CHOPS' STAFF
Executive Director
MEGAN O'LEARY (she/her)
Megan joined the Chops team in 2020 and brings with her a long history of successful organizational development in both nonprofit and for-profit sectors. Learn more about Megan »
CHRISTOPHER BELICH (he/him)
Pan-handlers Steel Drum Band Director
Chris has been performing with the Pan-handlers Steel Drum Band since 2014, and has traveled to Trinidad on several occasions, resulting in firsthand experience of steel pan in its original soca and calypso styles. Learn more about Chris »
DEONDRE CARTER (he/him)
Fiscally Sponsored Program Co-Director: All City Music
More info coming soon! Learn more about Deondre »
D'SHONTE CARTER (she/her)
Fiscally Sponsored Program Co-Director: All City Music
More info coming soon! Learn more about D'Shonte»
OLIN EDWARDS (he/him)
Director, Tin Cups & Assistant Director, Pan-handlers
Olin Edwards is an active performer and educator across the Twin Cities area. A recent graduate from the University of Minnesota, Olin studied percussion with Fernando Meza. Learn more about Olin»
EVAN ESPINOZA ROBLES (he/him)
Educator, Youth Drumlines
Member, ChopsLIVE Drumline DJ Band
Evan is a music educator based out of the Twin Cities and an avid performer in the local music scene. He has more than five years of experience in educating and empowering youth communities in Minnesota. Learn more about Evan»
MICHAEL FINNEY (he/him)
Program Developer, Youth Outreach
ChopsLIVE Director
Michael is a St. Paul based percussion educator and program development consultant with more than 10 years of success with building and empowering Minnesota communities through music education. Learn more about Michael»
JOE HOLMES (he/him)
Educator, Youth Drumlines
Member, ChopsLIVE Drumline DJ Band
Joe Holmes is a full-time dad and music teacher in the Twin Cities. He has educated students of all ages through private instruction for more than two decades. Learn more about Joe»
JEREMY KUNKEL (he/him)
Pan Coordinator
Jeremy is the founder of the Pan Outreach program and Pan-handlers Steel Drum Band, and is thrilled to be leading a program that combines music education and pan. Learn more about Jeremy »
MICHAEL OLIVE (he/him)
Logistics & Operations Specialist
Michael Olive supports our performing ensembles, primarily the Pan-handlers steel drum band, with logistical and operations expertise. Learn more about Michael »
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LANCE POLLONAIS (he/him)
Instructor, Pan Outreach Program
Lance Pollonais was born in Trinidad and Tobago and attended Fatima College, Port of Spain as an honors student. He moved to Minnesota at a young age, started out assisting Cliff Alexis at Central High School in St Paul, building steel pans and performing. Learn more about Lance »
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AMANDA RICE (she/her)
Instructor, Pan Outreach Program
Amanda Rice was born in Trinidad and Tobago and moved to Minnesota in 2016 to attend graduate school at the University of Minnesota - Duluth. Learn more about Amanda »
ALIX STUART (she/her)
Instructor, Pan Outreach Program
Alix Stuart is an Ohio native with a passion for teaching music. Her holistic approach leaves room for a variety of learners while she focuses on skills that lead to a life-long enjoyment of music. Learn more about Alix »