Brian Baxter, Percussion

 Brian is currently based out of Chicago where he is pursuing an M.M. in music composition at Roosevelt University. In 2007, he received a B.M. in music composition from Illinois Wesleyan University. His principal teachers at both institutions have included; Stacy Garrop, Daron Hagen, David Vayo, Mario Pelusi, and Garrett Byrnes. Brian has recently been the recipient of numerous honors for his music. His latest piece for wind ensemble, A Rising Sun Across the Water (2007), was chosen as a winner of the 2008 CCPA Wind Ensemble Composition Competition and will be premiered at Rudolf Ganz Hall in Chicago on May 5th, 2008. People Movement (2006), written for chamber sextet was selected for performance on the John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference in Bloomington, IL and was also selected for performance by the neoPhonia New Music Ensemble at the 2008 Society of Composers, Inc. National Conference in Atlanta on February 23rd, 2008. In addition to his compositional pursuits, Baxter is an active performer (percussion, piano) in several groups around the Chicagoland area including the Sissy-Eared Mollycoddles, Chicago's premiere new music trio and crystal glass ensemble where he is also on the Board of Directors. Brian originally hails from Geneva, IL.

Eric Malmquist, Bass

 Eric is a young composer who has just moved from his small hometown to live, study, perform and compose in the Chicago area. He has recently received his Bachelor of Music degree in composition from Illinois Wesleyan University, and is currently pursuing a Master's degree in the same field from Roosevelt University. Eric's principal teachers include David Vayo, Mario Pelusi, Garrett Byrnes, and Daron Hagen in composition, and Judy Hanna in double bass. His music combines an interest in early music styles and ethnic music with modern influences such as minimalism and popular music.

Ben Hjertmann, Voice, Baglama, Guitar

 Ben is a Chicago-based composer and performer. Hjertmann's musical interests and creations span a wide range of multimedia, installation, experimental, and collaborative works. Ben is currently pursuing a D.M. in Composition at Northwestern University. His principle teachers have been Lee Hyla, David Vayo, Mario Pelusi, Garret Byrnes, and Fabio Nieder. He has been commissioned and/or performed by The New York Miniaturist Ensemble, Northwestern University Contemporary Music Ensemble, The Conservatorium van Amsterdam Gamelan Orchestra, and the Sissy-Eared Mollycoddles Trio. Hjertmann's work has also been awarded/recognized for The Alicia and Hans Fuchs Scholarship, A grant from the Harry N. and Ruth F. Wyatt Fund, The CHASM Student Composer's Competition, and The John Wesley Powell Research Conference.

Board of Directors:
Brian Baxter, finance director
Ben Hjertmann, production coordinator
Eric Malmquist, promotional manager
Luke Gullickson
James Klopfleisch
Paul Teipe
David Mainer, Jr.
Mark Tomasino
Matt LoPresti