Texas native Shane Almendarez began studying the viola at the age of thirteen. He was influenced by his mother who played viola when she was in school and it was love at first scratch. Shane took to the instrument rather quickly and was playing in the advanced orchestra of Clack Middle School in Abilene after only one semester of study. At the age of fourteen Shane’s family moved to Austin where he continued in the orchestra program at Bowie High School; he was also a member of the Austin Youth Symphony. In 1996, when Shane was seventeen, his family moved again, this time to east Texas and the city of Marshall for his senior year. That year Shane was a member of the All-Region Orchestra and also began playing with the Marshall Symphony Orchestra.

            Elizabeth was born in Dallas, Texas.  She began musical studies as a pianist and later became interested in stringed instruments.  At age thirteen, she began cello studies.  She fell in love with the cello the first time she held one in her hands.

          Elizabeth has studied with several fine musicians including principal cellists from the following:  the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra and the Longview Symphony Orchestra.  She has studied with several acclaimed cellists such as Christopher Adkins, principle cellist of The Dallas Symphony Orchestra, and concert cellist Lynn Harrel.  Her enthusiasm and intensity is contagious and she has been referred to as “Having the fire” for music.

As a violinist, Julia has played with eight professional symphonies, since the age of 15 throughout the area.  She is a certified educator having taught music for years in public schools, privately, judging, and for the Tyler Youth Orchestra.  She is currently completing her doctorate in pharmacy after having completed a bachelor’s degree from UT Tyler.  Former instructors which inspired Julia include Dr. Price, Dr. Isidor Saslav, Dr. Jennifer Dalmas, Russell Lewis, Dr. Lundberg-Love, Dr. Bond, and Dr. Lewis Williams.  She is an organized and determined Type A personality always aspiring for more and achieving her goals.