Reed Hanna
Bassoonist and composer Reed Hanna is quickly becoming a noteworthy new voice in the double reed community whose compositions have become known among wind players for their interesting and imaginative musical ideas that challenge performers and captivate audiences. As an orchestral musician, Reed plays principal bassoon in the Augusta (GA) Symphony, a position he has held since 2016. He has also appeared with the South Carolina Philharmonic, the Greenville (SC) Symphony, the Savannah Philharmonic, the North Charleston POPS! and many other orchestras in the southeastern United States. Reed currently is Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Instrumental Activities at Coker University in Hartsville, SC where he conducts the concert and pep bands and teaches music theory and music education courses and woodwind lessons. His 2019 album of original chamber music, Carte Blanche, is available on all streaming services.
Naiesha Wise
Naiesha Wise is the Director of Orchestras at Fairfield Central High School in Winnsboro, SC. Naiesha is from Columbia, SC, and went to school in Richland School District 2. Ms. Wise was a first-generation college student attending Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC. She earned a Bachelor of Music Education with a concentration in K-12 Instrumental Music. While at Winthrop, she performed with the WU Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Ensemble, and Cello Choir. Ms. Wise has served as a guest clinician throughout the Midlands area as a guest conductor and adjudicator. Ms. Wise is an active member of the South Carolina Music Educators Association (SCMEA) and the National Association for Music Education (NAfME). She is the Region 3 Orchestra Division Concert Performance chairperson and serves as the advisor for the Tri-M Music Honor Society at FCHS. In her spare time, Naiesha performs cello in the local community orchestras.
Emma Brown
Emma Brown teaches viola and violin with the Suzuki Academy of Columbia and has served as the conductor of the Prelude Orchestra since 2020. Emma holds a Bachelor of Music Education from Ithaca College and Master of Music in Violin and Viola Pedagogy from the University of South Carolina. During her time at the University of South Carolina she served as a graduate assistant and as Assistant Director of the UofSC String Project under the direction of Dr. Gail V. Barnes. Emma has completed several units of registered Suzuki teacher training on viola and violin with Amanda Schubert, Charles Krigbaum, Daina Staggs, Elizabeth Stuen-Walker, Susan McDonald, and April Losey, as well as training in Music Mind Games with Michiko Yurko.
Amy Johnson
Amy Johnson is a violinist originally from Utah. She recently completed a master’s degree in Violin Pedagogy at the University of South Carolina and maintains a private studio at the Suzuki Academy in West Columbia. In addition to teaching, Amy regularly plays in the area as a freelance violinist with various ensembles including the South Carolina Philharmonic. She is looking forward to working with students and parents to ensure that the 23/24 SCPYO season is our best yet!
