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History of Western Academy of Music
History of Western Academy of Music
In 1990, Western Academy of Music was founded by Christian and Caroline Paetsch, and Rod and Judy Wylie. Christian and Caroline continue to teach and conduct in WAM, which consists of four orchestras as well as chamber music ensembles. Current teachers and conductors include Jaclyn Daly, Britta Bushnell-Conway, and Virginia Ogg-Cleveland. Up and coming teachers and conductors include violist Hudson Maness and violinist Caroline Daly.
The alumni of WAM include musicians spanning over three decades! We are so honored that these musicians feel welcome to rejoin us for any orchestral, chamber group, or lesson experience when music pulls at their hearts.
Masterclass Information
Masterclass Information
Masterclass Dates
Masterclass Dates
January 9, 2025
February 6, 2025
March 6, 2025
April 3, 2025
May 8 (MHD, PC, Chamber)
May 9 (Symphony)
Please remember that the WAM Masterclass counts as your lesson for that week. Private studio lessons are not held the week of Masterclasses. Make-up lessons are available during Masterclass week.
Rehearsal and Arrival Times
Rehearsal and Arrival Times
Mississippi Hot Dogs - 4:30-5:15
Pre-Chamber - 5:30-6:15
Chamber - 6:30-8:30
Symphony - 6:30-9:30
Brass - TBA
Please arrive a few minutes early to unpack and be ready to play at the start time!
Bring a water bottle!
Where to Go
Where to Go
Violins, Violas, Brass - Enter through the basement and find a place to unpack your instrument. Rehearsal will be in Christian's practice room.
Cellos and Basses - Enter through the front door. Rehearsal will be upstairs.
Masterclasses will be held at the Paetsch house.
Masterclasses will be held at the Paetsch house.
16346 E. Prentice Cir
Centennial, CO 80015
Please do not park in the cul-de-sac. Park on the straight street. Parents are welcome to drop off. Kids can text when they are leaving.
Masterclass assignments can be found here.
Symphony - May 9 Masterclass will be held at Piney Creek Clubhouse and is scheduled 6:30-9:30PM.
Chamber Group Options
Chamber Group Options
Please talk to Caroline or Christian if you are interested in forming or playing in a chamber group. Chamber group lessons occur on a Friday afternoon/evening once or twice a month, with an additional fee of $30-60 per hour per group.
Studio Collaborators
Studio Collaborators
Britta Bushnell Conway
Britta Bushnell Conway
Britta Bushnell Conway is an instrumental music teacher, who has been teaching since 2004. Britta earned a bachelor's degree from University of Northern Colorado in music education and a master's degree in school administration. Britta has been a string specialist for both private students and in public schools. Britta has played the violin since age four, and has played throughout her life. She has been involved with the Western Academy of Music since 1997, first as a student and now as a teacher. Britta’s private students are involved with WAM every year. Britta enjoys family time with her husband and two children and loves to watch them grow just as much as her students.
Jaclyn Daly
Jaclyn Daly
Virginia Ogg-Cleveland
Virginia Ogg-Cleveland
Virginia Ogg-Cleveland has been teaching violin for over ten years, although she has known she wanted to teach since she was in high school! Virginia plays violin, viola, and cello. She attended the University of Northern Colorado and has a degree in Anthropology. Currently, Virginia is primarily a stay at home mom with her young daughter, but still loves teaching and playing music as much as she can!
Up and Coming Teachers
Up and Coming Teachers
Hudson Maness
Hudson Maness
Hudson Maness is a multi-faceted violist based in Montreal. In addition to performing in orchestras across the United States and Canada, Hudson has participated in festivals such as the Texas Music Festival in Houston, the Trentino Music Festival in Italy, the Tanglewood Institute in Massachusetts, and the Montecito Music Festival in California. This summer, Hudson travels as a member of the Lyra Quartet to Tuckamore Music Festival in Canada and to Garth Newel Music Center in Virginia as an Emerging Artist Fellow.
Teaching is one of Hudson's primary passions. He teaches viola, violin, and beginning piano to students aged 5-40, having held Teaching Assistant positions at Luzerne Music Center, Western Academy of Music, and Rocky Mountain Fiddle Camp. Whether a student aspires to pursue music professionally or learn a fun, new hobby, Hudson strives to tailor his teaching strategies to the unique artistic needs of his students.
Currently studying with Andre Roy at McGill University for his master's degree, Hudson received his bachelor's from Indiana University Bloomington under Stephen Wyrczynski. Outside of music, Hudson loves coffee, chess, reading, and writing. Among his favorite work to read are The Count of Monte Cristo and Anna Karenina.
Caroline Daly
Caroline Daly
Carline Daly is a junior from Eaglecrest High School. She has been playing he violin for 11 years. Aside from loving the violin, her many interests include theater. She wears many different hats in her theater life. Directing and being a stage manager are her passions. She shared, "I especially love telling people what to do!".
Behind "Everything" Support Team (BEST)
Behind "Everything" Support Team (BEST)
Jen Zorn
Jen Zorn
Jen is a proud parent of one WAM violin student. She creates music oriented gifts. Her shop is found under the for sale link and a portion of sales goes to WAM scholarships. She also helps out wherever Caroline or Christian needs her.
Amy Henry
Amy Henry
Amy is a proud mom of two WAM students, and is now a student herself, having recently moved to the dark side to play viola. She helps design and maintain the website, and helps out where she can.
Lauda Rodriguez
Lauda Rodriguez
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