Host - Benjamin Lieser
Dr. Benjamin Lieser is both an educator and musician in the Central Florida Area. He currently teaches horn at the University of Central Florida, having previously taught horn at Stetson University and Valdosta State University. He performs with the Brevard Symphony, the Bach Festival Society, the Orlando Philharmonic and the Orlando Wind Quintet.
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Dr. Lieser recently completed a DM in brass performance at Florida State University (’15). His previous degrees were earned at the University of Cincinnati (MM ’01) and Florida State University (BA ’99). He has studied with Michelle Stebleton, Randy Gardner, Duane Duggar, Randall Faust, and William Capps.
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Dr. Lieser has performed as a regional artist at the Central Florida Horn Workshops, The Southeast Horn Workshops, and the International Horn Symposiums. Additionally, he has been a featured soloist with the OFUNAM Orchestra in Mexico City.
Co-Host - Kathy Thomas
Kathy Thomas has enjoyed an extensive professional career in central Florida. Originally from Lombard, Illinois, Mrs. Thomas started horn at age of 9 with Sharon Corbin. While attending the University of Illinois at Champaign/Urbana she studied with Kent Laramee and Kazimierz Machala, and also John Fairfield at Northern Illinois University. Mrs. Thomas enjoyed playing with the Wheaton Summer Symphony, Champaign/Urbana Symphony, Symfonia Da Camera, Danville Symphony, and Hinsdale Symphony.
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After moving to Florida in 1993, Mrs. Thomas has steadily worked for the Walt Disney World Company, Brevard Symphony Orchestra, Bach Festival Orchestra, West Coast Symphony, and The Florida Orchestra. In 2004 Mrs. Thomas won the third horn position with the Orlando Philharmonic. She is a member of the Sovereign Brass Quintet. In 2012 Kathy was appointed the position of adjunct professor of French Horn at Stetson University. Her solo credits include performing with the Stetson Chamber Orchestra and Bach Festival Orchestra.
