Piano and  Music Composition

Dr. Stephen Eckert is a Canadian pianist, teacher, and scholar who has appeared as a solo and chamber pianist in Germany, Canada, and the US. Named on CBC’s list of “Hot 30-under-30 classical musicians”, Eckert has established themself as an exciting voice in the North American contemporary music scene. Stephen prioritizes growth over perfection and tailors the study of the piano to the individual. 

Cello

Cellist Liam Battle is known for his uncompromising dedication to new music and experimentation. He is regularly engaged as a performer, scholar, curator, and teacher. His work finds itself at home in experimental, classical, improvisatory, independent, and academic music spaces. He holds degrees from the University of Cincinnati and the Cleveland Institute of Music. Liam is currently pursuing a doctorate at Bowling Green State University, where he teaches cello and music theory. 

Piano

Nathaniel is a pianist, theorist, music director, and an enthusiastic collaborator. Currently he spends his time studying Piano Performance at BGSU and is the pianist, organist, and bell choir director for Trinity UMC. Having experience in classical piano, musical theater directing and accompanying, and theory instructing, he is excited to share his knowledge with his students. Nathaniel received his Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance at the University of Nebraska-
Lincoln and is a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Music Fraternity and Pi Kappa Lambda National Music Honor Society. 

Saxophone

Sam Valancy is a nationally and internationally recognized emerging contemporary saxophonist. As a soloist and chamber musician, Valancy has garnered many accolades, including First Prizes in the Frost School of Music Concerto Competition, Charleston International Music Competition, Wayland Chamber Music Competition, Silver Medal and “The Saxophone Prize” at the Coltman Chamber Music Competition, and a Downbeat Magazine award with the Frost Salsa Orchestra. Sam is regularly contracted with the New World Symphony in Miami Beach, Florida, and has appeared as a concerto soloist with the Frost Wind Ensemble, Frost Symphonic Band, the Kansas City Wind Symphony, and the BGSU Saxophone Ensemble. Valancy holds degrees from Northwestern University, the University of Missouri-Kansas City, and the University of Miami. 

Voice

Annika is a first-year graduate student at Bowling Green State University, where she is pursuing her Master of Music in Vocal Pedagogy. Originally from Big Rapids, Michigan, she earned her Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Music Education degrees from Central Michigan University in 2025, studying Music Education and Vocal Performance. She has experience performing in choirs and operas, teaching middle and high school choir, and singing in a church choir. Annika loves working with young musicians and has spent the past three summers as a counselor and choir assistant at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp. She has also studied abroad in Italy, Ireland, China, and Germany.