"The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery.”

— Mark Van Doren

YAMA teaching artists have years of experience in the classroom and on the concert stage. Each TA brings a unique way of connecting with students, teaching, and contributing to the YAMA community.

Stephanie Hsu [she/her]

“Play dangerously!” is a mantra that worked its way into Stephanie’s mind from a young age. Her mother and violin teacher reminded her that it’s not how many notes you get right, but how you move people that matters. Ms. Hsu is an educator on a journey to facilitate the growth of students and fellow staff members, to encourage all of us find and use our voices, and to build community through music-making, risk-taking, and real talk.

Inspired by a lifetime of music-making and her time at the New England Conservatory's Sistema Fellows Program, Stephanie seeks to increase the social impact a music program can make in a complex world. Her travels in Venezuela, visiting El Sistema núcleos and making music with Venezuelan students and teaching artists, cemented her conviction to create a program that fosters creativity, curiosity, ownership, and connection.

As YAMA’s Founding Executive Director, Stephanie has brought together a team of community members, parents, students, and professional teaching artists to create a student-centered program that is much more than just an orchestra. On any given day you might find Stephanie budgeting in Excel, facilitating meetings, teaching violin, chatting with parents, caring for her vegetable garden, or shamelessly singing in nature (or anywhere else) with friends.

Alex Pualani (AP) [he/him]

A. S. Pualani, or Mr. P, as he is affectionately known at YAMA -- believes that studying an instrument and finding your voice are interconnected and parallel processes. As a member of YAMA's founding team, Mr. P embodies and champions this philosophy in all of the teaching he does at YAMA, from teaching young cellists and conducting orchestras, to coaching new Teaching Artists on the YAMA team.

Mr. P holds a B.A. from Gonzaga University and his M.M. in Performance and Pedagogy from Central Washington University. He has worked closely with and been shaped by teachers Kevin Hekmatpanah, Minna Rose Chung, John Michel, Hans Jorgen Jensen, Julia Lichten, and Christy Baisinger.

As a lifetime member of the School of Lifelong Learners (disclaimer: not a real school - yet!), Mr. P is always engaged in learning or building something new, from rock climbing to learning languages to building a teardrop trailer for his family, which includes his wife Beth, son Gabriel, daughter Harper, and dog Brahms.

Sue Chirco-Coontz [She/her]

As Administrative Manager for YAMA, Sue Chirco-Coontz brings to the organization over 16 years of experience with the Yakima Symphony Orchestra where she worked as Ensembles in Schools coordinator, office administrator, customer relations manager, box office manager, volunteer coordinator, and personnel manager. In addition, she spent nearly a decade in the private school sector as a classroom assistant and school secretary.

As a classically-trained vocalist, Mrs. Chirco-Coontz is passionate about music and is thrilled to be a member of the YAMA team. She received a B.S. degree in Health/Religion from Weimar College with subsequent studies in Elementary Education from Pacific Union College and Walla Walla University. Throughout her high school and college years, and beyond, she dedicated much of her time to participating in a variety of solo, duet, trio, and choral works, including the role of Edith in Gilbert and Sullivan’s Pirates of Penzance.

Mrs. Chirco-Coontz enjoys spending time with her husband, Brian, and immersing herself in nature, especially the forest and mountains. Favorite activities include gardening, hiking, mowing the lawn, and studying maps.

Auburn Wren [they/them]

I teach viola and improvisation at YAMA! I love learning alongside the students and witnessing their creativity and joy.

I started out as a classical violinist at a young age under the tutelage of my Grandma, Celia Nicks. I was brought up with the Suzuki Method and had the freedom to explore the music that was best for me. Viola ended up calling to me after witnessing the chiller culture of the viola section. It was always difficult for me to practice, but I often found myself doing something musical in my free time. The simple yet limitless keys of the piano taught me how to improvise and create music for myself. Video games impressed upon me the ability for music to turn the wordy logic of a story into something you can feel. I loved and continue to love composing the soundtracks to imaginary video games.

Nowadays, I’m finding myself digging deeper into what music means to me. I’m finding which styles I resonate with and learning their history. More and more, my interest is in music by the people for the people.

When I’m not in music land, I’m in the wonders of tech land. I love coding and I help out with IT at YAMA. At home, I enjoy creative projects that incorporate both music and technology.

Maria rodriguez [She/her]

My name is Mary Alice Rodriguez. My birth name is Castillon, meaning “little castle”. I was raised in the State of Washington, and currently live in Yakima. Growing up my family consisted of 4 girls, 2 boys, and my parents. Big family! I have 3 boys of my own and 1 Grandson. 

I have worked for a couple of different school districts, mainly in Yakima. My first job with Yakima was working with “At Risk Youth”. This job was at the Yakima Learning Center, a part of Stanton Academy, the local alternative school. It was also known as “Last Chance School”. This was back in 2000, and the school is no longer there. Since then, I’ve been working with General Ed kids K-5, Special Ed K-5, and in a Behavior Cassroom K-5. 

As you have figured out by now, my passion is working with kids. Although I won’t actually be “working” with kids, I will have the opportunity to watch them learn how to make beautiful music.

I really enjoy spending time with my family, and visiting my dad on Sunday’s and any other chance I get to spend time with him. I LOVE the beach! Camping, bon fires, drives up in the mountains are also some of my favorite things to do. Music. My life would not be complete without music in it. 

“Where there’s a WILL there’s a WAY" from the autobiography of Waylon Jennings

Enerida Mendoza [She/her]

Hi! My name is Enerida Mendoza and I am a violinist and violist. I was born in San Jose, CA and I moved to Yakima when I was five years old. I started playing violin back in 2012 in 5th grade, I still remember when Stephanie Hsu visited my orchestra class at Barge-Lincoln, I was immediately intrigued and I decided to join. I would have never imagined that 10 years later I would be teaching alongside Stephanie. I learned to play viola at YAMA as well and I love the sound of the deep strings and how chill viola players are! I also played cello and bass for fun!  

I stayed with YAMA throughout middle and high school until I decided to attend Central Washington University and pursue a Music degree. My favorite aspect of YAMA was the community I had with all my friends and as well with my sisters who played music as well. I made some of my best friends through music and met so many amazing musicians.

YAMA also made music accessible to me, learning violin is expensive and YAMA has given me a lot of resources, money was never an issue when it came to music, we always had support from YAMA. 

Now as I become an adult, I have the ability to give back to my community. I love to teach and I have amazing students that make me smile :)! I hope to share my passion for music to my community here in Yakima.

Music has always been my escape when words couldn't describe my emotions but music was able to do that for me

Erik Relation

Erik began playing violin at 11 years old in his hometown of Kelso, Washington. He is a recent graduate from Central Washington University where he studied with Professor Carrie Rehkopf and Dr. Michelle Rahn and earned his Bachelor’s of Violin Performance.

In his tenure at Central Washington University, Erik performed multiple solo and chamber recitals, performed at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago, and became a National Orchestra Institute/Festival fellow.

He is now an active member in the Yakima Symphony Orchestra as well as an instructor through Yakima Music En Accion (YAMA).

Jenny Humphrey

Jenny is so stoked to be teaching at YAMA again after a four year hiatus!

She lives in Ellensburg with her family and finds joy in gardening, camping, and adventuring.

She studied music education at Central Washington University and currently plays with Killdeer String Band.

Her love of working with young people inspires and energizes her and she's looking forward to the year ahead. 

esmeralda perez [she/her]

My love for music stems from watching films from Mexico’s Golden Age of Cinema throughout my childhood with icons such as Pedro Infante. Watching these classic Charro films was a means of connecting with my parents and my Mexican roots, making mariachi music to me all the more special. I learned to play the violin in 5th grade and continued in orchestra throughout the rest of my public education. It wasn’t until I reached highschool that I would finally play in a student lead mariachi as well as attain my first mariachi suit and learn to sing to a crowd. Having music form part of my life not only helped form my identity but also helped me throughout my academics. 

I was born and raised in the Yakima Valley, as a first-generation graduate and from a family of agricultural workers so I understand the challenges and sacrifices that come along with pursuing an education. Luckily with the support of my family and help from scholarships I was able to complete a B.A. in Spanish and Psychology at Central Washington University. While attending the university I was a part of Mariachi del Centro, a mariachi club later established into a class and certificate at CWU. During my last year in my bachelors degree I was given the opportunity to become a member of a local mariachi band and I am still an active mariachi musician to this day. 

My desire to form part of YAMA is to give back to my community and hope to spread appreciation for music and educate students in the beautiful genre of mariachi music. I hope to offer a welcoming space to students and families where they feel represented and feel comfortable in asking questions without fear of a language barrier.

Seidy morales

Seidy is a cellist and educator from Walla Walla, Washington, who is completing her undergraduate degree at Central Washington University.

She started playing the cello in 5th grade through the public school system, and has kept with it ever since. By her sophomore year of high school, she knew she wanted to become a music teacher.

Seidy is very excited to work as a Teaching Artist for YAMA! Her goal is to instill a love of life-long learning, and to teach people how to be people, through music. She is interested in going into general elementary music or continuing teaching strings. 

Outside of school, Seidy enjoys scrolling on tiktok, reading, hiking, cooking, and hanging out with friends. She is an avid Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo fan, but the Dvorak Cello Concerto always makes it into her Top 5 Songs of the Year.

Some fun facts about her are that she is a certified scuba diver, and has dove in 3 different countries. She also road tripped from Washington all the way to Niagara Falls, with her cello! At the top of her bucket list is to visit the tulip fields in the Netherlands, and to ride a camel in front of the Pyramids of Giza.

reid whitecotton

Hi my name is Reid Whitecotton and I am a bassist, percussionist, and educator from Spokane Washington. I am currently completing my undergraduate degrees and jazz minor at Central Washington University.

I began playing electric bass in my middle school band because “it was the closest thing to a guitar” After playing electric bass in my middle school band for about a year I decided to join the middle school orchestra and began playing the upright bass in addition to playing in the band. In my freshman year of high school I joined the school’s drumline along with joining and playing in the jazz band and orchestra until I graduated. I enjoyed the community and sense of belonging that music brought me and my goal is to bring this sense of belonging and community in my classroom, while instilling the importance of kindness and listening through music.

I am equally versed in the jazz and classical styles of playing bass. This picture shows me (I’m on the left) with famous jazz bassist, and former principal bassist in the Amsterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, John Clayton after we performed with CWU”s jazz band 1. 

Outside of school I enjoy reading, playing video games, playing board games, and exercising. I am so excited to meet everyone this year and I can’t wait to start jamming together.

assistant teachers

In order from left to right in the above photo.

Rachel Mendoza

My favorite thing about my instrument is the size, the tone, and the vibration of my C string. I love the wood and shape of my viola. I find so much comfort playing. She is my best friend. 

Something you might not know just by looking at me is lately I’ve had an obsession with buying playing cards. 

As an AT I’m excited to learn how to best support students.

The song that I’m listening to on repeat is Pierce the Veil’s new album. 

According to YAMA teachers, Rachel’s YAMA superpower is their ability to jump in and meet students' needs. They're always connecting with those that need it at snack, helping students feel closer to the community. They also psychically know the questions students have and they are a great model for requesting clarity.

Gabriel pualani

My favorite thing about YAMA is that you get to play in a community where you feel accepted.

Something you might not know just by looking at me is I go rock climbing regularly.

As an AT I’m excited to keep working with the Preludios and help them improve. 

The song that I’m listening to on repeat is Sandals by Khai Dreams

According to YAMA teachers, Gabriel’s YAMA superpower is his ability to connect with students. He is kind, caring, and generous which helps students trust him and to take risks in their music making as well socially in connecting with others.

Delonzo Wright

My favorite thing about my instrument is how cool the songs can be and the challenge they give me when practicing. I also like being able to share my songs with others and sometimes teach them the songs. 

Something you might not know just by looking at me is I’m an anime and classical music nerd

As an AT I’m excited to teach the younger students something new and help them with songs they’re working on

The artist that I’m listening to on repeat is Yo-Yo Ma.

According to YAMA teachers, Delonzo’s YAMA superpower is his determination to help students master the basics of their instrument. He loves getting into the fine details of music making on the cello and jumps at the chance to push students to be their best musician selves.

Lizbeth Frutos

My favorite thing about YAMA is having a space where I can be myself without feeling judged. 

Something you might not know just by looking at me is that I lived in Mexico for 7 years. 

As an AT I’m excited to help students be more confident in themselves.

The song that I’m listening to on repeat is Glue Song song by Beabadoobee.

According to YAMA teachers, Lizbeth’s YAMA superpower is helping young people feel seen and connected. From checking in on how they are doing during snack time to asking them to show her their bowhold, she supports their development of social and musical confidence.

Flor Mercado

My favorite thing about my instrument is feeling like I have a talent when I’m playing. My favorite thing about YAMA is feeling comfortable to publicly mess up and try my hardest to achieve my musical goals.

Something you might not know just by looking at me is I love to screen the lyrics to my favorite songs.

As an AT I’m excited to share the special moments I have when playing in an orchestra with younger kids. 

The song that I’m listening to on repeat is La Mentada Contestada by Jenni Rivera. 

According to YAMA teachers, Flor’s YAMA superpower is her gentle patience and encouragement. She helps young people feel safe and supported and brings a calm, collected energy to any space she is in. Young people trust her implicitly and are always eager to show her what they can do on their instruments. She is a solid, trusted, and beloved presence in any group she supports!