Brass Teachers
Trumpet, Trombone, Baritone Horn, French Horn, Tuba
Christopher Balas
Trumpet • Trombone • French Horn • Baritone Horn/Euphonium • Tuba
Christopher Balas
Trumpet • Trombone • French Horn • Baritone Horn/Euphonium • Tuba
Christopher Balas hails from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. After completing his Bachelor’s Degree in Trombone Performance from Carnegie Mellon University, he won the trombone position with Tales & Scales Incorporated. While performing with Tales & Scales, Chris toured around the United States and performed with the with the St. Louis Symphony, the Kalamazoo Symphony as well as in many Performing Arts Centers and schools. As a freelance artist, Chris has performed in Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Symphony Hall in Boston, and The Kennedy Center. He also has performed with the legendary Ray Charles.
In 2000, Chris moved to New Jersey to attend Rutgers University. After his graduate studies, he began his career as an educator with Future Musicians Incorporated teaching Instrumental Music in parochial schools around northern New Jersey. In 2009, Chris took a position as Director of 6th Grade Bands in the South Orange-Maplewood School District. He is currently Director of Bands at Maplewood Middle School. Chris lives in Bernardsville, New Jersey with his wife Kim and their rescue dogs Lulu and Moe.
Matt Bilyk
Trumpet • Trombone • Bass Trombone • Baritone Horn/Euphonium • Tuba
Matt Bilyk
Trumpet • Trombone • Bass Trombone • Baritone Horn/Euphonium • Tuba
Matt Bilyk has been performing and teaching in the tri-state area for over 31 years. Matt holds a BA in Jazz Performance from Manhattan School of Music. He has been an adjunct faculty member for many public and private schools throughout New Jersey, and he frequently serves as a clinician and festival adjudicator.
As a performer, Matt has played with Broadway, regional and local theater pit orchestras throughout New York and New Jersey. He has played with countless performers and groups including Warren Vache, Bobby Rydell, The Duprees, Jimmy Beaumont, The Happenings, The Classics, Connie Francis, Joan Rivers, Joe Piscopo, Richie LaBamba, Frankie Ford, Sonny Tuner, Mel Carter, Bucky Pizzarelli, The Irish Tenors, The Walkmen, Bob Crosby and The Bob Cats, the Guy Lombardo Orchestra, the New York Voices, Charlie Calello and the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra.
Matt is currently on staff with the Encore Music Program in Ridgewood, NJ and here at Elefante Music & School for the Performing Arts in New Providence, NJ.
Gerald McConnell
Trumpet • Trombone • Baritone Horn
VIRTUAL ONLY
Gerald McConnell
Trumpet • Trombone • Baritone Horn
VIRTUAL ONLY
Gerald studied bass trombone with Dr. Robert Wigness at Montclair State University. He received a bachelor’s degree in Music Education, and performed with the MSU Symphonic Band, Wind Symphony, and Orchestra. In May 2002, he traveled with the MSU Band to Russia, and played in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Saratov.
Originally from Ames, Iowa, he was a member of the 1990 Iowa All-State Orchestra and the 1991 All-State Band, and traveled to Europe as a member of the 1991 United States Collegiate Wind Band. He attended Iowa State University as a music major and studied with David Stuart. While at ISU he played in the Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, Orchestra, Marching Band, Basketball Pep Band, and other small ensembles.
From 1997 to 2001 Gerald served in the United States Air Force as an electronic technician working on B-52H Stratofortress bombers at Minot AFB in North Dakota. Since 2001 he has lived in Mountainside with his wife, Cathy.
Jason Procaccini
Trumpet • Trombone • Baritone Horn/Euphonium • French Horn • Tuba
Jason Procaccini
Trumpet • Trombone • Baritone Horn/Euphonium • French Horn • Tuba
Jason studied music at Rutgers – Mason Gross for four years. While at Rutgers, he received a Bachelor’s in Music Education and studied tuba with Alan Baer. He is a certified teacher in New Jersey with experience teaching all grade levels. He currently participates in multiple different ensembles in the area: Imperial Brass Band, Brook Orchestra, Lambertville Brass Band, and Rutgers Brass Band. Jason has a love for all different types of music and is always excited to learn, talk about, and play new music. He was born and raised in Berkeley Heights, NJ. Jason was also involved in the Elefante summer camp and took lessons here for his entire time at High School. He is excited to return as a part of the staff!
Jane Rondin
Trumpet • Trombone • Baritone Horn/Euphonium • French Horn • Tuba
Jane Rondin
Trumpet • Trombone • Baritone Horn/Euphonium • French Horn • Tuba
British-born Jane Clarke Rondin began her journey as a horn player in Jupiter, Florida, in 1980. As a child, her life was marked by a rich tapestry of experiences across three countries: Britain, South Africa, and the United States. Returning to South Africa from Britain in 1982, she honed her craft with great dedication, enrolling in a conservatory where she received private tuition throughout her high school years, meticulously preparing for university and winning a position in the South African National Youth Orchestra. She was the first musician ever to be awarded High Honors for Music at her high school.
Read more about Jane…At the tender age of 17, Jane embarked on her Bachelor of Music at the University of Port Elizabeth (now Nelson Mandela University) in Port Elizabeth. Concurrently, she distinguished herself as the Principal Horn for the CAPAB East Cape Philharmonic and was hired back at her Alma Mater, Alexander Road High as Brass Teacher and Band Director. She also earned her Licentiate in Performance with Distinction from Trinity College, London. Before even completing her degree, she had already garnered considerable acclaim by winning the National Brass Prize and securing a prestigious full-time position with the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra (KZNPO) in Durban, becoming the youngest musician to hold such a post. Jane took a one-year sabbatical to refine her embouchure and expand her musical repertoire, after which she returned to Durban, where her talents were in high demand. She excelled both as an orchestral player and a soloist and chamber musician, and she traveled to Cape Town to participate in opera seasons with the CAPAB orchestra. Additionally, Jane directed a multi-campus music department for a private school, showcasing her leadership and pedagogical skills.
In 2001, Jane’s life took a turn as she and her husband relocated to New Jersey, prompted by a professional opportunity for her spouse. They moved with their one-year-old son. For the initial seven years in the United States, due to the constraints of her husband’s visa, Jane was unable to engage in paid work. Nevertheless, she found solace and purpose in community orchestras, which provided her with the platform to continue performing and even to take on solo roles in concertos. Once she obtained her green card and subsequently her citizenship, Jane resumed her professional career with vigor, contributing significantly to the musical community that had sustained her. Her talents have been frequently showcased by the Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey, which has featured her as a soloist on multiple occasions, including a forthcoming performance of Hovhaness’s “Artik” in January.
Today, Jane performs with a variety of local groups, encompassing brass quintets, wind ensembles, and both professional and volunteer orchestras, and she often steps in as a substitute for some of the major local orchestras. She resides in Butler, New Jersey, with her husband, two sons, and three rescue dogs. A passionate runner, Jane has completed six marathons and over sixty half marathons. She also channels her enthusiasm for fitness into training individuals of all abilities at Spa 23 in Pompton Plains. Beyond her musical and athletic pursuits, Jane also enjoys spending time with her Border Collie rescues.
In all her endeavors, Jane Clarke Rondin embodies a profound commitment to excellence, a testament to her versatility and her unyielding dedication to both her craft and her community.
Howard Toplansky
Trumpet • Trombone • Oboe • Bassoon • Clarinet
Howard Toplansky
Trumpet • Trombone • Oboe • Bassoon • Clarinet
Howard Toplansky holds a B.Mus.Ed and an MM from the University of Michigan. He has been an instrumental music instructor for over 30 years; he recently retired from teaching with the Kenilworth school district. Mr. Toplansky is the author of Essentials of Bassoon Technique , which is considered the “Bassoonist’s Bible”. This textbook is used in orchestras and universities around the world.
Austin Yee
Trumpet • Trombone • Baritone Horn • Piano
VIRTUAL ONLY
Austin Yee
Trumpet • Trombone • Baritone Horn
VIRTUAL ONLY
Austin is a graduate of Eastman School of Music, where he studied Music Education and Jazz Performance. During his time at Eastman, Austin played in the Eastman Jazz Ensemble, performing at numerous events including the Rochester Jazz Festival. The group also participated in the Jack Rudin Championship. As a composer, Austin scored “Basie and the Trumpet” which was selected for the Rochester Fringe Festival. Austin won the 2021 Downbeat Award for Original Composition in Large Ensemble. He loves listening to and playing all types of music and is excited to be here at Elefante Music!