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 two rambunctious boys, traveling, spending time outdoors spotting wildlife, and playing video games.

String Project Teachers and Private Instructors

Jexton Bodrero

Jexton is a cellist and music educator from Elwood, Utah, pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Instrumental Performance and Pedagogy at Weber State University, along with a minor in Chemistry and Pre-Dental coursework. He has served as principal cellist with the Northern Utah Youth Symphony, Bear River High School Orchestra, and the Weber State Symphony Orchestra during its 2025 concert tour of Málaga/Estepona, Spain. His performance highlights include winning the Cache Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition, soloing with symphonies, and earning superior ratings at state and regional festivals. He is also the recipient of the Conrad Dunn Orchestra Scholarship and the National School Orchestra Award, recognizing his artistry and leadership.     

In addition to performing, Jexton has taught private cello lessons since 2022, emphasizing both technical development and expressive playing. He is passionate about inspiring confidence in young musicians through performance and collaboration. Beyond music, Jexton enjoys golf, tennis, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

 

Alaina Petersen

Alaina is a junior at Weber State working on an Interdisciplinary Degree in Music, Psychology, and Family Studies. She has been studying viola for 9 years. 6 years of her study have been under Rebecca Iverson, and she is currently studying under Dr. Michael Palumbo. She also has experience in piano and most recently, guitar. Alaina is always excited to share her love of music with the String Project students.

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

 

 

Ade PfunderBrand

Ade is a Junior 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 three years! 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 playing Mario Kart with her husband, or hanging out with her dog, Teddy!

 

 

 

Ellie Warner

Ellie is currently a freshman at Weber State University and is working towards a Bachelor of Arts with a Vocal Performance Emphasis major.  She has 5 years of guitar instruction under Tim Whipple, 9 years of piano lessons under Bridgette Williams, and 9 years of vocal experience.  She has taught private guitar lessons for 2 years and loves being able to work with kids who want to learn music.  Ellie has a love for playing guitar and piano and can't wait to share that love of music and learning with the String Project students!

In her free time, Ellie loves doing puzzles, reading, watching shows with her family, and being with friends.

 

 

Adam Wang

Adam is a freshman at Weber State University majoring in piano and minoring in violin.  He has studied piano for 13 years and violin for 12 years.  Adam has actively performed in school orchestras and ensembles starting in elementary school through high school.  In addition to his performance background, he has experience teaching teaching both piano and violin guiding beginners with patience and encouragement.

Adam believes music education should be accessible to everyone, and he is passionate about sharing his skills while growing as a teacher.  Through both performance and teaching, he hopes to inspire young students to discover their own love for music.

 

 

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.