Alicia Baker is a self-professed music fanatic from Milwaukie, Oregon. She has been playing the accordion since the age of six, as well as studying piano and voice. Alicia attended Oregon State University where she was a triple music major, earning degrees in music education, piano performance, and vocal performance.

Alicia has had much success on the accordion, winning various competitions including the “Happy Hans Open” at the Kimberley International Old-Time Accordion Competition and representing the U.S. at the Roland International V-Accordion Competition in Rome, Italy. She has performed extensively as an accordion artist including a concert with the Corvallis Symphony. On the piano, Alicia has performed multiple recitals and is also a professional accompanist. Vocally, Alicia was the scholarship recipient of the Brookings Friends of Music Annual Scholarship Competition. In addition to winning the NATS competition for classical voice, she was a finalist in Classical Singer’s National Vocal Competition. Recently, she played the role of “Queen of the Night” in OSU’s production of Mozart’s The Magic Flute.

Alicia enjoys many genres of music and strives to show the versatility of the accordion in styles ranging from polkas and French musettes all the way to jazz, pop, and even techno. Alicia currently works for Roland as an accordion product specialist, where she hopes to continue spreading the joy of accordion music and increase the popularity of this wonderful instrument.

Scott Berry started playing keyboards at age 13 when his father brought home a Roland JUNO-60. As soon as Scott began tinkering with the JUNO-60, he was hooked and he promptly dropped his original plan to be the next Eddie Van Halen and began his journey of playing keyboards. That JUNO-60 would become the first in an ever growing arsenal of keyboards and workstations to be used by Scott for years to come.

By age 14, Scott was already writing his own music and jamming with local musicians. Shortly after his 16th birthday, he got his first taste of a recording studio and started playing the local circuit (Orange County and LA /The Sunset strip). In the years that followed, he opened for such acts as Blue Oyster Cult, Hurricane, TNT, and Warrant, and started working with an A&R rep from CBS Records. Later, Scott enrolled into Orange Coast College and studied Music As a Business and Recording Techniques to further his education—all the while continuing to write music and perform with original bands.

Over the last 20 years, Scott has also played in church worship bands, worked as a studio musician and in music retail as a department manager and top salesman. He has played on a variety of albums of different musical genres and did a stint as a DJ on a New York-based radio station. He is also an accomplished cabinet maker and business owner in Southern California.

Scott’s latest musical endeavor is playing keyboards in a progressive metal tribute band that performs in Southern California. He has always enjoyed film scoring, producing and recording, and continues to further his knowledge by reading all the latest materials that he can get his hands on.

A product of the digital age, Peter’s musical trajectory has evolved with the advancement of music technology. Coming from a background in classical piano, his curiosity of sound in music deepened upon discovering IDM and Trance, the obscurities of early internet music websites and forums, and exploring the sound banks of a gifted JUNO-D. Peter independently researched this new world of sound until attending Berklee College of Music. His major in Music Synthesis/Electronic Production and Design exposed him to digital instrument programming, sound design, and composition for film and video games, all of which would benefit him professionally soon after.

Peter has collaborated and produced electronic music from Hollywood films to indie games. His work can be heard in films such as Fast and Furious 6, The Quiet Ones, and Martyrs, as well as the ambient techno soundtrack for hit indie game Reassembly. Peter continues to contribute music for video games, film, and advertising in New York, as well as patch design for acclaimed products such as the Roland Boutique line and SYSTEM-8. Independently, Peter produces music under the alias peakssound, utilizing Roland’s Boutique, AIRA, and eurorack line in both production and performance. In addition, he operates a Youtube channel for performance and tutorial videos for a variety of products. His music can be found at: https://soundcloud.com/peakssound.

David Cannava is a professional drum set artist based out of Los Angeles, California. Well versed in many genres, David is both highly skilled and exceedingly professional. He has a viral YouTube channel performing pop song covers with nearly two million views, and has worked with the likes of Jutty Ranx, Tyler Ward, Natalie Walker, Alex G, David and Devine, Bobby Yang, Bop Skizzum (opening for OneRepublic, the Fray, Mayer Hawthorne and Chiddy Bang), producer Mike Binder, and many others.

Matthew “Recloose” Chicoine is a DJ, producer and instrumentalist who originally hails from Detroit, Michigan where he cut his teeth under the tutelage of techno producer Carl Craig. In 2001 he immigrated to New Zealand to develop his craft with a diverse range of local musicians, culminating in the release of multiple 12”s, EPs and five albums, as well as a rigorous touring schedule around Europe, Asia, Australia, North and South America.

In 2008 he was awarded the Tui Winner of Best Dance/Electronica Album for his Perfect Timing LP at the New Zealand National Music Awards, and shortly thereafter hired to lead the country’s first full-time electronic music program at the Music and Audio Institute of NZ where he developed and delivered a range courses in DJing and music production.

In 2014 he earned first-class honors from the University of Auckland for his M.A. thesis on Detroit’s creative musical evolution, examining ways musicians communally developed the city’s sound over a 50-year period. With this body of experience, he relocated to Brooklyn, NY in late 2014 to launch Serato’s first creative studio space, workshopping and developing projects with artists including Questlove, Q-Tip, Kenny Dope, Machinedrum, Swindle and Pete Rock.

He now works for Roland as DJ Sales Manager for the Eastern United States, and continues to develop artist projects and host workshops across the country.

Catherine Davis is an educator, composer, and performer with a degree in music education from the University of Texas in Austin. She is an active member of Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), Texas Music Teachers Association (TMTA), and Austin District Music Teachers Association (ADMTA), facilitating student participation in piano festivals and contests. She has also served as the ensemble co-chair for ADMTA for many years.

For over a decade, Catherine has taught privately in Austin, Texas where she maintains a studio with more than 65 piano and voice students. As the education director for Capital Music Center, she is instrumental in developing the use of music technology for private and group lessons for hundreds of area students.

Hailing from Saratoga Springs, Scott Gailor began making a name for himself through the New York City club circuit before toughing it out touring along the east coast racking up more than 2,600 shows. It wasn’t long before Scott was recognized nationally as an on-the-rise talent by coming in fourth out of 750 players in the Guitar Wars Semi-Finals, and regional runner-up in Guitar Center’s Guitarmageddon competition.

Whether it has been with Scrooge, Union Jack, Kidd Havok (SunCity Records), or Lauren Krothe, Scott has proven that no matter who he is with, he stands toe to toe with greatness as he has opened for everyone from Yngwie Malmsteen to Dokken, Extreme, Kings X, and Sebastian Bach. Usually a fickle bunch, the press has even singled Scott out for his “breakneck speed,” (Metal Edge Magazine) and comparisons to Eddie Van Halen (Hard Rock Haven). From the national, right to the local level, he continues to inspire fans of all ages.

Currently you can catch Scott adding atmosphere and slinging licks as part of Lauren Krothe’s live band while he puts the finishing touches on his highly anticipated first instrumental release that’s sure to be stuck on repeat for days.

For over 35 years, Dr. Holmes has been a part of the music faculty of Lubbock Christian University. During that time she has served as Interim Chair of Communications and Fine Arts, and as President of the Faculty Senate. She has edited Eighteenth Century keyboard music published by Oxford Press and has contributed book reviews to the American Music Teachers Journal. She has also served as the Chair of Musicology and Early Instruments for Music Teachers National Association, Chair of the Board of Trustees of Texas Music Teachers Association, Chair of Collegiate Affairs for Texas Music Teachers Association, President of the Lubbock Music Teachers Association as well as a Member of the Board of Directors for Texas Music Teachers Association.

Sean Kelly is a bassist in the Maryland/DC/Virginia area where he gigs with his hard rock band One Louder. He also writes, arranges, and finds the occasional opportunity to play double bass.

Sean has been in music retail for over 25 years. After studying double bass and completing his Bachelor’s degree in Music Industry at James Madison University in Virginia, Sean continued to gather experience working for retailers of varying sizes and types including full line independent, school music and lesson-focused, and piano-focused dealers. He continues to support music retailers’ efforts by managing BOSS Sales and Marketing in the Eastern U.S.

Pat Kennedy of Austin, TX, is the current Roland V-Drums National Champion and represented the United States in the 2013 Roland V-Drums World Championships in Frankfurt, Germany. He is an active artist/clinician with Roland U.S., and is a featured presenter/performer at NAMM, PASIC, and other events throughout the United States. Similarly, he is an artist with Vic Firth Drumsticks, Zildjian Cymbals, Drumtacs, Cympad, and Gruvgear products.

Pat can also be seen performing regularly throughout the South and Southwest regions with GRAMMY®-Award winning country singer, Rick Trevino, as well as various groups in the Austin area, including JazzBonez, the Pat Kennedy Trio, and other jazz/cover band projects. Additionally, he is the drummer-in-residence for Hyde Park Baptist Church, and is the Director of Bands, and Fine Arts Department Chairperson at Fulmore Middle School in the Austin Independent School District.

Pat earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, and a Master of Music Degree in Jazz Performance from the University of Texas at Austin.

Shannon Kennedy is recognized as a multi-faceted artist, composer, producer, performer, educator, and recording artist. As a saxophonist, she has performed and recorded with some of smooth jazz’s best-known performers. She has toured and performed with 10,000 Maniacs and Peter White and has made appearances on the television series America’s Got Talent and Jimmy Kimmel Live. Her most recent collaboration, Groove LTD, made its debut on the U.S. Billboard Charts with “First Class”.

Daniel “Descry” Lee is a DJ, producer, and instrumentalist from Los Angeles, CA, who has shared the stage and produced for notable hip-hop and rock talent within the music industry.

Graduating from UC Berkeley, Daniel has over a decade’s worth of combined sales and marketing experience. He is currently the Western U.S., DJ Sales Manager for Roland U.S.

Kathryn Lounsbery is a Los Angeles-based pianist, comedian, storyteller, music director, composer, arranger, and Green Bay Packers fan. She holds a Master’s degree from The University of Southern California and a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her sold-out performances have been described as a cross between Lily Tomlin, Bette Midler, and Ludwig Van Beethoven. Kathryn has worked alongside entertainment industry greats including David Foster, Travis Barker, Kathy Najimy, Frenchie Davis, Charlotte Rae, Laura Benanti and many more. As a comedian, Kathryn was featured on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing” and has appeared at The Laugh Factory, The Improv, and recently headlined at The World Famous Comedy Store. She currently serves on the faculty of the Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts, a performing arts college in Hollywood.

Guitarist Aaron Marino is the BOSS and Roland Sales and Product Specialist for the Western United States. You can regularly find him supporting BOSS and Roland gear on the Product Support phones and in local music stores, as well as clinics, showcases, and trade events.

An all-around “music-is-his-life” kind of guy and self-confessed gear geek, Aaron has been involved in many facets of the business throughout his life. After graduating from Musicians Institute, he went on to perform and record with many original bands throughout Southern California, playing at legendary clubs on the Sunset Strip and tracking in some of L.A.’s most prestigious studios. He also developed his audio engineering chops as co-owner of a recording studio in Orange County and live sound engineer for a number of local churches. Along the way, Aaron’s always found time to help other musicians as a guitar and tech instructor as well.

Involved in the retail business side of music since his youth, Aaron has worked for many independents and managed locations for Guitar Center and Sam Ash Music. He’s kept a foot in this part of the industry, and is always at home in a music store.

Percussionist James Petercsak is a performer and educator of a wide-range of musical styles and genres. He has been a featured soloist at the SoundSCAPE Music Festival in Pavia, Italy and has performed across the United States, Europe, and Asia. James has been in residence at the Banff Centre for the Arts in Canada both as an orchestral fellow and as part of an internationally selected group of percussionists. James has also been a member of the New Sousa Band with which he toured China in 2011 and is currently Principal Percussionist of the Orchestra of Northern New York; a position he has held since 2008. Within the musical products industry, James has worked for Fender Musical Instruments, Samson Technologies, KBV Records and is currently at Roland US working in the V-Drum / Percussion division. James holds a Bachelor of Music degree from SUNY Potsdam and a Master of Music degree from McGill University.

Austin, hailing from Long Island, NY, is a skilled guitar player with experience in many styles of music. He has a B.S. in Music Performance and currently plays in Long Island progressive rock band, Dhärä. His love for guitar expanded into a knack for gear and pedal effects. With a combination of strange pedal effects, noise, and intricate guitar techniques, Austin has created a unique, alternative style to rock ‘n’ roll. Austin has many years of experience in the music industry including four years at Sam Ash Music as well as two years at Samson/Hartke Technologies. Now, Austin is a happy member of the BOSS/Roland Team as the East Coast Product Sales Specialist.

Scott began his professional musical career at the age of 11 working in Las Vegas. By the time he graduated high school, Scott was a seasoned veteran both in writing and performing, working with numerous entertainers such as Lola Falana, Cher, Diana Ross, Wayne Newton, 5th Dimension, Dionne Warwickand many others. It was also in Las Vegas where he began conducting his own orchestra and big band arrangements in the showrooms.

After high school, Scott dedicated his time to education, receiving a B.A. in Film Scoring from Berklee College of Music, and an M.A. and Ph.D in Composition from UCLA. During these years, he also continued his commercial writing pursuits outside academia. Scott became a very in-demand writer and orchestrator for several films, television, and production shows from the early ’90s.

Scott’s music and orchestrations have been played (and conducted by him) by the London Symphony Orchestra, Hollywood Symphony, Atlanta Symphony, Polish National Radio Orchestra, not to mention every session orchestra in Hollywood. From BET, the Grammys, television’s “One Tree Hill,” to commercials and film trailers, his music is everywhere in today’s media.

Scott has amassed a large body of music with numerous recording artists such as Beyoncé, Mary J. Blige, Howard Jones, Bruce Springsteen, Nelly, Lil’ Wayne, Jamie Fox, Robin Thicke, Bette Midler, Destiny’s Child, Jazmine Sullivan, Amerie, Jamie Foxx, Teddy Riley, Omar Hakim, Billy Cobham, and more.

Scott joined Roland Corporation U.S. in 1993. Scott currently resides in Los Angeles.

Jordan West is a drummer, vocalist, and songwriter from Fort Wayne, IN, currently based in Los Angeles, CA. She works as a freelance and studio musician in addition to being a Product Specialist for Roland Drums and Percussion. She also teaches both private lessons and music camps, and has given drumming and songwriting clinics worldwide. On drums, her roots lie heavily in jazz. Her list of favorite drummers includes Steve Gadd, Steve Jordan, Elvin Jones, and Gene Krupa. Her original music has been featured on regional and national radio stations and in several indie films. With her own group, Trackless, West utilizes her passions for songwriting, drumming, and singing simultaneously. They are currently in the studio recording new releases for 2017.

Laura Frey Zaruta is a pianist and teacher who believes technology solutions are the way to inspire today’s students, energize today’s teachers, and maximize teaching time. Her workshops include practical tips and time-saving suggestions that easily work with any curriculum. Laura graduated with honors from Marywood University with a BM in Piano Performance. She received an MM in Piano Pedagogy from Temple University, where she also worked as vocal coach and accompanist. She currently works at Robert M. Sides Family Music Centers in the piano and music education departments.