Meet The Teachers

Sheila Nevius (Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute, Summer Courses)

Sheila Nevius is an Army veteran of 21 years. She served 13 years with The United States Army Field Band from Washington, D.C., and 8 years with the 257th Army Band from Washington, D.C. In each band Sheila was a featured soloist, saxophone section leader, clinician, and recitalist. Prior to the military, she earned a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Massachusetts and a Master of Music in saxophone performance from the University of Illinois.

Sheila taught instrumental music at Liberty Christian School, in Owings Mills, MD from 2008 to 2017. She left that position to focus on teaching saxophone, clarinet, and flute, in a private setting and to perform tenor saxophone with the Cornerstone Saxophone Quartet. The Quartet performs extensively throughout the greater Baltimore, D.C., and Virginia area. In addition, Sheila has been a saxophone instructor at Goucher College and the University of Maryland Baltimore County. Sheila brings a unique perspective to her teaching methods from her experience performing professionally for the American public in all fifty states for over 20 years. In addition, her experience teaching instrumental music in a school setting, and teaching woodwinds privately for over 30 years, allows her to get the student to achieve a prominent level of success. Many of her students have won auditions into the all-county bands in both Howard and Carroll County. Several of her students have also been accepted into major music schools in the country.

Sheila is passionate about teaching and excited to share her love of music at The Band Shoppe in Sykesville. She enjoys all styles of music and is comfortable teaching any type of music from classical to jazz to students all ages.

Anthony Carlucci (Flute, Saxophone, Clarinet, Oboe & Voice)

Anthony Carlucci, known professionally as Tony C, embarked on his musical journey at the age of 8 on the vibrant island of Key West, Florida. His passion for performance ignited early, with his first professional gig at just 12 years old, sharing the stage with none other than the legendary Jimmy Buffett. From that unforgettable moment, the stage became Tony’s true home, and his love for music began spanning across every genre and style he could find.

Tony’s musical education began in earnest at Daytona State College, where he majored in Woodwind Instruments, progressing in Flute, Saxophone, Clarinet, and Oboe. His pursuit of excellence continued as he transferred to Miami-Dade College and ultimately to the University of Miami, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Music Business. His time at Miami was pivotal, introducing him to his guiding principle in music: “Find your sound, find yourself.” It was here that Tony immersed himself in the teachings of legendary masters, honing his ability to express himself through an array of instruments and styles.

After leaving Miami, Tony further refined his craft by studying with New Orleans musician Bee Benoit, focusing on mastering vocals across a range of styles—from opera and jazz to pop, alternative rock, and voice acting.

Now based in Westminster, MD, Tony is a proud husband and father of three. He continues to perform regularly across the mid-Atlantic region, gracing stages with multiple bands and ensembles, sharing his passion and enthusiasm for music.

Brian Baernstein (Guitar & Bass)

Brian Baernstein Born in, and raised around Baltimore, I’ve been a working musician for over thirty years. I attended Randallstown High and North Carolina State University. In my 20’s, I spent most of my time touring the eastern half of the country in various bands. And since have played in every imaginable configuration of stage, from Acoustic Duo to Big Band. I’ve played in tribute acts for Metallica, Journey and the Black Crowes. When I wasn’t on the road, I made my living as a private lesson teacher. I was also an owner and teacher at JAMS Music Store in Eldersburg in the not so distant past. Though I recently took a few years off from teaching to focus on my recording studio, I am so excited to be back at The Band Shoppe.  It feels like coming home. As always, I endeavor to teach students the music they want to learn, as well as showing them new music and musical ideas. I can currently be seen around the region with The New Monopoly, an amazing, top-shelf, 8-piece show band. 

Ben Nevius (Guitar, Ukuele)

Ben is a very talented guitarist with a great personality. He loves Jazz music along with a viarity of other generas and is very profficent in music theory. Stay tuned for the full bio!

Megan (Meg) Bradshaw (Violin, Viola & Chamber Group)

Megan Bradshaw, a Baltimore based violinist and educator, began her violin studies at the age of 7 with Irina Briskin and later with late BSO violinist John Merrill.

While pursuing a BA at UMBC, Megan studied with Dr. Airi Yoshioka, performed in the UMBC symphony orchestra, various string ensembles, recitals, and masterclasses-most recently for Daniel Heifetz. In the summer of 2018, Meg participated in Festival Baltimore, where her quartet performed Tchaikovsky’s 2nd String Quartet.

In addition to her private studio, Megan has been on the string faculty at the Friends School of Baltimore since 2016. Many of Megan’s students have been accepted into the Baltimore Symphony Youth Orchestra, participate in concerto competitions, and regularly make 1st chair in their school orchestras.

Passionate about violin and music, Megan’s teaching philosophy centers around helping each student reach their fullest potential through hard work and finding inspiration in all areas of art.

Aside from teaching, Megan enjoys performing solo recitals, freelancing in the Baltimore area, and spending time with her husband, daughter, and cat.

Michael Bradshaw (Cello, Violin, Viola, Piano & Chamber Group)

Michael Bradshaw, a Baltimore based cellist and educator, began his cello studies at the age of 6. Over the years his primary teachers have included Barbara Van Patten, Amy Frost-Baumgarten, and Gita Ladd. As a cello performance major at UMBC, Michael served as principal cellist of the UMBC symphony, and was a two time winner of the concerto competition performing the Schumann cello concerto and the final movement of Elgar cello concerto with the orchestra.

Michael has attended Eastern Music Festival in Greensboro North Carolina, Endless Mountain Music Festival in Mansfield Pennsylvania, Festival Baltimore, and Orfeo Music Festival in Vipitino/Sterzing Italy. While at these festivals and as a student, Michael had the opportunity to perform for preeminent musicians including Lynn Harrell, Midori, Asiya Korepanova, Gerard Schwarz, members of the Dover string quartet, American Brass Quintet, Canadian Brass, and Trio des Alpes.

For almost a decade, Michael has performed solo, chamber, and orchestral music across the country as well as in Europe. Locally, he has appeared with the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra and with local artists including members of the UMBC faculty, and members of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and Baltimore Chamber Orchestra. In addition to performing and freelancing, Michael is a dedicated educator teaching cello, as well as violin, viola, and piano, believing that a solid technical foundation and well rounded understanding and application of theory are paramount in musical and personal development.

Andrew Utz (Cello & Bass)

Andrew Utz has been involved with music since the age of five where he sang in children’s choirs. By age 10, he began his instrumental musical journey with the string bass. After graduating and receiving his B.S. in Music Education from Towson University, Andrew began teaching instrumental music in Anne Arundel County Public Schools. In his spare time, Andrew enjoys playing the cello for fun as well as continuing his study of the bass to perform with community orchestra’s in the Baltimore area. He looks forward to sharing a passion for bass and cello with students!

Paul Onheiser (Piano, Blues [Cross Harp] Harmonica, Music Theory, Improvisation & Rock, Blues & Jazz Combo Courses)

“ii-V-I’s are everywhere” is what Paul would say! You may even be able to call it his philosophy of music. Paul is a lifelong pianist and took private lessons at the age of 6. In late middle school Paul developed a love for Blues which traveled with him through High School into Early College.

Paul attended both Carroll Community and McDaniel college, where he studied music theory, composition, and Jazz theory. During his time at McDaniel, Paul took private lessons from Eric Byrd, a prominent local Jazz musician. Paul now enjoys a lot of varieties of music, from Neo-Soul to EDM, Jazz, Fusion, Hard Rock, Anime Soundtracks, Blues & more. Paul is an active musician locally.

Paul loves to share his knowledge of music theory with those willing to learn. He has a great ear and is able to hear songs and analyze the chord progressions, which makes him a great candidate for students to share and learn music with. Paul also offers Jazz theory and improvisation training for piano and non-piano students. Paul is currently accepting late beginner/early intermediate students; feel free to reach out to us to talk about his availability!

Julian Schoming (Piano & Drums)

Julian Schoming is a multi-instrumental composer, songwriter, and producer from Manchester, MD. With a great passion for music and culture, he draws inspiration from the innumerable musical traditions of the world. Julian has had an adoration for music since he began playing piano at the age of 4. Over the years he gained experience performing with ensembles such as full orchestras, chamber groups, jazz bands, choirs, rock groups, pop groups, percussion ensembles, and many more.

In 2019 he graduated magna cum laude from The Berklee College of Music where he received a Bachelor’s of Music in Contemporary Writing and Production, and in 2020 he graduated with distinction from The University of Westminster in London where he received a Master’s of Arts in audio production.

Julian’s method to learning music is a holistic one, approaching concepts from many angles to better understand and integrate musical concepts into one’s daily life.

Brandon Davie (Drums)

Brandon Davie is a freelance drummer and percussionist based in Maryland. Originally from the Pittsburgh area, he started taking drum lessons as a young child. He has toured with local bands along the east coast for the past several years.

Brandon is the former drumline instructor and technician for the Westminster High School Marching Band. He is studying General Music Education at Carroll Community College. His primary style of playing is rooted in jazz and funk, however, he is comfortable teaching all styles of music to percussionists at any skill level or age.

Ian Hoke (Piano)

Ian Hoke is a pianist, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter from Westminster Maryland. Having studied classical piano since the age of six, as well as growing up in a very musically inclined household (his grandfather is a professional jazz pianist, his mother is trained in piano and is father trained in voice) music has always been a foundational element of his day to day life. 

Ian graduated with Magna Cum Laude honors from Carroll Community College with an associates degree in fine arts with a music focus in 2021 studying piano under Dr. David Kreider, and plans to complete his 4 year degree in the coming years. He is currently working as the director of music at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Spring Grove, PA, and enjoys teaching piano privately in his spare time. 

Armed with a passionate love of listening, writing and performing, Ian hopes to bring a wide array of musical vocabulary and style to anyone who shares a desire to deepen their own personal connection with music.

Paul Morales (Bass, Guitar, Theory, Banjo)

Paul’s lifelong interest in playing music began in grade four with the trumpet, which he played until grade 9, where he also learned to play French horn. He decided to pursue his true passion and learn to play the bass in the Westminster High School jazz ensemble, wind ensemble, and even a year of marching band. He continued playing bass at Carroll Community College, where he branched out into all forms of music ranging from ska and rock to smaller jazz combo groups, all of which performed at various venues in the Westminster/D.C, and Baltimore areas. 

In addition to Carroll Community, Paul later attended McDaniel colleges,where he continued his music education and bass instruction under the tutelage of the late Steven “Bo” Eckard. During this time Paul was employed as a musical talent/actor in “Pump Boys and Dinettes” for a Theater on The Hill production. Paul continues to participate in the music community here in Maryland, and is actively playing live music along with being involved in other musical endeavors. Paul loves teaching and talking music, and is very well versed in music theory and its application. He enjoys instilling knowledge to his students, and his relaxed and approachable persona makes him a fantastic instructor! 

Amber Bates (Voice)

  

Amber began singing in church at the young age of 3, and has continued learning and perfecting her singing and musical skills ever since.  Throughout her childhood and teenage years, Amber took many vocal lessons, participated in school musicals and revues, and served on and even led praise bands in her church.    

Amber went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in church music from Emmanuel College and a master’s degree in vocal performance from Towson University.  She graduated from both institutions with honors after performing a challenging and diverse voice recital at each.  

Amber has served the past thirteen years as the music director at her church, leading a praise band each week and an adult and children’s choir at special events. She has taught formal, private voice lessons for the past three years and has enjoyed connecting with her students and helping them reach their goals. She also writes original music for use in congregational worship as a hobby.  Amber is passionate about performing and musical theatre, and recently played Anastasia in Glyndon Area Player’s production of Anastasia.  

This training, performance, and teaching experience has allowed Amber to refine her craft and teach a variety of students with different styles of music, including classical music, jazz, pop, country, musical theater, gospel, etc.  It is her desire to serve people with the beauty of music as well as provide others with an opportunity to do the same.  She loves to help people become better musicians, build their confidence in singing and performing, and discover their passion.  Being classically trained, Amber’s teaching is grounded in good, healthy vocal technique and sound musicianship.  But her approach is to help you reach your specific goals, whether that is to begin to learn how to sing, audition for a role, practice for a solo performance, gain some confidence, or just have fun with your friends at karaoke.  She is excited to begin to work with you at any age or level!  

Kyle Reitz (Guitar)

Kyle Reitz is a Baltimore based musician who began playing at the age of 14. After graduating from Franklin High School, he ventured out to Hollywood, CA to study music at Musicians Institute. 

Upon returning to Maryland, Kyle started working in the field and has been involved in several projects including an original project with which he recorded 5 studio albums. These days, he is active in the local cover band community and can be frequently found gigging in the greater Baltimore area. When he isn’t gigging, Kyle can be found in his practice room or attending a local show.

With 17 years of playing, much of it spent recording, gigging, and teaching, Kyle brings plenty of experience and knowledge to the table. Focusing primarily on rock, jazz, and fusion techniques, he is ready and excited to get students started on their musical journey!

Keith Surbrook (Drums)

Keith Surbrook is a freelance drummer and multi-instrumentalist based in the Carroll County area. Initially starting with the double bass in 3rd grade orchestra, he quickly hopped onto percussion when the opportunity presented itself. And whilst consistently staying in music programs within school, Keith would be starting bands outside of school as well. After graduating from South Carroll High School, Keith would stay in music however he could. From playing and performing with local churches and bands, to recording an album, and even running live sound for his dads band. After developing teaching experience as a substitute drum instructor for over a year, Keith is ready to take on student’s of his own and share his passion for his instrument and music.

Elsie McKenzie (Violin)

Elsie McKenzie is born and raised in Carroll County Maryland where she started her music journey at 6 years old, playing the violin. In her involvement with the Carroll County Strings Project, Elsie achieved numerous awards and performed in countless recitals as a soloist and ensemble member. While strengthening skills and progressing as a young violinist with the Strings Project, she furthered her music journey in the Carroll County Public School system from 4th grade to her Senior year in high school.

Throughout the years, Elsie has performed in orchestra concerts, quartets, and as a soloist. During her time in grade school and beyond, she took every opportunity to further her skills to the next level of precision. Between competing in the Carroll County and State Solo & Ensemble achieving several high honors, being accepted into the All-County Orchestra from 6th grade through 12th grade, and performing with the Westminster Symphony Orchestra, Elsie follows her passion for music and sharing that passion with others. Elsie specializes in teaching the violin and foundational skills for viola. 

With the philosophy that every day is a performance and practice makes progress, Elsie values fostering a supportive learning environment where passion meets motivation to learn and grow through the joy of music. 

Aside from music, Elsie enjoys spending time on her family’s farm. She is a strong advocate for agriculture and has been involved in multiple agriculture organizations sharing her love of the agricultural industry with others. 

“Music is a world within itself, with a language we all understand.” – Stevie Wonder

Jay Fenner (Saxophone Clarinet and Flute)

Jay’s connection with music is rooted in the CD’s and cassettes he’d hear during his childhood, with the music of Little Feat, Paul Simon, and Billy Joel being some of his earliest memories. After years of playing the piano, he switched over to the saxophone as his primary instrument and began to turn his attention towards the music of jazz, punk, and ska.

Playing in various rock and funk bands throughout high school, his proficiency with the saxophone (as well as guitar, bass, and piano) expanded his musicianship and allowed him to openly explore his capacity and understanding of music. With experience in all-state ensembles, marching bands, and solo performances, Jay was able to continue his studies at James Madison University under David Pope, as well UMBC with Matt Belzer. He later graduated from UMBC with a bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies.

Jay established himself in the Baltimore and D.C area with his work and recordings in Brunswick, Curbside at Midnight, and Shamboogi as well as touring act The Harbor Boys opening up for Ballyhoo! and Kyle Smith. Jay maintains his lifelong connection with music through his performances, compositions, and studies.

Tionne Blackwell (Low Brass)

Tionne is a dedicated tubist and brass educator with nearly a decade of performance, teaching, and leadership experience across classical, jazz, and contemporary styles. Passionate about arts education and cultivating musical excellence, he is committed to helping students build strong fundamentals, confidence, and a lifelong love for music.

He is currently pursuing his Bachelor of Music at Morgan State University’s School of Fine and Performing Arts, with a Concentration in Performance and Music Education. He will graduate in May 2026, bringing both academic training and extensive practical experience to his teaching.

Tione serves as an Undergraduate Teaching Assistant and Tuba Coach at Morgan State University (2024–Present), providing individual and group instruction to low brass students. He assists faculty with lesson planning, ensemble rehearsals, student evaluations, and leads guided practice sessions to support ensemble growth and peer learning.

As a Private Lesson Instructor (2023–Present), he teaches university-level brass students in tone production, reading, musicality, and performance skills. His lessons are tailored to each student’s goals across classical, jazz, and contemporary genres, encouraging artistic confidence and strong practice habits.

From 2022–2024, Tione served as a Section Leader and Student Conductor for the Morgan State University Marching Band, mentoring new members, facilitating rehearsals, and ensuring musical precision. He conducted rehearsals and performances under faculty supervision, further developing his ensemble leadership and conducting skills.

Tionne teaches tuba, euphonium, baritone, trombone, and other brass instruments, guiding students from their very first notes through advanced performance. His teaching style blends solid technical development with fun, engaging, and expressive musicianship—making every lesson both productive and inspiring.

Whether coaching beginners or advanced performers, Tionne’s mission is to help each student discover their voice, grow their skills, and experience the joy of making music.

Devon Allen (Trumpet)

Devon Allen is a classically trained trumpet player whose foundation was built through immersive study and performance across the United States and the United Kingdom. He earned his Bachelor’s in Performance with honours (2:1) from the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, England, where he studied with musicians from the Hallé Orchestra, BBC Philharmonic, and Manchester Camerata. During his time at RNCM, he performed with leading ensembles including His Majesty’s Royal Marine Band of Scotland and the Royal Air Force, refining his artistry at a professional level.

Before studying abroad, Devon attended Shenandoah Conservatory from 2020–2022, maintaining a 3.8 GPA and developing a strong foundation in trumpet performance through lessons, ensembles, and coursework in music theory, conducting, and music history. His artistic journey began at Interlochen Arts Academy, where he completed his final year of high school with a 3.6 GPA, performing in orchestra, wind ensemble, and multiple brass chamber groups, including a tour to the New World Center in 2020.

Devon’s performance experience also includes early orchestral and jazz highlights. He served as principal trumpet with the South Hills Junior Orchestra in both 2017 and 2018 and performed with the Twin Coaches Junior Stage Band, expanding his musicianship into the jazz idiom. His professional musical theatre work began with Shenandoah Summer Musical Theatre’s production of 42nd Street in 2022, followed by his role as principal trumpet for The Free Theatre Company’s 2023 production of Nine to Five, further broadening his versatility across genres and performance settings.

Tom Puwalski (Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Saxophone, Flute)

Clarinetist Tom Puwalski has been playing the clarinet since the age of nine. His varied musical interests have led to a lifetime of music study. Tom studied clarinet performance privately with Ignatius Gennusa before attending the Philadelphia College of Performing Arts. He studied with Leon Russianoff at the Manhattan School of Music while he was with the 26th U.S. Army Band, stationed in Brooklyn, NY. After he transferred to the U.S. Army Field Band of Washington, DC, he began an in-depth study of klezmer. Since his retirement from the Army in 1999, he has returned to his studies, this time with Loren Kitt at the University of Maryland and privately with Dr. Cecil Gold.

Tom is an accomplished performer and has appeared in concert halls all over the world. During his 19-year tenure with the U.S. Army Field Band, he was the most frequently featured instrumental soloist in the military. His versatility and skill allowed him to perform everything from full concerts to chamber music, classical to jazz, Dixieland to Big Band, show tunes to klezmer. His solo brought the 1999 American Bandmasters Association Convention attendees to their feet in an enthusiastic standing ovation. He was co-founder of the popular woodwind quintet “Prevailing Winds,” which performed in the Baltimore-Annapolis area from 1985-1994. This group embodied Tom’s musical philosophy of bringing live music to everyone while breaking down the traditional barriers that exist between musical styles and genres. He performs with the Washington DC-based klezmer band, The Atonement, and was featured soloist with the Coastal Communities Concert Band in their gold medal performance in the Alpine Music Festival in Saas Fee Switzerland in 2001.

Tom is the author of “The Clarinetists Guide to Klezmer” and “Klezmer Basic Training” and has conducted workshops and clinics on clarinet performance and klezmer music as well as “overcoming Performance anxiety”. In addition to numerous recordings with the U.S. Army Field Band, he has released two recordings with The Atonement. He has arranged and recorded music for two documentaries on Jewish-American Life: “And Half A Day On Sunday” and “The Old Days,” as well as recording studio music for commercials, the Discovery Channel, and the Holocaust Museum in Washington, DC. He is a member of the International Clarinet Society, a D’Addario Artist and performs on Yamaha clarinets exclusively.

Veronica Anzola (Violin & Viola)

Verónica Alejandra Anzola Rojas is a Venezuelan violinist born in Barquisimeto, Venezuela. She began her musical journey at the age of five, developing an early and enduring passion for the violin. Verónica studied at the Vicente Emilio Sojo Music Conservatory and was an active member of the Latin American Violin Academy. From 2012 to 2017, she was a member of several ensembles within Venezuela’s renowned “El Sistema,” including the Initiation Orchestra, Doralisa de Medina Children’s Orchestra, Franco Medina Children’s and Youth Orchestra, and the Lara Youth Orchestra.

After relocating to Colombia in 2018, she joined the Envigado Symphony Orchestra and served as Concertmaster of the Envigado Camerata. She later performed with the Antioquia Symphony Orchestra and was invited to join the EAFIT University Symphony Orchestra in a performance of Mahler’s Symphony No. 5 at Medellín’s Metropolitan Theater. Verónica also collaborated with the Caldas String Orchestra and the Ibero-American Philharmonic Academy (IBERACADEMY), further expanding her orchestral experience.

In 2021, Verónica moved to the United States and received a scholarship with the New Jersey Youth Symphony. She continued her musical development through the Washington Musical Pathways Initiative and Levine Music Conservatory in Maryland, performing with the DC Youth Orchestra and DC Young Virtuosi. Now a student at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), she is pursuing her undergraduate studies while continuing to grow as a performer and artist.

In 2021, She began to study Viola performance. From then on, she has been playing in ensembles such as the New England Ensemble at Carnegie Hall and the orchestra at Washington Adventist University.

She has participated in a variety of distinguished programs and performances, including side-by-side concerts with the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center, a solo performance on the Millennium Stage, and collaborations with the U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own,” the Inscape Chamber Orchestra at the National Gallery of Art, and the New England Ensemble at Carnegie Hall. She has also played chamber music at the Austrian and Chinese Embassies.

In 2025, Verónica was selected to participate in the Equity Arc Pathways Orchestra Festival not only as a performer but also as a panelist, contributing her perspective as a young artist and advocate for inclusion in classical music spaces. That same year, she was awarded a $13,000 scholarship to acquire a professional level violin, an important step in her artistic advancement.

Her festival experiences include the 2023 Brevard Music Center and the 2024 Kinhaven Music School, where she continues to build meaningful musical connections and refine her craft. Verónica is dedicated to using her voice, her instrument, and her experiences to shape a creative and inclusive future in the arts.