The 2025 Music Summit was an incredible display of access, inspiration, and music making! With expanded PD, hands-on workshops, and a one of a kind student led showcase this summit was our most impactful yet!

Harmony Explosion Partnership

Harmony Explosion is part of the Northeastern District of the Barbershop Harmony Society, dedicated to promoting and encouraging barbershop harmony through singing, education, and community. Our mission is to inspire the next generation of singers by sharing the joy of four-part harmony and creating inclusive opportunities for musical growth and connection.

This year, we brought the Harmony Explosion experience to the WAI Summit—an incredible success that filled the day with energy, collaboration, and harmony. The event featured an outstanding clinician team: Debbie Cleveland (Voice), Rachel Hearn (Tenor/Soprano), Sebastian “Sebby” Massa (Lead/Alto), Brianna Babiack (Baritone/Tenor), Cay Outerbridge (Bass), and Roger Menard (Harmony Explosion). Together, they led inspiring workshops, performances, and breakout sessions that showcased the transformative power of barbershop singing.

The partnership between WAI and Harmony Explosion continues to demonstrate how community, education, and artistry can unite to make music accessible, joyful, and unforgettable for every student involved.

Our Amazing 2025 Clinicians!

  • Flutist

    has been the second flutist in the Vermont Symphony Orchestra since 1983; she also substitutes as principal flute and piccolo, and is a member of a VSO Woodwind Trio that plays in schools throughout Vermont as part of the Musicians in Schools Program. She is Professor of Flute at the University of Vermont and Middlebury College. Ms. Janson received a Bachelor of Music Degree from the Hartt School of Music and a Master of Music Degree from the Manhattan School of Music. 

  • Saxophonist

    teaches Band, Music Technology, and directs Jazz ensembles at Sleepy Hollow Middle/High School in NY, holds a Bachelor's in Music Education from SUNY Potsdam and a Master's in Jazz Studies from the University of Northern Colorado. An experienced educator and professional saxophonist, he performs internationally, serves on the executive board of the New York State Band Directors Association, and maintains an active schedule as a performer, clinician, and guest lecturer.

  • Flutist

    is the Assistant Professor of Flute at SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music and co-founder of the Umoja Flute Institute. He has performed nationally and internationally, serving as co-principal flute of the Orchestra of Northern New York and participating in prestigious ensembles such as the Sphinx Symphony Orchestra. Dr. Dunbar holds degrees from Louisiana State University, the University of Michigan, and Stetson University.

  • Instrument Repair Expert

    is the owner and operator of Cole’s Woodwind Shop in Saratoga Spring, NY, for over 40 years, servicing not only the local population but also all of the woodwind artists from the NYC Ballet Orchestra, the Philadelphia Orchestra, and visiting bands during their summer residencies at SPAC. Bill is the founder and president of Horns for Haiti and regular guest clinical for instrument-repair workshops through We Are Instrumental. Check him out at Cole’s Woodwind Shop!

  • Percussionist

    is a versatile musician who keeps a very active teaching, recording and performing schedule with artists from many different disciplines. He has performed with a Who's Who list of jazz musicians in festivals and in clubs throughout the Northeast. His current schedule includes performances with The Empire Jazz Orchestra, Keith Pray’s Big Soul Ensemble, The Capitol Region Wind Ensemble and various club bands and teaching at Skidmore College and SCCC. 

  • Tubist

    Professor of Tuba and Euphonium at SUNY-Potsdam's Crane School of Music and chair of the Performance Department, performs with ensembles such as the Potsdam Brass Quintet and the Orchestra of Northern New York. A distinguished soloist and winner of the 1999 Leonard Falcone Festival artist division competition, he is dedicated to educating young musicians and has performed at numerous international conferences, with extensive experience in orchestras like the Syracuse Symphony and Rochester Philharmonic.

  • Clarinetist

    is an accomplished clarinetist, director, teacher, and creator across a multitude of genres. A New York native now based in Montreal, she fills clarinet positions in numerous orchestras throughout NY and Quebec, including principal clarinet of l'orchestre philharmonique de musiciens de Montreal. Christine is the founder and artistic director of the interdisciplinary chamber music collective Verisimo, which has performed throughout Quebec, Ontario, and New York. You can find more about Christine on her Website or her instagram!

  • Vocalist

    is an acclaimed barbershop singer, director, and educator whose career has inspired choral and a cappella singers worldwide. A two-time international champion on Lead with Showtime and the BUZZ, and current Lead of the silver medalist quartet Dynasty, Debbie has performed, taught, and conducted across the U.S. and abroad.

    A celebrated high school choral director for 36 years, she was named Music Educator of the Year by both NAfME/BHS (2018) and NAfME/SAI (1997). Her Gaither High School choirs earned consistent “Superior” ratings, performing at EPCOT’s Candlelight Processional and St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City. Her top 70-voice ensemble, Hurricane of Harmony, became a nationally recognized barbershop chorus, earning top honors and Audience Favorite awards at the BHS Midwinter Youth Chorus Festival in 2018 and 2019.

    A longtime faculty member and clinician for Sweet Adelines International and the Barbershop Harmony Society, Debbie has led more than 50 youth festivals and camps, including the Hillsborough County Barbershop Workshop, Sunshine District Harmony Explosion Camp, and Acappellooza at the University of Missouri–St. Louis. A frequent livestream host and sought-after coach, she continues to inspire singers of all ages.

  • Trumpeter

    is a graduate of the esteemed jazz studies program at SUNY Purchase. Dylan was a member of the Purchase Jazz Orchestra and Purchase Latin Jazz Orchestra. Canterbury has performed with the Grammy-winning Arturo O'Farrill and the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra, as well as being a member of the newly-formed Smoke Big Band.

  • Clarinetist

    joined the faculty of the Crane School of Music in 2006 and serves as Professor of Clarinet and Admissions/Auditions Coordinator. Dr. Doyle co-coordinates the acclaimed Potsdam Single Reed Summit and Woodwind Summit. She also served as Director of the Crane Youth Music Camp from 2009-2023. Dr. Doyle is the New York State Chair for the International Clarinet Association and served as Pedagogy Coordinator from 2022-2024. Dr. Doyle is honored to be an artist with Backun Musical Services and DANSR/Vandoren. Find more about Julianne on her Website!

  • Violinist

    is a Senior Artist-in-Residence at Skidmore College, and directs the vibrant string program, working with talented students on solo, chamber music, and orchestral repertoire. He is concertmaster and frequent soloist with orchestras in New York and California, and has performed as soloist and concertmaster in Asia, as well as several major European cities. Mr. Emery blends performance with teaching to create an active musical career.He has collaborated in chamber music with many international artists with orchestras and chamber groups.

  • Percussionist

    began playing the drums at age 17. With not much formal music training he joined the SUNY Plattsburgh Jazz Ensemble and Symphonic Band where he began his journey learning how to read and perform music. While studying music Education in Athens, OH, he maintained a busy performance schedule in as many genres of music as possible. Today, Michael performs with the Latin Thugtet, Adirondack Jazz Orchestra, and the Adirondack Wind Ensemble.

  • Hornist

    is a member of the Glens Falls and Schenectady Symphonies, a founding member of fünf – woodwind quintet, and a chorister in Albany’s Historic St. Peter’s Church Choir. She works as a freelance French horninst in the Capital region and has been a member of North Winds, On Cor, and performs with musical theater productions, opera and national tours Patrice teaches at Skidmore College and maintains an active private teaching studio.

  • Trumpeter

    is an acclaimed trumpeter, educator, and bandleader known for his dynamic blend of jazz and Afro-Caribbean traditions. A senior lecturer at the University of Vermont, he teaches trumpet, jazz history, and directs four jazz combos. In 2015, he became the first creative artist in UVM’s history to be named a University Scholar.

    An internationally recognized clinician, Vega has led master classes in jazz improvisation, brass performance, and Afro-Caribbean jazz at top institutions including The Juilliard School, Manhattan School of Music, The New School, and the University of the Arts. His residencies have spanned the U.S., Australia, Puerto Rico, and beyond, inspiring new generations of musicians to explore the global language of jazz.

  • Trombonist

    Teaches Band, Music Technology, and directs Jazz Ensembles at Sleepy Hollow Middle/High School in New York. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Music Performance from SUNY Purchase and previously studied Music Education at the Crane School of Music. A versatile educator and musician, Samuel has extensive experience working with students across grade levels, directing high school and middle school musicals, coaching modified basketball, and serving as a substitute teacher. Before entering education, he performed, instructed, composed, and arranged for an Exhibition Drum and Bugle Corps, and continues to offer private lessons and coachings in both music and sports. Outside the classroom, Samuel enjoys watching anime, playing basketball and trombone, gaming, and writing music. His performance highlights include marching down the center of Magic Kingdom at Disney World, performing with the Crane Latin Ensemble, and participating in hurricane relief efforts in Puerto Rico.

  • Violist

    is the assistant principal violist of the Vermont Symphony Orchestra and a member of its Juke Box Quartet. She has performed with numerous ensembles, including the Craftsbury Chamber Players, Vermont Virtuosi, and the Manchester Music Festival, and was previously a regular with the New York Philharmonic and guest principal violist for the American Symphony. Stefanie teaches viola at Middlebury College and is the Artistic Director of the Manchester and the Mountains Chamber Music Workshop.

  • Violist

    is a sought after chamber music player and has toured throughout Europe and the United States. She currently divides her performance time as Assistant Principal Violist with the Glens Falls Symphony Orchestra, and Principal and Assistant Principal violist with such groups as the Orchestra Santa Monica, Schenectady, Catskill, and Skidmore College Orchestras. She is a Professor of Violin and Viola at Skidmore College. 

  • Saxophonist

    is a saxophonist, conductor, and educator based in upstate New York. He serves as District Band Director at Peru Central School, directing concert, jazz, marching, and pep bands for students in grades 4–12, and teaches saxophone at SUNY Plattsburgh. An active performer, he appears with the Frontier Saxophone Quartet, Adirondack Wind Ensemble, Northern Symphonic Winds, and Adirondack Jazz Orchestra, and has performed at venues including Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall. Pray also directs the Adirondack Youth Orchestra and frequently conducts regional honor ensembles. He holds degrees in Music Education and Saxophone Performance from Ithaca College and Schenectady County Community College.

Expanded Professional Development

Byron Jones

Cheri LaDuke

Keith Pray

Bill Cole

David W. Seligman