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). The entire Diaz family shares the passion and commitment to the arts in the KD community.
Tracy Allen-Blackmon (Piano, Early Childhood Music, Voice *1994, 2000) studied with Director Karen Diaz which led to her piano teaching internship (1994) and her present faculty position at KDMA. She will soon complete Bachelor’s Degree requirements in Music and Sociology. Behind the scenes, Mrs. Blackmon has worked as production assistant for the Houston Ebony Opera Guild. Her arts and teaching experience also includes working at various early childhood centers, public school substitute teaching, and with a variety of music theater productions (early childhood - adult). Mrs. Blackmon has also been an invaluable KDMA support staff member, working tirelessly once again behind the scenes to make the KDMA vision a reality.
Alejandro Cruz (Winds, Bass Guitar, Guitar *2003) graduated from Performing Arts High School (NY), and Queens College (NY) with a Bachelor of Music degree in Performance, and currently teaches Band in Houston ISD. In addition, Mr. Cruz has taught English and Bilingual Education to students ages four through adult. His performance experience includes playing with several professional bands in New York and Texas, especially those which feature Latin jazz styles such as merengue, cha cha, and cumbia. Mr. Cruz is looking forward to developing an instrumental ensemble (youth through adults) which features these styles at KDMA.
Clayton Dyess (Guitar, Bass Guitar *1995) has been teaching guitar for more than twenty 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.
David Hillendahl (Percussion, Drama *2004) holds Bachelor and Master Degrees from the University of St. Thomas and Bienville University in Music Performance and Music Therapy. David Hillendahl played for the original Broadway musical Godspell before embarking on a decade of touring with some of the most memorable shows of all time including Jesus Christ Superstar, Showboat, Mame, and The Music Man. Following his Broadway career, Mr Hillendahl toured nationally with a number of Doo Wop groups including the Coasters, Drifters, and The Crew Cuts. Later moving to Hollywood, he befriended legendary drummer Buddy Rich and performed with greats such as Maureen McGovern and Roger Williams. A lifelong teacher, Mr. Hillendahl served on the faculty of California Lutheran University and Victoria College before joining the faculty at KDMA. His supplementary percussion book, Rhythms and Fills is included in the curriculum at KD Music & Arts.
Melissa Joseph (Piano *2004, 2007) earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music and Sociaology with concentration in Piano from Prairie Vew A&M University. Ms. Joseph 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. Ms. Joseph is a sought after accompanist for UIL competitions and will accompany several of our vocal and instrumental students today. Thank you Ms. Joseph!
Carol Trhlik (Art - Various mediums, *2006) graduated with honors from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville with a Bachelor’s Degree in Art Education with additional studies at the State Univ. of New York at Buffalo. Mrs. Trhlik’s vast experience includes teaching Art, kindergartners to senior citizens, in public and home schools, community centers, and camps in Minnesota, South Carolina, and Texas. Mrs. Trhlik, wife of KDMA wind instructor Alan Trhlik, has won numerous awards, participated in many art exhibits, and has painted murals for homes and businesses.
Alan Trhlik (Winds, Accordion *2005) holds Bachelors and Masters Degrees from DePaul University (Music) and Northern Illinois University (Education/Administration). His vast experience spans from classroom/academic to music education, from teacher to assistant principal and principal. Mr. Trhlik has performed in numerous musicals, orchestras, and bands, including his own combo.
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, and with our own Clayton Dyess, his long-time friend. Mr. Morales also has an outreach which helps to clothe, feed, and minister to orphaned children.
Darwin Young (Brass, Woodwinds *2007) earned his degree in Music Education from Texas Southern University, and is completing a Master’s Degree in Education Administration from Grand Canyon University. Mr. Young, a public school music teacher for twenty five years, was a members of the (NFL) Texans’ Bull Pen Pep Band during the 2005 and 2006 seasons. Mr. Young has played with various dance bands, touring Tokyo and Singapore. He now performs with his twin brother in a contemporary jazz group, Twin Connection.