ARTISTIC LEADERSHIP
Dr. Barry Ford, Artistic Director
Born in 1964 in Châteauroux, France, Dr. Barry Ford received his Bachelor of Music in Education from Northwestern University and his Master of Music from the University of Missouri. While at Northwestern University, Ford studied trumpet with Vincent Cichowicz and Luther Didrickson. He also studied conducting, arranging, and composition with John P. Paynter, Don Owens, and Jay Kawarsky.
After teaching for several years in the public school system, Ford began studying composition and conducting at the University of Missouri with Edward Dolbashian, Dale Lonis, John Cheetham, and Thomas McKenney. His doctoral studies were in Composition at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where he studied under the guidance of Randal Snyder, Eric Richards, and Tyler White. In 1996, at the request of the Carlos Gomes Foundation, Ford accepted a position as Professor of Trumpet at the Carlos Gomes Conservatory in Belém, Brazil. Concurrent to this appointment, he played principal trumpet with the newly formed Orquestra Sinfônica do Theatro da Paz and Amazônia Jazz Band.
Two years later, he was named music director and conductor of both groups. Ford continued in all of these positions while also later serving as the inaugural Professor of Trumpet at the State University of Pará where he remained until returning to the U.S. to begin work at the University of Nebraska – Omaha (UNO) in 2004. While at UNO, he taught a wide range of subjects including composition, music history, music theory, and world music.
In 2007, he was named Director of Orchestral Activities at UNO and directed the Heartland Philharmonic Orchestra and UNO Chamber Orchestra. In 2017, he served as Director of Orchestral Activities at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Upon completion of his contract, he assumed the position of Interim Director of Orchestras at Truman State University for the 2021-22 academic year.
Graham Woodland, Concertmaster
Graham Woodland received his Bachelor of Music Degree in Violin Performance from the University of Missouri, where he was a student of Eva Szekely and studied chamber music with Julie Rosenfeld and Peter Miyamoto. He went on to receive his Master of Music Degree from the Hartt School, where he studied with Katie Lansdale and completed long-term Suzuki Teacher Training with Christie Felsing. Additionally, Graham has completed Suzuki Teacher Training with Teri Einfeldt, Edward Kreitman, and Thomas Wermuth. He has appeared as a soloist with the Missouri Symphony Orchestra, the University of Missouri Philharmonic, Hartt Contemporary Players, and the MU Chamber Soloists.
In addition to being Concertmaster of the St. Louis Civic Orchestra, he is currently Assistant Concertmaster of the Missouri Symphony Orchestra and performs with the Illinois Symphony Orchestra. Previously, Graham was the Principal Second Violin of the Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra and performed with the New Britain Symphony and Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra.
He has been a winner and finalist in many competitions, including the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Young Artist, Music Teacher’s National Association (MTNA), and the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition. He has participated in masterclasses with Paul Biss, Pinchas Zukerman, Robert Lipsett, Lawrence Dutton, and members of the Berlin Philharmonic. Summer festivals attended include the Innsbrook Institute Academy and Festival, the Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival, and the Texas Music Festival. A dedicated teacher, Graham’s students have earned leadership positions in the Saint Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra, and the Missouri All-State Orchestra, and have had success in local and state-level competitions.
He recently joined the Suzuki violin faculty at the Community Music School of Webster University in St. Louis.
ADMINISTRATION
Jennifer Meyer, Orchestra Administrator
Jennifer Meyer, an accomplished cellist, and dedicated arts administrator, plays a pivotal role in the cultural vibrancy of St. Louis. Serving as both a cellist and the Administrator of the St. Louis Civic Orchestra, Jennifer has brought her musical talents and organizational prowess to the ensemble since September 2022. Her commitment to the orchestra led her to take on the role of Administrator in August 2023, where she plays a crucial part in ensuring the orchestra’s success and outreach.
Jennifer’s musical journey began in grade school in Urbana, IL, where she started playing the cello. During her college years at the University of Pennsylvania, Jennifer balanced her studies in Systems Engineering with the cello, participating in the university orchestra. Her diverse interests also extended to athletics, where she was an active member of the Cross Country and Track teams.
After college, Jennifer embarked on a career as a software engineer and project manager for a prominent management consulting firm in Washington, DC. Her professional journey took a musical turn when she moved to St. Louis and joined the Lionsgate String Ensemble, conducted by Bill Martin of the St. Louis Symphony. Later, she became a member of the University City Orchestra under the baton of Leon Burke III. Jennifer, along with fellow orchestra members, founded a string quartet known as The Mezzanine Quartet, specializing in weddings and events. Jennifer is the proud owner of TriSmartUSA.com, where she operates as a coach specializing in swimming, biking, running, and triathlon. She also actively trains and competes in triathlon and multisport races while contributing to the dynamic energy of the St. Louis Civic Orchestra.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Colin Lovett, Board President
Colin Lovett has over 25 years of experience spanning small business ownership (#Boom), journalism, sales, special education, and healthcare, predominantly in pharmacy benefit management. He is currently a Senior Advisor of PBM Strategy & Business Development at Express Scripts. Colin has managed community music and LGBTQ+ non-profit organizations on a volunteer basis for over 15 years, currently serving as Board President of the St. Louis Civic Orchestra, with which he has played double bass for over 20 years.
Musically, Colin has performed in many various symphony orchestras throughout his experience in St. Louis, Alton, and Columbia. He holds degrees in mathematics and business administration from the University of Missouri St. Louis, where he also earned his MBA, and is a Regional Arts Commission Community Arts Training (CAT) grad.
Colin enjoys community service, traveling, and spending time with his husband and growing family, so far including kids, dogs, cats, and fish. His favorite kind of music (after Beethoven) is any kind of intersectional genre with non-boring chord progression.
Andrea Clark, Board Vice President, Librarian, Music Committee Co-Chair
Andrea Clark has been a member of the St Louis Civic Orchestra, where she is the principal flute, for over twenty years. She recently joined the orchestra’s board of directors and assumed the position of Vice President.
Andrea also performs with the Saint Louis Wind Symphony on piccolo and flute and is a board member and past President of that ensemble. Other groups that Andrea performs with are A Fifth Above Woodwind Quintet, Xylem Woodwind Collective, and Klezhundeit! Klezmer band, and the University City Summer Band. Andrea is a retired family court child custody mediator. She and her husband, Bob, have two daughters (both married), and a Bernese Mountain Dog grand pup named Lottie. In addition to performing classical music, Andrea enjoys playing old-time and Irish music on tin whistle and learning jazz improvisation. She is a voracious reader, loves to bake, and is an avid NYT Games puzzle solver.
Denzel Woodall, Board Treasurer
Dr. Denzel Woodall D.C., a highly skilled Doctor of Chiropractic, proudly earned his Doctorate from Cleveland University-Kansas City in 2021. Holding licenses in both Missouri and Kansas, Denzel specializes in providing chiropractic care to infants, children, and expectant mothers, showcasing a deep commitment to the well-being of families. With a rich background as a Licensed Chiropractor at Proficient Chiropractic for the past two years, Dr. Woodall brings expertise and compassion to his practice. His academic prowess is highlighted by the attainment of two bachelor’s degrees in Viola Performance and Neuroscience in 2017, reflecting his dedication to both musical artistry and scientific understanding.
Beyond his chiropractic career, Denzel is a seasoned violist with an impressive 20-year history of playing the Viola. As the Principal Violist for the Clinton Symphonic Orchestra for two years, a member of the Kansas City Civic Orchestra for four years, and a contributor to the Medical Arts Symphony in Kansas City for one year, he has showcased his musical talents on diverse platforms. In addition to his musical achievements, Dr. Woodall has engaged in master classes with renowned violist Roberto Diaz, currently the Principal Viola for the Philadelphia Orchestra. Having taught viola lessons to students of all ages from 2013 to 2020 in Illinois and Kansas, Denzel has a passion for nurturing the next generation of musicians.
Currently residing in the Central West End, Denzel embraces new adventures while balancing his interests, which include reading, running 5ks, and indulging in the delightful combination of playing Pokémon Go in Forest Park. Committed to both his professional and personal growth, Dr. Woodall actively researches the intersection of viola performance and chiropractic care. He also dedicates time to educating the St. Louis community on the importance of chiropractic care and its impact on stress management and overall well-being.
Jakob Mueller, Board Secretary
Jakob Mueller is honored to serve as the Board Secretary and Principal Percussionist for the St. Louis Civic Orchestra. Jakob graduated from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville in May 2020 with degrees in Music Performance and Business Administration. He is currently the Development Assistant at The Care Service, a non-profit fighting homelessness and hunger in St. Charles, Lincoln, & Warren counties, and works as a DJ for Complete Weddings + Events.
Jakob’s love of percussion began at the instrument try-out day in 5th grade where he found he could not get a sound out of any of the wind instruments he actually wanted to play but figured he could hit things just fine. Since then, Jakob has performed at Powell Hall as a member of the St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra and has performance experience with the St. Louis Philharmonic, SIUE Orchestra, SIUE Wind Symphony, and SIUE Percussion Ensemble. He has been a member of the St. Louis Civic Orchestra since 2019 and does freelance work throughout the greater St. Louis area. He has studied with Alan Stewart, Daniel Smithiger, and Chris Treloar.
In his free time, Jakob loves listening to music of all genres and expanding his ever-growing vinyl record collection. He is also an avid soccer fan and has attended several St. Louis City SC games.
Kathryn Muskopf, Board Member
Kathryn Muskopf is a dedicated Speech Language Pathologist with a wealth of experience and expertise. Holding a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology and being a proud member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Kathryn brings a high level of professionalism to her practice. With an impressive 18-year tenure at the Rockwood School District, she has been committed to enhancing communication skills and making a positive impact on the lives of her students.
Originally from the UK, Kathryn made the journey to the US three decades ago to be closer to her family. Currently residing in University City, she is happily married and finds joy in various hobbies, including cycling, cooking, and knitting.
Bob Herman, Board Member
Bob Herman. J.D. (cum laude 1982, St Louis University); M.S. (1978 Biochemistry, University of Kansas); B.S. (1975 Washington University). Partner in the St Louis Law Firm, Schwartz, Herman, and Davidson since 1984, now retired. Adjunct professor of Law- Constitutional Law (Washington University School of Law; St Louis University School of Law).
I have played oboe and English Horn since 1967 and am currently the principal oboist of the St Louis Civic Symphony Orchestra. I have played in and performed as a soloist with the St Louis Civic Orchestra, the University City Symphony, and the Town and Country Orchestra in St Louis and most recently with various orchestras in Paraguay and Brazil in South America. I am also the oboist for the Xylem Collective, a St Louis chamber music performing group.
I have lived in St Louis since 1968 where my wife Kathryn and I have raised three wonderful kids. Over the years, and in between an active trial court practice concentrating on litigation of Constitutional Law issues, I have been involved in other artistic activities, among them, founding and directing the Klezmer big band KLEZUNDHEIT! and founding and producing plays for a St Louis based theater company, Dangerous Visions.
I am currently toiling away at MADE-STL, a maker space in St Louis, learning how to make reproductions of Baroque and Renaissance wind instruments (in addition to being a happy grandfather to 7 grandchildren).
Linda Rhoades, Board Member
Linda has been a member of the St. Louis Civic Orchestra since 1982. With a musical journey that began at the age of 7 when she picked up the violin, Linda’s commitment to the orchestra has been a lifelong passion, holding key roles such as Librarian and Treasurer multiple times. Her musical talents extend beyond the orchestra, generously sharing her gift with local churches and theater groups.
While Linda’s heart lies in music, her professional journey in financial planning has been equally remarkable since 1982. Serving as a Senior Registered Sales Associate, she supports two Financial Planners as part of a dynamic team. Beyond her financial expertise, Linda finds joy in creating stained art glass as a second hobby. Away from the professional realm, Linda’s superhero and biggest supporter is her loving husband Dan, with whom she has shared 32 years of companionship. As she looks toward the future, Linda’s ultimate music goal is to bring the joy of her violin to nursing homes and churches, contributing to the community even in her retirement at her forever country home
Bernard Long Jr., Board Member
Bernard’s love and feel for music was introduced to him by his father the Late Bernard Long, Sr. Bernard Jr. graduated with his B.M. in Jazz Studies in May 2009 from Northern Illinois University under the leadership of Professor Ron Carter. Bernard, Jr. performed in the world-renowned NIU Jazz Ensemble touring with greats like Clark Terry, Benny Golson, Rodney Whitaker, and Peter Erskine.
Bernard Jr. graduated from Michigan State University in May 2012 with his M.M. in Jazz Studies. At MSU Bernard, Jr. directed the MSU Jazz Orchestra 3, and performed with the MSU Jazz Orchestra 1. (Be-Bop Spartans) Bernard, Jr. graduated from Lindenwood University in May 2016 with his MAT in Music Education, in and with his Ed.S. in School Administration December 2018.
Bernard, Jr. is an Adjunct Professor of Jazz drum set at Lindenwood University. Bernard Jr. is the band director at Madison Jr/Sr High School in Madison, IL. Bernard Jr is a 2018 honoree of the Salute to Excellence in Education class sponsored by the St. Louis American Foundation. Bernard was selected as the 2022-2023 Teacher of the Year in the Madison CUSD#12. Bernard was a 2023 Illinois Teacher of the Year Nominee by the Illinois State Board of Education. Bernard Long, Jr B.M, M.M, M.A.T., Ed.S. is an Adjunct Professor of Jazz Drums at Lindenwood University, the Percussive Arts Society Education and Diversity committee. Bernard, Jr. is the percussionist for The St. Louis Black Repertory Theater, the St. Louis MUNY, The Jazz St. Louis Big Band, and the National Tour of Antigone in Ferguson. Bernard, Jr. is a Zildjian Cymbals and Vic Firth Education Artist.
PHOTO COMING SOON!
Ray Randall, Board Member
Picture and bio coming soon!
PHOTO COMING SOON!
Rebecca Largent, Board Member
Picture and bio coming soon!