Seattle fiddler Ruthie Dornfeld’s vibrant, expressive playing is voiced in a wide range of traditional fiddle styles, from Celtic, American Old-Time, and French Canadian, Scandinavian, and Eastern European. She has performed and taught widely throughout the US, Europe, and South America. During her 15 year sojourn in New England, Ruthie studied at Berklee College of Music, was a member of the twin fiddle stringband The Poodles, the bluegrass band Boston City Limits, the Hungarian band The Pulis, was a mainstay on the contra dance circuit, and toured Europe with tapdancer Ira Bernstein and with the Copenhagen-based American Cafe Orchestra. Since returning to the Pacific Northwest in 1996, she has been a member of the French cabaret group Rouge, performs with guitar master John Miller, with the quintet Tangoheart, and for local contra and English dancing.

Claire Marx currently teaches ensemble singing, cabaret, and private voice at Cornish. She has also music directed Cornish productions of Chicago, Secret in the Wings, Xanadu, and James and the Giant Peach. She has also worked as assistant choreographer/director for Sister Act and Singing in the Rain. She and Rich will be teaming up to work on The Theory of Relativity this fall. She has also taught at Village Theatre, The Evergreen School, Redmond Academy, The Meridian School, and many locations with Seattle Public Schools. Recent local stage credits include: Hairspray at Village Theatre, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe at Seattle Children's Theatre, The Bishop's Wife at Taproot Theatre Co., The Odyssey educational tour with Book-It, Romeo and Juliet with Seattle Shakespeare, and a handful of new musical workshops at the Seattle Rep.

Heidi Vanderford's teaching journey is marked by a rich tapestry of experiences. From her full-time role at The Bush School during 2020-2021, to her part-time position at Our Lady of the Lake in Seattle in 2017-2018, Heidi has left an indelible mark on her students' musical growth. Her adaptability and dedication in the face of challenges, especially during the COVID period, showcase her unwavering commitment to education.

With degrees from Pacific Lutheran University and Indiana University, Heidi's vocal prowess is equally impressive. She has graced stages worldwide, portraying iconic roles like Carmen and Frida Kahlo. Heidi's performances on cruise ships, spanning 26 different countries, stand as a testament to her global impact in the world of music.

A career highlight was sharing the stage with Placido Domingo at the Gran Teatre del Liceu in Barcelona, Spain. In addition to her international achievements, Heidi is a regular performer with the Seattle Opera Chorus, further solidifying her presence in the local music scene. Her talent has also been celebrated locally, securing 3rd place in the esteemed 2022 Seattle Opera Guild Development Awards. Heidi's bilingual proficiency in Spanish and English enriches her teaching, creating an inclusive and vibrant learning environment. Here, she imparts not only technical proficiency but also a profound love for the art of music, making her a truly exceptional figure in both music education and performance.