David Surette
Folk coordinator - folk guitar, banjo, mandolin, folk ensembles
David Surette is widely acclaimed as one of New England's premiere instrumentalists and is highly regarded for his work on the guitar, mandolin and cittern. His repertoire includes original compositions, Celtic music, blues and ragtime, traditional American roots music, and folk music from a variety of traditions. Surette has released five solo recordings, as well as three duo albums with singer Susie Burke, with whom he has performed for more than 20 years. In 1994, Surette was awarded a travel grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to study the traditional music of Brittany. He has been the recipient of an Individual Artist Fellowship award from the NH State Arts Council, and in fall 2008 was designated a Traditional Arts Master by the Maine Arts Comission. Surette joined the Music School faculty in 1992.
Carolyn Parrott earned a bachelor's degree in voice from Lake Erie College and a master's in Italian literature from the University of California-Berkeley, as well as a degree in storytelling and music therapy from Lesley College. She is a member of the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts Touring Roster and the award-winning Blackwater Band. Parrott is known regionally for calling traditional country dances.
Lissa Schneckenburger grew up in Maine as an active member of the folk community, where she learned to play at the feet of some of the most venerable musicians in New England. She has continued to explore music throughout her life, leading to her graduation from The New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, Mass. (2001). Schneckenburger has played all over the world, including appearances in Russia, Holland, Belgium, Sweden, Denmark, Canada and the United States. Her most recent independently released recording, Dance, is a wonderful mix of classic traditional American fiddle tunes. While embracing a diverse pallet of musical influences, she still stays true to her New England roots. Schneckenburger joined the Music School faculty in 2011.