Lessons - $30
Woodwinds
-Steve Bunch
(Woodwind / Brass Instructor)
Steve is an accomplished band director with over 17 years of music education experience. He currently serves as Assistant Band Director at Ennis Junior High; a position which he has held for 9 years. Prior to working at Ennis Junior High Steve has served on the director team at Ennis High School, Permenter Middle School (Cedar Hill), Beltline Intermediate School (Cedar Hill), and Mount Pleasant ISD. He has earned his Masters Degree in Music Performance and Bachelors Degree in Music Education from Texas A&M – Commerce. While attending Texas A&M- Commerce Steve sat 1st chair of clarinet from 1992-1996 and from 1998 -2000. He has performed with the Wind Ensemble at the Texas Music Educators Association Convention and at the College Band Directors National Association.
While at Ennis Junior High Steve has conducted the Symphonic 1 Band and assisted with the Wind Ensemble and Symphonic 2 Bands. Under his direction his bands have received numerous sweepstakes awards from UIL performances. Additionally, his bands have received superior ratings at the Beach Within Reach Festival, Soundpost Music Festival, and Peak Music Festivals.
Steve is a member for the First Baptist Church of Dallas Orchestra where he currently plays clarinet. He has also performed with the Carrolton Wind Symphony from 2004-2010. Steve lives in Cedar Hill with his wife Kristy and sons Caden, Carson, Cohen, and daughter Kyle.
-Denise Graves
(Woodwind / Brass Instructor)
Denise has joined our team holding a Bachelor’s of Music Ed from Memphis State University, a Master’s of Music Ed from Arkansas State University, and over 25 years of teaching experience in public school, private school, homeschool and individual tutor settings for levels from beginner through high school. She currently serves as assistant director of the Southern Star Band, which serves Waxahachie/Midlothian area homeschool and hybrid school band students.
Though Denise’s primary instrument is saxophone, as a band director/tutor, she has experience in teaching all band instruments. Many of her students have placed in region bands, several have advanced to area and some to all-state level. Her passion in teaching is to help each student realize their potential by developing their ability and confidence through a well-rounded understanding of their instrument and of music.
Percussion/Drums
-Chaz Mangan
(Guitar / Bass / Ukulele / Drum Instructor)
Chaz is a valuable member of our Instructor Team, bringing over ten years of private lesson experience to the table. His extensive background in music not only enriches his teaching but also enhances his understanding of how we learn. Chaz is dedicated to helping students discover the numerous benefits of playing an instrument, from boosting creativity to improving cognitive skills.
Growing up in Waxahachie, Chaz has performed with various bands and continues to actively engage with local music groups. His passion for music began in childhood, and he has cultivated a vibrant and energetic presence that makes learning enjoyable for his students.
Strings
-Chaz Mangan
(Guitar / Bass / Ukulele / Drum Instructor)
Chaz is a valuable member of our Instructor Team, bringing over ten years of private lesson experience to the table. His extensive background in music not only enriches his teaching but also enhances his understanding of how we learn. Chaz is dedicated to helping students discover the numerous benefits of playing an instrument, from boosting creativity to improving cognitive skills.
Growing up in Waxahachie, Chaz has performed with various bands and continues to actively engage with local music groups. His passion for music began in childhood, and he has cultivated a vibrant and energetic presence that makes learning enjoyable for his students.
-Don Qualls
(Guitar / Bass / Mandolin Instructor)
Playing a variety of music from Fingerstyle (Chet Atkins), Blues, Contemporary Christian, Gospel and Bluegrass, Don is a well rounded guitar and bass player. He holds over 50 years of playing experience and actively performs as part of his worship team at church. Don has instructed many students in the past, teaching both beginning and intermediate players alike.
-Thomas Lovett
(Violin / Viola / Cello)
Thomas Lovett is a performer and educator backed by years of experience and cultivation. His education not only includes a Master of Music in Violin Performance from The University of Tennessee , but Thomas is also certified with the Suzuki Association of the Americas (SAA). - an association that prides itself on the philosophy “every child can be educated”. In 2013 he took his expertise and began working as an Orchestra Director for Fort Worth Independent School District. Thomas has familiarity with students of all ages, and is currently a Music Teacher for Red Oak Independent School District.
-Bernhard Kainerstorfer
(Violin & Viola Instructor)
Bernhard is an experienced violin and viola instructor and has taught children and adults of all ages. He has freelanced in various classical ensembles as a professional violinist. Additionally, he has held several classical performances in churches throughout Vienna, Linz, Munich and other European cities. Bernhard fluently speaks both English and German. Bernhard joined Ellis County Music Center in early 2013, and has had extensive instructor experience with Music & Arts, Bernhard's Violin Education Services, Landesmusikschule, and Musikschulverband.
Bernhard has also performed several years of service in Orchestra Work:
Kammerorchester (Chamber Orchestra) | St. Pantaleon-Erla, Austria 2002-2003
Camerata Austriaca (Symphony Orchestra) | Andalusia, Spain 1992-1993
Herz-Jesu Kirche (Church and Mass Performance) | Linz, Austria 1993-2001
Piano
-Emily Leblanc
(Piano)
Emily is currently pursuing her degree in Music at Nelson University. She holds over 12 years of experience in playing piano, and has instructed several students during this time. She also serves in the worship ministry at church. One of the things she appreciates about being a lesson instructor is helping her students grow in their musical studies.
-Ben Barker
(Piano)
Ben Barker is a Waxahachie native and graduate of Waxahachie HS. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from the University of North Texas. In high school, he earned the distinction of being named the top pianist in the state of Texas, performing as 1st Chair Piano in the TMEA All-State Jazz Band for two consecutive years (2019–2020). He has since built a career as an active professional musician, performing regularly in jazz venues, weddings, church services, musical theatre productions, recording sessions, and with his own original band throughout the Dallas–Fort Worth area and beyond.
As a teacher, Ben enjoys working with students of all ages and skill levels. His lessons cover piano performance, sight reading, ear training, music theory, improvisation, composition, and more. He tailors the lessons to each student’s level and interests, focusing on building strong fundamentals, creativity, and confidence at the piano.
-Jeremy McKissack
(Piano / Vocal Instructor)
Jeremy has come to Ellis County Music Center with over 25 years of experience in Piano performance in a House of Worship setting. Additionally, he has performed for over 8 years as a touring professional musician. This experience coupled with the fact that Jeremy is also a certified teacher in music makes him a great addition to the instruction staff. Jeremy instructs various styles of performance including: traditional piano, church/gospel, improvisation, and general chord chart reading.