Ron Brooker (Violin I) graduated from Bowling Green State University with both a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Music Education. He served on the faculty for the Bowling Green State University Summer String Institute. He taught for eleven years for the Findlay and Sandusky school systems, being named in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers in both 1994 and 1995. A former OMEA adjudicator, his ensembles regularly earned superior ratings at both large and small group OMEA adjudicated events. A former Associate Concertmaster of the Lima Symphony, Ron has played with the Mansfield Symphony Orchestra, Springfield Symphony Orchestra, and the Cleveland Pops. Currently in his 25th season with the Firelands Symphony, Ron has been the Concertmaster of FSO for over 15 years. He serves on the Board of Directors for both the Firelands Symphony and the Sandusky Concert Association, where he is the chair of the Talent Committee. He is the first violinist in the Firelands String Quartet, and has served as the Music Director for the Huron United Methodist Church in Huron, Ohio for the past fifteen years. He has conducted the ecumenical choirs in Huron for their Christmas Festivals as well as their Lenten services. Ron has previously served as music director for several Men’s Walks in the Emmaus Community. He has played for many local High School musicals, as well as the Huron Playhouse and the Sandusky State Theater. He currently works for ThorWorks Industries and has three daughters, Elizabeth, Rachel, and Carolyn.
After completing her bachelor’s degree in Musical Education, Alice Weiss (Violin II) spent her entire career as the Orchestra Director for grades 5-12 within the Sandusky City School system. Alice is a certified Suzuki violin teacher, a long standing violinist in the Firelands Symphony Orchestra since its inception, and also currently teaches private students in her personal studio. Alice stands as the business contact for the Firelands Quartet, feel free to reach out to her at any time for a consultation, or general discussion on your upcoming quartet needs
Monica Reineck (Viola) holds principle viola positions with the Firelands Symphony Orchestra, Adrian Symphony Orchestra, Ashland Symphony Orchestra, and also plays with the Ann Arbor Symphony and Terra Community College String Ensemble. She is an active member of the community engaging in many gigs in the area which have included the Huron Playhouse, many musicals at the State Theater, as well as helping out at local high schools when needed. She is a former member of both the Ryan Humbert strung out series, as well as the New Century Quartet. She holds degrees from both The Juilliard School, as well as Interlochen Arts Academy. She currently spends her time working as a licensed massage therapist when she is not preparing for upcoming engagements, traveling with her husband, or enjoying practice sessions with her “second family,” The Firelands String Quartet.
Brian Shifflet (Cello) holds a Bachelor’s of Music Education from Eastern Michigan University and a Master’s in Music Education from Bowling Green State University. After teaching orchestra for several years in Lima, Ohio, Brian returned to the area to work at promoting tourism and the arts! Brian currently teaches 25+ private students at the Firelands Symphony School for the Arts as well as his private studio in Port Clinton. Having been a student himself at the FSO School for the Arts, Brian has a passion for continuing the excellent musical education provided by the school . In addition to performing with the Firelands String Quartet, Brian is also a member for the Firelands Symphony Orchestra and plays many gigs in the area including musicals, special events, churches, and more. In addition to his musical activities, Brian is also the Group Services Coordinator for the Lake Erie Shores and Islands Convention and Visitors Bureau and enjoys promoting tourism and the arts in the region.
After completing her bachelor’s degree in Musical Education, Alice Weiss (Violin II) spent her entire career as the Orchestra Director for grades 5-12 within the Sandusky City School system. Alice is a certified Suzuki violin teacher, a long standing violinist in the Firelands Symphony Orchestra since its inception, and also currently teaches private students in her personal studio. Alice stands as the business contact for the Firelands Quartet, feel free to reach out to her at any time for a consultation, or general discussion on your upcoming quartet needs
Monica Reineck (Viola) holds principle viola positions with the Firelands Symphony Orchestra, Adrian Symphony Orchestra, Ashland Symphony Orchestra, and also plays with the Ann Arbor Symphony and Terra Community College String Ensemble. She is an active member of the community engaging in many gigs in the area which have included the Huron Playhouse, many musicals at the State Theater, as well as helping out at local high schools when needed. She is a former member of both the Ryan Humbert strung out series, as well as the New Century Quartet. She holds degrees from both The Juilliard School, as well as Interlochen Arts Academy. She currently spends her time working as a licensed massage therapist when she is not preparing for upcoming engagements, traveling with her husband, or enjoying practice sessions with her “second family,” The Firelands String Quartet.
Brian Shifflet (Cello) holds a Bachelor’s of Music Education from Eastern Michigan University and a Master’s in Music Education from Bowling Green State University. After teaching orchestra for several years in Lima, Ohio, Brian returned to the area to work at promoting tourism and the arts! Brian currently teaches 25+ private students at the Firelands Symphony School for the Arts as well as his private studio in Port Clinton. Having been a student himself at the FSO School for the Arts, Brian has a passion for continuing the excellent musical education provided by the school . In addition to performing with the Firelands String Quartet, Brian is also a member for the Firelands Symphony Orchestra and plays many gigs in the area including musicals, special events, churches, and more. In addition to his musical activities, Brian is also the Group Services Coordinator for the Lake Erie Shores and Islands Convention and Visitors Bureau and enjoys promoting tourism and the arts in the region.