Faculty and Staff

Sabrina Alvarez is degreed from NCCC in vocal performance, having studied voice for several years with Lois Hall.  A vocal instructor at the Music School, she was choir director of Hope United Methodist Church until 1999 and a member of  the Buffalo Choral Arts Society under the direction of Marcia Giambrone. Sabrina appeared in NCCC’s productions of “Man of La Mancha” (as Fermina), and “Into the Woods” (as Cinderella).  She has, additionally, sung as solo artist in various area churches, at ZONTA functions and studies piano independently.

Claudia Andres

Claudia Andres studied at NCCC, acquiring her degree at Crane School of Music, SUNY at Potsdam, and her masters at Arizona State University in piano performance.  In addition to teaching piano for the Music School at First Presbyterian Church, Youngstown, she is also Music and Choir director there.  Claudia is a chorus teacher in the NFPS system, and in 2003 was awarded the coveted Kenny Award for best vocal performance.  She also performs regularly in local groups and works with musicals at NFHS and the Lancaster Opera House.

Christina Andropolis has been an asset to the Music School in many capacities, but is best known for her role as Summer Camp Instructor for many years.  She recently completed her traditional music degree at the University of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne in England, having studied with Catriona MacDonald and Stewart Hardy. A veteran of many bands, Christi is adept at both her principal instrument, violin, and piano.  She additionally coordinates choreography and oversees string ensembles for the Summer Camp's annual final performance.

Randy Andropolis

Kary Dobbs, a flutist and singer, is from a family of singers and musicians.  Her passion for music led her to pursue a degree in music education at Buffalo State College, with a concentration in voice.  She is experienced in working with children through the Niagara Summer Fine Arts Program and the Westminster Community Charter School, as music tutor.  Skilled in gospel music, Ms. Dobbs has directed the children's choir for Christ Redemption Tabernacle.  Along with her sisters and brother Nick, she is a member of the Anointed Voices of Praise and formerly of Joshua's Generation.

A lifelong native of Niagara Falls, Nick has been playing drums since the age of seven and is a percussion teacher at the Music School.  His experience runs the gamut from being principal of his section to jazz, concert symphonic, marching bands and pit orchestra.  A veteran of various competitions in both the US and Canada, he received first place in the Woody Herman Jazz Awards.  Nick has also recorded extensively with Jazz and Gospel groups.  He is currently also Musical Director and teacher at Christ Redemption Tabernacle in Niagara Falls.
  

Anita Harless

Anita Harless has a degree in Music Ed. from SUNY Fredonia.  She’s been a faculty member of the Music School since 1982, where she teaches flute, woodwinds, brass, guitar and piano.  Anita has been involved with the Music School’s Summer Camp for many years, including a stint as its director.  She is also director of the Music School’s Rainbow Singers and TrillSeekers flute choir.  Having taught instrumental music at several area schools, Anita also conducts a church choir, Lake Effect Winds in Buffalo, and operates a stringed instrument repair business.

Christine Kusk received her degree in English from Buffalo State College and did her graduate work at Niagara University.  She is a certified elementary as well as certified reading teacher.  Ms. Kusk had been a teacher in the Niagara Falls Public School System for 17 years, as faculty member at Gaskill Middle School.  A former student of the Music School, Christine's outside interests include reading and gardening.  She currently conducts classes in remedial reading at the Music School, under the auspices of the 21st Century Learning Center program.

Maureen Kwiatkowski

Maureen Kwiatkowski studied piano since age 4, culminating with instruction from Buffalo Philharmonic conductor Paul Ferrington at NCCC and later with Lucile McElwain, who retired as the Music School’s most prolific teacher.  Previously, Maureen also studied flute and voice, participating as a performer in many area theatrical productions.  Currently, Maureen also teaches classroom music at St. Peters Lutheran School, substitutes as church organist and accompanies The Notables, a community singing ensemble.

Judy Maggs

Judy Maggs is degreed from Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam, with Certificates of Merit and Performance.  She has taught piano at the Music School since its inception in 1978.  Director of Music at St. James United Methodist Church in the Falls, she also accompanies several local school choruses and does freelance work.   An arranger and composer, Judy’s had organ pieces published by Abingdon, and a one-hand piano piece by Alfred.  She also plays viola with the Amherst Chamber Ensembles and Cheektowaga Community Symphony Orchestra.

Joe Malvestuto

Joe Malvestuto has been a musician his entire life, teaching Saxophone and Clarinet at the Music School and privately for nearly 20 years.  He began his lessons on Clarinet in elementary school and went on to study with some of WNY’s most prominent saxophonists, including Jack Lis, Tony Careri and John Sedola.  Joe was a music major at NCCC, graduating in 1978.  He’s been a member of numerous and diverse groups, having eclectic tastes and musical abilities.  Joe also performs on Oboe, English horn and Flute with the Music School’s TrillSeekers.      

Vince Pelligrino

Vince Pelligrino is a retired owner of a Dental Laboratory in Niagara Falls and currently substitute teaches dental laboratory technology at BOCES.  He is also active in church organizations.  Vince began piano at age 8, mainly studying with Harold Bradley, a well-known concert pianist.  He has performed at Niagara Falls High School assemblies and in numerous recitals, also being a participant in the Music School of Niagara Chamber Ensemble on piano and harpsichord.  Vince has been a piano teacher with the Music School for 4 years.