Annual Graduate Student Conductors - George Mason University ...

of whom helped build her foundation and encouraged her to think seriously about conducting.
During her senior year, she served as the student conductor for the W&M Wind Symphony and
the orchestral director of Sinfonicron, a student-run light opera company. Lisette’s trumpet teacher
Bob Ransom, quintet director Peter DuBeau, and countless other music, art history, and Hispanic
studies professors were wonderful mentors to her throughout her time at William & Mary. The
liberal arts environment was very beneficial to Lisette; she thrived with the opportunities to explore
many academic interests, present a paper at the Mid-Atlantic Council of Latin American Studies
2009 conference, and do service projects for the Williamsburg and global communities. She also
was involved with campus and music ministries at Williamsburg Presbyterian Church and directed
the Carol Choir of preschool and early elementary children.
Much of her present involvement in music would not exist without the support of her family and
her long-time trumpet teacher, John Wright. Lisette was reassured by participating in All-District
and All-Virginia Band events that music really could be a pillar in her life. Her recent summers spent
working at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp and with the camp’s International Youth Orchestra have been
further inspiration to study and foster a love of music in others.
Jermie Arnold (conductor) was the Director of Bands at American Fork
Junior High School in American Fork, Utah from 2003-2010. Jermie
earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Music Education from Brigham
Young University. He has received the Semper Fidelis award for leadership,
the Presser Foundation Scholarship for music educators, and the Superior
Accomplishment Award from the Utah Music Educators Association. In 2009,
the Utah Music Educators Association recognized Jermie as the Outstanding
Junior High-Middle School Music Educator of the year. As a trumpet
player for over 24 years, he has participated in Honor Bands, the Brigham
Young University’s Symphonic Band, Symphony Orchestra, and The Utah Premiere Brass. He also
participated in marching bands while in school, including five years as Drum Major. While Director
at American Fork Junior High School, the program grew to over 400 students in four concert bands
and three jazz bands. His ensembles received superior ratings at festivals throughout Utah each year,
and the Wind Ensemble has performed at the National Music Educators Conference, the Inaugural
Music for All National Middle School Festival, and the Utah Music Educators Conference. His
jazz bands were recognized as among the outstanding junior high jazz bands in the state of Utah.
While in Utah, Jermie also served as the Assistant Director of Bands at American Fork High School,
with responsibilities over the brass and visual aspects of the nationally recognized marching band.
While Asst. Director of the Marching Band, countless Region and State competitions were won,
in addition to performances at the Presidential Inaugural Parade, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day
Parade, and an invitation to perform in the Tournament of Roses Parade. Jermie is co-founder and
emeritus Associate Conductor of the Wasatch Winds Symphonic Band, an adult community band
of over 70 members. Jermie has presented at numerous conferences across the country and been a
guest conductor in New York, Hawaii, Utah, and Idaho. He has served as adjudicator at Marching
and Concert Band contests throughout the Western Region of the United States. Jermie is currently
perusing a Doctorate in conducting from George Mason University, where he studies with Mark
Camphouse, Anthony Maiello, and Dennis Layendecker. He has been married to his wife, Amber,
for 10 years, and they enjoy their children Jacob, Kyle, and Bethany.
Adam K. Hilkert (conductor) is Doctoral Conducting Associate at George
Mason University, where he studies instrumental conducting with Anthony
Maiello and Mark Camphouse. He also serves as Associate Conductor of
the Mason Symphonic Band, Conductor of the Mason Repertory Orchestra,
and Graduate Conductor of the Mason Wind Symphony. Originally from
Indianapolis, Indiana, he previously served as Director of Choral Activities
at Martin University, Orchestra Instructor at Warren Central High School
and Lawrence Central High School, and Principal Double Bassist with
the Indiana Wind Symphony, Philharmonic Orchestra of Indianapolis,
Heartland Big Band, and the Actors Theatre of Indiana. Mr. Hilkert holds a Master of Arts in