ASSOCIATES
Kendra Kufeldt received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Vocal Performance from Houston Baptist University. She also has a Masters of Music in Vocal Performance from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary where she studied with Dr. Angela Cofer, who is also Laurie Lee Cosby's local classical vocal coach. Ms. Kufeldt has been a student of music since age 7 in a variety of genres and instruments. She began as a pianist and later added studies in violin. She played violin for the Fort Bend Community Symphony Orchestra in junior high and high school. In high school, Ms. Kufeldt added voice study and participated in high school choir and All-State vocal competitions. She has had the recent privilege of traveling to Korea in Music Missions with the choral groups at the seminary. Ms. Kufeldt is currently teaching private and class voice for Studio Bella Voce's young singers and junior high program and violin lessons for the McKinney Arts program at McKinney Memorial Bible Church. She also accompanies for various churches and vocal ensembles. Upon her graduation from seminary in May 2009, Ms. Kufeldt hopes to pursue music missions and engage in a variety of teaching opportunities. She loves to travel and to work with the junior high ministry at her church.
Rebecca Lowrey holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in music and a minor in Business Administration from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas. During her years at HSU, she accompanied the Concert Choir and Simmons Classic under direction of Dr. Loyd Hawthorne, the Collegiate Opera Program and Children's Operas and countless vocal and instrumental students for degree recitals, competitions and performances. She has been the music assistant, rehearsal accompanist and pianist for musical theatre productions including The Sound of Music, The Wizard of Oz, and The Music Man. She has also served as pianist for First Baptist Church of Dallas Chapel and Sanctuary Orchestras, Oates Drive Baptist Church in Mesquite, North Park Baptist Church in Abilene and North West Baptist Church in Lake Worth. Currently, she accompanies for UIL Solo Competitions in DFW Metroplex and performs at various parties, receptions and functions. Ms. Lowrey works for Romeo Music where she is the program director for the Lowrey Organ Program. Through the Lowrey Magic Organ Course, she teaches beginning music classes for active retirees. Her students feel that playing a musical instrument keeps them healthier and greatly adds to their quality of life. Romeo Music is also a unique resource for both the music educator and music maker. They specialize in music technology including music software, recording equipment and sound systems. Ms. Lowrey is the official collaborative pianist for the DFW Studio Bella Voce Studios.
Giny Mendez, Soprano and Studio Bella Voce Associate, holds a Bachelor of Music from Sam Houston State University and is a certified Music Therapist. Having served her music therapy internship in Pampa, Texas she has worked with a variety of populations including those with autism spectrum disorders, medical diagnoses, learning disabilities, and psychiatric disorders. Ms. Mendez has extensive experience in school and elderly populations. As a singer, Ms. Mendez performs in a variety of genres, including recitals, opera, and choral music. She is a frequent performer in the music theatre community, performing roles for The Crighton Players in Conroe, TX and The Woodlands Repertory Theatre in The Woodlands, TX. As a teacher, Ms. Mendez has focused on younger students, ages 6-18. She offers vocal instruction in a variety of styles, as well as piano, guitar, and music theory. As a Music Therapist, Ms. Mendez is qualified to serve students with special needs. She enjoys the unique challenges and rewards of working with these students. Ms. Mendez believes that music education is vital to a well-rounded academic experience. Through music, students experience history, literature, mathematics, anatomy, and physiology. Music students also develop social skills like following directions, emotional expression, and self-confidence. She is so pleased to have the opportunity to share music with you and your family!
Kristin Shaffer, the associate substitute Texas wide accompanist for Studio Bella Voce, has been studying music since the age of 6. Her love of piano grew steadily through the years as did her skill through various instructors. By junior high through high school, she began to place in the top three at annual, local piano competitions. Currently she studies piano performance under John Hendrickson, the former artist-in-residence at Houston Baptist University. At the age of sixteen, Kristin also began studying violin with Dr. Barbara Rask which has only increased her musicality. Her music education has been gained through the instruction of Dr. Dean Kincaid at the International Academy of Music based in Indianapolis, Indiana. Other avenues of education include correspondence work and classes taken through Montgomery Community College. She also currently studies under Dr. Daniel Kramlich of Houston Baptist University in the area of theory and music composition in hopes of becoming a successful composition major. Kristin Shaffer has worked in various musical capacities that give her a wide field of opportunity and experience. Playing weekly for her home congregation at North Belt Baptist Church, conducting instrumental and vocal groups, serving as the accompanist and assistant for a youth choir, and composing music for special events are just a few of the areas she has worked in through her church. In the secular field, Kristin accompanies for the local school district for their annual UIL and Solo Competitions. She also maintains a large piano and violin studio year-round based from her home. Last year, Kristin co-founded and co-directs a college-age chorale named Voice of Grace Singers, a twelve-voice ensemble, who has since performed at various conferences, churches, and social events. She is currently launching her new "KW Studios" business teaching piano lessons in Grand Prairie.
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