CHOPS' STAFF
Executive Director
MEGAN O'LEARY (she/her)
Megan joined the Chops' family in 2020 and brings with her a long history of successful organizational development in both nonprofit and for-profit sectors. Learn more about Megan »
JOSHUA BEDEAU (he/him)
Guest Artist, Pan Outreach Program
Joshua is an award-winning steeldrum artist and composer. He is currently a graduate assistant at Northern Illinois University where he is pursuing a Master's of Music. Learn more about Joshua »
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»
JALEN CHARLES (he/him)
Guest Artist, Pan Outreach Program
Jalen, a musician from Trinidad and Tobago, is pursuing his Master's degree in Music at Northern Illinois University. He joined the Pan Outreach instructional staff this season as a guest artist. Learn more about Jalen »
MATT CLARK (he/him)
Pan Program Staff
Matt has performed with Pan-handlers Steel Drum Band since 2017, and was the director of Tin Cups from 2018 - 2021. Learn more about Matt »
MICHAEL FINNEY (he/him)
Program Developer, Youth Outreach
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»
JEREMY HARVEY (he/him)
Educator, Pan Outreach Program
Jeremy has over 10 years of experience teaching private percussion lessons and is thrilled to be a part of the Pan Outreach program. Learn more about Jeremy »
KEMET IMHOTEP (he/him)
Instructor, Chops Multi-School Drumline Collaboration
Mr. Kemet currently serves as Chops' drumline instructor at Ramsey Middle School's afterschool drumline. He has 37 years of experience in the drill team environment. Learn more about Mr. Kemet »
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 »