OUR CONDUCTORS
DR. DAVID OERTEL
Conductor, Musical Director
Dr. David Oertel is Music Director and Conductor of the Starlight Symphony Orchestra and the Austin Philharmonic, both located in central Texas. Oertel has conducted orchestras in Houston, TX, Greensboro, NC, Austin, TX, St. Petersburg, Russia, and the Czech Republic. He was an adjunct professor at High Point University (NC) and North Carolina A&T University and has taught classes at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Dr. Oertel has won or been a finalist for several years of The American Prize, including winning first place in 2018 for orchestral programming. He is also a co-author for the 6th edition of the standard reference book, Daniels’ Orchestral Music (2022), and co-author of Choral-Orchestral Repertoire: A Conductor’s Guide, Omnibus Edition (2019).

DR. MARTY MASSENGALE
Assistant Conductor
Dr. Marty Massengale joined the Austin Philharmonic in 2024 and was appointed Assistant Conductor in 2025, bringing with him an extensive musical background. He has directed ensembles in schools, churches, and community theatres, working with adults, youth, and children across choirs, orchestras, handbell choirs, and multiple musical productions. His academic foundation spans several disciplines. He recently completed a Doctor of Music Education degree from Liberty University in May 2026. He also holds a Master of Arts in English from Arizona State University and a Master of Church Music from Lee University. His undergraduate degrees are from East Tennessee State University, where he attended on a band scholarship. In addition to his studies and music directing, Marty is a seasoned educator with over two decades of experience developing and teaching online courses for community colleges and universities. He currently serves as an online adjunct instructor at ETSU and also works locally with the business and education team of a technology company. Marty is grateful for the opportunity to participate in the Austin Philharmonic and looks forward to making music with friends at rehearsals and performances.

Scott Morgan Biggs
Assistant Conductor
Scott Morgan Biggs is a native Austinite who has enjoyed music all his life. He studied at the New England Conservatory of Music, University of North Texas, and UT here in Austin. His significant teachers were Priscilla McLean, Kathryn Mishell, Arthur Berger, Douglas Buys, Robert Ceely, Eric Barnes, and Thomas Clark. He has been playing anti-professionally since the 1980s.


Kate McDermott
President

Erin Heiser
Secretary
Board Members & Officers

Kate McDermott
President

Marilyn Munger
Vice President

Erin Heiser
Secretary

David McGinnis
Treasurer

Holly McClarin
Librarian

Craig Luthy
At-Large

Nellie Johnson
Social Media Coordinator

Alex Pimentel
Webmaster
Our Musicians

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Flute
Marilyn Munger+, Principal
Nellie Johnson+​
Piccolo
Nellie Johnson
Oboe
Andrew Ross, Principal
English Horn
Andy Ross
Clarinet
Arthur DiBianca, Principal
Bass Clarinet
Melanie Wedige
Bassoon
Stephanie Lochet, Principal
Scott Morgan Biggs, Assistant Conductor
French Horn
Adrian Diazgonsen
Marty Massengale, Assistant Conductor
Rachel Quintel
Caitlin Ekvall
​
Trumpet
Kitty Draper, Principal, Resident Composer
Ariston Awitan III
Trombone
Chris Glenn, Principal
Mike Shirley
Bass Trombone
Guiseppe Maccagnan
Tuba
David Stoddard, Principal
Percussion
Jordan Bueno, Principal
Patrick Hayes
Harp
Hannah Rother, Principal
Violin I
Erin Heiser+, Concertmaster
David Gluzman
Matthew Hemenway
Borami Lee
Anisah Majeed
Kate McDermott+
Amber Polk
Krithika Ravishankar
Mario Salas
​
Violin II
Craig Luthy+, Principal
Luciana Bertucci
Mary Joncas
Kelly Larson
Holly McClarin
Danna McVey
Bell Mullen
Ben Mullen
Quynh-Lan Ngo
Cody Price
Maddie Ripley
Stefanie Schultz
Arthur Shvartsman
Diana Sormani
Don Wong
Viola
Luis De Santiago, Principal
Paula Blaha
Elizabeth Delao
Marjorie Halloran
Gauri Kanakkancheril Binup
Alex Pimentel+
Denbigh Shelton
Tera Swaby
Cello
Alex Nghiem+, Principal
Andrew Cali
Jennifer Hong
David McGinnis+
Virginia Raleigh
Hannah Ray
Lynn Wallisch
Lary Warner
Caroline Bowers
Double Bass
Brandon Geraci
Jeremy Williams


