Camp Directors
Beth Kille – Music Director
Beth Kille is an award-winning singer-songwriter from Madison, WI who has been performing her original music since 2000. In addition to performing with the Beth Kille Band, she is also a member of the trio Gin, Chocolate & Bottle Rockets and the band Kerosene Kites. When not performing, Beth serves as the Music Director for Girls Rock Camp Madison, a songwriting instructor, the co-founder/producer of Flannel Fest, producer/engineer at Studio Gusto, and is a mom. She co-founded Girls and Ladies Rock Camp Madison in 2010, and is continually amazed at the fantastic campers, staff, and community members she has had the opportunity to partner with on this journey. Her life’s mission is to inspire those around her to embrace their creativity! For more on Beth, please visit www.bethkille.com.
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Beth Dohrn – Executive Director
Beth has been with GRCM since it’s inception when her daughter attended the first camp. She has been the Girl Power Coach supporting campers and staff during camp. She has attended many Ladies Rock Camps and plays bass in 6.4.Sunday, a band with LRC friends! In her spare time, she teaches middle school and likes to go to live music shows, bike, kayak and travel. She’s a mom to two awesome kids and married to a guitar playing neuroscientist!
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Current Camp Instructors and Staff
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Helen Avakian
Helen is the 2014 International Fingerstyle Guitar Champion and the first female to win that title. She is also an award winning singer/songwriter voted Favorite Acoustic Act by Rhythm and News Magazine. Helen has released a number of singer/songwriter and guitar instrumental albums, and she has appeared as a studio guitarist and vocalist on other artists’ projects including “Storm King,” the final album recorded by the legendary Pete Seeger.
Helen has 30 years professional music teaching experience as a private instructor, college, high school and summer camp educator, including 7 years at Camp Mariah Cary Fresh Air Fund Camp near New York City. Helen teaches guitar, ukulele, songwriting and composition in Madison and Sun Prairie. She holds a Master of Music in Classical Guitar Performance from Hunter College, City University of New York with studies at Mannes College of Music. In addition Helen has taken master classes in performance with jazz legend, Stanley Jordan.
Helen is always excited to teach at Girls Rock Camp Madison which provides one of the most nurturing and inspiring programs she has ever participated in.
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Julie Busche
Julie has been a Band Manager as well as a part of the board of directors and the current advisory board since 2016. Julie is very passionate about uplifting and supporting the positive growth and self-esteem of girls and women. She first joined the Girls Rock Camp staff, volunteering as a Band Manager, she learned how to play the drums during a session of ladies Rock Camp and was hooked! She is a member of the band known as Chick Trip. She was thrilled for the opportunity to join the board becoming an active contributor, helping to coordinate fundraisers and assist with rock camp marketing. She is the Jill of many trades wearing several hats. She is a Real Estate Broker- Associate with Julie B & Associates & Inventure Realty Group selling residential and commercial real estate. She is the co-owner and creator of Magic Moon Productions, a local women owned company creating organic and natural health, wellness, and body products. She is a certified Firewalk Instructor and leads self-empowerment workshops. It’s an honor to be a part of a such a phenomenal organization, and a group of incredibly talented, dedicated, amazing women.
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Marlo Darken
Banging on drum kits since she was a youth, Marlo spent grade school and high school in concert, symphonic, marching and jazz bands, many times as the only girl drummer. She is currently the drummer for Madison surf punk band, Venus in Furs (www.venusinfursband.com), and is accepting drum lesson students; contact her at mmdobrient@gmail.com to schedule.
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Angela Dominguez
Angela is a Milwaukee native who was brought up in a musically talented family with members professionally performing and teaching music at universities across the country. She began studying violin at the age of four and later studied piano and percussion. In middle and high school Angela was involved in every music group that was offered to her, making costume changes during concerts extremely rushed and difficult! Being classically trained, she continued her studies with music at the University of Wisconsin La Crosse. She earned her degrees in Music and Elementary Education and now teaches Kindergarten in Madison. When Angela is not teaching or volunteering her time with children, she enjoys playing violin and writing songs with a local band named Emerald Grove.
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Jen Farley
Jen Farley is a Professional Life Coach, Performer, Speaker and a friend in Madison, WI.
As a Rockstar Life Coach, Jen wants to help dreamers and seekers find and define their authentic voice to become the Rockstar in their lives. She has created Coach Jen Farley, a life coaching company, which hosts one on one, group coaching and live guest discussions on how you can ignite the light within you. She is also a member of the power-trio, Gin, Chocolate and Bottle Rockets, performing all over Wisconsin for the past seven years. The group has also created motivational speaking presentations while blending three-part harmonies with original music. Jen is also the Social Media Manager for GRC.
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Liz Fleig
Liz Fleig is a singer/songwriter who currently leads indie rock group Bosky Point (formerly known as Late Harvest.) Liz has been singing since she was 4, getting her start in church choirs and evolving through grocery store recitals, high school jazz choir, college jam sessions and now playing original music all over the greater Madison area with the talented musicians of the award-winning Bosky Point. Liz believes that music is about connection in every form, and cannot wait to empower the next generation to express themselves both on and off stage and encourage them to be exactly who they are in the moment.
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Heidi Fornay
Heidi Forney enjoyed singing anything when she was younger. She knew every note of every vocal track on Disney movies like The Little Mermaid and Aladdin. In high school, she became a member of the choir where she learned to perform with a group and harmonize. Heidi began playing guitar when she was 20; she had always wanted to! She found tools on the internet to help her learn basic chords from favorite songs, and soon she began writing her own songs. Heidi played her music at home and for friends in the living room for many years. She always pictured herself playing her songs on stage someday. She began playing under the name “Bitter Nothings” in 2015, and plays mostly folk-rock. Over the years, Heidi has learned that bandmates have to work hard to work together. Bandmates may have different ideas about creating songs or different ideas about how to perform on stage. Working together, staying positive, and remembering to have fun makes playing music together an unforgettable experience. “Bitter Nothings” has performed at open mics, coffee shops, Do-It-Yourself venues, and local stages that are gracious enough to have her. Heidi currently volunteers at “Communication,” an all-ages, sober-space, and LBGT+ safe venue in Madison. She is the host and coordinator of Communication’s local Madison music showcase called “SongSpace ” and is a former co-host and volunteer for the “Fierce Females” showcase.
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Teresa Marie Hardy
My name is Teresa Marie and I have known my whole life that I was put on this earth to touch the world with music. I believe I was singing notes before I was speaking words. I am blessed to be the female lead singer of the Rhythm and Soul family, The People Brothers Band and together we have been spreading love and positivity through our music for over a decade. My amazing husband and I run the UpNorth bar in Madison, where the Live music community is thrives, grows, and continues to be a home for any and all who love music.
I truly believe in the power of love and music making the world a better place and it will be my honor to share what I know with the future generations, as well as to learn from them.
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Nora Harstford
Nora Harstford is a Chicago based vocalist and music teacher with roots in jazz, folk, and contemporary music genres. Originally from Madison, Wisconsin, Nora spent her formative years attending Girls Rock Camp, participating in musicals, and performing vocal jazz competitively. After moving to Chicago, Nora attended the Chicago College of Performing Arts to earn a Bachelor’s of Music. Nora has performed around Chicago including venues like the Jazz Showcase, Fulton Street Collective, Jazz Union League Club, and many more.
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Annelies Howell
Annelies is really excited to join the GRC staff because she’ll get to combine her favorite things: music and education. Annelies has been a vocalist, guitar player, bass player, and junky keyboard player in The German Art Students (www.germanartstudents.com) since 1998. Over the years she’s played in a variety of other projects, ranging from playing fiddle in a classic country band to channeling Brad Delp in a Boston cover band. She’s been teaching math and physics at Verona Area High School since 1995, and helping students understand the physics behind musical phenomena like resonance is one of her passions. Eons ago, Annelies was a YMCA summer camp counselor and program director and she can’t wait to go back to camp this summer! More information is available at www.annelieshowell.com.
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Jenna Joanis
Jenna is so excited to be involved with GRC! She began playing pots and pans and had a guitar thrown in her hands before she could even tie her shoes. She studied percussion performance at UW-La Crosse and upon graduation, hit the road to tour the country in her band! She’s been involved in numerous bands, and is currently the drummer of Sexy Ester.
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Melissa Kieler
Licensed Massage Therapist, Reiki Master Practitioner, small business owner, and long time musician and vocalist, Melissa, has been singing since she could walk. Since 2010, she has been the front woman, lead vocalist, and bassist for the band Untamed. In 2015, she stepped away from bass and took up piano and guitar in Untamed. In addition, she has performed solo at events like Chick Singer Night, recitals, and open mics. In addition to solo performances, she enjoys playing in Technoir, Baby Rocket, and Holiday Ham Dinner. She has written many songs from her teen years, well into adulthood and continues to write music and lyrics for her solo and Untamed performances. To stay up to date on Melissa or learn more about shows, visit the site below:
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Lo Marie
Lo Marie is a Jazz/R&B singer and guitar player. She is a Madison native who spent 6 years in Nashville, TN before returning to her hometown. She is a 2016 Gold winner in Best of Madison and a 2015 Madison Area Music Award winner who has 2 sensational albums to her name and more plans on the horizon. She is also the host of LM2, a radio show on 98.7 promoting local music, a recording engineer, and music event planner. She is dedicated to supporting local artists and building a strong sense of community in the Madison area. For more information, visit www.lomariemusic.com.
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Shawndell Marks
“Shawni” is a singer/songwriter/pianist with big hair and little feet. She has been playing with a band since the age of 15 and once sang backup every night for a whole summer for an Elvis impersonator. He sweated. A lot. She then went on to study music at the University of Wisconsin. Her favorite band is Supertramp and favorite food is peanut butter. Her favorite thing ever is the grand piano in her living room – a gift from her father the year he died. She has released two original albums, Remnants of Crazy and Little Things. The second album does not refer to her feet, but rather sweet, simple concepts using her voice, a piano, and various sounds from a keyboard. She currently resides in rural Reedsburg, Wisconsin with her husband and two children where she teaches piano.
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Audrey Martinovich
Audrey’s interest in recording was sparked from her time spent training as a soprano opera singer who, through experimenting with recording voice lessons, fell in love with engineering. Most of her initial experience was gained running sound for local bands and working with directors on sound design and film-scoring projects. Clients include TDS Telecom, Comedy Central, Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras, and The Nursery Movie. In 2017 she became the first female contributor to Pro Tools Expert, one of the most visited music and post production websites on the internet. Audrey has given presentations at Between the Waves Music Conference and Empowering Women in Audio Clinics, in addition to teaching audio classes at Central Madison Public Library. She is also a member of SoundGirls and Women’s Audio Mission.
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Dana Perry
Madison-based artist Dana Perry has been making music passionately for over 25 years, with over 12 years of focus on playing guitar and songwriting. A unique and semi-percussive guitar style, combined with poignant lyrics and powerhouse vocals; her music resonates with anyone who recognizes that we are all on a Journey.
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Autumn Maria Reed
Autumn Maria Reed is a Wisconsin-based composer. She is a graduate of Berklee College of Music. She has performed double/electric bass with the Madison Community Orchestra, UW-BME, and UW-Waukesha String Orchestra. She released two EP albums and two singles including 2020’s “You’re *not #Woke.” Autumn has composed library music with Milwaukee’s The License Lab and incidental music Madison’s KRASS Theatre and Music Theatre of Madison. Currently, Autumn has completed the first drafts of orchestrations for a new, full-length musical called “Two Princes” by Ralph Oscar Selby and volunteers with The Black String Triage Ensemble directed by Dayvin Hallmon. She spends her spare time learning web design, studying languages, comparing religious viewpoints, collecting Disney Princess merchandise and videos, trying to learn basic economics and civics, psychology and mental health, comedy, and watching films before the year 2000 and box office flops. She has a creative spirit. Yet, above all, she loves to spend time with her family and friends and tries to honor Her Grand Creator. You can learn more about Autumn on her website: amreed8.com.
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Rin Q Ribble
Rin grew up in the Madison area playing classical music with The Madison Suzuki Strings and later, in her teens, she became a member of the Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestra for 5 years. It wasn’t until her early twenties she realized that the violin is not just a classical instrument. She joined her first band, The Pints and learned how to create music and improvise in the Irish/Pub Rock tradition. This opened the door to more experiments with rock and punk music on electric violin. In 2007 she was excepted to the music department at The University of Wisconsin Stevens Point campus. She became the first violinist to graduate with a degree in Jazz Performance in 2012. Since then, she has been back in the Madison area teaching and playing. She is the owner of Open Door Studio, offering lessons in violin, mandolin and composition. Rin’s current groups include The Five Points Jazz Collective, The Gadjo Players and The North Code. She also does studio recording jobs and has been featured on many albums.
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Stephanie McCowen Roberts
Stephanie is an alumna of many Ladies Rock Camps playing bass and guitar and is excited to now be a staff member as a Band Coach and Manager. She is a life-long lover of live music, attending her first concert at age nine seeing Elvis Presley. From then she started playing guitar and writing lyrics. She loves the positive experience that GRC provides and is honored to be a part of it.
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Nancy Rost
Musical collaboration is one of Nancy Rost’s favorite things, and she’s eager to share the fun with this year’s campers. Nancy has co-written hundreds of songs with a wide variety of musicians. She teaches piano at Madison Music Foundry and performs as a singer-songwriter, as a member of acoustic trio Two Johns & A Nancy, and on bass guitar with the Madison Area Ukulele Initiative.
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Cooper Talbot
Cooper is host of Her Infinite Variety on 89.9 fm WORT and recipient of the 2018 Madison Area Music Association Award for Favorite Local Music Radio Personality. She has become known as The Emcee/Host, engaging, inviting and inspiring the share of passion in the spirit of music. Her belief is that Music is powerful medicine, simple and truthful. She honors her role as a music broadcaster as it can without words, evoke our laughter, our fears and our highest aspirations.
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Dar Ward
Dar has played cello and guitar for almost 30 years. But their musical passion really took hold when they started playing bass and drums in the mid 2000s. Since then they’ve spent as much time as possible playing in any local band that would have them. Currently they drum with original rockers True Name. They also play bass in original punk rock group Cats on Leashes and Pixies tribute band Crackity Jones. When forced, they pretend to sing in some of these groups too. Dar is tired of women in rock being the exception rather than the rule. Lady rockers rule!
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Caila Webber
Caila is super excited to be at Girls Rock Camp this summer! She has been playing guitar since age nine and has picked up other instruments since then, such as piano, ukulele, and voice. In high school, Caila was in the band Ukulele Wednesday. She will graduate with a degree in Music Education from UW-Milwaukee in May 2019. She has been teaching private music lessons since the summer of 2018.
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Dodie Whitaker
Dodie is a multifaceted singer, actress, educator and mom who brings her enthusiasm, diverse musical background and passion for singing into connection and collaboration with people of all ages and walks of life. A resident of Viroqua, WI and and active community song leader in the Driftless region of Southwestern Wisconsin, Dodie previously made her home in her native Chicago, where she performed and led vocal workshops in the Chicago Public Schools and at the Old Town School of Folk Music. She currently enjoys sharing the gift of music with students at Pleasant Ridge Waldorf School, Youth Initiative High School and Western Technical College and on stages as varied as Chicago’s House of Blues, The Weber Center in La Crosse and Viroqua’s own Historic Temple Theater. A musical activist who is on a continuous journey to build community by blending social justice and inclusion with her lifelong love of all things musical, Dodie is beyond excited to be a part of the GRC family this summer!
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Jacy Whitehead
Jacy is Ladies Rock drums and bass alumnus. She grew up on guitar but now favors her janky drum kit. Jacy uses her educator skills, improvisational forte, and love of rock-n-roll to support and encourage the glorious GRC.
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Apply to be an Instructor or Volunteer
Past Instructors and Volunteers
Kari Arnett
Kari is an indie/folk artist based in Wisconsin. Crafting beautiful melodies and honest, thought provoking lyrics derived from real life; some have called her music “melancholy folk”. You can stay up to date on shows at: www.reverbnation.com/kariarnett
www.facebook.com/kariarnettmusic
Pam Barrett – Instructor
Pam is the songwriter, vocalist and guitarist for Madison-based rock band, the Motor Primitives. Pam’s musical roots are in Philippine folk music but, as her tastes mature, she gravitates toward decidedly louder (and louder) rock and roll … much to her parents’ chagrin. http://www.motorprimitives.com
Danielle Brittany
Madison’s reigning pop-princess, Danielle Brittany has been working with GRC Madison since it’s inception. This power-house singer-songwriter won the 2009 MAMA for Female Vocalist of the Year. She has served as a band coach as well as done workshops on self-esteem for GRC.
Leah Brooke
Leah Brooke is new to the Madison music scene though she’s been performing all over Wisconsin for over a decade. Her music can be described as pop rock alternative and is comparable to artists such as Neko Case and Fiona Apple. Currently, Leah is working on several projects and performing around Madison with her new group, SHESHE.
Devan Brugger – Instructor
Devan Brugger of Monroe, Wisc., may have just finished her freshman year at UW-Madison but she’s already compiled an impressive resume of appearances and awards for her singing. She recently performed the national anthem at the state fair and was a finalist in several regional singing competitions. http://www.myspace.com/countrydevan
Augusta Brulla
Augusta studies art and communication at UW Madison. She started playing guitar at age 13 and has loved playing in rock bands. Augusta also dances Flamenco. She looks forward to a great summer at Girls Rock Camp!
Colleen Brulla
As a consequence of taking her daughter to countless rock shows, Colleen developed a love for punk and metal music. Colleen supports having fun and building self esteem through the Girls Rock Camp!
Catherine “Cat” Capellaro
Cat sings and plays trumpet for disco/funk superstars VO5, winners of the MAMA for “cover band performer of the year.” She also performs with the Madgadders, a rock band that plays for family audiences, and the Rohnellaros, with her composer husband, Andrew Rohn. Andrew and Catherine are the authors of the hit musical “Walmartopia,” which has been produced from coast to coast, including an Off-Broadway run in 2007. She is the proud mother of twin boys, age 11: Leonardo (who plays bass, viola, and piano) and Julian (who plays piano and trumpet).
Carell Casey
Carell Casey is a solo singer-songwriter (carellcasey.bandcamp.com), lead singer and guitarist with indie band Fire and Love (fireandlove.bandcamp.com), and drummer with alt rock band Dear John Doe (dearjohndoe.bandcamp.com). She has enjoyed attending Ladies Rock Camps for fun and inspiration, and also volunteers as a fundraising events coordinator for GRC (got a skill you’d like to donate to our cause? Let her know! carellcasey@gmail.com). Helping people have FUN making music, is her specialty!
Jeri Casper – Instructor
Jeri has been writing songs, playing guitar and singing in local bands for 7 years. Currently, she performs with the band The Type. When she’s not slinging the ax, she likes to spend time writing, reading, watching Will Ferrell movies and running around like crazy with her toddler.
Barbara Chusid
Barbara has been playing in bands for most of her life. She learned classical music as a kid in N.Y. and graduated from Yale in music. She unlearned a fair amount of her training on her own. Barbara teaches music at Lincoln Elementary School in Madison. She is a closet gearhead. Her current bands are The Getaway Drivers and the Madgadders.
Jori Costello
Jori Costello is an award winning singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist. In her third decade of performing, Jori has been in several bands, choirs, been a solo performer, a dance DJ, radio host, and festival emcee. In addition, Jori gives private music instruction in piano, guitar, ukulele, and drums; she has had 2 art exhibits in mixed media; and is now delving into her lifelong love of acting by writing and performing a one-woman play as a tribute to the beginnings of the Women’s Music Movement. Jori is well known for her work in Big Bad Gina and continues to collaborate with chakra rocker, Ginger Doss, and with Angela “Oxygen” Edge in their funky, punky art-rock duo, Jorian Oxygen.
Among her accomplishments, she’s received winning recognition in the Ozark Music Awards “Folk Artist of the Year” for 2002 and “Best Solo Female Singer/Songwriter” for the 2005 Northwest Arkansas Music Awards (NAMA). Jori’s first CD, “Home Grown” was nominated “Best CD” in the Ozark region. She has been featured on many compilations including her song, “War Games” on the OMNI Peace Center’s Peace CD, and her song, “Past the Pain” for the Arkansas Children’s Shelter.
Tricia Datema – Volunteer
Tricia has been working as an Apprentice Engineer at Paradyme Productions, a recording studio in Madison, Wisc., for over 3 years. She has experience in set-up, tracking and mixing in all genres of music. Her favorite type of music is labeled underground hip-hop but she can be found singing to almost anything. She fully enjoys seeing others realize their potential and find success, and is looking forward to being there to encourage one and all!
Maggie Delaney-Potthoff – Instructor
Maggie is an amazing, award winning vocalist. She performs nationally and internationally with her highly acclaimed band Harmonious Wail. Her unique Vocal-Ease™ training approach (www.maggiesmethod.com) has proven itself with hundreds of students and thousands of performances over decades of singing and coaching around the world.
Laura Detert
Laura has played classical and rock music in Madison since the early 1990s, primarily playing the viola. She currently plays viola, keys and bass guitar with the all-girl indie band Little Red Wolf and plays event music with the Sophisticates of String Quartet. Laura has previously played with the bands Strange Talking Animals and A Catapult Western as well as the symphony orchestras at the University of Minnesota and University of Wisconsin.
Amber Dilger
Amber Nicole Dilger is passionate about empowering others through art. Specializing in helping performers overcome performance anxiety, she earned her k-12 music education license in 1999 and has been teaching throughout the country ever since. She performs professionally as a singer and actor on musical theatre and concert stages, and is in love with the Great American Songbook. Amber Nicole travels as a Teaching Artist and also teaches group and private lessons in her Madison studio as well as online. Learn more at www.AmberNicoleDilger.com.
Emma Dischler
Emma is a classically trained singer/songwriter with passion for music and empowering young women. With her primary instrument being voice, Emma studied Vocal Performance at St. Norbert College with an emphasis on Opera and Baroque music. In addition to voice she has also been immersed in a love affair with the acoustic guitar for over ten years and is versed in styles ranging from folk-style finger picking to jazz. When she’s not singing, playing, or behind the counter at Guitar Center, Emma enjoys spreading the love of music through education and playing with local folk trio Front Porch Forecast.
Coburn Dukehart
Coburn Dukehart is a native of Washington, D.C., and was raised on a steady diet of post-punk hardcore and Riot Grrrl bands. She taught herself to play the drums by covering the Clash, Joan Jett, and the Violent Femmes, and played in a number of different pop-punk bands in D.C. before moving to Madison in 2016 with her family — including two budding rock-star daughters. She loves multi-part harmonies and catchy songs with big sappy choruses. In her other life she works as a photographer and multimedia director for the Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism, trying to change the world one story at a time.
Lyndsay Evans
Lyndsay fronts Madison, New Wave band Sexy Ester. Upon review of the band, Rick Tvet of Local Sounds Magazine had this to say of Lyndsay, “This is the most solid, powerhouse voice I have heard come out of this city. Stage presence, charisma, talent, this singer has what it takes.” Sexy Ester can be seen performing around Madison and their latest album, Monomania, can be heard on indie radio stations across the country. SexyEster.com.
Deb Fields – Band Manager
Deb believes nothing equals the contagious energy produced by live music. Since she was ten, she has gone to live music shows, and has attended well over 1,000 performances from Black Sabbath to the Grand Ole Opry. Her parents and now her daughters love live music, too. Deb manages the calendar for Maximum Ink Music Magazine and was previously the Director and a teacher at Lakeview Coop Preschool. She is committed to helping women and girls know that they can do anything they want. Rock n’ roll is not just for the boys — it’s for all of us.
Natalie Fores
Natalie started studying violin at the age of 6. She began learning music by ear through the Suzuki method. At age 11, she took up the trumpet and was playing in the top bands through middle & high school. She earned her Bachelor of Music degree in Recording Technology & Music Business from the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh. She spent her free time in college teaching herself how to play the guitar. She is a music producer and recording engineer at Madison recording studio, Paradyme Productions.
Ena Foshay – DJ Instructor
Ena Foshay is a DJ (DJ Lady K) and singer in the Madison area. She has been a club, dance, and radio DJ for the past 15 years. She hosts the weekly radio programs “A Musical Offering” and “Musica Antiqua” on WORT 89.9 fm in Madison.
Phoebe Frenette
Phoebe’s so excited to have the chance to support rockin’ girls this year at camp. She’s a classically trained flute player who has been letting her hair down and getting groovy in several area bands, including Crackity Jones. Phoebe also plays principal flute in the Edgewood chamber orchestra. She’s expanding and exploring her musical world, lately picking up the ukulele and focusing on song-writing. When she’s not making melodies, you will probably find her taking in some of the amazing bands in Madison’s lush musical forest.
Cassandra Habel
Cassandra is a freelance sound engineer and private event promoter. In 2005 she completed an internship with the Journey Music venue while attending Madison Media Institute. After the Journey Music closed its doors, she did live sound at local venues, working with local and nationally touring artists in venues ranging from small coffee shops to large concert halls. Cassandra also interned with True Endeavors and worked as a Madison-area promoter for the Pabst Theater in Milwaukee.
Briana Hardyman – Instructor
Briana Hardyman is an internationally touring singer/songwriter currently splitting time between Nashville, TN and Madison, WI. Briana has released 3 albums and will be returning to the UK for a festival tour in July 2010. http://www.myspace.com/brianalynnhardyman
Jennifer Hedstrom
Jennifer Hedstrom is a pianist, singer, and songwriter originally from the Chicago area. She started piano lessons at the age of 5 and her love of music has never faltered. Jennifer has a B.M. in piano performance from Illinois State University and a M.M. in collaborative piano from UW-Madison. Her graduate studies brought her to Madison in 2010 and she’s lived in Madison ever since, working as a private piano teacher, pianist and musical director for the theater community, accompanist, and singer-songwriter. Although Jennifer is classically trained, she was raised listening to a wide variety of music, from oldies and classic rock to jazz and classical. Because of this, her musical interests and skills have always been wide. Jennifer has been a singer-songwriter for over 10 years and has released two full length albums, one this past January. She is SO excited to be a part of the GRC team this summer – to empower young girls and offer them opportunities for collaborative and creative music making!
Kelly Hepper
Kelly has been long convinced that her musical talent is not anything she has earned or deserves, but rather a gift she is to share with the world. Kelly fakes her way through a lot of life with raw talent and moderate charm. Some people find her quite funny and others…need to lighten up. In 2017, Kelly found her musical mates and entered in to a band relationship called Soul Doctors. Being a Leo, she is often caught up in herself and lyrical inspiration often comes from her own personal journey. She prides herself on being an authentic and vulnerable artist. Check out what she’s up to at her website: www.souldoctorsband.com and on various social media platforms.
Natalie Hinckley – Instructor
Natalie plays bass with Venus in Furs and has played with other Madison punk bands in the past. She owns Hinckley Design & Production, directing video for live events including the Madison Area Music Awards, national and local roller derby leagues, SXSW and directed the feature length rockumentary Drown Out The Daylights for Crustacean Records.
Susan Hofer
Susan Hofer began singing almost 20 years ago and has been a child/family/adult therapist for nearly 10 years. Trained as an instrumentalist, she plummeted head first into the world of vocal performance her senior year of college after an “aha” moment which told her she was really meant to be a jazz vocalist. The next thing you know, she had a mic in her hand and was staring down a room full of strangers (otherwise known as an audience)! Susan knows first hand that putting yourself out there as a performer or artist requires lots of courage. As a therapist, Susan loves to work with artists/musicians (beginners or advanced) with issues that limit self-expression – be it stage fright, performance anxiety or simple confidence issues. Susan specializes in working with girls’ and women’s empowerment. You can find her online at http://www.susanhofercounseling.org/
Emily Hurd
Emily is so happy to be a part of GRC! She plays the piano, banjo, and ukulele, and she has released ten full-length studio albums. She fronts a bluegrass/country band called Stone Blind Valentine, but you can usually find her playing solo at the piano.
Ida Jo
A violinist since the age of 7, Ida Jo’s childhood was filled with countless performances and awards (such as the prestigious Emerson Scholarship to Interlochen Arts Camp). On violin, Ida Jo employs a seldom heard technique: a combination of a folk fiddle style called ?chopping? and her extensive classical training. She also directs Midnight Voices, a female high school a cappella group. Ida Jo performs throughout the Midwest; see http://www.idajo.com for more about her and her touring schedule.
Kelly Jackson
Kelly is a member of the Lake du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians and was born in Wausau, Wisconsin. Music has been an influential part of her life for as long as she can remember. She composed her first complete song at 11 and performed on the grand stage of GD Jones Elementary School. It kicked off her passion for writing and performing. Since then she has written hundreds of songs and performed for countless venues. As a preservation professional, Kelly served her community in Lac du Flambeau for 14 years in the field of tribal culture/language and resource preservation. She continues to provide workshops in federal law, and government relations, in addition to sessions focusing on Lac du Flambeau history. Kelly’s music represents her deep appreciation for her culture and celebrates and inspires the spirit to move forward no matter what the obstacles one may face.
Juli Johnson
Juli has been singing since before she could talk, and has taken about ten years of professional voice training. After singing, song writing is her second favorite thing to do, the third being sitting near an ocean on a hot sunny day. She also really loves puppies & kittens, almost as much as she loves playing her guitar and ukulele. Juli has a Performance Art degree, and has spent a lot of years in her happy place on stage, either singing or acting. You can learn more about Juli at her website: julijohnson.com.
Connie Jordan – Instructor
After several years of touring and performing around the country in D.I.Y. bands, Connie moved to Madison from Pennsylvania with nothing but five string instruments, a bike, and a sewing machine. Since relocating, Connie has co-founded In The Kitchen Collective, continued her solo work (Coney Island http://cllct.com/art/coneyisland), started a Riot Grrrl band, and plays bass drum for Madison’s new radical street marching band; FORWARD!
Kia Karlen
Kia Karlen has been playing the horn since age 11 and the accordion since age 36, dabbling occasionally in bass and percussion along the way. Kia currently performs music ranging from classical chamber music to world folk to punk, with Yid Vicious, Reptile Palace Orchestra, Optometri, Black Marigold Wind Quintet, The Velvet Smash, the Theramones, and the Capital City Band. Kia has scored experimental music for silent film screenings, staged sock puppet tributes to the great philosophers, and organized armies of artists for temporary public performance art projects around Madison.
Claire Kannapell
Claire is an electric/double bassist, pianist, and composer, whose projects span genres from bluegrass to neo-soul. She is an instructor, accompanist, and performer with the Monkey Business Institute improv troupe. Current projects include the acoustic trio Old Oaks and the weddings and functions band The Plus Ones. http://www.clairekannapell.com
Anna Laube – Instructor
Anna Laube (pronounced \lau\ as in “how,” and \be\ as in “to be or not to be”) began studying the piano at the age of three and later took up saxophone, oboe, violin, guitar, and harmonica. She was a leading member in a number of orchestras during high school in Madison, WI, and the year after she graduated, studied oboe at the Académie de Musique Grétry in Liège, Belgium. Anna attended years of Music Clinic at the UW and released her debut album in 2006. She has since been described as “An artist to whom you would hand over the keys to your heart” by the San Francisco Bay Guardian, composing “Intimate, heartfelt songs rooted in traditional Americana” (NPR) — and her music is receiving airplay worldwide. Visit http://www.annalaube.com for more information.
Lexi Kille
Lexi is a Junior at Forrest Park High School in Crystal Falls, MI. As the niece of Music Director, Beth Kille, Lexi has been recruited for her awesome “baby-whisperer” skills and will be providing onsite day care for the children of instructors.
Madison Malone
Madison grew up in the agricultural and historical city of Portage, Wisconsin. She has been involved with music since kindergarten, when she started taking piano lessons. She started composing her own songs in middle school and was involved in many musical and choir groups in high school. In the fall of 2012, Madison started attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison where she began double majoring in Spanish & Social-Work. Although she was a full-time student, she became a member of the UW’s co-ed A cappella group. During this time, Madison also became a teacher at Madison’s Girls Rock Camp in order to spread the positivity and education of music and self-empowerment throughout her community! In the spring of 2015, Madison released her first full-length album titled, LIMINAL. At this time she was nominated as a finalist for New Artist of the Year & Pop/R&B Album of the Year for her EP at the 2015 Madison Area Music Association Awards (MAMAs). The summer of 2015, Madison became a member of the Grammy’s Recording Academy & owner of E.M.H. Publishing House. She wishes to show others that music can be this incredible, spellbinding outlet where we can escape and turn all of our aspirations into reality.
Susan Masino – Instructor
Susan, a rock journalist for over thirty years, has written three books, created and hosted the 94.1 JJO Local Stage radio show from 1997-2004, and has produced eight local compilation CDs. She also appears in the Van Halen DVD, The Early Years. You can check out the details at http://www.susanmasino.com. Let There Be Rock: The Story of AC/DC is now printed in ten languages and available at http://www.amazon.com. Her new book, Family Tradition-Three Generations of Hank Williams will be published by Hal Leonard/Backbeat Books later this year.
Kelly Maxwell
Kelly is a singer, playwright, actor, and songwriter. She makes sweet music with alt-country rockers Little Red Wolf, gets Madison booties shakin’ with disco superstars V05 and performs a few times a year with the visionary theatre ensemble called Are We Delicious?, with whom she helps write, rehearse, and perform original one-hour show in just one week. Kelly’s true happiness is feeling her voice blend with other voices in harmony. She finds great inspiration in the creativity of others and can’t wait to meet the girls at camp and play, play, play!
Julia McConahay – Instructor
Julia McConahay has been playing music since she could count to four. She focused her attention to violin at age 5 and broadened her horizons over the years to include voice, guitar, and keys as well. She now functions as a session musician, performing artist, and musical coach. She can’t wait to get all you girls up and rockin’!
Robin Metko – Instructor
According to family accounts, Robyn Marie Metko came out singing. A fourth-generation musician and daughter of legendary accordionist Dick Metko, she was christened “Polka Princess” by her high school classmates. Watching her father and his fellow bandmates promote their various projects inspired the organization of entertainment marketing firm RM Metko & Associates, a company specializing in independent artist development. http://www.robynmetko.com
Emily Mills – Instructor
Emily Mills is the drummer/singer in Madison-based alt. country band Little Red Wolf. Emily has been playing percussion since she could hold the sticks in her hands, and was a band counselor for Girls Rock Camp Madison in 2010. She is also a freelance writer, actor, and photographer.
Deb Nies – Instructor
Deb is a freelance writer, but her most rewarding and challenging career is being a mom to her tween daughter, Hannah. They love exploring the roads less traveled in the Madison area, and sharing their finds at Hidden Adventure Examiner and Parenting Tweens.
Candice Nokes
Candice comes from the Greater Milwaukee area and is a songwriter, vocalist, and guitarist. She studied guitar and voice beginning at age 8, and continued studying voice through college. Since age 22 she has performed music in many ways, through many genres, with a love to rock. One of her favorites was as a vocalist and guitarist for the 7-piece Milwaukee-based band, Mark Truesdell and the Lost Pioneers. Two of her original songs, A Whole Long While (2010), and Trapped (2012), are Indian Summer Music Awards Nominees. Candice worked with Madison GRC in 2011 and can’t wait to see new female bands thrive and shine! Currently, Candice invests much of her musical time as a duo / rocked-out trio in The Spirals. http://spiralsmusic.com/home.html
Karen Novy
Karen Novy began playing piano at the tender age of five years old, taught first by her father who was a popular piano teacher in the small town in New Jersey where she grew up. She quickly fell in love with the instrument and spent most of her childhood playing on those 88 keys while everyone else was playing kickball. She began writing songs at age 17, and discovered her love of emotionally honest lyric writing. Songwriting and performing is her life’s passion and soul purpose. In between songwriting trips to Nashville and live performances in the Triangle area of North Carolina, she is mixing a new album (her fourth) due out in March 2019.
Tara Nuutinen
Graduated from Lawrence University in Appleton, WI with a B.A. in Fine Art and currently is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Psychology. As a kid, attended several basketball camps, became a counselor for several camps and a coach for Badger State Games as well as assisted with a basketball camp with 1000 participants. This is the first year with GRC, which is amazing to be a part of such talented musicians
Laura V. Page – Instructor
Laura V. Page is a highly experienced independent management consultant focusing on leadership development, conflict resolution, customer service, team building and strategic planning. She is a frequent public speaker, meeting facilitator and an instructor for continuing education divisions of UW-Madison and UW-Milwaukee in addition to serving her clients, both profit and non-profit.
Michelle “Shelly” Pare
Shelly retired in 2014 after teaching vocal music in Lodi and Westfield MS/HS for 35 years. She was the Choir Director at St. Mary’s Church, Portage, 30 years and teaches for the Portage Zona Gale Children’s and Youth Theatre productions. She’s a Portage Area Community Theater and Lodi School Board member. She has directed, choreographed and/or performed in 55 musicals and 50 show choirs. She sings professionally in “Sou-Pare” Lodi rock/dance band and with Main Street Melodies quartet and directs the Zona Gale Singers. Shelly has been a competition judge for show choirs, FFA, talent shows, forensics and director for six HS Honor’s Choirs and other W.S.M.A. events. Shelly taught at Shell Lake Show Choir Camp 14 years, ballroom dance in Baraboo 10 years, and is looking forward to her 2nd year at Girl’s Rock Camp in Madison.
Haley Parvin
Haley is a singer/songwriter from Madison, and has had a love for music from a young age. Starting with violin at age 9, she began voice lessons when she was 12, as well as picking up ukulele guitar and piano. Haley released her debut album “One Eye Open” in 2015, and continues to play at local venues around Madison and eau claire, where she currently resides. She is so excited to be a part of Girls Rock Camp and share her passion for music with others!
Karolyn Pionek
Karolyn is a former ladies rock camper and the proud mom of current and future girls rock campers. Learning to play the bass at the ripe age of 38, she is living proof that it’s never to late to pick up an instrument and rock out. She plays in the band bruce bocce (www.brucebocce.com).
Beth Porter – Yoga Instructor
Beth Porter took up yoga to find grounding amidst the craziness of motherhood. She wears many hats including physical therapist, girl scout leader, and mom to two busy kids. Beth is a 200-hour certified yoga instructor and likes to dabble in different venues, teaching yoga to UW grad students, at the FIT on Monroe Street, and to children/young adults with autism.
Queenie – Instructor
Queenie (a.k.a. Susan McCarter-Wade) holds a degree in Music and Recording Technology and is a seasoned performer and recording artist. She has studied, recorded and shared the stage with a host of regional and national performers. Queenie currently enjoys singing and writing music with her own band Queenie and the Blue Cats and looks forward to working with you.
Julie Rackow
Julie has a bachelor’s in Fine Arts – Photography from the University of Arizona and has worked in a variety of supporting rolls with the likes of academics, professional dance troupes, musician, budding film makers, performance artists and drag kings. I would much rather be behind the scenes helping with content and concept development, writing and asking hard question; as well as motivating and inspiring those that want to be in the spotlight. It feeds my soul to help others realize their potential.
Krista Rasmussen – Instructor
Carla Raushenbush – Instructor
Carla, creator and director of A Perfect Knot Yoga Center, on Madison’s near east side, has been a Massage Therapist since 1990 and graduated from Bikram’s formal 500 hr. teacher training in 1995. Since opening her own studio in 1996, she has taught 7-11 classes per week and loves it now more than ever. Recognizing her own cultural conditioning that binds and crushes vitality, originality and contentedness, and steadfastly casting it away is Carla’s main practice toward the yogic goals of true self-knowledge and non-harming.
Sarah Lou Richards
Sarah stands at the hands of Americana tradition; a singer/songwriter and compelling bedrock artist with energy, emotion and the work ethic of a new generation. In 2010, she released “Ruby Red Shoes,” a full length disc produced by Henry Paul (BlackHawk / The Outlaws) capturing the fragrant nuance that marks Richards’ artistry and on-stage talent. Born in Wisconsin and raised in Connecticut, Sarah Lou has been singing since she could talk and followed her passion all the way through college with a degree in music education and has spent the last 6 years in Tennessee, honing her craft as a songwriter and performer. The breadth of Richards’ personal and professional life infuses a positive spirit, yet fierce intellect. Her music showcases one who is not afraid to be a real sinner and a quiet saint.
Amanda Rigell
Amanda is a singer-songwriter and co-founder of the Madison band Count This Penny, which was recently named one of 10 ‘Wisconsin Bands to Watch’ by the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, and has been lucky to share the stage with the likes of Kacey Musgraves, Shovels and Rope, and The Lone Bellow. When she isn’t writing songs or singing harmonies with other songwriters, she teaches English to seventh and eighth graders.
Susan Robinson
Susan first discovered the world of rock camps in the fall of 2011 when she participated in Ladies Rock Camp. She has been playing guitar for 3 years and loves to talk about, learn about, and play music. As a mother and a former teacher, she also enjoys working with young people and helping them to recognize and fulfill their potential. In her free time she also enjoys playing piano, singing, and keeping fit with kickboxing and kung fu.
Meghan Rose
Meghan Rose is a member of the all-female, Madison band Little Red Wolf and is currently writing a musical about zombies. Past roles in music include music director and rehearsal pianist for stage musicals, writing and recording backing tracks for YouTube shorts, and piano for improv theater. Instruments include piano, guitar, vocals, mandolin, dulcimer, and the accordion.
Kaya Saia
Kaya Saia is so excited to continue being part of GRC! After attending camp for 8 years, she is honored to be a part of the camp staff. Music has always been a part of her life, starting as a violinist, she then learned bass at camp and has since played both upright bass and bass guitar in several ensembles throughout her middle school, high school careers. She continues to pursue bass in her current college career and enjoys singing and playing ukulele on the side. GRCs mission of female empowerment is incredibly important to her and she is glad to be able to contribute to such a phenomenal experience.
Carolynn Schwartz Black
Carolynn Schwartz Black has been singing since she was born and has no plans to stop anytime soon. Music has been an ever-present force in her life, in many ways, and many genres, including blues, funk, classic soul/r&b, folk, rock, and country. Currently she is really digging being a chanteuse, singing jazz standards, and sharing the stage with Lo Marie in 2 Broads 1 Band. A native New Yorker, Carolynn moved to Madison in 2004 after releasing her second album and quickly joined Clyde Stubblefield’s Funky Monday Band as well as local electronic r&b band Vibe Syndicate. 14 years later, several bands (including a duo with her hubby, The Schwartzes), 2 kids, a few albums, and 3 recent MAMA awards nominations, and now her musical journey continues on with Girls Rock Camp. She is excited to share the power of music and her breadth of experience with the next generation of rockers!
Cait Shanahan
Cait Shanahan is a singer-songwriter hailing from Madison, Wisconsin. Cait has released 3 full length solo records and most recently (May 2011) released a full length album with her late band, Cait and the Girls. As of December 2011, she is plugging away on a new band with an impressive line-up, look for shows in early 2012.
Laura Stephenson – Instructor
Laura grew up in Madison and was always involved in music as a young girl. She knew she was destined to sing for the rest of her life when her first grade music teacher pointed out that Laura knew how to breathe right! In fact, she majored in vocal performance, getting her “opera on” here at the UW. Laura moved from the world of German liede and Italian opera to alt-rock in 2002 with Spolight Buddha. She is currently a lead singer for Bonobo Secret Handshake, a politically charged and highly energetic blues, rock, funk band. Laura specializes in writing lyrics and is extremely psyched to rock with the girls at camp.
Nicky Sund
Nicky Sund has been performing professionally with bands for 15 years. She has played in steampunk, reggae, jazz, afro-pop, rock, ska and blues groups. Currently she performs with https://www.facebook.com/SupervillainFireDrill , http://ladiesmustswing.com/, http://atimevudanceanddrum.com/, Swingin’ not Stirred and The Unusual Suspects.
Henrieta Tornyai – Instructor
A recent transplant to Madison all the way from New Zealand, Henrieta works as a professional bassist and teaches guitar and bass out of her studio in Sherman Village. Upon arriving in Madison, Henrieta quickly found work with several local bands including The Sills, The John Masino Band and Ladies Must Swing.
Vanessa Tortolano – Instructor
Vanessa is a woman of many hats. She is a devoted mother of two wonderful boys, is co-owner and Operator of NessAlla Kombucha, and does music as much as she can when time allows. Vanessa has been singing since she could speak and on the stage since 3rd grade. She has been in many bands over the years including Madison’s Subvocal. Currently, Vanessa is working on solo stuff as well as co-hosting the Alchemy’s Open Mic Variety Show and Tell with Julia McConahay every second Wednesday of the month. She feels very excited to have the opportunity to help build girls’ confidence and self-esteem. Go for it girls!
Ali Trevino-Murphy – Instructor
Alyx Vesey
Alyx is a PhD student in Media and Cultural Studies at UW-Madison. She studies, among other things, gender and music culture. In 2009, she started the blog Feminist Music Geek and is a frequent contributor for Bitch Magazine. She is a native Texan, and volunteered with the Austin and Houston chapters of Girls Rock Camp before relocating to Madison late last summer. In her spare time, she likes to strum the dust off her Gibson SG and snuggle her cat, Kozy.
Anna Vogelzang
Anna Vogelzang loves Girls Rock Camp. This is her 3rd summer involved with the GRC Team, sporting roles such as Voice Teacher, Band Coach, Songwriting Instructor, and Band Manager. Anna went to college for opera & poetry, and then began touring non-stop as a singer/songwriter – driving all over the country and playing in all kinds of venues – finally creating her own record label, Paper Anchor Music, in 2011. She’s had the privilege to play shows with Sara Bareilles, Anais Mitchell, Laura Gibson, Amanda Palmer, Mirah, and many other strong lady musicians (not to mention some dude musicians, too). Her newest album was released on PAM in February of 2012 after being funded on Kickstarter by her fans. You can hear Anna’s songs & see when she’s playing shows here or look at pictures of what she’s eating for lunch and/or her bunny Oscar here.
Anna Wang – Instructor
Anna Wang is a songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, and a recent grad from UW-Madison. She currently plays with Anna Wang and the Oh Boys! Playful, fun, and somewhat irreverent, Anna Wang and the Oh Boys! often play in and around their home-base of Madison. http://www.annawangandtheohboys.com
Emma Watermolen
Emma has been involved in performance for the better part of 15 years. She plays trumpet, ukulele, guitar, and piano. She is a biology teacher, tennis coach, and lacrosse coach, but loves to write and perform music with friends and family in her free time. She is incredibly excited to be a part of the Girls Rock Camp team!
Stacey “Pepper” Weber
Stacey, a Ladies’ Rock Camp alumna, has been a stage performer since age 7, but discovered the joy of rocking the bass on stage far later. She is the bass player for legendary Madison surf-punk garage rock band The Vipers, Cramps tribute band Goo Goo Muck, and was a founding member of The Rotten Tommys. She adores 80s music and style and shares her home, aptly named The Punk Rock Palace, with a current GRC camper and bass player. She is beyond stoked to be part of another totally awesome GRC season as band coach and manager, supporting girls in owning their power on stage and off. GIRLS ROCK!!
Maggie Weiser
Maggie is a singer and guitar player who lends her voice to many bands in Madison, including The Reptile Palace Orchestra, Yid Vicious, and Shakey. Maggie believes in music education through shared experiences, and thrives on creative ensemble work. Maggie has dabbled in instruments such as guitar and drums, and has formally studied piano and flute. She is the manager of many projects, booking shows and organizing benefits and neighborhood festivals.
Sarah Whitt
Sarah has been a musician since around the age of 7. She plays french horn, drums, sings, and occasionally plays piano (but would never admit to that). She regularly sings with chamber choir and gospel choir. She also recently started a band with a couple of other awesome chicks, where she plays drums, sings, writes songs, and generally has a great time.
Chandon Williams
Mother, DJ and acupuncturist, Chandon keeps herself busy and always makes time for Girls Rock Camp. She enjoys watching the girls learn about what it really means to be a DJ and loves to hear the mixes that they come up with. The only female mix DJ in Wisconsin to appear on the radio, she stresses the importance of having young girls get a secure foundation to take the art of djing wherever their creative hearts desire for the future!
Rita Witter
Rita lives south of Mt. Horeb and is a guitarist, singer and songwriter that has been in working bands since the late 70’s. She began her interest in music in high school, traveling and performing with her church’s folk group. Later she joined and formed multiple rock bands. The longest running band was Rita & The Reptiles during the 80’s and 90’s. Her style of writing crosses from rock, blues, reggae, and a bit of country rock. Rita is currently recording and performing with her band Flippin Westies.
Beatriz Zaricor
Beatriz has loved music since a very young age. At age 7, she was given the choice of any present she wanted. She chose a record album from her favorite artist. She took piano classes and learned to play guitar on her own. She’s written many songs. Currently she can be seen in her latest musical endeavors as a DJ at clubs, events and weddings. She sees music as vehicle to build positive relationships with her students, to empower and strengthen each other.
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