Staff & Teachers

The String Project is under the direction of Dr. Michael Palumbo

In 2001, Michael founded the Weber State University String Project, and served as one of the original members of the Board of Trustees of the National String Project Consortium. For his work with the String Project he received the Exemplary Collaboration Award from Weber State University in 2004, and in 2010 he received the Empowering Educational Partnerships Award from the Ogden School District.  He retired from WSU in 2013 but has been asked to return to again take over as the Project Director.

Michael completed his Doctor of Arts in Orchestral Conducting at Ball State University as a conducting student of the late Robert Hargreaves, and a viola student of the late Robert Slaughter.  He has dedicated his life to being a university orchestra conductor and viola teacher. 

In the spring of 2011 Michael formed Chamber Orchestra Ogden (COO), which he continues to conduct.  In 2017 he retired from his position as principal violist of the Ballet West Orchestra.

For recreation he likes to take motorcycle trips with his wife, travel, see family, make wine and beer, and play jazz and blues at several local clubs.  He also spends a lot of time writing grant proposals to help pay the members of Chamber Orchestra Ogden.

String Project Master Teacher Kathy Edgel

Kathy has had a lifelong love of music and has been playing piano since the age of 6 and the violin since the age of 12. Through high school, she knew she would become a music teacher. While studying for her Bachelor of Music Education degree at Weber State, she worked as a String Project teacher. After graduating in 2006, she worked as an orchestra director in public schools for the next 13 years, teaching 6th to 12th grade.

Kathy went on to receive a Master of Music Education degree with an emphasis in Conducting from Colorado State University in 2018. Kathy loves teaching and seeing her students excel in their musical endeavors. She is super excited to be back again with the Weber State String Project as the Master Teacher to help mentor and guide future music teachers.

When she's not teaching, Kathy loves having adventures with her husband and son, traveling, spending time outdoors spotting wildlife, and playing video games.

String Project Teachers and Private Instructors

Eliza Correa

Eliza is working on her Bachelor's degree at Weber State University and has been teaching private lessons for 8 years. As a teacher, she has helped her students receive superior rating at Solo and Ensemble Contests and enjoy playing music!  In her time as a student, she has been a part of professional ensembles and the large ensembles at WSU for 4 years.  Eliza is the middle daughter of three girls that have all loved music their whole lives.  She grew up playing instruments with her sisters and mother in Cleveland, Ohio and cherishes the value music has in bringing people together.  She loves playing music and sharing that with others! In addition to playing and teaching music, Eliza loves to travel, learn languages, and play games. 

 

Alaina Cullison

Alaina started on the piano, eager to have lessons at 6 years old. She switched to viola in 7th grade, and has now played for 8 years. For 6 of those years, she studied under Rebecca Iverson, and is now studying under Dr. Michael Palumbo. She is a sophomore at Weber State working on an Interdisciplinary Degree in Music, Psychology, and Family Studies. Alaina has experience teaching private lessons, and is excited to bring those skills to group lessons!

In Alaina's free time, she enjoys reading, learning new skills, and hanging out with family and friends.

 

Isabelle Lowe

Isabelle Lowe is a Senior at Weber State studying String Pedagogy for her Bachelor of Music degree. Isabelle has been studying the violin for 13 years, and the viola for 6 years.  Over the course of her learning, she had the opportunity to study under the guidance of Martha Thompson for 6 years and Jack Ashton for 4 years. She is now studying the viola under Dr. Michael Palumbo. She has always enjoyed being a part of various orchestras including The Philharmonic Orchestra of Woods Cross High School, The Utah Youth Symphony, and The Young Artist Chamber Players. Isabelle is thrilled to be conducting and teaching the students of String Project. She loves to see the progress from day one of sight reading a piece, to performing it. 

When she is not practicing her viola or doing homework, Isabelle loves to try new foods and build Legos with her husband Jake, binge watch new Netflix shows, and spend time with her family and in-laws.

 

Ade Pfunder

Ade is a Sophomore at Weber State working towards her Bachelor's degree in Instrumental Music Education and a minor in History Teaching!  She has played the violin for 13 years and the viola for one year! Before her college education, Ade was able to study under Linda-Ghidossi DeLuca for 4 years and Bonnie Romkey for 6+ years.  Ade loves teaching, and has been so lucky to be able to be teaching strings both privately and in a public school setting for over three years! 

When she's not busy attempting to get 24 hours of practice a day, you can find Ade hanging out with her friends or her dogs!

 


 

Luke Rice

Luke is a 2nd year student at Weber State and is working on his generals right now. He has played guitar for 10 years, and plays in both the Weber State Jazz band and Weber State Combo. He is proud to be a self taught musician, with all of the benefits and pitfalls that may come with. Luke is very grateful to have been given the opportunity to share his love of music, and hopes to at least inspire one person to embrace theirs.

When he's not getting confused over music theory, Luke enjoys mountain biking and playing video games.

 

 

 

Stephanie Wang

Stephanie is currently a junior at Weber State University, Studying a Bachelor's degree in Music and General Art. Her musical journey is diverse, having studied piano, vocal music, and cello. she is now studying the cello under Dr. Uzur, continuously enhancing her technical and artistic development. Beyond her academic studies, Stephanie has gained valuable teaching experience, having participated in both string and piano instruction. She is love to share her experience with kids.

In her free time, Stephanie enjoys engaging in a variety of creative activities. Whether she is immersed in music, drawing, or photography, the arts continually inspire her. These hobbies not only bring balance to her life but also enrich her perspective as a learner and teacher in music.