Kat Rodriguez, Head of Instrumental 

Katty Rodríguez aka “Kat” is a multi-faceted, grammy nominated musician, singer, saxophonist, songwriter, clarinetist, flautist, producer, arranger, composer and teacher.

In 2001, Kat was awarded the international Women in Jazz award by legendary bassist Caroline Ray and Vocalist Lenora Helm.  She received a fellowship to study music with Saxophonist/recording artist Antonio Hart.  

In 2006, Beyoncé hand picked an all female band to tour with her. Kat was one of 1000 woman who auditioned. Since then Kat has recorded the Beyoncé Live DVDs; The Beyoncé Experience, the I…Am Tour,  Live at Roseland, Live at Revel, Mrs Carter Tour, and the On The Run Tour. After traveling the world with the superstar, Kat became an ambassador/speaker for the BeyGood foundation, reaching young people through outreach programs in communities all across the globe.

Kat has also performed with Erykah Badu, Eric Bennett, Anthony Hamilton, Luke James,  Nikki Minaj, Louis Bauso, Patato Valdes, JJ Hairston And Youthful Praise, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Slim Thug, Jill Scott, Marsha Ambrosius, Keri Hilson, Keischa Cole, VV Brown, Monica, Ledisi, Kelly Price, George Michael, Fantasia, Shirley Caesar, Mary Mary, Elle Varner, Mary J.Blige, Missy Elliot, Estelle and Ciara to name a few. With Beyoncé, Kat was invited by President Barack Obama to perform at the White House for Michelle Obama’s Birthday. Kat has recorded with Destiny’s Child, DJ Mark Ronson, Rap Artist Mobb Deep, Beyoncé, Michelle Williams, Gospel artist Kierra Sheard, Anthony Hamilton and 50 Cent.

Kat is a graduate of the prestigious LaGuardia High School for the Performing Arts and the Mannes Jazz Program at the New School University in New York City, where she received a full scholarship and graduated with a BFA in Jazz Saxophone and Composition. In 2013 Kat recorded her debut album Mockery which she co-wrote and co-produced. And in 2019, she received a masters degree in music education from Lehman College.

Shirazette Tinnin, African Drumming, Bands

Fulbright Scholar, drummer, educator, clinician, author and health coach, Shirazette Tinnin was born and raised in North Carolina. Her early influences were gospel music, R&B and soul music.  Her stylistic influences would eventually expand into jazz, rock and music from many parts of the African diaspora. 

A graduate of Appalachian State University, Shirazette studied with Todd Right, Dr. Rob Falvo, Rick Dilling and Scott Meister. She studied and continues to be mentored by drummers Cindy Blackman, Lewis Nash, Terri Lynne Carrington, Ernie Adams and more. Shirazette received a full scholarship for drum set and jazz pedagogy from Northern Illinois University, where she studied under professor Ron Carter. 

A 2008 recipient of The Sisters in Jazz Collegiate All-Stars for IAJE (International Association of Jazz Educators) Award, Shirazette has also taught on the collegiate level at Columbia College in Chicago. 

Currently residing in New York City, Shirazette was the house drummer for The Meredith Vieira Talk Show, Season 1 on NBC. 

Shirazette performs and tours frequently with premier bands and artists such as the Allan Harris Group, Tia Fuller Quartet, The Mimi Jones Band, Nicole Mitchell's Black Earth Ensemble, Toshi Reagon, Women of the World Ensemble, Yuri Juarez, Queen Esther, Gabriel Algeria Afro Peruvian Sextet, Camille Thurman, Sydnee Winters, Natalie Douglass and many others.  Shirazette is also the leader of her own projects including the Shirazette and Sonic WallPaper Fusion Band (formally known as The Shirazette Experiment) and The Blue Popped Culture Trio. 

Shirazette is an active clinician, educator, mentor, composer, a certified personal trainer and published author. She is passionate about preserving the health, wellness, stamina and integrity of her craft.  Her articles about performance and health advocacy have been featured in Modern Drummer and Tom Tom Magazine.

Shirazette is endorsed by Canopus Drums, Vic Firth, LP Music, and Sabian. 

Endorsement companies: Canopus, Vic Firth, Kickport, Latin Percussion, Beato Bags, and Sabian Cymbals

Casey Reed, Music Director, Pianist & Coach

Casey Reed is a New York-based music director for theatre whose skill set includes piano accompaniment, vocal coaching, conducting, copy work, orchestration, arrangement, and music technology. He graduated from Northwestern University (School of Communication) with a BA in Theatre and a minor in Economics. Casey began studying piano and voice from a young age. While musical theatre is his focus, he is also a proud Story Pirate where he performs as an improv pianist.

Kimberly Giannelli, Dance Teacher / PR

Whether donning a tutu, or marketing artists at ABT, NYCB, and Lincoln Center, Kimberly has just the right amount of Type A to make it happen! Coined as a “New York arts manager you need to know” by CBS Eye on New York, she has produced large-scale dance and opera events. Though mildly anti-social, she has developed resonant relationships with press and influencers in dance, theater, culture, political, fashion, society and fitness sectors. She links public relations, branding and social media efforts into a constant and furious funnel of staying power and accountability. Kimberly holds a Bachelor’s in Psychology with concentration in Dance Psychology, actively teaches and choreographs for dancers of all ages, and founded The Ballerina Ball, an interactive and creative dance concept which introduces young dancers to the great stories of classical ballet and beyond. Born and raised in Westchester, NY (it’s not upstate, idiot!), she spends her days spoiling her French Bulldog Penelope and is in the process of making her #instafamous.

Steven Vilsaint, Hip Hop Dance Teacher

Steven Vilsaint was born and raised in Haiti and obtained a passion for dance at the age of 13. In 2014, Steven came to the United States to pursue his dreams to become a professional hip hop dancer. Over the course of Steven’s career, he has performed alongside of well-known hip hop artists, including Ne-Yo, Elephant Man, and Sean Paul. Steven also performed for several years with a traditional Haitian dance company known as Ayikodans, and toured internationally with the company.

Steven’s dancing exudes an explosive energy, athleticism, and musicality. The audience is drawn instinctively and immediately to him as a dancer and as a person. Steven also is a versatile artist, willing and able to learn new dance forms, and working collaboratively alongside of professional ballet and other dancers. This versatility and openness to new ideas is critically important for the children’s own development, creative exploration, and learning.