2010 ACADEMY STAFF

David Halen, Artistic Director
Concertmaster of the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra, David Halen is frequent soloist with many orchestras and festivals around the world. At 19, he became the youngest recipient ever of a Fulbright Scholarship, for study in Germany.
Prior to coming to Saint Louis, he served as assistant concertmaster of the Houston Symphony. Halen’s leadership in the arts brought him an A&E Arts Award in 2002 and appointment to the Missouri Arts Council in 2008. In addition to teaching at the Robert McDuffie Center for Strings in Macon, GA, he is concertmaster and teaches at the Aspen Music Festival. He is the founding Artistic Director of the Innsbrook Institute and also artistic director of Booneville Missouri River Festival of the Arts. He is a true son of Missouri and musical ambassador to the world.

Ron James, Executive Director
Ron James has served as president and director of the Warren County Fine Arts Council, a board member of the Webster University Community Music School, and Director of the Innsbrook Institute for 10 years. As well, he is Vice President of the Innsbrook Corporation.

Phone (636)928-3366 ext. 225
E-mail ron.james@innsbrook-resort.com

Vera Parkin, Director of Student Life
Vera Parkin has been a keyboardist with the Saint Louis Symphony since 1987. Educated at Northwestern, Southern Illinois University, and Washington University, she is recognized as a leading collaborative pianist and pedagogue in the St. Louis area. Founding Artistic Director of the Webster Univeristy Preparatory Program for gifted high school musicians, Vera has served at the Institute since its inception, first as staff accompanist, and as Director of Student Life since 2004.

Phone (618)692-4456
E-mail verathepiequeen@hotmail.com

Melissa Peterson,
Assistant Executive Director
Melissa Peterson has been involved with the Innsbrook Institute since 2003.  In addition, she is currently an adjunct professor of voice at Maryville University in St. Louis. Melissa completed her master of music degree in vocal performance from the University of Missouri, where she was a teaching assistant, and earned her bachelor of music in vocal performance from Millikin University. Melissa continues to perform as a classical singer.   

Phone (636)928-3366 ext. 218
Cell (314)766-7456
E-mail melissa.peterson@innsbrook-resort.com