Nate Bomans is in his second year of his masters degree in violin performance, studying with Professor Mauricio Fuks, following his bachelors studies also at the Jacobs School of Music. Nate has participated and performed in festivals in North America and Europe, including solo performances in cities across Canada and concerts in Europe and Asia, has studied and performed music from a variety of different eras, from the 16th to the 21st century, and has been active in the promotion of both the music of the past and music being composed today.

In addition to music, Nate is an active photographer and videographer, professionally recording various events though video and photography. In combining these areas with music, Nate believes that, with an effective and innovative use of media, the music world can reach a broader audience and become more creative and engaging, both inside and outside the performance hall.

ZACH FINNEGAN
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Zach is pursuing a masters degree in jazz performance under the guidance of John Raymond. Originally from Wausau, Wisconsin, Zach is a multifaceted performer, composer, entrepreneur, and educator. He is involved with multiple bands in the midwest including Crossroads Quintet, Soneros De La Caliza, Omnos Quartet, singer/songwriter, Tr avis Lee, and Indianapolis-based band, Clint Breeze & the Groove.

Along with his performance schedule, Zach is an avid arts advocate. Previously, he has worked as a Jazz Intern, and Orchestra Coordinator at the UW-Stevens Point. Recently, he has been appointed to the Board of Directors for the B’town Jazz Organization. Zach also began the JEN (Jazz Education Network) Student Chapter through the Jacobs School of Music and serves as the President for that organization. He continuously is booking for different groups and looks for any opportunity to bring music to the community.

Zach has attended and/or worked for many jazz institutes across the country, including the Skidmore Jazz Institute, Brevard Jazz Institute, Wausau Conservatory of Music Summer Camp, and the University of Madison Summer Music Clinic. Currently, he is on staff as the trumpet artist for the Wausau Conservatory of Music.

KARI NOVILLA
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Kari is beginning her second year at the Jacobs School of Music as a Harp Performance major studying with Elzbieta Szmyt, Chair of the Harp Department. She is a Barbara and David Jacobs Scholar and Dean’s Scholar in the Hutton Honors College.

Kari has served as Principal Harp with the Oak Ridge Philharmonia and the Knoxville Symphony Youth Orchestra. Other orchestral experience includes engagements with the University of Tennessee Symphony Orchestra, University of Tennessee Chamber Orchestra, and Johnson City Symphony. Kari has won numerous awards and accolades. As the winner of the KSYO 2015-2016 Concerto Competition, she was invited to perform with the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra. Summer engagements have included performing in the Walt Disney Concert Hall in L.A., as a part of the Idyllwild Chamberfest Symphony Orchestra for two years, and at the 2018 Kennedy Center National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) National Trustees Summer Music Institute (SMI) in Washington, D.C. As a winner of the NSO SMI concerto competition, she was a featured soloist at the Kennedy Center concert on July 29th.

As an established event chair and fundraiser producer, Kari continues to pursue her love of music both in the performance setting and as an advocate for charitable causes. Kari is excited to use her knowledge of social media and marketing strategies to help musicians develop and present their unique image to the world. She is eager to bring her ideas and enthusiasm to the Project Jumpstart team as the Communications and Marketing Specialist.

ELIZABETH YAO
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Elizabeth is a doctoral piano student at IU, in the studio of André Watts. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Washington, graduating magna cum laude with a double bachelors degree and honors in music. After finishing her masters at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, she was selected as an ensemble member for the San Francisco Symphony Adventures in Music program, which enabled her to perform for thousands of students across the SF public school district, and to develop a deep passion for community engagement and outreach. Beyond being a dedicated teacher and performer, Elizabeth has also enjoyed creating connections and educational experiences for musicians through administrative roles for SFCM and the IU Piano Academy, and she looks forward to serving the Jacobs community in her new position at Project Jumpstart.