Philip Smyth began playing and performing music at a very young age. He started learning the violin using the Suzuki Method and picked up guitar and some other instruments along the way. He has a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from UW-Stevens Point as well as Suzuki violin teacher training from the masters in the Suzuki Program there as well. Philip was a member of the elite string group BARRAGE during their 2011 and 2012 seasons playing both guitar and violin.

He started off his public school teaching career in Marshfield in 2013 and has been the High School Orchestra Director here in Neenah since 2016. He is thrilled to be here working with such a wonderful staff in an incredible program. Other than teaching at NHS he can be found performing with local country band Grand Union. When not involved with anything music related he can be found hanging out with his wife Jennifer and two daughters Elaina and Hannah probably on a bike somewhere on the trails around Neenah.

Betsy Jacobson-Holtz developed her love for music at a young age, beginning Suzuki violin studies at the tender age of three. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Luther College, Decorah, Iowa, and her Master’s Degree from UW–La Crosse. From 1992 to 2009, Mrs. Holtz was thrilled to exercise her passion for music education as an orchestra director for the School District of La Crosse. In Pennsylvania from 2009-2013, Mrs. Holtz remained active as a performer, teacher, and adjudicator with local ensembles. New to the Fox Valley in 2013, Mrs. Jacobson-Holtz is happy to be back in Wisconsin and happier yet to be working with middle school orchestras again. She can be found at Shattuck and Horace Mann Middle Schools, riding her bike, or going out for ice cream with her family.

Brian Beiser has been serving the Neenah Joint School District since 1978. In addition to private string instruction, Mr. Beiser is currently on the Suzuki teaching staff helping with the After-School Suzuki Program. Mr. Beiser believes in helping students reach their fullest potential. Brian is a member of the Suzuki Association of the Americas.  In his free time, he enjoys the outdoors, and building/flying radio controlled airplanes.

Marjorie Hill began studying violin at age 3 at Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music in the preparatory department. She completed the Suzuki violin program studying with Joan Compton-Bonner, a student of Dr. Suzuki in Japan. In addition she studied with Sigmund Effron, concertmaster of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Marjorie earned a Bachelor of Music Education at Austin Peay State University and went on to teach Suzuki violin lessons at Hopkinsville Community College. She pursued graduate studies in music education at Northern Kentucky University where she joined the adjunct faculty as Suzuki violin instructor and played in the Kentucky Symphony Orchestra.

In 1998, Marjorie accepted the Suzuki violin teaching position at the Headwaters School of Music in Bemidji, MN and was a founding faculty member of the Schoolcraft Learning Community charter school there as well. She spent the last twenty years in Asheville, NC where she founded the WNC Suzuki program, maintaining a studio of 50 violin, viola and cello students. The program consisted of four annual performances at various local venues. In addition Marjorie enjoyed lecturing at local colleges, volunteering in the elementary schools, and playing in a professional bluegrass band. In her free time, she enjoys cooking and spending time with her family.

Teresita Marchel has enjoyed music from the time she started Suzuki violin lessons at age 6. She enjoys sharing the great gift of music through teaching and performing. While pursuing a degree in violin performance at UWSP, Teresita also received certification for Suzuki Teacher Training courses. Teresita has played her violin in many venues, including at church, fiddle contests, state and local talent shows, wedding ceremonies, fundraisers, receptions, and other special occasions. She also enjoys playing music in various ensembles and orchestras, including the Waupaca Civic Orchestra, and the Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra.