from the American Society for Theatre Research for the best work on African American Theatre, and received the 2008 Betty Jean Jones Award from the American Theatre and Drama Society as the best teacher of American drama. His students have won Tony, Emmy, and Obie Awards, and he is considered one of the world’s leading authorities on Stanislavsky Studies, acting, African American theatre history, and modern drama. He serves on the advisory/editorial boards of Stanislavsky Studies, Theatre Journal, and African American Review. He was formerly the Dean of the School of the Arts at Dean College in Franklin MA; Head of the BFA Acting Program at Emerson College; Director of Undergraduate Theatre Studies at Yale University; and Head of the MFA Graduate Directing Program at Southern Illinois University. For nine years he taught acting, voice, speech, and movement at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in NY.
HALI BEKOFSKY, Assistant Professor
B.F.A., The University of the Arts
M.A., Stony Brook University
MICHAEL KAUFFMAN, Assistant Professor
Theatre Technology Director
B.A., Bard College
Michael Kauffman is a designer, technician, and production manager who has worked countless productions at a myriad of New York venues. After initially training at Bard College, Michael went on to work professionally at The Fisher Center for The Performing Arts, The Tilles Center, Adelphi University Performing Arts Center, The Landmark on Main Street, The John W. Engeman Theatre, and others. Michael has also spent several years in the live event technologies industry, working with local specialists such as Bestek Lighting and Staging, Shadowbox Design Management, and Luminous Designs. Michael most recently has served as the Technical Director and Production manager of the nearby Argyle Theatre, where he has worked since its inception, and is delighted to now be a part of the stellar Theatre Arts faculty at Five Towns College.
RON LAND, Assistant Professor, Voice *
B.Mus., Music, University of the Arts
M.M., Temple University
Mr. Land has enjoyed a career in both opera and musical theater, serving as both performer (musical theater) and musical director/coach. Among the companies he has worked for include: Opera New Jersey (9 seasons), Martina Arroyo’s Prelude to Performance, New York City Opera, Utah Festival Opera, Des Moines Metro Opera, Augusta Opera, Atlanta Opera, International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival, the McCarter Theater, Shawnee on the Delaware, Bucks County Playhouse, the Shubert Theater (Philadelphia) and the Walnut Street Theater. In addition to teaching, he is also a published author, and has served as casting director for multiple international tours of Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess.
Adjunct Theatre Arts Faculty
NIKKI CHAWLA, Instructor
B.A., Queens College
M.F.A., Pace University
M.S., LIU Post
Nikki Chawla (SAG, EQUITY) is an actor, acting teacher, standup comedian, and model. She began her acting career studying with Gene Lasko and Elizabeth Kemp. She has trained with well renowned teachers of RADA, Malcolm McKay and Cecily Berry of The Royal Shakespeare Company. Her TV & Film credits include: Hiraeth, the series (Amazonprime), Fresh Blood (Amazonprime, Nominated for the Best Supporting Actress), Saturday Night Live skits, Brown Nation, Redrum (Investigation Discovery ID), I Don’t Like You With Me (NYU), Unfreedom (Portland film festival & Chelsea Film Festival), The Distance Between Us (Greater Washington Immigration film festival), and Refugee (Big Apple film festival). Theatre credits include: A View from Versova, For Our Own (Planet Connections Festival), The Graduate (Actors Studio Drama School), Where Children Play (Berkshire Fringe Festival), Vagina Monologues (V-day Union City), Long Day’s Journey into Night, The Color of Vengeance and Romeo & Juliet. She also has performed in the Shakespeare play, The Tragedy of Richard the Third at Stratford upon Avon & Bosworth, England as well as NY. Her first short film that she directed and produced called “Baby” was selected for the Sikh International Film Festival and premiered at The Paley Center of Media in NYC.
JEREMIAH DUDE, Instructor
B.A., Dean College
FRANCESCA FERRARA, Instructor
B.A., Catholic University of America
JAMIE GANNON, Instructor
B.A., Pennsylvania State University
JESS GERSZ, Instructor
B.A., University of Albany
M.F.A., University of Illinois
As a Freelance Designer and Associate: Jess has had the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects. From strip shows to theme parks, Jess is always looking for new adventures in costuming. You can see projects of his Off-Broadway, on Tour, and in various Theatres around NYC. Jess is a proud member of USA-829.
TIMOTHY GOLEBIEWSKI, Instructor
B.A., M.A., University of Pittsburgh
M.F.A., University of Connecticut
ALEXA GREEN, Instructor
B.F.A., University of Cincinnati
JARED HERSHKOWITZ, Associate Professor
B.A., State University of New York at Albany
M.S., New York Institute of Technology
Professional actor, director, producer, and educator with more than fifty years of experience in professional and educational theatre. He has appeared on and off Broadway and in many regional productions. He has acted with Jason Robards, Sandy Dennis, Richard Mulligan, Billy Crystal, William Hickey, William Daniels, Gene Saks, and many other notable actors. He has studied directing with Jarka Burian, Paul-Bruce Pettite, and Herb Costin and acting with James Leonard, Robert Lewis and Richard Mulligan. He has produced plays, musicals, readings, and award shows in New York City
SHERRY KFARE, Assistant Professor
B.A., Pace University
M.A., Brooklyn College
Professional costume designer at the Stage Theater Company. Her shows include: Amadeus, Anything Goes, Oliver, South Pacific, Music Man, Working, Fiddler on the Roof, Godspell, The Man Who Came To Dinner, and The Three Sisters. Experienced theater arts and speech teacher involved in all aspects of stage management and director of theater programs at all grade levels. Member of the New York State Theatre Educators Association.
VANESSA LEUCK, Instructor
B.F.A., Savannah College of Art and Design
M.F.A., Virginia Commonwealth University
Vanessa Leuck is a New York City-based costume designer who enjoys the art of collaborative storytelling. With a career spanning over fifteen years, she is an expert in her field and specializes in creating original works, especially musical productions. Some favorite designs include: Emojiland (The Duke on 42nd Street) the show was a New York Times Critics pick, and nominated for an Off-Broadway Alliance Award for Best New Musical 2019-20, DISNEY ON ICE Let’s Celebrate! (International Tour), Midnight at the Never Get (The York) nominated for Outstanding New Musical awards by Lucille Lortel, Off-Broadway Alliance and Outer Critics Circle in 2018, and Disenchanted! (Westside Theatre) which received a 2015 Outer Critics Circle nomination for Outstanding New Off-Broadway Musical and her designs earned an American Theater Wing Henry Hewes Costume Design Award nomination. Ms. Leuck is also a makeup designer and stylist, who designs extensively for plays, dance, concerts and events including several benefit productions for Broadway Cares Equity Fights AIDS and was a select designer invited to participate in the Lincoln Center Theater Directors Lab 2013. Ms. Leuck was chosen for an exclusive internship with Walt Disney World as a sketch artist and designer for its theme parks and resorts 2003-2004. In addition to her design work she has assisted on several large-scale productions including The Little Mermaid (Broadway), Ringling Brothers Barnum And Bailey Circus (five productions), Disney Live, and Disney On Ice. She is a proud member of United Scenic Artists 829.
JONAH PIALI, Voice Instructor
B.M., M.M., SUNY Potsdam
DAVID ORLANDO, Instructor
B.F.A., Boston University
DANIEL RENKIN, Instructor
B.A., Indiana University
LISA STRUM, Instructor
B.A., Albright College
M.F.A., University of Washington
Lisa an educator, actress, playwright, producer, casting director, director, and singer. She has performed in regional theatres all across the country. She directed For Colored Girls at Five Towns College in Long Island, FALL for the Marathon 2019 One Act Play Festival with Ensemble Studio Theatre and starred as Rose in FENCES with the REP at The University of Delaware. Lisa also starred in the Michigan Premiere of Dominique Morisseu’s PIPELINE at the Detroit Public Theatre, and SWEAT at People’s Light. Her solo play, She Gon’ Learn premiered at the Emerging Artist Theatre Festival at TADA!, followed by sold out performances at the United Solo Festival on Theatre Row in NYC where the play received one of the festival’s Best Solo Show Awards. Other She Gon’ Learn performances include: The Obie Award Winning Fire This Time Festival; The National Black Theatre; The New Black Fest at The Lark Play Development Center; The Roselle Center for the Arts at University of Delaware, a workshop production at The Jersey City Theatre Center in New Jersey, and the headlining show for the inaugural Alumni Theatre Event at Albright College.
As an actor, Lisa has worked at Lincoln Center Theatre with the Tony Award winning director of Hamilton, Thomas Kail, appeared at Summer Stage, Signature Theatre, New Federal Theatre, Intiman Theatre, The Obie Award Winning 48 Hours in Harlem, ACT and The Fifth Avenue Theatre in Seattle. Lisa has also had a recurring role on Law & Order: SVU and co-stared in the television pilot Citizen Baines with James Cromwell from Babe and LA Confidential. As an educational consultant, she has conducted numerous artist and professional development workshops in public schools, colleges and universities all over the country. Lisa is a staff facilitator at Columbia University for The Literacy Unbound Summer Institute and was the Theatre Specialist for the Abrons Arts Center, Barbara L. Tate Summer Arts Program at the historic Henry Street Settlement for nine seasons. Lisa was a Finalist for the Doric Wilson Independent Playwright Award, was the recipient of the Playwrights Initiative Fellowship at the Djerassi Resident Artists Program, was nominated for a New York Innovative Theatre Award for Best Outstanding Actress in a Play, and received a Broadway World Award for Best actress in the Regional production of FENCES.
KELLEY SWEENEY, Instructor
B.S., State University of New York at New Paltz
M.F.A., State University of New York at Stony Brook
ROBERT VIAGAS, Instructor
B.A., Hofstra University
M.A., Hunter College
| Theatre Private Instruction Faculty |
| Voice |
| Jennifer Barsamian |
| Ronald Land |
| Andrea Martin |
| Jonah Piali |
| Faculty by Division/Department |
| Division/Department |
Full Time |
Adjunct |
Total |
| Audio Recording Technology |
3 |
4 |
7 |
| Business |
6 |
18 |
24 |
| Education |
3 |
5 |
8 |
| Film/Video |
3 |
12 |
15 |
| Integrative Computer Graphics |
4 |
6 |
10 |
| Liberal Arts and Science |
4 |
14 |
18 |
| Mass Communication |
2 |
10 |
12 |
| Music |
3 |
29 |
32 |
| Theatre Arts |
4 |
15 |
19 |
| Totals |
32 |
113 |
145 |
|
