Collaborative Artistic Team
Collaborative Artistic Team
Meet Shanelle Stoker
Shanelle Stoker is an enthusiastic, passionate, and detailed music teacher, accompanist, and lover of music and the arts. Her goal is to help children become life-long learners, musicians, and socially conscious human beings. She loves working with children, teaching, and sharing the joy of music.
As a music teacher in Corning, she has the best job in the world, and delights in the eagerness and playfulness of children in grades kindergarten through fifth grade.
Shanelle has been playing the piano, singing, and performing since she was about eight years old, and has always found peace and joy from melodies, lyrics, and connections that can be made with others through music.
Shanelle has directed and accompanied various choirs, soloists, and instrumentalists for over 30 years. She has performed with several community vocal groups, including The Chorus of the Southern Finger Lakes, Harmonious Chorus, and Vocal Essence of the Southern Tier.
Shanelle lives in Corning with her husband, four children, and two cats. She loves to read books, play games, coach and watch her kids play sports, attend musicals, walk and hike, and spend time with family and friends.
Meet Brian Ellison
Brian Ellison is a dedicated music educator with over two decades of experience teaching and designing programs that center on creativity, accessibility, and student voice. His work spans a wide range of disciplines—including music production, modern band, electronic music, and guitar—and reflects a commitment to making music education relevant, inclusive, and empowering for all learners.
Brian’s teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that every individual deserves a place in music, regardless of their prior experience or background. He fosters learning environments where students are encouraged to take creative risks, collaborate authentically, and explore music as both a personal and communal expression. His programs have included student-run recording studios, original composition projects, and live performance opportunities that highlight contemporary musical forms and diverse cultural perspectives.
A passionate advocate for equity in the arts, Brian has led initiatives that expand access to high-quality music education and celebrate the richness of each participant’s unique voice. His work continues to evolve with a focus on innovation, community connection, and lifelong musical engagement.
What Sets Us Apart
People-First Approach
Everything we do is built around understanding our ensemble members’ needs and helping them succeed—because when you thrive, so do we.
All of our Collaborative Team have had background checks through local school districts to ensure the safety and security. of all members
Be the Change.
Long-Term Relationships
We’re not just here for the now. We love creating lasting relationships within our musical community and growing with them over time.
We are each invested in the Southern Tier Community as a whole, volunteering, working, and serving in many capacities. We care about members finding life-long fulfillment and ability to make music, whatever their age, background, skill-level, cognitive process, genre preference, or life circumstance.
Music is what gave us purpose, and we want to provide opportunity for others to have the same in our community.
Proven Process, Excellence Driven
We bring structure with solid pedagogy and a wealth of professional experience where it counts and adaptability where it matters. Our methods are clear, but always responsive.
Semper Gumby (Always Flexible)!