STAFF
Artistic Director – SMART Orchestra
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 – SMART Sessions
Maryssa Chartier joined SMART Orchestra for its 14th 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.
Executive Director – Operations
Jeremy Sustaita has performed as a clarinetist with the SMART Orchestra since 2008 and is currently serving his fourth term as Executive Director. Prior to this role, he served for over four years as President of the Board of Directors, helping guide the organization through a pivotal period of growth and transition. A longtime advocate for the arts in the San Marcos community, Jeremy began his musical studies in SMCISD over 30 years ago. He studied clarinet under Mr. Sabin during high school and continued his musical development with David Pino at Southwest Texas State University. He also pursued collegiate studies in interpersonal communication, with a focus on small-group and team dynamics—an academic foundation that continues to shape his collaborative leadership style. In addition to his work on stage as SMART’s principal clarinetist, Jeremy has contributed numerous chamber arrangements for SMART Sessions recitals and recently completed his first full orchestral arrangement, Stand by Me by Ben E. King, which premiered during the orchestra’s Season 11 Pops Concert: A Tribute to Motown. Professionally, Jeremy serves as a Senior Underwriter with Progressive Insurance, where he brings a disciplined, analytical approach to complex decision-making. These skills, combined with his communications background, have informed his leadership within SMART. He places a strong emphasis on building a cohesive and well-structured leadership team, recognizing that clear roles, mutual accountability, and unified vision are essential to a thriving organization. During his tenure, Jeremy has played a central role in strengthening the orchestra’s foundation and cultivating a culture defined by collaboration, consistency, and artistic excellence. He is deeply committed to advancing SMART’s mission of providing free orchestral experiences to the community, ensuring that high-quality live music remains accessible to all. Outside of his professional and musical pursuits, Jeremy enjoys spending time with family and friends, as well as with his five dogs: Emma, Luke, Princess Leia, Olive Oyl, and Zeus.
Development Director – Finance
Matthew Sustaita (placeholder) Bio coming soon…
Board of Directors
President
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.
Membership VP
Hannah Miller began her musical journey at an early age, teaching herself to read music and exploring a variety of instruments, from piano and woodwinds to guitar and brass. Growing up in a region where only concert band was available, she embraced every available musical opportunity until life’s demands made time for music increasingly scarce. After nearly two decades away from musical performance, she made a deliberate decision in 2024 to carve out time for her passion and picked up the cello for the very first time, turning a long-held dream into reality. A year later she joined the SMART Orchestra as a cellist for the last concert of its 16th season, bringing her lifelong passion for music into a vibrant orchestral setting. As a people leader and data management professional, Hannah is dedicated to driving success through best practices, education, and cultivating a positive and motivated environment. Her expertise in business, leadership, and connecting with people allows her to contribute a unique perspective to the SMART Orchestra’s board. Hannah is committed to leveraging her skills and love for music to elevate the organization’s impact, helping to enrich the community and inspire musicians, enthusiasts, and audiences of all ages.
Community Relations VP
(VACANCY)
Secretary
Amy Majors has played bass clarinet with the SMART Orchestra for several years and looks forward to serving on the Board as Secretary and as part of the Leadership Team. She moved to Wimberley ten years ago with her husband and two children and works as a Senior Marketing Manager and Business Development for one of the largest water well contractors in the United States.Amy began playing clarinet in sixth grade and went on to learn saxophone and mellophone to support her high school band program. She performed in high school marching band for six years, participated in Drum Corps International for four years (one as a color guard, one as guard captain, and two as drum major), and was honored with being selected to the Texas All-State Band. In addition to her musical involvement, Amy has served as Secretary on the Boards of the Hill Country Community Band and the Katherine Anne Porter School. She continues to support her community as a volunteer blood drive coordinator for KAPS.
Treasurer
Terri Hartley moved to Texas from Illinois in 1989. She moved to Kyle in 2020. She is a corporate accountant and is very happy to be joining the Leadership Team as the treasurer. While having no discernible musical talent of her own, she looks forward to being a part of the SMART Orchestra and supporting it behind the scenes.
Member at Large
Tony Perez (Bio coming soon)….
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.
Member at Large
Laura Elliott (placeholder) Bio coming soon….
Member at Large
Shiree Kirby is a dedicated music educator and community leader based in New Braunfels, Texas. She has been teaching violin, viola, and cello since 2013, working with students of all ages to build strong musical foundations and a lifelong love of music. Through her private studio, she has guided numerous young musicians into orchestral performance and continued musical study. In addition to her work as an instructor, Shiree brings extensive leadership and operational experience, currently serving as a business manager and COO in a fast-paced service environment. She holds a degree in Organizational Leadership and is passionate about developing systems that support growth, education, and community engagement. Shiree is excited to return to the SMART Orchestra Board, having previously served as Vice President of Membership, Vice President of Community Relations, and Interim President from 2015–2019. She is committed to supporting SMART’s mission.
Concertmaster
Concertmaster
Kayla McGuire fell in love with violin at the age of 8. She pursued music through public school programs in her hometown of Amarillo TX. While attending Texas State University, she had the pleasure of performing with ensembles of many different music genres which fueled her love of exploring the connection between community and music. She has performed locally in the Austin area on violin and viola since 2005 and continues to enjoy collaborating with fellow musicians including the local chamber group, Siren Strings TX, as well as Musicians and Community in Collaboration.
Student Interns
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.
Texas State University
Orrin Hiner is a sophomore at Texas State University, she currently plays in the TXST Camerata Orchestra and studies Urban Planning. This will be her fourth full season playing violin in the SMART Orchestra, and first season serving as a student intern.
Texas State University
Eloy Gonzalez is Dallas born-and-raised classical cellist currently studying Music Education at Texas State University and performs as part of the Texas State University Symphony Orchestra, the Texas State Cello Studio and Cello Choir. In addition to his major studies, he is also studying a minor in Mariachi education where he performs with Mariachi Lince de Oro as a violinist and a minor in Spanish. His love for music came from his leadership positions in high school fine arts where he found his voice and purpose and wants to share that with his community and the future generations.