Brass Lessons

Dylan Custer is a Texas-based trumpet player and music educator with a passion for teaching brass students at all levels. Originally from Kilgore, TX, he is in his sixth year of teaching and currently serves as Assistant Band Director at Henderson High School. There, he conducts the junior varsity band and assists with all middle school ensembles while teaching beginner French horn and tuba.

Before his current position, Dylan taught at Henderson Middle School, where he led the 7th grade band and taught beginner trombone, baritone, and tuba. His well-rounded experience gives him a strong foundation for working with both brass beginners and advancing musicians.

As a performer, Dylan serves as co-principal trumpet with the East Texas Symphonic Band and frequently performs at local churches throughout the region.

He earned his B.M.E. from Stephen F. Austin State University in 2018 and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Music Theory at SFA, with graduation expected in Spring 2026.

Dr. Scott M. DiTullio is a seasoned music educator, conductor, and trumpeter with nearly three decades of experience leading student musicians at all levels. He currently serves as Director of Bands and Lecturer in the Department of Music and Theatre at Thiel College, where he directs the Marching Band, Pep Band, Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, Brass Band, and Jazz Band.

Dr. DiTullio holds a B.S. in Music Education and Performance from Clarion University, a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from Lock Haven University, a K–12 Administration Certification from California University of Pennsylvania, and a Doctorate in Curriculum Leadership (Ed.D.) from Northeastern University in Boston.

Previously, he served as Director of Bands for the Allegheny-Clarion Valley and Clarion-Limestone School Districts, and as an adjunct instructor at St. Vincent College where he led the Jazz Band and taught trumpet. In 2021, he was appointed Director of Bands and the Intermezzo Band with the Pittsburgh Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, and in 2023, he was a featured soloist for their Ireland Tour.

Dr. DiTullio is an active performer with groups including the Butler Musicians Concert Band, Good Times Big Band, The Harrisville Community Band, Nostalgia, Pittsburgh Doo Wop Big Band, and The Clarion River Brass Quintet. He has guest-conducted at numerous festivals, including the 2024 Nevada All-State Small School Concert Band.

As a sought-after clinician, Dr. DiTullio presents on topics such as trumpet performance, building successful ensembles, music literacy, and integrating music with Common Core standards.

In his free time, he remains deeply involved in music and community baseball activities. He resides in Clarion, PA with his wife, Joyce, and is the proud parent of two adult children.

Katie Stermer is a dedicated music educator, performer, and advocate based in East Grand Forks, MN. She has taught middle school band, jazz band, and modern band in both Grand Forks Public Schools (2020–2024) and Montevideo Public Schools (2018–2020). During the 2023–2024 school year, Katie served as the Eastern Band Representative on the North Dakota Music Educators Board.

Katie currently works in Teacher Recruitment and Retention at the University of North Dakota’s College of Education. She is also the assistant conductor for the Northern Valley Youth Orchestra Philharmonic ensemble and maintains an active private trumpet studio.

She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from the University of South Dakota in 2018 and her Master’s Degree in Music Education from Florida State University in 2023. As an undergraduate, Katie performed in symphonic band, jazz band, orchestra, brass ensemble, concert choir, and marching band, where she served as head drum major in her senior year. She also volunteered as a church musician and played in pit orchestras for community theater productions.

Katie has been teaching private trumpet lessons since 2016, working with students from 4th through 12th grade. She emphasizes strong fundamentals, technical development, and preparation for auditions and performances. Her students have gone on to earn placements in regional honor bands, all-state ensembles, and youth orchestras.

She is a proud member of the National Association for Music Education, and her article “The ‘How’ and ‘Why’ of a Middle School Rock Band” was published in the North Dakota Music Educators Journal in October 2023.

Evelyn Talbot is a seasoned trumpet performer and educator known for her vibrant private studio and wide-ranging professional experience. Her musical journey began under the mentorship of Dr. Karl Sievers, with whom she studied through high school and into her undergraduate years at the University of Oklahoma. Evelyn earned her Bachelor’s of Music in 2015 and went on to complete her Master’s Degree in Trumpet Performance under Greg Wing at Morehead State University.

While in Kentucky, Evelyn donated her talents to the local American Legion, eventually being honored with lifetime membership and a place in the honor guard. After completing her graduate studies, she returned to Oklahoma to build a thriving private studio. Her students have consistently earned placements in regional and all-state ensembles, performed with the Oklahoma Youth Orchestra and Drum Corps International groups like the Blue Knights, and gone on to study trumpet on scholarship at universities including OU, OCU, Morehead State, and SNU.

In summer 2024, Evelyn relocated to the Dallas area, where she continues to offer top-tier brass instruction to students of all levels.

Her professional performance résumé includes work with Painted Sky Opera, Enid Symphony, Masopust Polka Band, Bohemian Knights Polka Band, City Rep Theatre, and Bethany Stage Theatre. She has also subbed with ensembles like the Mesquite Symphony, Las Colinas Symphony, and McKinney Philharmonic. Evelyn has played lead trumpet in major opera productions (Madama Butterfly, Don Giovanni, Carmen, La Bohème) and musical theatre productions (The Music Man, Beauty and the Beast, Joseph… Dreamcoat, The Wedding Singer, and more). She also served as principal trumpet for the John Rutter Gloria (2019) and the Haydn Festival (2022).

In 2021, Evelyn authored the Let’s Toot Theory Workbook series, a playful and accessible approach to music theory for brass players. Her books are now sold in 17 states and 4 countries, helping young musicians build strong theory foundations in a fun and engaging way.

Evelyn has performed with world-renowned artists including Sandi Patti, Adam Rapa, Sergio Monteiro, Tynan Davis, and Mary Beth Nelson. She is passionate about inspiring the next generation of brass musicians through individualized instruction and creative learning.

Ashley Gulbranson is a Wisconsin-based horn player, conductor, and educator with a deep passion for brass instruction and student mentorship. She leads a thriving middle school band program of over 200 students and brings over a decade of experience in teaching, performance, and music leadership.

Ashley has taught at renowned institutions including Interlochen Arts Camp and the University of Colorado High School Summer Music Academy. She has held Graduate Teaching Assistant positions at the University of Colorado Boulder and the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee.

As a performer, Ashley has appeared with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, Stratus Chamber Orchestra, Boulder Symphony, and Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra. She is also an active chamber musician, having performed with ensembles such as the Interlochen Faculty Brass Ensemble, Five O’Clock Brass Quintet, and Lakefront Brass Quintet.

Ashley’s conducting experience includes leading the University of Colorado Horn Choir, Interlochen Intermediate Brass Ensemble, Milwaukee Youth Horn Choir, and Appel Farm Arts Camp Orchestra and Brass Choir.

Dedicated to wellness in music education, she is the founder of The Healthy Horn Player, a widely followed blog with international readership in over 45 countries. Her writing has been featured in The Horn Call, the journal of the International Horn Society.

Ashley earned her Doctor of Musical Arts in Horn Performance and Pedagogy from the University of Colorado Boulder, a Master of Music in Horn Performance and Chamber Music from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, and a Bachelor of Music in Horn Performance and Music Education from the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point. Her primary teachers include Michael Thornton, Greg Flint, and Patrick Miles.

Marcus Hostetler is a dedicated band director and private lesson instructor with over 10 years of teaching experience in the Chicagoland area. Known for his supportive, energetic approach, Marcus specializes in working with both beginner and high school musicians, helping students develop strong fundamentals and a lifelong love for music.

He has extensive experience teaching private lessons online and in person, making high-quality music instruction accessible and engaging for students of all backgrounds and skill levels.

Outside of teaching, Marcus enjoys spending time with his family, running, hiking, and exploring new pizza spots. He brings enthusiasm and encouragement to every lesson and looks forward to helping students achieve their musical goals.

Arden Cline is a versatile music educator and low brass specialist with experience teaching a wide range of instruments, including trombone, flute, clarinet, alto and tenor saxophone, piano, and violin. Currently teaching elementary general music, Arden also has a background in band instruction and a strong track record of student success at the private lesson level.

Arden earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Shepherd University and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction at Hood College. Their teaching approach focuses on adapting to each student’s learning style while developing strong fundamentals, musicality, and confidence.

Many of Arden’s private lesson students have achieved placement in honor bands and the West Virginia Middle School All-State Band, reflecting a high standard of instruction and student engagement. With a passion for helping students grow as musicians and individuals, Arden is dedicated to creating a supportive, student-centered learning environment.

Whether you're just starting out or preparing for auditions, Arden offers expert guidance and encouragement every step of the way.

Apryl Garcia is a passionate music educator with 18 years of experience inspiring young musicians through meaningful, student-centered instruction. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music and a teaching credential from the University of California, Los Angeles.

Apryl specializes in teaching beginning and intermediate-level students, with a focus on building strong musical foundations while nurturing creativity and confidence. Her supportive, inclusive approach helps students thrive in both private and group settings.

Under her guidance, students have achieved key milestones, including selection to honor groups and notable growth in technical ability and musical expression. Apryl’s teaching goes beyond performance — she is committed to helping students develop a lifelong love for music as a source of joy, confidence, and personal growth.

Her classrooms and studios foster belonging, positivity, and active engagement, contributing to improved student confidence, academic performance, and a strong sense of musical community.

Ray Hojilla is a dedicated music educator and trombonist based in Webster, Florida, with a wide range of teaching and performance experience. He currently serves as the Director of Band and Choir at South Sumter Middle School, where he teaches band, choir, and guitar.

Ray holds an Associate of Arts in Music from Indian River State College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Educational Studies from the University of South Florida. He has studied trombone with MSG Carlyle Weber, Patrick O’Brian, Jonathan Tang, and Professor Tom Brantley, and has learned from notable educators including Dr. John K. Southall, Dr. Tina DiMeglio, Dr. Mathew McCutchen, Dr. Marc Sosnowchick, and Dr. David Williams.

His teaching experience includes roles as Brass, Visual, and Front Ensemble Instructor at Fort Pierce Central High School, and Interim Director of Bands at Southern Oaks Middle School. He also completed his internship at A.P. Leto High School, where he taught band, choir, and AICE Thinking Skills, and later served as Director of Bands at Joseph L. Carwise Middle School, where many of his students earned placement in all-county and all-state ensembles.

As a performer, Ray has played tenor and bass trombone, euphonium, and tuba in a variety of ensembles including the Hollingsworth Winds, Dunedin Concert Band, Pinellas Park Civic Orchestra, Port St. Lucie Community Band, Treasure Coast Symphony Orchestra, USF Symphonic Band, and USF Jazz Ensemble II, among many others.

Ray is passionate about developing musicianship, building confidence in young artists, and fostering excellence in every rehearsal space he leads.

Maggie Pierce is an accomplished trombonist and dedicated music educator with a strong record of excellence in band leadership and private instruction. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from Ohio Northern University and a Master’s Degree in Music Education from Bowling Green State University.

While at ONU, Maggie served as assistant conductor for both the Wind and Symphony Orchestras and performed extensively as a trombonist, including a featured concerto performance with the Wind Orchestra.

Maggie previously taught band at Anna Local Schools for five years, where her ensembles consistently earned Excellentand Superior ratings at Ohio Music Education Association adjudicated events. She has over 12 years of experience teaching private brass students, many of whom have gone on to study music at the collegiate level.

Currently, Maggie teaches 5th–12th grade band in the Toledo Public Schools, where she is actively working to grow the program and lead it to competition readiness. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes high standards, student engagement, and a supportive environment for musical growth.

Jordan McCants is a passionate band director and trombonist dedicated to building strong musical foundations and supportive communities through music education. He currently serves as the Director of Bands at University Charter School in Livingston, Alabama, where he leads the Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, and Pep Band.

Jordan began playing trombone at the age of 10 and quickly developed as a musician through participation in county-level and collegiate honor bands. He earned his degree in Music Education from Auburn University, where he studied trombone under Dr. Matt Wood. During his time at Auburn, Jordan performed with the Marching Band, Jazz Band, Pep Band, Concert Band, Tuba/Euphonium Ensemble, and Trombone Choir.

He is committed to helping students reach their full potential—both musically and personally—and brings energy, experience, and encouragement to every lesson and rehearsal.

Wesley Crosby is a versatile brass musician and educator with a strong foundation in tuba, trombone, trumpet, and additional experience in piano and guitar. His musical journey began in 8th grade when he was introduced to the tuba—a moment that sparked a lifelong passion for music and music education.

He earned his Associate’s Degree in Music from Coastal Alabama Community College, where he performed in the Jazz and Show Bands under the mentorship of Rebecca Barry and Leslie Simmons. He went on to study at the University of South Alabama, where he performed with the Jaguar Marching Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, and Orchestra. He studied applied tuba with Dr. Will Petersen and graduated cum laude in 2022 with a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education.

Since graduating, he has been actively teaching in southern Alabama, helping students of all levels build confidence and technical skill on brass instruments. He is currently preparing to pursue his Master’s Degree at the University of Southern Mississippi.

With a student-focused, encouraging approach, Wesley brings enthusiasm and adaptability to both private lessons and ensemble settings.

Justin Desens is a K-12 music educator from the state of South Dakota. Currently he teaches in a rural town with a population of 2,200 where he teaches 5th grade music, 6th - 12th grade band, and all instrumental lessons. He graduated from Northern State University in December of 2023, where he focused on learning as much of every instrument as possible. Priding himself on being versatile for his students, Justin can play and teach intermediate lessons on most instruments; primarily tuba, trombone, euphonium, percussion, piano, guitar, electric bass, and viola. He can also teach beginner-intermediate lessons on all woodwinds and strings. 

In school Justin was a South Dakota All-State Band member for two years, played bass in the varsity jazz band, won numerous awards, and was involved in many groups in college; including the brass quintet, tuba quartet, NAfME chapter, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia chapter, and was a Senior Resident Assistant. All of these experiences taught skills Justin has applied to his teaching. His teaching philosophy involves making sure students of all ages can have a fun experience while also learning to become better people by using the skills needed to make music in their everyday lives. 

Outside of teaching Justin enjoys working at numerous summer camps over the summer, spending time with his wife (and baby girl coming in March 2026), and spending time with his three cats.

Vincent LoRusso is a conductor, educator, performer, and clinician with over twenty-five years of experience leading bands, orchestras, and jazz ensembles of all levels. Mr. LoRusso currently serves as the Music Director and Principal Conductor of the Northeastern Youth Wind Ensemble, Director of Bands at Blue Ridge High School in New Milford, PA, Director of the Marywood University Jazz Ambassadors, Director of the Marywood Summer Music Academy, and as Associate Conductor and Committee Chairman of the Pennsylvania Lions All-State Band.  He has his Bachelor's of Music from the Catholic University of America, and an M.A. In Music Education from Marywood University.  

The Northeastern Youth Wind Ensemble - affiliated with American Youth Ensembles -  is a high school honor band of performers in the Northeastern Pennsylvania area that provides its members with an opportunity to perform with other student instrumentalists who simply enjoy making music.  As Chairman of the Lions All-State Band, Mr. LoRusso organizes yearly performances of the band at the PA State Lions Convention and performance tours to the Lions International Convention, providing students from across the Commonwealth opportunities to share and create music with 150 other students from Pennsylvania. In 2024, for his 26 years of work with Band, Mr. LoRusso was awarded the Lions Clubs International President's Award for Leadership, the third-highest award presented in Lionism.

Mr. LoRusso's conducting credits include Performance Tours of Italy, Spain, Detroit, Minneapolis, Chicago, Las Vegas, Orlando, Toronto, Boston, Nashville, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and Carnegie Hall. From 2016-2018 he held the Director of Bands position at East Stroudsburg University. He is a four-time recipient of the National Band Association Citation of Excellence and holds degrees from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. and Marywood University. He has studied conducting with Robert Garofalo, Ph.D., Kate Tamarkin D.M.A, Robert Zellner, and F. David Romines Ph.D.

When there is time away from the podium, Mr. LoRusso is an active performer, including leading his own eight-piece Bavarian Brass Band, the Schützengiggles Oompah Band at various venues along the east coast. He participated in the 2023 Saluting America's Band Directors Marching Band in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City with 425 other directors from across the United States. He is an obsessive (read: frustrated) NY Yankees and NY Giants fan – devoted husband to the most patient and understanding wife the world has ever seen, Maria – and the biggest supporter of his 9-year-old wonderkid (and beginning flute student), Cecilia.