Summer camp instructor bios

Lynn Kleiner (left) - Lynn is the creative genius that has propelled Music Rhapsody to 25 years of success! Her unique talent continues to enthrall youngsters of all ages as she guides them through musical exploration and fun! She is the composer and producer of music education products for kids, including “Songs of the Sea” (this summer's camp theme), “Jungle Beat,” and the “Kids Make Music” DVDS, CDs and books. A music specialist since 1978, her credentials include a Bachelor's degree in Music Education from Eastern Illinois University, graduate studies in piano and music education at Arizona State University, and an Orff Schulwerk Teacher's Certificate and Master Certificate from Memphis State University. Lynn, whose teaching methods are in demand, travels the globe to present workshops. Notably, she has received the Oppenheim Award for her DVD/instrument kits.  

Rich Podgur (above) - Rich returns as our summer camp leader and looks forward to helping kids learn all about music! He has 20 years of experience performing, singing, and playing percussion and guitar, along with a Bachelor's degree in songwriting from the prestigious Berklee College of Music and Orff Training from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. During a recent sabbatical, he taught English to French students using music as a basis and toured in the Normandy region of France. He joined Music Rhapsody as an instructor in 2002.
 

Martin Espino (left) - Martin is much revered for bringing his love of music to our campers. With us once again, he looks forward to sharing his 35 years of performing, teaching, recording and touring with all. He is well known for providing the materials and instruction campers need to make their very own handmade and real instrument, one of camp's most exciting activities! He is the composer/artistic director of Nahualli Ensemble and has received many awards from ASCAP. Martin began his musical exploration at the age of 11 and has been “street trained” (learning by ear), “classically trained,” and “folklore/indigena trained.” He earned his Bachelor's degree in music with performance honors in classical guitar and research performance on instruments of the Medieval and Renaissance eras from Immaculate Heart College.  

Chris Shima (above) - Chris is well known for his fun lovin’ dancing feet and joins us again as our musical theater expert. He has been choreographing musical productions for more than 7 years and has more than 20 years of stage experience (you might have seen him on stage with a community theater group!). Specializing in youth productions, Chris believes in “time and space for music, dance and discovery.” You name it, he can dance it, and if you've heard of “Swing-a-palooza”, you're familiar with one of the major dance events he has hosted.