Dee Braxton-Pellegrino (Violin, Viola, Suzuki Violin, Suzuki Viola, Accordion, Composition and Theory)

Dee graduated from East Carolina University with a Bachelor of Music in Voice and Master of Music in Music Education.  Her professional affiliations include membership in Pi Kappa Lambda National Honorary Music Fraternity, Broadcast Music International and American Suzuki Teachers of America. Dee’s career has spanned many genres of music through the years including singing with big bands, church choir director, composer, school and adjunct college string instructor, as well as a freelance violinist, violist and conductor. Awards include the UNIMA Certificate of Excellence in composition, William Roberts Guitar Composition Competition winner, Music Educator’s National Conference Certificate of Excellence in Composition and the American String Teachers Association Journal review of her compositions “Flights of Fancy” and “Two Pieces for Young Violinists.”

Mary Withington (Kindermusik, Music Therapy and Piano Instruction)

Mary holds degrees in Music Therapy, Music Education, and Piano Performance from the University of Georgia – Athens. She has over 30 years experience in working in the mental health, autism, older adults and early childhood fields and enjoys working with all ages, from newborn to adults.  She is a licensed Kindermusik instructor having taught since 2002, as well as having taught private piano since 1995.  Mary’s affiliations include the American Music Therapy Association, Southeastern Music Therapy Association, North Carolina Music Therapy Association, North Carolina Piano Teachers Association, and Kindermusik Educators Association. Much of her free time is spent volunteering in Carteret County and serving as the youth group director at her church.

Rob Blackwell (Guitar, Bass Guitar, Ukulele, Music Theory, Composition)                                                

Rob was the lessons coordinator at 'Music Mania' music academy in Greensboro, North Carolina for 2 years and toured extensively playing music with bands such as Building 429, Fee, and Decyfer Down.  His knowledge of touring also includes writing with Grammy nominated and Grammy award winning songwriters who have written for Mandesa, Third Day, Lifehouse, and Toby Keith; just to name a few.  Rob is a native of Eastern North Carolina and has returned home to raise his family and share his love of music.  He was the low brass captain at West Carteret High School, and studied music and communications at the University of North Carolina-Wilmington.  Rob is currently studying advanced music theory and teaching techniques from the University of Edinburgh through online classes.