Instructors

Please CONTACT the instructor directly for tuition fees, schedule availability, calendar of events and any other questions or concerns. Our instructors are here to help you move forward with your musical ambitions.

Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Improvisation

CHUCK FLORIAN

303.797.6995

Chuck Florian has been teaching and performing music professionally for over 40 years, and is a Lead Instructor for Opening Notes, a youth music education program. Chuck established Achord Music Studios in 1988, which has grown to 14 of the area’s finest music educators providing music lessons to students of all ages. In addition, he has been the instructor for the band class at Lenski Elementary since 2001 and at Wilder Elementary since 2011. He has held instrumental music teaching positions in several school districts in Colorado. Chuck served with the Air Force Band of the Rockies from 1964 through 1968 before enrolling at Adams State University graduating with BA in Music Education in 1971. He directed the Trinidad High School (THS) band at the 1971 Cotton Bowl and his Jazz ensemble was selected to perform at the Texas Athletics Hall of Fame Banquet. The next year Chuck arranged the music for his THS band’s performance at a Broncos half time show. He currently directs the Littleton Community Band, the Windjammers Jazz Orchestra, the Fort Logan Memorial Band, and the Youth Jazz Project and is a member of the VFW Band of Colorado.

At Achord Music Studios, Chuck works with students on woodwind, brass, percussion and guitar.

Trumpet, Horn, Low Brass

JONI ANDERSON
720.299.0062

Bass Trombone, Trombone, Baritone, Tuba

DAVE CONWAY

303.517.4653

With an education in music performance, Dave has many years of experience in different styles of music including symphony, ballet, brass ensemble, brass quintet, jazz big band, and musicals. He has also provided music instruction for many years, and is currently assisting in the instruction at Lenski Elementary, Wilder elementary, East Elementary, and Highland Elementary.

Dave has performed in California with numerous organizations and symphonies, including American Youth Symphony, Santa Monica Symphony, Santa Barbara Ballet, and Japanese Philharmonic. Since moving to Colorado, he has played with The Denver Brass, Denver Young Artists Orchestra, Arapahoe Philharmonic, Aurora Symphony, Centennial Philharmonic, and Neophonic Jazz Orchestra. He has performed with Louis Bellson, Andy Williams, Dinah Shore, and has done studio recording for movies, television, and radio.

Dave is a brass specialist, providing instruction in our band classes as well as providing lessons to students in learning brass instruments.

Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Saxophone

PENNY HARRIS

303.408.0999

Penny Harris grew up in Cheyenne, WY and then attended the University of Kansas where she earned a Bachelor of Music degree. Penny began playing the clarinet in fifth grade and soon developed a love of music. She started teaching a few private clarinet and saxophone students beginning in high school and has continued teaching since then. She began teaching band with LCMA Opening Notes in 2012 and is currently band director at Twain and Wilder Elementary Schools. She also teaches private clarinet and saxophone lessons at Achord Music Studios and in her home.

Penny has been playing principal clarinet with the Lakewood Symphony since 2010, playing with The Donald Ambler Clarinet Choir since 2006, and is active in music ministry at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church. She also performs regularly as a freelance musician. When she is not teaching and playing music, Penny is busy with her four children.