Dr. Melissa Kindy is Adjunct Professor of Music at Bethune-Cookman University, Daytona State College, College of Central Florida and Eastern Florida State College, teaching clarinet, saxophone, woodwind methods, chamber music, and courses in music appreciation and popular music.

In addition to teaching at the collegiate level, Melissa performs with the Jacksonville Symphony, Orlando Philharmonic, Space Coast Symphony and Walt Disney World orchestras, has toured with the Teatro Lirico D’Opera and New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players, and is Principal Clarinet of Central Florida Winds in Brevard County.

Melissa received her Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Clarinet Performance & Literature from the Eastman School of Music, Master of Music degrees in Clarinet and Chamber Music Performance from the University of Michigan, and a Bachelor of Music degree in Clarinet Performance from Stetson University. Her primary teachers have been Kenneth Grant, Chad Burrow, and Lynn Musco. Melissa holds professional memberships in the International Clarinet Association, College Music Society, Chamber Music America, Pi Kappa Lambda, and Sigma Alpha Iota. 

Kaleb DuBose was raised in Lake Butler, FL, where he enjoyed his peace and quiet in the rural area. He began his musical journey on trumpet and switched to horn when he got in 9th grade at Union County High School. This is where Kaleb graduated in 2015 and began his Music Education degree at Stetson University. 

After graduating from Stetson University in May of 2019, Kaleb went on to be the Band Director of Citrus High School. While at Citrus High School, the band has seen great growth in numbers and musicality, even through the effects of the Coronavirus. In April of 2022, the Citrus High School Symphonic Band received Straight Superiors at State Concert MPA. This was a first that any band from Citrus County has accomplished.

Kaleb has recently moved to Deltona, FL, where he has enjoyed his new role as Band Director of Deltona High School in Volusia County. The band has already seen grown in numbers and received a Superior rating at Marching MPA and Concert MPA, which qualified the band for State MPA for the first time in many years.

Kaleb enjoys playing horn and tenor horn in professional ensembles throughout Central Florida. He is an avid advocate for the arts and high quality music making.

Christian Ricketts (BME ’19) is in his third year as the Band Director at DeLand Middle School. He also serves on the Marching Band staff for DeLand High School.  

While attending Stetson University, he has been able to play in many masterclasses with featured clarinetists like Eric Mandat as well as the International Clarinet Association masterclass with Sauro Berti and Alcides Rodriguez. Christian continues to perform regularly on bass clarinet, playing with groups like Southern Winds, Central Florida Winds, Space Coast wind Ensemble, Encore Performing Arts Orchestra in Orlando as well as being chosen to perform with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and the Disney Candlelight orchestra at EPCOT.  

Christian is very excited to continue to foster the love of clarinet to as many students in the central Florida area.