MARY BETH KIRKPATRICK VIOLIN / CELLO Ms. Kirkpatrick holds a degree in Music Therapy from the College of Mount St. Joseph and Masters degree in violin performance from the University of Iowa where she also earned her public school teaching certificate. After a three year stint with public school teaching she toured Asia five times with the Mantovani Orchestra. She played four months with a string quartet in Japan before settling in Charleston where she currently plays first violin with the West Virginia Symphony and teaches privately. Her objective is to teach students how to practice and develop the best possible technique in the most expedient manner. Excellent technique is essential for the freedom of great musical expression. Ms. Kirkpatrick’s studends are among the top achievers in the state representing Charleston in the All State Orchestra and the State Honor’s Recital.
DON TITUS: BANJO / MANDOLIN / BASIC GUITAR Banjo Don has been playing and teaching banjo for over 30 years. Don has played in several groups with Johnny Staats including The Bluegrass Heritage, Southern Wind, Crossroads, Just For Now, and Sarah Conant & New Image. He’s opened for many professional acts in the bluegrass field, such as Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Blue Highway, & Len Morris Band, to name a few He has fifteen recording projects under his belt and has worked with Amanda (Collins) Smith on a project with Johnny Staats. He has won numerous contests including 1st in the Country Showdown contest in WV with Southern Wind and placing many times at the SPBGMA in Nashville. Don proudly play Fitch Banjos
ROBERT SHAFER Robert Shafer, master guitar and electric guitar picker; possesses the uncommon ability to play with lightning velocity, infectious swing, or subtle emotion – whatever the music calls for. One of only a few guitar players to have won the prestigious Walnut Valley National Flat Picking Championship more than once, Robert has released seven recordings, many in partnership with other champion pickers, including Robin Kessinger, Steve Kaufman, and Johnny Staats. Robert was most influenced by Doc Watson's acoustic flatpicking, but over the past few decades he has spent at least as much time playing his Telecaster with country music bands Southern Mix and the Pourhouse Crew, mastering techniques learned from such standouts as Merle Travis, Danny Gatton, and Les Paul as well as others of Nashville's hottest sidemen.
KURT SHULTIS PRACTICAL GUITAR / VOCAL / SOUND ENGINEER Kurt Shultis is a Marshall University student. Having been involved in the music industry since 11, Kurt has performed in various State Fairs and Festivals and high profile venues in West Virginia, as well as the Baldknobbers Theater, Star Theater and Doug Gabriel Shows in Branson, Missouri. Kurt is a 4 year national vocal champion with 3 of those years being named Grand Champion. Kurt has played in several bands, and most recently opened for and played with BB King's Daughter, Shirley King, also known as the Daughter of the Blues. Kurt is currently on the 2017 Wunderkind tour with his twin sister, Kami. The soon to be Nashville recording artists are currently working on their second CD to be released in the near future.
Aubreyana Shaffer: Vocal Coach Having extensive background in music in high school and college, Aubreyana is a singer and recording artist that teaches basic vocal techniques. Open to any gentre, her instruction style is patient and non-judgemental. In her spare time, she is the organizer of the open mic night at Greenhills Country Club.