Musicians
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the band
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DANIKA STARRHARRT
(LEAD VOCALS, PIANO, COMPOSER) What inspired you to start playing? "When I was a toddler I would sing to flowers and make up words to the tunes my music boxes played. A mostly quiet child, music was just how my heart talked before I knew any rules. I couldn't wait to start piano lessons when I turned 6 and would be allowed to learn music for real. But traditional piano lessons left me feeling frustrated for quite a few years, even though something inside knew there'd be more music for me. It wasn't until I started learning flute and got to play in jazz bands that I realized music was a language I could speak - and even write, not just struggle to read. I started submitting pieces I wrote to the youth symphonies and choirs I was in, and with them being so well received I was soon getting asked to write for other groups. Once the love for music was rekindled, I returned to playing piano, determined to become a master sightreader and improviser! What inspires you to keep playing? "Simply because I know the power of music: it keeps us healthy, souls fed, and brains sharp! 'If you don't, you won't,' I always tell myself -- I run a busy music business which is ironically the biggest thing that ever keeps me from making music, so I have to make a habit of a morning minimum warmup before the day gets away. I don't feel like I've fully woken up each day until I have been faithful to music. Music is also my favorite way to connect with people. It's about listening deeply, and when you're fully in tune, everyone feels harmony in their hearts and you can't help but be friends." Favorite musical accomplishments: "Self-producing 12 albums (7 of which were completely solo, playing orchestra instruments in layers) in my late teens and early 20's... Teaching tons of excellent music students over the past 20 years through camps and classes and lessons... raising a creative, musical child... performing a lot, yes, but my favorite place to perform is hands down in parades on my pink pedal-powered piano (it won 'best vehicle' in Meridian's 2023 Dairy Days parade!)" Non-musical fun fact: I am super inspired by traveling! If too much time goes by and I don't have the time to take a trip anywhere, I'll usually rearrange my furniture for a change of scenery or redo my daily schedule for a change of pace. SIGN UP FOR DANIKA'S PERSONAL MUSIC SHARE NEWSLETTER HERE |
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MICHAEL YOUNG
(DRUMS) What inspired you to start playing? My parents noticed I was musical and asked me if I wanted to take piano lessons, in 3rd grade. I ended up taking 10 years of piano plus a year in college, practicing on my Nana’s spinet in those early years. I even took a summer of organ — sorry organ teacher, playing organ at church just wasn’t in the cards for me. For drums, my dad had played snare drum in junior high marching band. When band was offered in 6th grade, I already had my dad’s snare drum, and you had to take piano lessons to play drums, so why wouldn’t I join band and play them? My dad’s enthusiasm helped spark an interest in me. The rest is history. What inspires you to keep playing? Music has always been a part of my life. I’ve gone through seasons of playing more and playing less. I’ve discovered that when I choose to play and put my ‘all’ into something I’m playing, I experience joy and connection with the music, myself, and others in a way that other parts of life can’t match. Favorite musical accomplishment: Perhaps my favorite moment playing music was way back in my late college years. I was privileged to play drums in the brand new Air Canada Centre, which is a large arena for basketball and concerts. When I climbed up onto the stage and sat at the professionally mic’ed drum set, I played the toms and they rang throughout the arena. I could feel them in my chest. I played drums for a few songs that evening with thousands of people in attendance. It was a great feeling of so much booming drum sound that I created. I’ll never forget it. Non-musical fun fact: Numbers have texture for me. Different combinations of numbers “feel” different which makes them easy to remember. Combined with my love for the outdoors, I have many of the elevations of Idaho’s mountains and cities memorized. I like to hike mountain peaks and I love all activities outdoors. I also help others plan their outdoor adventures in Idaho. |
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ALEX WARGO
(ELECTRIC GUITAR) bio coming soon! |
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the orchestra
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JENNIFER HARTMANN
(FLUTE) What inspired you to start playing? "My musical journey began with piano lessons when I was six. Then when I was in fifth grade, the middle school and high school bands toured at my school, and I was inspired! I immediately signed up for the band program. I felt drawn to woodwind instruments, and the first time I played on the flute mouthpiece, it blew my band director away. I knew it was the perfect fit." What inspired you to keep playing music part of your life? "I love everything about music. The physical sensation of holding my flute in my hands and feeling the breath go through to create sound. The mental challenge of improving every day and reaching new heights of musical achievement. The community of creative friends and family that support each other. The excitement of standing on a stage and expressing myself. Music allows me to be my most authentic self and connect with others along the way." Favorite musical accomplishments: "I won a Maestro award in Disneyland for a piccolo solo, and Merlin the wizard himself awarded it to me! In addition, I have played as principal flute at Boise State University, where I received my Bachelor of Arts in Music." Non-musical fun fact: "I have a degree in social work, and am a big mental health advocate! I have spent the last three years doing suicide prevention research." |
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YVONNE SCHARF
(FLUTE) What inspired you to start playing? "A traveling music teacher came to my elementary school for a band promotion presentation. I went home with a rent to own instrument brochure. The piccolo photo captured my imagination. I was encouraged to start with the flute, which was just fine with me." What inspires you to keep playing? "My parents were very supportive and sacrificed to make sure I had a flute to play and lessons all throughout my childhood. In addition, our local school district had an excellent music program that kept me engaged and actively playing in band." Favorite musical accomplishments: "Earning a music performance scholarship for flute at my college university. After a many decade hiatus from playing, being selected to perform and participate in a flute masterclass." Non-musical fun fact: "I love to garden and grow my own fruits, vegetables and herbs for home prepared dishes." |
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PAUL DARCY
(CLARINET) What inspired you to start playing? "I was a little kid in the late '60's. My favorite TV show was the Monkees. After each week's episode, I'd run to the little toy drum kit I had and start drumming and singing, "Hey, hey, we're the Monkees!" I loved making music so, a few years later, I jumped at the chance to join band in the 4th grade. I really wanted to play saxophone, but the teacher said it was too large for me and had me try the clarinet. Fell in love with the instrument." What inspires you to keep playing? "Playing music allows me to express myself in a way that I can't with words. It's helped me deal with pain and loss. It helps me to lead a joyful life and share that joy with others." Favorite musical accomplishments: "Playing with the Washington All State Band in high school, playing in a number of pit orchestras for various shows over the years, and playing bass clarinet with the Meridian Symphony Orchestra for 28 years." Non-musical fun fact: "I once won a contest for best cartoon in a local comics paper that published in Boise back in the '90's." |
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CORINNE HESTER
(CLARINET) What inspired you to start playing? My grandmother was a major influence in fostering my love of music and the arts. When I was growing up, she would take me to all sorts of shows; musicals, concerts, ballets, etc. And when I started playing in groups, she was also one of my biggest supporters. Despite wanting to play the violin in 5th grade, I started on the clarinet because a family friend had one. Little did I know, that clarinet sparked a flame and changed my life." What inspires you to keep playing? "Music has the ability to have such a profound impact. Songs, scores, and soundtracks can take you through every possible emotion. Music has also been a wonderful creative outlet for me, no matter how stressful or hectic life gets. I chose to pursue a science degree, but music ensembles and performing was such an important part of my college career and has continued to be to this day." Favorite musical accomplishments: "I have loved being involved in so many different groups throughout my life - from pep bands, jazz ensembles, symphonies, pit orchestras, etc. When I was in 9th grade I was gifted a Selmer Series 10 clarinet from former Idaho governor Phil Batt, an accomplished clarinetist, who donated his clarinet to the Boise Schools for a promising clarinet player." Non-musical fun facts: "I am a Molecular Biologist! And a proud dog-mom to a sheltie-poodle mix named Riley." |
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BRUCE MILLS
(FRENCH HORN) What inspired you to start playing? "When I was young I had severe pneumonia and asthma, to the point of hospitalization for several days in a row. The doctors recommended that they find a hobby that made me breathe more, so my parents bought me a trumpet. I was 9 or 10 at the time. Started playing in 5th grade and never looked back." What inspires you to keep playing: "Music surrounds us in practically everything we do, and I love to be one of those who can actually participate in the creation and performance of music. I love almost all styles of music. In High School I was in band, jazz band, choir and madrigal singers. This continued through college, where I received a degree in music education. Although my professional career was in banking, I’ve been playing trumpet in community groups all of my life, including having my own Dixieland band, performing in community bands, orchestras, and college groups. My wife and I also sing together in community choirs and church choirs." Favorite musical accomplishments: "Playing the Haydn Trumpet Concerto, the Vivaldi Concerto for two trumpets, the Hummel Trumpet Concerto and the Marcello Oboe Concerto with full orchestra. I also played with La Jolla Symphony and Chorus, North Coast Symphony, Southern California Philharmonic, Golden West Pops Band, Serenata Orchestra, Meridian Symphony, Canyon County Symphony, the Brass Band of Treasure Valley, the Treasure Valley Concert Band and am part of the 1st call musicians for the Music Theater of Idaho. I’ve also performed as an actor/singer in several musicals in the Redlands Bowl." Non-musical fun fact: "I was once an elf at Santa’s Village!" |
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TRENT GILES
(TROMBONE) What inspired you to start playing? "I took some piano lessons as a young child and my sister started playing Clarinet in middle school. Clarinet was my first choice but the band director recommended I go with trombone, my second choice, since less people pick trombone. I just said okay and went with it. I’m grateful he was biased as he was a trumpet player and I’ve loved the variety of musical styles I’ve been able to play over time." What inspires you to keep playing? "Nothing matches the rush you get performing with a group of people, all working as a team in perfect harmony, to create something beautiful and inspiring. Even during a part of a song that my part is resting I love to just listen to everyone else and appreciate that I’m a part of it." Favorite musical accomplishment: "Probably when I played with a ska band in front of 3,000 people and got to dance on stage while playing and watching everyone in the audience dancing along." Non-musical fun fact: "I love to do everything I can outside. Riding my Onewheel, off roading, hiking, snowboarding, camping, even setting up a projector to watch a movie outside. My love of being outdoors is why I moved to the Treasure Valley 5 years ago." |
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MELANIE HENRY
(VIOLIN) What inspired you to start playing? "When I was in grade school, I would put on a record of the Brahms violin concerto. Even though I hadn’t started playing viola/violin yet, I would sit in my rocking chair and listen to that record over and over. My parents started me in piano lessons at 8 years old, then at age 10, I was inspired by my 5th grade orchestra teacher to start playing the viola." What inspires you to keep playing? "I had some great teachers who got me involved in orchestras and festivals. Music has been a healing force in my life and I love teaching and sharing it with others." Favorite musical accomplishments: "Earning a degree in piano at the College of Idaho, playing viola in the Boise Philharmonic in High School and College, playing violin/viola in various pit orchestras and currently principal violist for Canyon County Symphony." Non-Musical fun fact: "I have a hobby of keeping tropical fish. I use to breed freshwater angelfish." |
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APRIL DEMSHAR
(VIOLA) What inspired you to start playing? "When I was in 4th grade, a guy named Mr. Schwen came to my elementary school and did a showcase in the gym about the different instruments in the orchestra because he was starting an after school orchestra program. I came home and said I wanna play the viola' or something to that effect. My ever supportive parents said okay, and over 30 years later it is still the most rewarding choice I ever made." What inspires you to keep playing? "It challenges my brain, forces me to do new and scary things, makes me happy, brings me pride, and connects me with lots of awesome people." Favorite musical accomplishment: "Starting an orchestra program at the charter school where I also teach English. It's hard to start something from scratch!" Non-musical fun fact: "I have a teeny dog named Tong. He has stinky breath and a big heart!" |
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RICHELLE GREENE
(VIOLA) What inspired you to start playing? "I was raised in a musical environment, with my mom playing the bagpipes and teaching highland dance. After I determined that the bagpipes were NOT for me, I requested to play the violin. I didn't even know violas existed at age 8. My music teacher in middle school convinced me to try playing Viola because I was a strong violinist and we desperately needed more violas in our school orchestra. I fell in absolute love with the instrument and it has been my primary choice to play ever since." What inspires you to keep playing? "Music is integral to my happiness - it brings me indescribable joy and I want to pass that joy along to others wherever possible." Favorite musical accomplishments: "Being the Principal Violist at Washington State University when I attended for a Music Education degree, being in several pit orchestras, and being a member of Washington-Idaho Symphony and Meridian Symphony Orchestra." Non-musical fun fact: "I absolutely love baking and cooking! I owned a local multiple allergen bakery and am currently a Private Chef." |
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KYLE LAMBERT
(DOUBLE BASS) bio coming soon! |
The Singers
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BAILEE MORRISON
bio coming soon! |
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SHARON LUCAS
bio coming soon! |
INTERESTED IN AUDITIONING?
Contact us. We have current openings for violin, cello, electric bass, and French horn and will consider others.