The Bella Minstrels

Rachael has been studying the violin for the past 13 years. She was in the Erie Jr. Philharmonic Prelude Strings for 3 years, and a member of the EJP Orchestra for 4 years. She attended the Allegheny College Music Festival in 2005, and  participated in the EJP String Ensemble Music Camp for 5 years consecutive years. Rachael won second place in the Erie Music Teacher's Association Competition in 2006. She also participated in the EJP Concerto Competition in 2006 and 2007. 

 After her graduation in June of 2007, Rachael began to take college level Music Theory classes with private tutor Cherie Lackowski, while continuing private instruction with violin teacher William Skerlong.  In 2008, Rachael started taking Theory classes From Basil Ronzitti, at Ronzitti's School of Music. Under his tutelage, Rachael is learning how to become a violin teacher.

Rachael is very involved in her church. She was the editor of the church newsletter Epistula Ecclasia for two consecutive years, she teaches a music class to the young children of the church and hopes to become a Sunday School teacher one day soon. Rachael gives all the credit for her accomplishments first and foremost to God, her Heavenly Father.

"Thy words were found and I did eat them; and they word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by they name, O Lord God of Hosts." Jeremiah 15:16

Deborah has studied piano for the past 12 years with Mary Sontheimer.  She has been participating in recitals since she was 6 years old, and performed her solo Junior Recital at age 13.  A recent high school graduate, Debbie accompanied the Erie Junior Philharmonic String Ensemble and orchestra throughout her high school years.  She also participated in their music camp for 2 years and in the summer of '09 took part in a music seminar with members of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.  Deborah won 1st and 3rd place in the Erie Music Teachers Association Scholarship Competition in 2004 and 2007 respectively.  She also plays penny whistle and concertina for Celtic pieces in the Bella Minstrel repertoire. 

Debbie performs in special programs at church, accompanies the congregation in services and is a soprano member of their choir.  She has played solos at local coffee shops and other public places throughout the years, and serves as accompanist for local musicians.  Her other hobbies include tennis, volleyball, swimming, writing, dog agility, cooking, ceramics, and drawing. 

Debbie plans to further her music education and has begun to teach.  Deborah will to continue to trust the Lord in her future plans. 

Christina  has been studying the Guitar for the last 11 years. From a young age it had been her instrument of choice. She started taking lessons at 7 years old with Joe Rodney of Erie Pennsylvania. Christina progressed quickly over the years and before she knew it, was ready to move on to a higher level of instruction. 

 At age 12, Christina began to study with Paul Giannamore at Lynch Music in Farivew  Pennsylvania. She studied classical style with Mr. Giannamore for 3 years before deciding she wanted to try something new... the Cello.

Christina began to study the Cello with private instructor and Erie Philharmonic Orchestra member Ruth Ann Skanzillo. During this time, Christina received a special invitation to play with The Erie Junior Philharmonic's String Ensemble and accepted it. 

After a year with the Cello, Christina decided that she missed Guitar too much and dropped the Cello so she could resume Guitar lessons. Since that time she has been studying with a distinguished Classical Guitar student of Edinboro University.  Christina also hopes to take voice lessons one day. 

Christina praises God for her musical talents and opportunities to share them with friends and family.