Dr. Kristin Tjornehoj is a professor of music at the University of Wisconsin - River Falls and teaches music education, instrumental conducting, instrumental literature, music appreciation and world music online. She conducts the Symphonic Wind Band, St. Croix Valley Symphony Orchestra and St. Croix Valley Community Band. Dr. Tjornehoj holds a Ph.D. in music education and a M.M. from the University of Minnesota, and a B.M. degree in music education and performance from Luther College, Decorah, Iowa. ​ Dr. Tjornehoj is active as a musician, conductor, educator and speaker. She maintains a musical life including conducting in both professional and educational settings. Dr. Tjornehoj is also dedicated to the creation of new compositions and is a participating member in several professional scholarly, music and community organizations. ​Dr. Tjornehoj is dedicated to using the gifts she has been blessed with as tools to enhance people’s lives. Her pursuit is to use education as the path...and music as the inspirational venue. Her passions include building community through music, cultural exchange, personal development and traveling.

Dr. Frank A. Watkins is an Associate Professor of Music and Director of Choral Studies at the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire. A native of Omaha Nebraska, Watkins taught secondary choral music in Texas for six years. He holds degrees in piano performance from Jackson State University (BM), the University of Arkansas (MM), and choral conducting from Northwestern University (MM) and Michigan State University (DMA). Watkins is in demand as guest conductor and clinician. In 2016, he was appointed Conductor and Music Director of the Eau Claire Chamber Orchestra. Watkins' research interests include the intersectionality of race, class, and gender in the music of African-American Women in the 21st century. Watkins joined the faculty of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in 2014. A dynamic young conductor, Watkins’ love and passion are teaching. He believes that in order to educate, you must first inspire! It is his goal to make an impact…not just an impression on the lives of those that follow his baton.

Mark Dupere is Assistant Professor of Music at Lawrence University Conservatory of Music, where he is the Director of Orchestral Studies. A native of Arizona, he studied cello with Phyllis Young at the University of Texas at Austin before moving to the Netherlands to complete his cello studies with Jaap ter Linden at the Royal Conservatoire in The Hague. Dupere specialized in Baroque cello and performance practice of the Romantic era. He completed his Doctorate in Orchestral Conducting at Michigan State University with Kevin Noe. As a cellist, Dupere has performed with many groups throughout Europe and in major European concert halls. Dupere has performed on BBC Radio and Arte TV and has made numerous recordings. After many years of performing as a professional cellist, Dupere decided to pursue his great passion for conducting and directing. Apart from conducting the Lawrence University Orchestras, he conducts Philharmonie Austin, a period instrument ensemble exploring Baroque, Classical and Romantic music. ​ Dupere is a passionate educator and hopes to impart a love of music-making and active engagement with audiences in the performance of music from all periods.