Ilya Dobrovitsky

Violinist, teacher, and composer Ilya Dobrovitsky was born in Moscow, Russia into a family of music educators and began his studies at the prestigious Gnessin School of Music. Upon immigration to the USA, he continued his studies at the Peabody Conservatory and the Eastman School of Music. Currently, he is continuing his studies in the studio of Emanuel Borok at Southern Methodist University, and is studying composition with Simon Sargon.

Ilya has performed as a soloist in the United States, Russia, Sweden, Italy, and Taiwan. As a member of the chamber ensemble Ossia, Ilva has appeared on WXXI-FM public radio show, "Backstage Pass," hosted by J. Figueras. Other notable performances include a solo appearance at the Weill Recital Hall (Carnegie Hall), and an appearance at the Kennedy Center as a member of the Peabody Symphony Orchestra.

Josh Hanlon

Originally from Nova Scotia, Canada, Josh has served on the jazz studies faculties of University of North Texas, St. Francis Xavier University, and Brookhaven College. He holds a M.M. from the University of North Texas, where he performed in the acclaimed One O Clock Lab Band. Currently, he serves as legendary country artist Ray Prices pianist, as well as performing extensively with top local, regional, and national artists as a freelance musician.

Earnie Jackson

The founder of the Alliance Music Academy, a jazz enthusiast and professional bass player for over 15 years. Earnie has played with greats such as Jon Faddis, Kevin Mahogony, Clark Terry, Manhattan Voices, and Count Basie Band. In addition to inspiring students and pro-fessional electric and upright bass players at the academy Earnie and his wife Paige lead SaPaJa (formerly Wasted Potential), a jazz ensemble that performs throughout the DFW metroplex.

Paige Jackson

Teaching private lessons in the areas of voice, flute, and piano, Paige is also the Head Choir Director at a local area high school. With her BA in music performance (flute and voice) from Kansas State University, and her MM in Music Theory from the University of North Texas, Paige has been accredited as instructor,edu- cator and performer. She is currently the vocalist with SaPaJa, the jazz ensemble.

Ryan Jacobi

Originally from Arlington Heights, IL, Ryan Jacobi is a graduate of the University of North Texas. At UNT he played with several ensembles including the 2:00 Lab Band, steel band, and Gamelan. He studied with Ed Soph, Jose Aponte, Christopher Deane, Ed Smith, and Paul Rennick. He is the drummer for the Denton rock band Oso Closo, who starred in the 2008 Dallas Theater Center production of the Who's Tommy. He currently lives in Plano and plays music all over the DFW area.

Domino Winding

Originally from Chicago and graduate of the Bloom School of Jazz, Domino views the guitar as his passion and purpose and is highly regarded as a professional musician and instructor. Dominos experience includes blues,jazz, rock, and gospel and has played with the greats such as Buddy Miles, GeorgeDuke, Joe McBride, Bernard Wright, Gino I. (Eryka Badu), Myron Butler, Robert (Sput) Seawright, Junior Walker, Tamela Mann, Eric Willis, Windsong with Bassist Darryl Jones of the Rolling Stones), Buddy Guy and more.

Jaime Van Der Sluys

Originally from Snellville, Georgia, Jaime Van Der Sluys is a dynamic vocalist with a deep soulful sound and a wide stylistic range. She receiveed her B.M. in jazz vocal performance at the University of North Texas. Jaime began her singing career at a young age singing in church and school performances.

She was introduced to jazz as a sophomore in high school where she became the Brookwood High School jazz combo singer. While in high school Jaime had the chance to perform at many venues including the UGA jazz festival, Georgia State Jazz festival, Lakeside Jazz Festival in Daytona Beach(where she received an award for Best Jazz Vocals), and performed on the main stage at the Atlanta Jazz Festival two years in a row. While in college Jaime performs with the UNT Jazz singers.

Outside of school she is a member of the pop/dance/party band named David Whiteman and the Love Chocolates. She has also performs with the Steely Dan tribute band Naked Lunch. Jaime can be seen gigging around the Dallas/Ft. Worth area.

Jake Vaught

A childhood native of Florida, Jake Vaught wasn't born in Texas but he got here as quick as he could...so the bumper sticker says. He is a proud graduate of Burleson High School where he read drumset charts for BHS Choir Musicals (feat. Kelly Clarkson) and was heavily involved with Marching Band Drumline activities. This led him to pursue a B.A. degree in Music from the University of North Texas in Denton where he graduated with honors in 2004.

In 2005 he began his drumset career by playing professionally for various artists throughout Nashville and Los Angeles. In 2008-2009 he toured with '04 Olympic Gymnast Carly Patterson in support of her music career. Jake is currently immersed in the Texas Country Music scene were he plays for several well respected established artists. He is married to his beautiful Wife of 4 years and they are expecting their first child in December! Jake also loves History, Astronomy, Aviation, and Camping.

Pete Weise

Guitarist Pete Weise has had the opportunity to demonstrate his diverse performing, composing, arranging, and teaching abilities nation-wide. Weise received his B.M. in Jazz Performance in 1997 and his M.M. in Jazz Performance in 2005 from the University of North Texas and is currently Associate Professor of Jazz Guitar at Collin College. He has been a faculty member of the renowned National Guitar Workshop since 2000, teaching rock, jazz and blues classes at the New Milford, CT and Austin, TX campuses. In addition to his quartet, Weise continues to perform with several D/FW area bands and artists.