Jeff Brister   PIANO, VOICE, BRASS
Jeff began playing piano and trumpet in fifth grade. After attending San Houston State University and receiving a Bachelor's degree in music education, he earned his Master's in Musicology with minors in music theory and choral conducting in 1992. Upon receiving a Rotary fellowship for study abroad, Jeff continued his music studies in Munich, then spent two semesters in Mainz, Germany, studying music literature at the Mainzer Musicwissenschaftliche Institut and conducting with the Mainzer Dom Chor Conductor, Matthias Breitschaft.
    Back in the states, Jeff took a position as adjunct faculty at Sam Houston State and did three tours of duty in the public schools, teaching band and choir, then moved to Austin to become the music director at University Christian church. After marrying his lovely wife Jane, the Bristers moved to Bastrop, Texas, in 1999 and opened the Bastrop Academy of Music. Jeff teaches piano, voice and brass lessons and operates the Lumberyard Music Hall, a live music venue/dance hall in downtown Bastrop.

Sean Orr   VIOLIN, FIDDLE, MANDOLIN, BANJO
When it comes to getting his fingers on the strings, Sean Orr is at home with Texas-style country music, Texas/Western swing, honky-tonk, Cajun, old-time fiddle, jazz, world (Middle Eastern, Gypsy, Latin), Americana, rock, pop and heavy metal.
    Sean fronts two musical groups: Texas Gold as singer and fiddler and Black Dagger as fiddler and percussionist. He's also a novice bodhran and oud player.  Check him out at seanorr.com.

Biographies of other staff members will be posted soon.