Georgia Strings Biographies

Dana SatchwellDana Lu, Viola

Dana Lu began her professional teaching career in 2001 as an orchestra director for the Gwinnett County Public School System. She holds Bachelors and Masters of Music Education degrees from the University of Georgia. In May 2005, she also completed an Education Specialist degree from the same University. Mrs. Lu began her teaching career at McConnell Middle School and moved to Richard Hull Middle School in 2006. While teaching in Gwinnett she has participated as a regional honor orchestra clinician, Conductor for the University of Georgia summer music camp, and various other workshops and clinics. In 2004, Mrs. Lu’s orchestra was invited to perform alongside McConnell’s chorus at the Georgia Music Educators State Convention. Her Hull Orchestra was awarded the Expemplary Performance Award by GMEA in 2011. Mrs. Lu has also served on various county-wide committees such as the pilot text book committee and the AKS to GPS writing committee. She is a member of Georgia Music Educators Association, Music Educator’s National Conference, and the American String Teacher Association.

Kelly TaylorKelly Taylor, Cello

Kelly Taylor is director of orchestras at Osborne Middle School in Hoschton, Georgia. She holds her Bachelors, Masters, and Education Specialist’s degrees from the University of Georgia.

Kelly began her musical studies at age six. In high school she was selected as a participant in the Gwinnett County Honor Orchestra, the Georgia All-State Orchestra, and the Georgia Governor’s Honors Program. As an undergraduate Kelly studied both piano and cello as her primary instruments. She was the recipient of various music scholarships and academic honors throughout her collegiate studies.

While teaching at Duluth Middle School, Kelly had the honor of guest-conducting the Duluth High School Chamber Orchestra at the prestigious Midwest Band & Orchestra Clinic in Chicago, Illinois. In addition to her teaching duties, Kelly has served as sectional coach for the Gwinnett County Kendall Orchestra, organizer of the Georgia All-State Orchestra, and regional guest clinician.

 

Jennifer JohnsonJennifer Johnson, Violin

Jennifer Johnson was raised in Winder, Georgia and began violin studies at the age of four. She participated in master classes, festivals and competitions throughout high school winning various awards and scholarships. Jennifer attended the University of Georgia where she graduated with her Bachelor of Music degree and Master of Music degree, both in Violin Performance. While at the University, she performed with the Contemporary Chamber Ensemble, the UGA Symphony Orchestra, and the ARCO Chamber Orchestra, with whom she has performed across Georgia and also at Carnegie's Weill Recital Hall in New York.

Jennifer currently maintains a private violin studio from her home in Dacula.  She also teaches at Grace Baptist Music Academy in Dacula.
 

Kathy WallaceKathy Wallace, Violin

Kathy Wallace, a native of Atlanta, has served as orchestra director for the Gwinnett County Public School for 21 years. Prior to her service in Gwinnett, she taught orchestra for the Atlanta Public school system. She holds a Bachelor of Music/Education from the University of Georgia, a Masters of Music/Education from Georgia State University, and an Education Specialist degree from the University of Georgia.

While teaching in the Gwinnett County Schools, she has served as the Lead teacher in orchestra for the Gwinnett County Schools Fine Arts department and was elected to serve as the GMEA state orchestra chair from 1999-2001. In addition to teaching, she enjoys playing free-lance violin in the Atlanta area, and has played in orchestras backing Ray Charles, Joni Mitchell, the Moody Blues, Olivia Newton-John, Michael Bolton, and Harry Connick, Jr. Kathy’s husband, Tom Wallace, is a well-known arranger and trumpet player as well.