Private Lessons at Wester
All students have the opportunity to work weekly with a professional musician on their instrument. This is a wonderful supplement to the classroom work
Misconception #1: "Private lessons are only for kids who are falling behind in class."
Truth: Private Lessons are designed to meet students at all playing levels.
Misconception #2: "We will wait to see if my child likes the instrument before we look into Private Lessons."
Truth: Most students who are in lessons will most likely continue on the instrument.
Private lessons are available for each band student. As this is a supplemental program, it costs a little extra money to participate. Private lessons are $20.00 per lesson and occur once a week. Lesson schedules are set up by our private lesson staff for their individual studios.
Private Lesson Scholarships (for 1/2 cost per lesson) are available through our Booster Club. If you would like to apply for a scholarship, please fill out the application and return it to a Director.
Private Lesson Scholarships (for 1/2 cost per lesson) are available through our Booster Club. If you would like to apply for a scholarship, please fill out the application and return it to a Director.
Wester Private Lesson Staff
Flute
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Jenifer McKenzie
(972) 978-6375
jeniferm2@verizon.net
Jenifer McKenzie is a professional flutist currently residing in Garland, Texas. She has been a member of the Dallas Opera Orchestra since 1989, and during that time, has also pursued an active free-lance schedule, performing for a wide variety of audiences. Many of the programs she has developed are “Meet the Instrument” programs for young school children, and music education programs for adults.
Ms. McKenzie has always enjoyed teaching private lessons to all ages of students and currently maintains a large private studio. She has also taught on the faculties of California State University, Fullerton; University of Veracruz, Mexico; Texas Women's University; and Texas A&M University, Commerce. She has extensive experience in conducting flute clinics and master classes, judging competitions, organizing and conducting flute choirs and teaching summer flute camps.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education from California State University, Fullerton and a Master of Music Degree in Flute Performance from The Cleveland Institute of Music. Before coming to the Dallas area, Jenifer was Co-Principal Flute for six years in the Jalapa Symphony Orchestra in Jalapa, Mexico.
(972) 978-6375
jeniferm2@verizon.net
Jenifer McKenzie is a professional flutist currently residing in Garland, Texas. She has been a member of the Dallas Opera Orchestra since 1989, and during that time, has also pursued an active free-lance schedule, performing for a wide variety of audiences. Many of the programs she has developed are “Meet the Instrument” programs for young school children, and music education programs for adults.
Ms. McKenzie has always enjoyed teaching private lessons to all ages of students and currently maintains a large private studio. She has also taught on the faculties of California State University, Fullerton; University of Veracruz, Mexico; Texas Women's University; and Texas A&M University, Commerce. She has extensive experience in conducting flute clinics and master classes, judging competitions, organizing and conducting flute choirs and teaching summer flute camps.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education from California State University, Fullerton and a Master of Music Degree in Flute Performance from The Cleveland Institute of Music. Before coming to the Dallas area, Jenifer was Co-Principal Flute for six years in the Jalapa Symphony Orchestra in Jalapa, Mexico.
Oboe
Clarinet
Dr. James Chen
clarinettogo@gmail.com Doctor of Musical Arts, University of Colorado at Boulder Coming from Taiwan, Dr. James Chen earned his Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder, USA, in 1997, majoring in clarinet performance and pedagogy. He is the first clarinetist who receives a doctorate in Taiwan. Upon graduation in 1997, Dr. Chen went back to Taiwan to teach at Aletheia University. As a faculty at Aletheia, Dr. Chen served as Dean establishing the music department, 1998-2004, as Assistant Professor teaching clarinet, chamber music, Introduction to the Instruments, ... and leading Clarinet Ensemble, 1998-2014. Dr. Chen has been teaching clarinet students in Frisco, Allen, and Lovejoy ISDs for the past 9 years. His students have been selected in the All-State Band Concert performing at TMEA in San Antonio, earned top chairs in the All-Region Band Audition, top ranks in the All-State Competitions, and also selected at Festival at Carnegie Hall: National Band & Orchestra Festival, while some of his students pursue their music dream at Baylor University, Berkeley School of Music in Boston, and Julliard School of Music in NY. NEW CLARINET TEACHER!
Ting-Wei Chang - tingweichang@my.unt.edu Bassoon |
Saxophone
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Mason Fuller
masonfullermusic@gmail.com
Mason Fuller is a saxophonist, teacher, and composer based in Dallas, Texas. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Jazz Performance with a Concentration in Saxophone from Texas State University under the tutelage of Dr. Russell Haight.
Mason grew up surrounded by the music of his Dad’s rock cover band. He would often travel with them to gigs and sit on rehearsals. He started his musical journey at 11 years old in his middle school band program, initially wanting to be a percussionist like his father. Mason made the switch to saxophone due to an over abundance of percussionist, and started studying jazz a few years later at the age of 17.
Since then he has taught and performed in the Dallas and Austin areas and when he isn’t teaching, he’s touring the country as a professional saxophonist and entertainer. He’s a recipient of the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award and has an extremely diverse musical background that has allowed him to play many varying musical styles such as classical, jazz, rock, pop, funk, latin, and more! He’s also collaborated with word class musicians like Brian Bromberg, Greg Bissonette, and Butch Miles from the Count Basie Orchestra.
He also is proficient in doubling and is capable on a number of additional instruments including the flute, clarinet, and piano.
masonfullermusic@gmail.com
Mason Fuller is a saxophonist, teacher, and composer based in Dallas, Texas. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Jazz Performance with a Concentration in Saxophone from Texas State University under the tutelage of Dr. Russell Haight.
Mason grew up surrounded by the music of his Dad’s rock cover band. He would often travel with them to gigs and sit on rehearsals. He started his musical journey at 11 years old in his middle school band program, initially wanting to be a percussionist like his father. Mason made the switch to saxophone due to an over abundance of percussionist, and started studying jazz a few years later at the age of 17.
Since then he has taught and performed in the Dallas and Austin areas and when he isn’t teaching, he’s touring the country as a professional saxophonist and entertainer. He’s a recipient of the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award and has an extremely diverse musical background that has allowed him to play many varying musical styles such as classical, jazz, rock, pop, funk, latin, and more! He’s also collaborated with word class musicians like Brian Bromberg, Greg Bissonette, and Butch Miles from the Count Basie Orchestra.
He also is proficient in doubling and is capable on a number of additional instruments including the flute, clarinet, and piano.
Trumpet
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Amanda Bateman
amandabateman14@gmail.com
Born a Dallas-native, Amanda started playing trumpet in 6th grade band and later went on to pursue music as a full-time career. She became immersed in the DFW music scene while acquiring Bachelors & Masters degrees in Music Performance & Education from the University of North Texas by performing with Top 40 wedding/corporate bands, tribute bands, jazz ensembles, orchestral groups, musical theater productions, Cumbia bands, and more. Since high school, she has toured the states with Drum Corps International (Crossmen and Blue Devils) for 8 years, including tours in Malaysia, Guatemala, Taiwan, and 7 European countries, followed by 4 years touring Japan with the Kyodo Tokyo Inc. theater production “Blast!”. She has taught trumpet lessons and marching bands for over a decade across several school districts and currently performs as a trumpet player and vocalist full time with entertainment companies including the Emerald City Bands and Intensity Bands, while also booking and managing her own “Mattison Live Entertainment & Productions” company.
amandabateman14@gmail.com
Born a Dallas-native, Amanda started playing trumpet in 6th grade band and later went on to pursue music as a full-time career. She became immersed in the DFW music scene while acquiring Bachelors & Masters degrees in Music Performance & Education from the University of North Texas by performing with Top 40 wedding/corporate bands, tribute bands, jazz ensembles, orchestral groups, musical theater productions, Cumbia bands, and more. Since high school, she has toured the states with Drum Corps International (Crossmen and Blue Devils) for 8 years, including tours in Malaysia, Guatemala, Taiwan, and 7 European countries, followed by 4 years touring Japan with the Kyodo Tokyo Inc. theater production “Blast!”. She has taught trumpet lessons and marching bands for over a decade across several school districts and currently performs as a trumpet player and vocalist full time with entertainment companies including the Emerald City Bands and Intensity Bands, while also booking and managing her own “Mattison Live Entertainment & Productions” company.
French Horn
Drew Hayes
drew.hayes.horn@gmail.com
drew.hayes.horn@gmail.com
Trombone
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Dr. Allen Vandivere
avandivere@yahoo.com
Dr. Allen Vandivere teaches trombone lessons at Wester Middle School and several other campuses in Frisco ISD and Allen ISD. He has played trombone for over 35 years and taught for over 20 years. He is an active freelance performer and teacher in the DFW area and performs regularly with the Metropolitan Winds. Originally from Amarillo, TX, he earned a Bachelor or Music Degree from Texas Tech University, where he studied trombone with Robert Deahl and Don Lucas. He also recorded a Grammy-Nominated CD as a member of the Texas Tech Jazz Ensemble. He went on to earn a Master of Music Education Degree from Indiana University, where he was Principal Trombone of the Bloomington Symphony. While earning a Doctor of Music Education Degree from the University of North Texas, Dr. Vandivere worked as a middle school band director and student teacher supervisor. He teaches all levels from beginner through high school and his studio has produced many All-Region and All-State Band members. Some of them have gone on to study trombone at prominent conservatories like the Manhattan School of Music.
Bachelor of Music, Texas Tech University
Master of Music Education, Indiana University
Doctor of Music Education, University of North Texas
avandivere@yahoo.com
Dr. Allen Vandivere teaches trombone lessons at Wester Middle School and several other campuses in Frisco ISD and Allen ISD. He has played trombone for over 35 years and taught for over 20 years. He is an active freelance performer and teacher in the DFW area and performs regularly with the Metropolitan Winds. Originally from Amarillo, TX, he earned a Bachelor or Music Degree from Texas Tech University, where he studied trombone with Robert Deahl and Don Lucas. He also recorded a Grammy-Nominated CD as a member of the Texas Tech Jazz Ensemble. He went on to earn a Master of Music Education Degree from Indiana University, where he was Principal Trombone of the Bloomington Symphony. While earning a Doctor of Music Education Degree from the University of North Texas, Dr. Vandivere worked as a middle school band director and student teacher supervisor. He teaches all levels from beginner through high school and his studio has produced many All-Region and All-State Band members. Some of them have gone on to study trombone at prominent conservatories like the Manhattan School of Music.
Bachelor of Music, Texas Tech University
Master of Music Education, Indiana University
Doctor of Music Education, University of North Texas
Euphonium and Tuba
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Sunny Chou
chouweichien@gmail.com
Dr. Wei-Chien (Sunny) Chou is an active euphonium musician and educator in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Born in Taiwan, she is the first Taiwanese DMA in euphonium after earning her doctorate at The University of North Texas. She is the principal euphonium of Dallas Asian Winds and currently teaches tuba and euphonium lessons at Plano, Frisco, and Prosper Independent School Districts. Other than teaching and playing euphonium, she enjoys cooking, exploring new restaurants, and sightseeing with her husband.
DMA/MM in Euphonium Performance, the University of North Texas
chouweichien@gmail.com
Dr. Wei-Chien (Sunny) Chou is an active euphonium musician and educator in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Born in Taiwan, she is the first Taiwanese DMA in euphonium after earning her doctorate at The University of North Texas. She is the principal euphonium of Dallas Asian Winds and currently teaches tuba and euphonium lessons at Plano, Frisco, and Prosper Independent School Districts. Other than teaching and playing euphonium, she enjoys cooking, exploring new restaurants, and sightseeing with her husband.
DMA/MM in Euphonium Performance, the University of North Texas
Percussion
Will Champion
will.champion93@gmail.com
Mr. Champion is a freelance percussionist and educator based in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Since 2020, he has frequently performed as a substitute musician with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Champion maintains a studio of about thirty-five private students, both in Frisco ISD and at his home studio in Plano. In his free time, he enjoys playing music with his wife, Waichi, (also a percussionist!) and playing with his dog and two cats - Yuna, Wally, and Eva.
Degrees - Northwestern University - BM in Percussion Performance, University of South Carolina - MM in Percussion Performance
Website - www.willchampionpercussion.com
Layci Dagley - Percussion Teacher
laycidagley@gmail.com
214-402-6355
will.champion93@gmail.com
Mr. Champion is a freelance percussionist and educator based in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Since 2020, he has frequently performed as a substitute musician with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Champion maintains a studio of about thirty-five private students, both in Frisco ISD and at his home studio in Plano. In his free time, he enjoys playing music with his wife, Waichi, (also a percussionist!) and playing with his dog and two cats - Yuna, Wally, and Eva.
Degrees - Northwestern University - BM in Percussion Performance, University of South Carolina - MM in Percussion Performance
Website - www.willchampionpercussion.com
Layci Dagley - Percussion Teacher
laycidagley@gmail.com
214-402-6355