Teachers

Playing an essential role in helping children develop their musical knowledge and skills, aiding in their creative growth, self–esteem, and sense of self.

The Director

David Reimer

Dr. David Reimer, Music Director

Dr. David Reimer has been the director of the Dorothy Gerber Strings Program since 2017, having moved to Charlevoix from Grand Rapids, where he was Professor of Violin and the director of the strings program at Calvin College. David has studied at the North Carolina School of the Arts, the Cleveland Institute of Music, and Ohio State University. His doctorate was earned in violin performance and he has also studied music education with Robert Gillespie at Ohio State and Suzuki pedagogy at the Cleveland Institute of Music.

In addition to his position at Calvin College, he also taught at the Cleveland Institute of Music Preparatory Program, the University of Connecticut Community Music School, and the College of DuPage. As a performer, David has performed with many orchestras, including the Virginia Symphony, Grand Rapids Symphony, and the Traverse Symphony Orchestra. He has also performed as a soloist with the Baroque on Beaver Island Orchestra, the Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra, and the Mansfield Symphony. In 2017, Dr. Reimer established The Cummings Quartet to be the professional ensemble representing the Dorothy Gerber Strings Program. The Quartet has performed in Charlevoix, Boyne City, Pellston, Grand Rapids, Traverse City, Petoskey, Elk Rapids, and on Beaver Island.

Dr. David Reimer
Music Director
616.828.8321
dreimer@greatlakescfa.org

Assistant Director

Dr. Benjamin Wu, Assistant Director

Dr. Benjamin Wu is a teacher, performer, improvisor and world traveler. He has performed in music festivals and events around the world, including the Nasimi music festival in Azerbaijan, the Pohoda festival in Slovakia, and at the Sydney Opera House in Australia; He has taught in several cities in the United States, where he served as Upper Strings Director for HomerOpus in Alaska; as well as Afghanistan, where he served as Artistic Director for the Afghanistan National Institute of Music.

 

An avid explorer and learner, Dr. Wu has performed a variety of musical styles, including Chinese Classical music, Afghan Traditional Music, Free Improvisation, Jazz, Bluegrass, and Western Classical Music. He has performed folk and popular music as part of the trio Arcopella in New York City where he performed and arranged music.

 

Dr. Wu has received degrees from Peabody Institute of Music, New England Conservatory, and received his Doctorate from Stony Brook University.

 

Dr. Benjamin Wu
Assistant Director
734.277.0765
bwu@greatlakescfa.org

Teachers

Greg Binger

Instructor

Primary Instrument: Cello

Training:

  • B.M. in Instrumental Performance: Cello, Western Michigan University

Experience:

  • Cello Studio Operator, Metro Detroit
  • Educator and Artist in Residence, Saint Joseph Public Schools
  • Educator, Citadel Dance & Music Center

Rodrigo Quintana

Instructor

Primary Instrument: Violin

Training:

  • M.M. in Music Performance, Oklahoma State University

Experience:

  • Ensemble Connect: A Program of Carnegie Hall, The Juilliard School, and the Weill Music Institute Summer Intensive Program
  • Participant, New York Philharmonic Residency Program
  • Member, Several Professional Orchestras in the United States (since 2014)

Peter Tolias

Elk Rapids Classroom Instructor

Primary Instrument: Cello

Training:

  • B.A. in Classical Guitar and Cello, Wayne State University
  • M.M. in Classical Guitar Performance, Wayne State University

Experience:

  • Instructor, Wayne State University, Marygrove College, and Macomb Community College
  • Conductor Emeritus, Royal Oak Symphony Orchestra (Founder, Music Director, and Conductor)

Elizabeth Bert

Private Lesson Instructor

Primary Instrument: Cello

Training:

  • B.M.E. in Instrumental Music Education, Toledo University

Experience:

  • Principal Cellist, Traverse Symphony and Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra
  • Music Teacher, Traverse City Public Schools and North Central Michigan College

Lorna Uber

Primary Instrument: Violin

Experience:

  • Member, Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra

 

Derek Weller

  • Primary Instrument: String Bass

    Training:

  • B.A. in Music Performance, University of Michigan
  • M.M. in Music Performance, University of Michigan
  • Experience:

  • Interlochen Center for the Arts

Beth Deininger

Boyne Falls & East Jordan Classroom Instructor

Primary Instrument: Violin

Training:

  • B.M. in Violin Performance, Hope College
  • M.M. in Violin Performance and M.M. in Music Theory, University of Colorado

Experience:

  • Teacher, The Lesson Studio and Arizona Music Academy
  • Performer, West Michigan Symphony, Southwest Michigan Symphony, and Traverse Symphony

Becky Palmiter

Classroom Teacher

Primary Instrument: Violin

Training:

  • B.M.E., Eastern Michigan University
  • M.M.E., Emporia State University

Experience:

  • Director, Boyne City Band Program
  • Director, Jordan Valley Community Band

Maggie Stewart

Private Lesson Instructor

Primary Instrument: Violin

Training:

  • Undergraduate Studies, Wayne State University

Experience:

  • Member, Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra

Stephanie Cope

Primary Instrument: Violin

Training:

  • BFA in Dance, University of Michigan
  • Alumni, Dorothy Gerber Strings Program under Karey Sitzler
  • Private Instruction, Dorothy Kunkel

Experience:

  • Pre-K-6th Grade Music Teacher, Harbor Light Christian School (current)
  • 2nd Violinist, GLCO (2014-present)
  • French Horn, Northern Symphonic Winds (2013-2015)
  • Member, Local Folk Instrumental Trio Boundarywater (2014-2024) – Writing and performing original music
  • Interim Music Director, Zion Lutheran Church (2013-2019)
  • Bay View Music Festival Wind Institute (French Horn), 2013
  • Member, UMS Choral Union (2007-2009)