Sam Lyons, Timberlane Regional School District

Sam is a violinist, conductor, and music educator hailing from the sunny state of Maine. Sam received his Bachelor's in Music Education from the University of Southern Maine. Currently, Sam works as the 6-12 orchestra director for the Timberlane Regional School District in Plaistow, New Hampshire. He is also the assistant conductor for the University of New Hampshire's Youth Symphony Orchestra program and the String Council Chair for New Hampshire Music Educator's Association (NHMEA). Over the past 10 years Sam has enjoyed teaching experiences in Maine, New Hampshire, North Carolina, England, and India. 

During the year Sam loves to play and teach various styles of music; he founded and leads the Timberlane Fiddler's, enjoys performing as a freelance violinist/fiddler, and is a member of Reverend Finster, an all-acoustic REM tribute band. When not playing music, you may find him hiking, reading, or in the pool. 

Susie Stevens, Portsmouth Christian Academy

Shelby Smith

Shelby is a New Hampshire local and was raised in the Seacoast area’s music scene. She has been a member of the ensemble for the last ten years and has recently stepped into a teaching role with the Acoustic Roots Orchestra after briefly studying classical violin in Nashville, Tennessee. She is a multi-instrumentalist who has played in many bands around New Hampshire including The Chickenshack Bluegrass Band, and the Farrington-James Band. She has a passion for teaching younger generations and introducing them to all the joy that traditional music has to offer.