Ferrwood Music Camp

Welcome to Ferrwood !
    Faculty and Staff


 


Welcome To Our Faculty Page

  • Phil Latella (Ferrwood Music Camp Director)

Phil is a life long educator with 37 years experience in public education. Phil holds a BM in Music Education, a masters equivalency, an elementary education certificate, a Masters in school counseling, a principal’s certification and a degree in instructional technology. Currently he acts as principal at Heights Terrace Elementary Middle Schol. Phil has served the district as a music teacher, guidance counselor, instructional technology specialist and assistant principal. Phil lives in Hazleton with his wife Lydia, and two dogs.

 

Under Latella’s direction, the camp administration will take on the role of servant leaders. To lead effectively is to serve. We will do what ever it takes to ensure that each child is viewed as an individual with individual strengths and weakness. Both weeks of camp will be dedicated to community building and respect. We look forward to providing your child with an amazing experience that will be both fun and educational. Our ultimate goal is to provide a unique camping experience where children will leave being a little better person than they were when they came. Parents are welcomed and encouraged to stop by at any time, we have a 100% open door policy. We look forward to working with you.

 

 

  • John (JT) Hofmann – (Music Director)
John (JT) Hofmann is from Langhorne Pennsylvania and has a degree in music education from The Pennsylvania State University (Penn State). He has studied saxophone under the direction of Dr. David Stambler, Tim Powell, and Dan Yoder. He has also received a Professional Performance Certificate in jazz saxophone from Penn State. John has been involved in several organizations, the Wilkes University Civic Band, the Adams County Community Band, and is a member of the Gettysburg Brass Band Festival steering committee. John is a band director at Gettysburg Area School District. His position includes 7th-8th grade band, high school band, jazz band, and marching band. John is excited for his ninth year as part of the Ferrwood staff.


 

  • Sarah Koviack(Flute)
Sarah Koviack is a recent graduate of Kutztown University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in music education. During her undergraduate career, Sarah studied flute with Janet Axelrod and Susanna Loewy and has played in a plethora of ensembles including the Kutztown Wind Ensemble and Orchestra, where she served as principal flautist, the Kutztown University Marching Band- where she served as a section leader- and various chamber ensemble settings. Sarah has also had the opportunity to perform in masterclasses with Carol Wincenc and Andrea Loewy. Additionally while in attendance at Kutztown, Sarah served as a student course assistant for Kutztown’s woodwind technique course, specifically tutoring students on flute and bassoon, and was a student conductor for Kutztown University’s Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, and flute choir.

Currently, Sarah is pursuing a masters degree in wind band conducting at the University of Delaware where she also serves as a graduate assistant with the bands. Outside of music, Sarah enjoys reading, baking, exploring nature trails, and spending time with her cat, Chico. Originally from Hazleton, Sarah was a camper for many years at Ferrwood and is looking forward to the s’mores, baked potatoes, and many laughs this summer at camp.

 


  • Jocelyn Frye (Trumpet)
Jocelyn Frye is a graduate of West Chester University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelors Degree in Music Education. Jocelyn has traveled to Paris, France to perform and study at Conservatoire de Musique de Rueil-Malmaison. She was featured with the WCU Trumpet Ensemble at the 39th International Trumpet Guild Conference in 2014 and volunteered at the 41st International Trumpet Guild Conference in 2016. She also participated in Nuevo Mundo Festival and Academy in 2015 and 2017. Jocelyn is currently a 7th and 8th Grade Music teacher in Hazleton Area School District.

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  • Andrew Carson (Trumpet)
Andrew Carson is a Philadelphia-based trumpet player, bassist, singer, and educator. He studied at Temple University and, under the direction of figureheads Terell Stafford and Rollo Dilworth, earned a Bachelors in Jazz Trumpet Performance and a Masters in Music Education. Andrew has studied trumpet with Stafford, John Swana, Joe Magnarelli, and studied abroad in Amsterdam with the Metropole Orkest's Ruud Breuls. He performs with many local jazz musicians in Philadelphia, and has played and recorded with a variety of artists ranging from Army Blues drummer Steve Fidyk to EDM producer Louis Futon. He currently teaches privately, mixes in his home recording studio, and is learning how to build guitars!

 

  • Stephanie Bohanan (French Horn Instructor)

Stephanie Bohanan is a graduate of Bloomsburg University, with a degree in music education. As of July 2023, she will be fully certified in the Orff Schulwerk Approach from Kent State University. Stephanie has been teaching music for the past 6 years, beginning her career in the Hazleton Area School District. While in Hazleton, she taught 7th and 8th grade general music and was the brass tech for the Hazleton Area High School Marching Band. Stephanie moved to Pittsburgh in 2019 where she spent the next 3 years teaching Kindergarten-5th grade music, chorus, and drumming at two schools in the Pittsburgh Public School District.

She is currently a teacher at Falk Laboratory School, affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh. At Falk, Stephanie teaches middle school band, jazz band, trumpet ensemble, intermediate band, private brass lessons, and 3rd-8th grade general music. She has been involved with Ferrwood from the age of 11, and looks forward to it every year.

 

 

  • Caleb Bohanan (Low Brass) Caleb Bohanan (Low Brass), referred to as Bo, received his undergraduate degree in Music Education from Penn State and a master's degree in Music Education from the University of Florida. He has worked for Pittsburgh Public Schools for 7 years serving in roles such as high school chorus director, K-8 general music teacher, and for the past 5 years, 4th-8th grade instrumental music specialist. In his role as an instrumental music specialist, he serves all instrumental learning at 4 schools within the district. Bo has worked at Ferrwood for 7 years as a low brass instructor, and he looks forward to Phil's cooking every year.

 

  •  Emily Elinsky (trombone)

Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Emily Elinsky started her education at The Pennsylvania State University. While in State College, Emily completed Bachelor’s Degrees in both Economics and Trombone Performance. She then moved down to North Carolina to complete her Trombone and Music Education studies. Emily holds a Master’s degree in Trombone Performance and is currently completing a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education. Emily is currently finishing that degree with her student teaching at both a middle and high school. Upon completion of her student teaching, Emily plans on moving back up North to teach middle school band. Emily’s former teachers include Bruce Lazier, Mark Lusk, and Stephan Ivany.

Throughout her time in academics, Emily has accomplished a lot. As a graduate student, she was a Teaching Assistant for the trombone and euphonium studio, music education department, and admissions department. She has been principal trombone in ECU’s Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, and Trombone Choir. She has also performed with the Jazz Band and a Tuba Euphonium Quartet. Emily has also been an active teacher. She has taught low brass workshops and private lessons. Additionally, she has been a judge for many honors bands. Before coming to Ferrwood, Emily was a brass instructor at the Pittsburgh Youth Philharmonic Orchestra summer camp for five years. Emily is excited to return for her seventh year of teaching at Ferrwood Music camp. When Emily isn’t doing music, she loves to play with her two dogs: Binx and Donny.


 


  • Adam Price (Woodwinds and Boys Counselor)
  Adam Price is a full-time professional clarinetist and saxophonist. He has toured internationally with various groups, worked in the house orchestras on Crystal and Princess cruise lines, and shared the stage with artists such as Judy Carmichael, Gordon Goodwin, Dave Stahl, Chris Vadala, and many others. In October, 2018 he released his debut jazz album ”House Ghosts” to critical acclaim. Adam holds a Bachelors of Music in Clarinet Performance from New York University, and has taught both privately and at various music camps for many years. When he is not on tour or in the recording studio, Adam enjoys walking in the woods and eating pumpkin pies, not usually at the same time, but occasionally. To learn more about Adam, his projects, and his music, visit www.adampricemusic.com .

  • Alex Mann (Saxophone) and Boys Counselor)
  Originally from Doylestown, Pennsylvania, Alex Mann now lives and teaches in Montgomery County, Maryland, and is the Instrumental Music teacher at Paint Branch High School. While teaching, Alex has continued to be an active musician. Some performance highlights have been backing up rock star Rod Stewart and performing under the direction of musicians like Maria Schneider, Dafnis Prieto, and John Daversa as part of the Frost Concert Jazz Band. In 2018, Alex was honored to participate in the Santiago de Cuba International Jazz Festival. Most recently, he performed at the 2023 Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival as part of the MCPS Faculty Big Band. Alex graduated from Penn State University with a Bachelor of Music Education in 2018 and graduated from the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami in 2021 with a Master of Music in Jazz Performance. He has studied saxophone with Gary Keller, Troy Roberts, Tim Warfield, David Stambler, Dan Yoder, and others. Alex is excited to be back for his fourth year as part of the Ferrwood staff!

 


  • Shelby Pocono (Clarinet)
  Shelby Pocono is from Dallas, PA and was a Ferrwood camper through her late middle school and high school years. She is currently pursuing a double major in Music Education and Clarinet Performance at Westminster College (New Wilmington, PA). She has studied under Thomas Basset and currently under Daniel Heasley. At college, she is a part of the symphonic orchestra, wind ensemble, and symphonic band, where she sits principal chair. Additionally, she is a part of the marching band, woodwind quintet, and two choirs. For two years in a row, she has been selected to be in the PA Intercollegiate band and most recently successfully auditioned for assistant concertmaster. Shelby is so excited to return to camp after the long break and to share her love for Ferrwood with the campers

  • Eric Martinez (Clarinet)
  Eric Martinez received his Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania. While at Kutztown University, Eric served as a Student Conductor for the Kutztown University Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, and Clarinet Choir. Eric also served as the Vice-President of the Kutztown University Collegiate Chapter of the NAfME and Clarinet Section Leader of the Kutztown University Marching Unit. Eric has studied Clarinet under Dr. Soo Goh, and Dr. Aileen Razey, and is currently studying with Dr. Christopher Nichols at the University of Delaware. Eric is currently a Wind Conducting Graduate Student at the University of Delaware and serves as a Graduate Assistant for the University of Delaware Bands. As a Ferrwood Alumni, Eric is beyond excited to give back to the community that made him fall in love with music.


Ruth
  • Ruth Clark (Percussion)
  Ruth is a music teacher who has experience teaching concert, marching, and small group ensembles as well as instrumental lessons at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from West Chester University, studying under Ralph Sorrentino and David Nelson. While at WCU she performed as a percussionist in many ensembles including the Concert Band, Wind Symphony, Marching Band, Percussion Ensemble, and Steel Drum Ensemble. She spent her last three years at WCU also playing tuba, first in their Marching Band and joining Concert Band the following semester. In the summer after high school, Ruth joined as a percussionist with the Greater Harrisburg Concert Band, and has played with other community bands and church ensembles since. She also began teaching marching band the summer after high school, teaching drumline for two years and front ensemble for four. In her most recent position as a LTS High School Band Director, she taught Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and Jazz Band, played the percussion book for their spring musical, as well as tuba for the orchestra’s two concerts. As a 1st-5th grade General Music LTS, she was able to attend the Responsive Classroom Workshop for Special Area Teachers twice, giving her many classroom management tools and strategies that she has been able to find success with in all grade levels she has taught. This will be her first year at Ferrwood Music Camp, and she is super excited to play some music and have some fun!

 

  • Sebastian Goodridge (Percussionist & Jazz Drummer)
   As an undergraduate at Penn State, Sebastian played in almost every classical and jazz instrumental ensemble offered by the School of Music. Sebastian took general percussion, drumset and timpani lessons from Dan Armstrong, marimba and vibraphone lessons from Giff Howarth, and drumset/vibraphone lessons with Marko Marcinko. As a composition student, Sebastian has worked one-on-one with composer Dr. Paul Barsom and music theorist Dr. Steve Hopkins, and learned a great deal about contemporary musical concepts such as programming, recording, synthesis and audio technology from Dr. Mark Ballora and the music technology department.

Upon graduating with dual degrees in Music and Engineering Science last spring, Sebastian received the Creative Achievement Award for music from the College of Arts & Architecture for his dedication to playing music. Currently living in State College, Sebastian is pursuing graduate work in engineering while also continuing his jazz studies with Professor Marcinko. He is a staff audio engineer for the School of Music, freelances in State College, has recorded with three original bands, and is involved in a continuous stream of private session engineering and mixing projects with local musicians.

 

 

  • Claire McCarthy – (Percussion)
       Claire McCarthy is a music teacher and freelance musician in the Central New Jersey Region. In her private studio, she teaches percussion and piano to young musicians in grades 4-12. In addition, she is the director of sacred music at St. Peter's Catholic Church in New Brunswick, NJ. Claire holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Percussion performance from West Chester University. She has a year of classroom experience as a percussion teaching artist at The Westtown School and The Shipley School in Southeast PA. Her responsibilities included private and group lessons, as well as conducting percussion ensemble.

Claire has a number of awards and accomplishments to her name. In 2021, she successfully auditioned into the International Marimba Orchestra under the baton of the world renowned marimbist Gordon Stout. In 2017, she was selected with 3 other WCU classmates for a percussion ensemble tour in Costa Rica. She was the sole recipient of the Mittman Percussion Scholarship in 2016.


  • Jack Synoski – (Boy’s Counselor Bass / Jazz Artist)
            Jack Synoski is a bassist, composer, and audio engineer who has worked for many years in the Northeast PA and Philadelphia regions. He performed for several years with the Temple University Jazz Band led by renowned trumpet player Terell Stafford. During his time in the band he performed with some of today's most notable jazz musicians including Christian McBride, Jimmy Heath, and John Clayton. Jack has also played with numerous small jazz ensembles in the Philadelphia area including the Steve Fidyk Quartet. He worked as a recording engineer at Temple's BCM+D Records record label. Recently, Jack received his Master’s of Science in music technology from Temple University and relocated to Los Angeles to begin a new chapter of his career as a composer, musician, and sound editor.




  • Michael West (Choral Instructor)
With a great passion for the performing arts and education, Michael West has inspired many students and audience members with his musical ability. Michael is a Graduate of the Penn State School of Music with an emphasis in Secondary Choral Education and is the current HS/MS Choir Director at Hanover Public School District.

As well as conducting his own 5-12 choral program, Michael also serves as the Hanover High School Assistant Marching Band Director and Hanover High School’s Theatre Vocal Director. Outside of his teaching profession Michael is a Trumpet player and Vocalist for the Crooner and Company Swing Band based in State College PA.

From Coast to Coast and across the sea Michael has performed in 10 states as well as the northern part of Germany and Poland. Some notable places include the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia, AT&T Stadium, State Farm Stadium, Heinz Field, Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, and The Thomaskirche. When he isn’t performing Michael enjoys activities such as traveling and being with his family and friends.

 


 

 

  • Jessica Lynch (Flute)
 

Jessica Lynch is a performer and teacher in the Philadelphia area. She recently completed her bachelor’s degree in Music Performance at West Chester University, where she studied with Dr. Kimberly Reighley and performed in a number of ensembles including the wind ensemble, symphony orchestra, chamber winds, chamber and opera orchestra, and flute choir. In addition, Jessica has performed as a guest artist with the Melomanie chamber ensemble and, as a winner of the WCU Wind Symphony Concerto Competition, will be performing the Chaminade Concertino with the wind symphony this fall. Jessica has taught private flute and piano lessons since 2017, and she is excited to bring her passion for music and teaching to Ferrwood this summer!

 

 

  • Maria Flowers (Saxaphone Instructor )

Maria is from Hazleton, Pennsylvania, but currently resides in Jacksonville, North Carolina. She is going into her third year of being the band director at Jacksonville Commons Middle School. Maria graduated from Penn State University with a Bachelor's in Music Education. During her college career, she studied saxophone with David Stambler and Carrie Koffman and has played in a variety of ensembles, saxophone quartets, and the Penn State concert bands. She has been fortunate to perform in masterclass settings with input from Taimur Sullivan, Kevin J. Stewart, Jonathan Hulting-Cohen, Jeremy Koch, and Joe Lullof. While in attendance at Penn State, Maria participated in a variety of extra- curricular activities such as THON, NAfME, Jazz Educators Club, Penn State Saxophone Alliance, and served as a member and student leader of the Penn State Blue Band.

Since joining the JCMS family, she has taken her band to many festivals and clinics, including District Band, All State Band Auditions, County Band, and Music Performance Adjudication. In her day to day life, she spends her time teaching students grades 6-8 how to play their instruments and prepares them for their concerts. Though she was a camper herself for ten years, this will be Maria's fourth summer working at Ferrwood Music Camp. Maria is most excited for music and s'more making, ultimate frisbee, and seeing everyone back at camp after two long years!



  • Marlie Haraschak (Girl's Counselor)
Marlie is a recent graduate from Bloomsburg University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and minor in special education. She played the baritone saxophone in marching band, jazz band, and concert band for many years during middle and high school and sang in the women’s choir in college. Over the years, music has become a constant passion in her life, in many ways, and she is excited to share that with everyone at camp. She was a camper at Ferrwood for a few years when she was younger and is excited to return to such a special and memorable place!

 


 

 

Sarah
  • Sarah Habel (Girl’s Counselor)

  • Sarah loves all things camp! As a former Ferrwood camper and clarinetist at heart she is so excited to join the counseling team this year. Working in outdoor education and a Girl Scout troop leader she hopes to continue working in children’s programs focusing on community building. When not at a camp (hardly ever) you can find her exploring, gaming, but most likely sleeping.

 

Leslie
  • Leslie Medvecky(Girl’s Counselor)

  • Leslie attended Bloomsburg University and is currently undecided on a career path. She participated in chorus, drama club, band, and cheerleading throughout middle school and high school. She enjoys reading, hanging out with her cat, and traveling. Leslie was a camper at Ferrwood for 6 years and is super excited to be a counselor this year!



Molly

 

  • Molly Gould (Girls’ Counselor)
 Molly is an Elementary Education major at Florida State College at Jacksonville. While she is studying there she is serving as Worship Leader for a college ministry called Delight. Along with this, she also serves leading a group of middle school girls on Wednesday nights at The Church of Eleven22. In her free time, Molly enjoys playing pickleball, disc golfing, and going to the beach. Molly has been a camper at Ferrwood as a choir student since the 4th grade and is thrilled to be coming back as a counselor this year!

 

 

Lilly

 

  • Lilly Newton (Girls’ Counselor)
 Lilly is a recent graduate of Gettysburg College with a bachelor’s degree in music education. During her time at Gettysburg, she taught Music Together classes to families in the community at the local arts council and supplemented her education courses with tutoring students in math and reading. She will be beginning her full-time career teaching PK-5 general music in Frederick, MD this fall. Throughout her schooling, Lilly played clarinet and bass clarinet, participating in band since 4th grade and orchestra and marching band throughout college. She also participated in choirs in middle school, high school, and her first year of college. Outside of music, she enjoys reading, crocheting, and spoiling her three cats. Lilly was a camper at Ferrwood for 6 years and is super excited to be back for a second year as a counselor.

 

 

Joel

 

  • Joel Paden (Boys’ Counselor)
 Joel comes to camp with several years of experience in security, including 2+ years as a Security Officer with the Hazleton Area School District. He attended Houghton College to pursue a major in Vocal Performance, focusing in Opera. He is thrilled to be returning for another year as Head Counselor and Security at Ferrwood and can't wait to see returning campers and meet new ones!

 

 

 

About Our Instructors

Ferrwood instructors are caring and dedicated professionals who are committed to meeting your child’s needs . Our instructors will challenge your child to grow as a musician and a person. Our instructors will look at the whole child and treat them with respect and dignity as they watch them grow. All the instructors are degreed professionals or professionals working toward a degree in music. As parents you can rest in the fact that we student focused and dedicated to proving each camper with a memorable experience. All Ferrwood staff have submitted a copy of their PA Criminal History and PA Child Abuse clearances. Clearances are on file with the music director.

 

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