Kat Fritz moved to Whidbey Island in 2001 and very quickly became a central figure and leader in Island Strings. She arrived at a pivotal moment when founder Linda Good was transitioning into retirement. Kat was a passionate supporter of Suzuki Music Education and maintained an active studio. While sustaining and expanding existing programs, she founded many new programs and traditions such as the Gold Note Festival, Young Artists Concerto Competition, Community Orchestra, Music Together, and annual Christmas Caroling party and an annual Father’s Day contra dance. Kat and family moved to Boulder, CO in July 2011 to pursue new opportunities.

Janet Bever began studying Suzuki violin when she was nine years old in Fairbanks, Alaska. She progressed rapidly and enjoyed Suzuki so much that she began taking Suzuki teacher training courses while she was in high school. She later studied music at the University of Idaho in Boise and also played in the Boise Philharmonic. She taught with Island Strings for a year and a half and now has a private Suzuki studio in Mill Creek.

Jacqueline Evans was educated at Sheffield University, where she obtained her bachelor of music degree with honors. For many years she coached the Bristol Youth String Orchestra, taught in public and private schools, and played in orchestras such as the Philharmonia of Bristol and the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra until moving to Whidbey Island in November 1992, where she began teaching with Island Strings.

Michael Fridley taught guitar and violin with Linda. He received his bachelor of music degree from California State University, Sacramento and later completed his Ph. D. in Renaissance lute. He also taught at Skagit Valley College and at South Whidbey High School.

Phil Groening (Violin) studied music at Western Washington University and took his Suzuki training with Mihoko Hirata and Katsutoshi Nakamura at the Suzuki Northwest School of Music where he was also on the faculty. He taught with Island Strings for several years before returning to school to study occupational therapy.

Linda Dobson Morris (Violin) played violin with a San Francisco chamber group prior to moving to Whidbey Island. She taught violin and pre-school rhythm classes with Island Strings from 1974 to 1987 before taking a job in hospital administration. Linda plays violin and viola in a wide variety of styles, including old-timey, country music, swing and classical.

Susan Morris (Guitar) started her music training with piano lessons in Detroit. She has written many songs, especially songs for children, many with environmental themes. Susan plays frequently in the schools and performs at summer festivals on the island.

Kelly Pilkington (Violin) was an Island Strings violin teacher for many years. She took her Suzuki teacher training from Sharyn Peterson.

Paula Pugh, violin, began playing the violin in fifth grade. She continued to play through high school, college (St. Olaf) and graduate school. She found that music opened many opportunities for traveling and toured Norway with the college orchestra. She also played with the Grenoble Chamber Orchestra.  Paula has been the IS bookkeeper, treasurer and public relations person. Paula also taught the Island Strings Pre-School rhythm classes.

Rich Rorex, Guitar Rich grew up on Whidbey Island and is a graduate of Langley High School and Cornish College of the Arts. He has studied with Steven Novacek, Al Turay and attended guitar clinics with George Benson and Steve Morse. He took jazz harmony and improvisation with Gary Peacock and Jim Knapp. His first musical interest was rock ’n roll (Lennon and McCartney) and he now includes Latin, jazz and classical in his repertoire. He has worked with many different groups over the years, often doing his own compositions and improvisations. He has a strong interest in Suzuki guitar.

Erin Ruthensteiner taught the preschool rhythm class and taught some young students privately, in addition to being a super Suzuki Mom. She also helped Linda G. by occasionally substituting at the Waldorf String Class.