2025 Atlanta Trumpet Festival Artists
Dr. Jennifer Oliverio
Dr. Jennifer Oliverio is a celebrated cornet and flugelhorn player who holds the positions of principal cornet with the Fountain City Brass Band and flugelhorn with the Athena Brass Band. Jen is currently the Assistant Professor of Music in trumpet at Missouri Western State University and one of the directors for the Fountain City Youth Brass Academy.
Jen is an avid supporter of new music for cornet and flugelhorn, having commissioned and premiered solo works by Lucy Pankhurst, Dorothy Gates, Kevin Day, Andrea Hobson, and Jen Mitchell for her premiere solo album Enigma. Her work on Enigma received overwhelmingly positive reviews and was nominated for the 4barsrest Album of the Year, a silver medal in the Global Music Awards, and winner of the 2023 American Prize in brass performance. Jen has served on the board of directors for the Fountain City Brass Band, the Athena Brass Band, the Visionary Panel for the National Youth Brass Band of America, and currently as the column editor for the International Trumpet Guild’s cornet column. As a clinician, Jen regularly performs and presents at national and international festivals including: the International Trumpet Guild Conference, Brass Institutes of America, International Women’s Brass Conference, PRIZM Chamber Music Festival, and the Eastman Summer Trumpet Institute.
In her freelance work, Jen has performed as an extra with the Kansas City Symphony, Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, the Alabama Symphony and is a founding member of the Trilogy Brass Trio. As a teacher, Jen has had students accepted as semi-finalists in the National Trumpet Competition, semi-finalists for the International Trumpet Guild solo competitions, and as winners in the North American Brass Band Championships solo and ensemble competitions.
Jen is new to the composition world, having had her first composition “Twisted Gambit” premiere in January of 2025. Since then, she has had works premiered and performed at the International Women’s Brass Conference, The International Trumpet Guild Conference, Brass Institutes of America, and the Eastman Summer Trumpet Institute. Her pieces can be found published through Just a Theory Press.
Jen is a proud mother to son Ben and wife to husband Patrick.
Michael Shannon Brown, Jr.
A native of Macon, Georgia, Michael Shannon Brown Jr. currently serves as Lecturer of Trumpet and Director of Pep Band at the University of North Georgia as well as Second Trumpet with the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera. Michael’s passion for music education has led him to co-create Relative Pitch Podcast which discusses modern issues regarding music education, programming, and what it takes to become a modern musician. Through this endeavor, Michael has been a presenter at the annual Georgia Music Educators Association In-Service Conference, the National Conference of College Band Directors National Association, and the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic.
As an orchestral musician, alongside his duties with the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera, Michael has appeared as a substitute musician with orchestras such as the South Florida Symphony, Georgia Symphony, Battle Creek Symphony, and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. As a soloist, he has appeared with the ensembles of University of North Georgia, Cass Middle School, Woodland High School, Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony, and numerous others. As a champion of new music, Michael has commissioned and led consortiums for over 12 new works for the trumpet.
Whenever Michael is not performing or teaching, he can be found on the nearest golf course or relaxing with his wonderful Olde English bulldog, Jager.
Dr. Stephen M. Wadsack
Dr. Stephen M. Wadsack joined the faculty of Kennesaw State University’s Bailey School of Music in 2024 as Professor of Trumpet and Head of the Brass Area. At KSU, he leads the Trumpet Studio, directs weekly warm-up and studio classes, and facilitates sessions focused on group listening and mindfulness practices for music students. In addition to his applied teaching, he coordinates the university’s brass chamber program and coaches several award-winning student ensembles.
A versatile and dynamic performer, Dr. Wadsack maintains an active career throughout the United States and Europe as a recitalist, orchestral musician, and chamber artist. He performs regularly with ensembles across the Greater Atlanta region—including the Georgia Ballet Orchestra and in professional theater productions—and is an in-demand freelance trumpeter. His previous orchestral engagements include performances with the Cincinnati Symphony, Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra, Dayton Philharmonic, Dayton Bach Society, Lexington Philharmonic, Richmond Symphony, and Springfield Symphony, among others. His artistry has also taken him to international stages such as the Corfu International Trumpet Festival (Greece) and multiple International Trumpet Guild (ITG) conferences.
Dr. Wadsack is deeply committed to expanding the trumpet repertoire and advancing contemporary performance. He has led numerous solo commissions and participated in consortium projects for new works by award-winning composers including Martin Hebel, Marcus Grant, and Katahj Copley. His scholarly work has been featured at the Ionian University (Greece), the Historic Brass Society International Symposium, the North American Baroque Trumpet Conference, and ITG conferences. His research and writings appear in both the ITG Journal and the Wyoming Windsong Music Educators’ Journal.
Beyond the university, Dr. Wadsack serves as a guest artist, clinician, and adjudicator across the country. He has judged for the National Trumpet Competition, ITG Scholarship and Youth Competitions, and numerous state music education and jazz festivals. His dedication to teaching excellence and student-centered innovation earned him the 2024 Outstanding Faculty Member Award from the College of Liberal Arts at Wright State University, where he previously served as Professor of Trumpet and Director of Jazz Studies.
Dr. Scott A. Stewart (Mass Ensemble Conductor)
Dr. Scott A. Stewart has served as Music Director and Conductor of the Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony (AYWS) since 1999, leading the ensemble to national prominence through its artistry, innovation, and commitment to musical excellence. Under his baton, the AYWS has performed at Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center, the Midwest Clinic in Chicago, and at national and state music education conferences, as well as on Public Radio International’s From the Top and WABE’s Atlanta Music Scene.
A distinguished conductor, educator, and advocate for new music, Dr. Stewart previously served as Director of Wind Studies at Emory University (1999–2013), conducting the Emory Wind Ensemble and Symphony Orchestra and teaching courses in conducting, wind literature, and film music. He later joined the faculty of The Westminster Schools (2013–2022), where he directed instrumental ensembles and developed interdisciplinary programs in music and media. His conducting career includes guest and principal roles with orchestras and wind ensembles across the United States and abroad, including at the Western Australia Academy of Performing Arts and the Star of Indiana Brass Theatre.
Dr. Stewart is a passionate champion of living composers, having commissioned and recorded dozens of world premieres by artists such as Jennifer Higdon, John Mackey, Stephen Paulus, and Libby Larsen. His recordings with the Emory Symphonic Winds include In the World of Spirits (NAXOS Wind Band Classics). He has collaborated with leading musicians and institutions worldwide, from the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Vega Quartet to Emory’s Chamber Music Society and Theater Emory, cultivating transformative artistic partnerships that inspire young musicians.
A native of Cicero, Indiana, Dr. Stewart holds a Doctor of Music in Conducting and Bachelor of Music Education from Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music and a Master of Music from the University of Texas at Austin. His mentors include Ray Cramer, Stephen Pratt, and Jerry Junkin. In addition to his work with AYWS, he remains active as a guest conductor, clinician, and lecturer, continuing to shape the next generation of artists, educators, and creative thinkers.
Hunter McGee (Middle School Ensemble Conductor)
Hunter McGee is the Director of Bands at Riverwatch Middle School. Under his direction, the Riverwatch Symphonic Band performed at the GMEA In-Service Conference and is a two-time recipient of the GMEA Exemplary Performance Award (2019 & 2022). McGee was selected as the 2022-2023 Riverwatch Middle School Teacher of the Year and was also a Forsyth County Schools Teacher of the Year Semi-finalist. He has worked extensively with the Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony, serving as the Percussion Coordinator from 2013-2020. McGee hasperformed with AYWS (and worked on performance tours) in Walt Disney Concert Hall (LA),Carnegie Hall (NYC), Severance Hall (Cleveland), the New World Center (Miami), and theMusic Center at Strathmore. Additionally, McGee serves as Director of Music at LawrencevillePresbyterian Church and Co-Director of the Atlanta Trumpet Ensemble.
Mr. McGee graduated summa cum laude from the University of Georgia, where he was apercussion student of Timothy K. Adams and Kimberly Toscano Adams. While completing hisBachelors of Music Education, he performed with the UGA Wind Ensemble, SymphonyOrchestra, Wind Symphony, and Percussion Ensemble, including a performance at the GMEAIn-State Conference and recording sessions with the Hogdson Wind Ensemble. Prior to hisappointment at Riverwatch, Mr. McGee served as Director of Bands at Dacula Middle School.He also served as Director of Percussion at Lakeside High School (Atlanta) from 2014-2017.McGee arranges and composes music for various organizations in the Metro-Atlanta area.Professional affiliations include NAfME, GMEA, NBA, and PAGE.
Mr. McGee believes that music has the power to make positive, transformative change - toindividuals and to the world. Education is the key to a better future, and music must be close tothe heart of it all!
Kelly Dickerson (Festival Ensemble Conductor)
Kelly Dickerson received her undergraduate degree in Music Education cum laude with a minor in Jazz Studies from James Madison University (’99) in Harrisonburg, VA. She earned her master’s degree in music education from the University of Georgia (’04) in Athens, GA. Kelly’s major instrument is saxophone. Kelly started her teaching career with Fulton County in August 2000 where she was the assistant band director at North Springs High School. Kelly is currently director of bands at Northview High School. She directs the marching band, three concert bands and jazz band. Bands under Kelly’s direction consistently earn superiors at District V Large Group Performance Evaluation. Kelly also enjoys working with the pit orchestra for performances produced by the NHS Fine Arts department, including Northview’s production of Oklahoma, Into the Woods, and Little Shop of Horrors. Other performances directed by Kelly (at North Springs HS) include Guys and Dolls, Once Upon a Mattress, and South Pacific. She was the director of the Atlanta Youth Jazz Orchestra B Group in the 2003-2004 season. Kelly’s teaching duties have also included piano, guitar, music appreciation, and AP Music Theory.
Kelly’s professional memberships include NAfME (National Association for Music Education), GMEA (Georgia Music Educators Association), JEN (Jazz Educators Network), and PAGE. She is an adjudicator for All-State Band and All-State Jazz Band and has served as a clinician for the GAJE Weekend of Jazz held each year in December. She served as the GMEA secretary for District V from 2004-2010. Kelly served as Georgia Association of Jazz Educators’ Board as Secretary for the term of 2007-2009. Kelly was recognized as Teacher of the Month by her peers at Northview HS for February 2011. Kelly was nominated and selected as a 2013-2014, 2014-2015, and 2015-2016 Teacher of the Year Finalist for Northview HS. When not band directing, Kelly enjoys playing tennis on her neighborhood ALTA & USTA teams, yoga, and chasing her kids around. Kelly, her husband Todd, daughter Virginia (b. 2010) and son Jack (b. 2012) make their home in Johns Creek.
Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony
The Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony was founded in 1988 as the premier honor wind ensemble for high school youth in the Atlanta metropolitan area. Its purpose is to provide a positive musical experience in an artistic environment for advanced instrumentalists in wind and percussion performance. The AYWS rehearses and performs grade five and six (collegiate and professional) original wind band literature composed over a wide span of stylistic compositional periods. As an ensemble, it is one of the most visible ambassadors of culture and youth performance for Atlanta and the state of Georgia.