Karen Diaz, Founder - Director (Piano, Voice, Early Childhood Music, Theory, Sightreading *1992) Early studies in choral music, piano and violin led to Karen Diaz's audition, matriculation, and diplomas from the famed High School of Music and Art, NY, (Diploma with Music), The Boston Conservatory, MA, (BM in Music Education), and Prairie View A&M University, TX, (MA in Applied Voice), with additional studies at the Manhattan School of Music (NY) and Hampton University (VA). In addition to voice and piano, Mrs. Diaz also studied violin, flute, clarinet, cello, guitar, and music theater (including dance). A firm believer in continuing education, Mrs. Diaz is also a graduate of the AMICI Summer Institute, sponsored by the National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts.
Karen Diaz taught music in the public schools for nineteen years, and privately (ages 4 - adult) for more than twenty years before devoting her full energies to the development of her dream - a fine arts school. Mrs. Diaz has held positions of Soloist, Pianist, Organist, Choir Director, and Church Music Director (NY, MA, TX) for more than twenty-five years and was Assistant Minister of Children and Youth at The Church Without Walls for two and a half years. Her music expertise has included performing in concerts, workshops, and operas along the east coast and in Texas, composing and arranging music in a variety of genres, and serving as production specialist for JACUWA Productions (MA).
Byron Caine (Saxophone- Alto, Soprano, Tenor, Baritone *2010) studied music education at Sam Houston University and Prairie View A & M University while becoming a free - lance saxophone artist. Mr Caine taught for a number of years and has performed with gospel recording artist as well as in churches throughout thr United States.
Duane Daigrepont (Percussion, Theory * 2001, 2008)graduated from the High School of Performing and Visual Arts, majoring in percussion, an attend Sam Houston State University. Mr Daigrepont teaches percussion and theory at KDMA while pursuing his degree in education.
Clayton Dyess (Guitar, Bass Guitar *1995) has been teaching guitar for more than thirty years in the greater Houston/Katy area, as well as giving clinics and master classes internationally. His performing experience includes numerous solo and ensemble tours in Europe which have resulted in two guitar albums, a trio recording, and three CD's, the most recent being Leslie's in the Kitchen, a jazz collection currently heard on radio stations and available at KD Music & Arts. Mr. Dyess has performed with such greats as Nat Adderly, Dizzie Gillespie, Arnett Cobb and Joe Pass.
Lorraine Hammond (Voice, Early Childhood *2007) received her Bachelor of Music Degree in Vocal Performance at Converse College in South Carolina. She performed in many opera scenes such as The Marriage of Figaro, The Turning of the Screw, and The Mikado. In the opera Hansel and Gretel, Ms. Hammond performed the role of the Dew Fairy; she has also performed in musicals such as Oklahoma. Ms. Hammond's love of children has led her to teach at several child care facilities before combining her passion for education, children, and vocal music at KD Music & Arts.
Ashla Jackson Rogers (Piano *2008) studied piano at an early age and participated in KDMA recitals and community performances Mrs Jackson joined the staff at KDMA after assisting with all areas of the educational process.
Zachary Keen (Guitar *2010)attended Kingwood College and graduated in the top ten percent of his class with a Bachelor's Degree in Music and Marketing from the University of Texas at San Antonio.
Rodney Martin (Brass - Trombone, Trumpet, Tuba *2010)studied Music Education and Business at the University of Houston. Having performed classical repertoire in wind ensembles, lead trombone in jazz ensembles. Mr Martin has been a sought after brass instructor for students in the Fort Bend, Alief, Katy and HISD schools.
Melissa Joseph Matthews (Piano *2004, 2007) earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music and Sociaology with concentration in Piano from Prairie Vew A&M University. Mrs. Matthews worked with music and arts in summer programs at Harris County Precinct 1 and Galveston ISD. She was Music Director at several churches including Johnson-Phillips All Faiths Chapel even before she began teaching music in public school. Currently teaching Choral Music and Theory to High School students Mrs.Matthews teaches piano-all ages and levels at KDMA and is a sought after accompanist for UIL competitions.
Victor Morales (Guitar *2007) holds a degree in a non-musical area but his passion, commitment and expertise in music more than qualify him as an excellent faculty member at KDMA. As a teen Victor used music to gain acceptance, and as a result of his talents, became a Tejano music star recording under the Teardrop/Columbia/CBS Records International labels. He performed with stars such as Ray Charles, Vicki Carr, Ike and Tina Turner, and the Osmonds. After his conversion to Christianity, Morales became a featured guest on the Trinity Broadcasting and PTL Networks, recording on Word, IYQ, and Adonai labels, with the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. Mr. Morales also has an outreach which helps to clothe, feed, and minister to orphaned children.
Sarah Plunkett (Flute, Flute Choir *2011) Ms. Plunkett earned her bachelor of Arts degree in Flute Performance from Denison University ( Ohio ) where she served as Assistant Instructor of the Denton University Choir and Denidon University Stage Manager. A Master of Music degree also in Flute Performancewas awarded at Ithaca College (New York) where Ms Plunkett was a Graduate Teaching Assistant and Director of the Ithaca College Flute Choir. In addition to attending the Burgos International Music Festival in Spain, Ms Plunkett has been a great clinician at high school band camps before joining the faculty at KDMA.
Nancy Strege (Piano *2009) is a graduate of the University of Minnesota earning a Bachelor degree in ELEMENTARY Education with additional studies in Music at Hamline University, Minnesota. She taught elementary through junior high students and since retirement continues to work as a substitute teacher. Mrs Strege is also an experience accompanist for church choirs, and UIL.competitions.