LEADERSHIP TEAM

Artistic Director

Dr. David C. Cole’s distinguished career as a conductor, educator, and violinist has taken him all over the country and all around the world. He has served as the Director of Orchestral Activities and Visiting Assistant Professor of Music at Florida Gulf Coast University, where he conducted the University Symphony and directed the string chamber music program. Dr. Cole has previously led the orchestra programs at Sam Houston State University, Northern Kentucky University, the University of Utah, Southern Utah University, and Northern Michigan University and has taught in the Waco, Texas public schools. Dr. Cole holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from West Virginia University (Magna cum Laude), a Master of Arts in Orchestral Conducting from The University of Iowa, a Master of Music in Violin Performance from Baylor University, and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Orchestral Conducting from The University of Arizona. In addition to his university teaching, Dr. Cole served as the Youth Symphony conductor for the Southwest Florida Symphony’s Youth Orchestra program. He led the orchestra in their appearances at Carnegie Hall in New York City and the Capital Orchestra Festival at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. He has held the post of Music Director with two community orchestras, the Waupaca Area Orchestra in Wisconsin and the Orchestra of Southern Utah. His guest conducting appearances include concerts with the Southwest Florida Symphony in Fort Myers, Florida, the National Conservatory Orchestra in Bogotá, Colombia, the Pleven Philharmonic in Pleven, Bulgaria, the Orquestra de Camera de Bellas Artes in Mexico City, Mexico, the Baylor Symphony Orchestra in Waco, Texas, the El Alto Municipal Youth Orchestra in La Paz, Bolivia, and the Cincinnati Metropolitan Orchestra. He has worked with distinguished soloists and ensembles including Metropolitan Opera tenor Stanford Olsen, jazz pianist Danilo Pérez, and the performing troupe of “Beethoven’s Wig.” In 2001, he was selected as one of four conductors to record the national anthems heard during the Medals Ceremonies at the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics. Dr. Cole has assisted in the training of young conductors through lessons and master classes at the Colombia National Conservatory, the Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla in Puebla, Mexico, the El Alto Municipal Youth Orchestra, and Baylor University. In 2007, Dr. Cole was named the Kentucky Music Educators Association District 6 College/University Teacher of the Year. Dr. Cole appears frequently as a guest conductor and orchestra clinician with youth orchestras and high school groups throughout the United States and served as an adjudicator and clinician for Festivals at Sea. Dr. Cole has performed as a violinist in the Waco Symphony, the San Angelo Symphony, the Flower Mound Symphony, the Tucson Pops, the Seven Hills Sinfonietta, the Cincinnati Metropolitan Orchestra, the Cincinnati Civic Orchestra, the Traverse Symphony, the Keweenaw Symphony, the Sault Symphony in Ontario, Canada and as a member of the Presque Isle Piano Trio.

Associate Artistic Director

Maryssa Chartier joined SMART Orchestra for its 14^th season as the orchestra’s principal flutist. She is a native of Louisiana, where she graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University with a Bachelor’s in Instrumental Music Education in 2020. She was an active member of the Spirit of the Southland marching band, where she served as woodwind section leader and later, undergraduate assistant. During her time at Southeastern Louisiana University, she performed with various ensembles including Wind Symphony, Symphony Orchestra, Jazz Band, Jazz Combo, Opera pit orchestra, and various chamber groups. Maryssa furthered her education at Texas State University, where she graduated with a Master’s in Flute Performance and Pedagogy. At TXST, she performed as principal flute with the Wind Symphony and Symphony Orchestra. She also performed in varying chamber groups, including a flute choir and a woodwind quintet. Maryssa is a flute teacher in the central Texas area, teaching in New Braunfels ISD, San Marcos ISD, Hays ISD, Austin ISD, and Lake Travis ISD. She specializes in teaching beginner flutists but teaches flutists of all ability levels. She also has experience coaching chamber groups and large sectionals. Maryssa is very excited to be a part of the SMART orchestra because it allows her to continue performing while teaching a studio of over 40 flutists. Other than music, Maryssa loves spending time with her two cats, Pico, and Beans. 

President

Ashley Hagadorn-Brien is a professional musician, educator, conductor, and entrepreneur. Mrs. Hagadorn-Brien is a Florida native and holds a bachelor’s in music education and a certificate in viola performance from Florida State University. She has studied with string and orchestra pedagogues such as Dr. Pamela Ryan, Mr. Thomas Moore, Mr. Don Hicks, international conductor Dr. Alexander Jimenez, Dr. David Pope, and Dr. James Mick. Mrs. Hagadorn-Brien was a certified educator in Florida for 10 years, teaching both middle and high school orchestras. She was the director of Intermezzo Strings for the Tallahassee Youth Orchestras from 2013-2022. Her school orchestras and students have received numerous awards, high honors, and scholarships under her tutelage. An avid performer, Mrs. Hagadorn-Brien owns Siren Strings TX, an event music business, performing for weddings and special events in the greater areas of Austin, Houston, and San Antonio. She performs with several orchestras in central Texas and is the fiddler for Gunpowder Soup, a cover band based in San Antonio. Mrs. Hagadorn-Brien was formally the principal violist for the North-West Florida Ballet and Panama City Symphony and has played in many orchestras throughout Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. Some highlights of her musical career have been performing at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, The Broward Center for Performing Arts, Ruby Diamond Concert Hall, Majestic Theatre, and The Long Center for the Performing Arts.

Membership VP

Andrew Collins joined SMART Orchestra for its 15th season as a dedicated member of the trumpet section. A native of central Texas, Andrew has cultivated a passion for music and performance over the past 14 years, establishing himself through his brass playing and teaching within the community. During and after high school, he spent five enriching summers touring the country with the renowned Genesis and Boston Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps. These experiences not only enhanced his technical abilities but also instilled in him a profound appreciation for teamwork and artistry in performance. Throughout his musical development, Andrew has had the privilege of studying under several esteemed pedagogues, including Mr. Gino Cipriani, Mr. Jarret Lipman, and Mr. Steve Bentley. In addition to his musical pursuits, Andrew spends his days as a retail manager, where he channels his leadership skills into fostering talent and empowering his team. Andrew dedicates his spare time to mentoring aspiring musicians, providing them with the support and encouragement they need to grow and flourish. As a member of the board of directors at SMART Orchestra, Andrew is committed to advancing the orchestra’s mission and promoting its role in the community. He looks forward to contributing his unique perspective and experiences to help cultivate a vibrant and inclusive musical environment for all.

Community Relations VP

Kwin Lara has performed with the SMART Orchestra for 4 seasons and has served as our VP of Community Relations for 2 years. You may see her playing the flute in the orchestra, but she also really loves singing and performing on the guitar, and the piano. (Over 30 years now if you can believe that!) She loves being creative outside of music with my work as an esthetician and as a custom cake baker with unique cupcakes, cake pops, and birthday cakes for all ages. *Shameless plug* Kwintessential Cakes & Spa keeps her creative side flowing outside of music with Smart.  Now if that doesn’t keep her busy enough, she also has 2 beautiful children who have her active with dance and soccer events. Kwin also loves to travel all over the place which includes riding alongside her motorcycle ministry; 3 Angel’s Messengers, where she has been the President of her San Antonio chapter for 4 years.  God has been a stronghold in her life and she would love to share personally if anyone would like to know more. Kwin is usually behind the decorations at our performances as well!

Treasurer

Tony Perez (placeholder)

Secretary

Lindsey Combs is originally from San Antonio but moved to the area to complete her Bachelors of Business Administration followed by her Masters of Business Administration from Texas State University.  She joined the SMART Orchestra for the 14th season (violin). As a corporate accountant by day, she picked the violin as an adult student and has thoroughly enjoyed honing her skill with a group of amazing musicians. This is a reminder to anyone, you can learn anything at any age, pick up an instrument and learn to play, then come join us.  

Member at Large

Lacy Reid says “Hi music lovers! I’m excited to be a part of such a fantastic organization and I am bringing decades of expertise with me.  I’ll be lending my skills in finance after 17 years in the field.  I proudly own ReidTech in Wimberley with my husband, Shane.  I currently serve as Treasurer for the Cinematic Symphony and as the Secretary for The Women’s Enrichment Center in Wimberley in one of my newest capacities.  In my spare time, I perform with Cinematic Symphony, Starlight Symphony Orchestra, and SMART Orchestra!  I also lead a group called Flutes and Frens here in Wimberley that performs in small groups for several local organizations.  I love seeing everyone put their favorite talents and hobbies to good use and am blessed to be here to do the same!”

Member at Large

Courtney Vielma-Katzmeyer (viola) is a San Marcos resident and avid musician. She directs the Barton Middle School choirs at Hays CISD and performs as a Choral Scholar with the First United Methodist Church of Austin. Courtney holds a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from Texas State University, as well as a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and Bachelor of Arts in Professional Writing and Rhetoric from Miami University of Ohio. Aside from music, she loves spending time with her husband Daniel, and their two fur babies Rey and Luna. 

University of Texas San Antonio

Leonardo Huerta Lima is an aspiring composer and current undergraduate student at the UTSA School of Music where he studies composition and piano. Having started in the realm of choir through public school choral programs, Leo has a strong choral background and holds experience in directing and conducting choirs. He has also had the opportunity to learn piano and double bass and began his orchestral journey with SMART Orchestra in the fall of their 13th season.  Leo is excited to return as an intern this season and grateful for the opportunity to play with amazing local musicians and help bring classical/orchestral music to San Marcos and its surrounding areas.

Austin Community College

Austin Chavez is an aspiring musician and current student at Austin Community College majoring in Music Performance. His focus instruments are trumpet and piano. Austin began playing trumpet at the age of 5. During his junior year in high school, he began performing with SMART Orchestra alternating second and first parts. During his senior year in high school Austin played jazz chamber music. He has the honor to perform with the Jazz Ambassadors of the United States Army Field Band. During the same year Austin performed piano for the opening reception for the Walkers Gallery. Austin is currently lead trumpet for recording artist Laura Ann y La Distancia and lead trumpet for a local Texas State student band Dawn Atlas. Austin plans on continuing performing with SMART Orchestra and earn his Bachelors degree in Music Performance at Texas State University.

Violin Intern

Vacant

Viola Intern

Vacant