Music
Music is a universal language. All students, regardless of musical background or skills, are encouraged to participate in choral or instrumental groups. Nobles firmly believes that a degree of musical literacy is an essential part of the educational experience.
Outside of our diverse curriculum, the music department offers several musical groups including the Greensleeves, a treble a cappella group; Nobleonians, a tenor/bass a cappella group; Noteorious, a mixed gender a cappella group; Imani, a gospel and multicultural vocal group open to everyone in the Nobles community; and Half Notes, middle school a cappella. In addition, seven music concerts are offered each year including the choral concert; wind, string, orchestra concert; chamber music concert; and the jazz, blues, drums, guitar concert.
For more information or to attend a concert, please contact Director of Music Nhung Truong at ntruong0f@nobles.edu
Faculty
Nhung Truong
Director of Music, Director of Middle School Chorus, Upper School Concert Choir, Nobleonians, Imani, Half-Notes At nobles since 2016B.A. in Music Education ’12 Providence College; M.M. in Choral Conducting ’14 UMass-Amherst
Nhung is an active member of the Massachusetts Music Educators’ Association and the Diversity Chair for the Massachusetts American Choral Directors Association, for whom she created their DEI Mission Statement; Guest conducting engagements include the MMEA Western District Junior Festival Chorus and the Laurel Music Camp Choir in Connecticut; Conference presentations include “Building Community Through The Choral Warmup” at the MassACDA Summer Conference, and a Middle School Repertoire Session at the MMEA All-State Conference; Publications include several in MassSings and the Massachusetts Music Educators Journal; Conductor of the MIT Women’s Chorale; Has previously sung alto with the Tanglewood Festival Chorus and the Seraphim Singers.
B.A. in Music Education ’12 Providence College; M.M. in Choral Conducting ’14 UMass-Amherst
Nhung is an active member of the Massachusetts Music Educators’ Association and the Diversity Chair for the Massachusetts American Choral Directors Association, for whom she created their DEI Mission Statement; Guest conducting engagements include the MMEA Western District Junior Festival Chorus and the Laurel Music Camp Choir in Connecticut; Conference presentations include “Building Community Through The Choral Warmup” at the MassACDA Summer Conference, and a Middle School Repertoire Session at the MMEA All-State Conference; Publications include several in MassSings and the Massachusetts Music Educators Journal; Conductor of the MIT Women’s Chorale; Has previously sung alto with the Tanglewood Festival Chorus and the Seraphim Singers.
Michael Turner
Director of Chamber Singers and Greensleeves, Music Theory and Composition Instructor At nobles since 1988Weber Family Chair for the Performing Arts; Bachelor of Music 1980, Boston University; M.M. in Composition and Conducting 2001, Longy School of Music; Music Fellow 1992, Northwestern University; advanced studies at New England Conservatory.
Michael Turner has been an active conductor, composer, music director and performer in the Boston area for over 35 years. He is an active member of the Massachusetts Music Educators Association and the National Association for Music Education.
Weber Family Chair for the Performing Arts; Bachelor of Music 1980, Boston University; M.M. in Composition and Conducting 2001, Longy School of Music; Music Fellow 1992, Northwestern University; advanced studies at New England Conservatory.
Michael Turner has been an active conductor, composer, music director and performer in the Boston area for over 35 years. He is an active member of the Massachusetts Music Educators Association and the National Association for Music Education.
Paul Lieberman
Director of Wind and Jazz Ensembles, Artist-in-Residence At nobles since 2014B.A. in Music 1978, Yale University; MM in Jazz Composition and Arranging, UMass Amherst, 2008, where he was also a professor.
Spent years touring the world with groups led by Jaimoe of the Allman Brothers, Brazilian jazz stars Airto & Flora Purim, and others, and as a leader and educator, including at Yale, Northeastern, and BU. Has performed or recorded with George Benson, Pat Metheny, Paquito D’Rivera, the Springfield Symphony, and many others. Does cross-curricular teaching on the African roots of the music and cultures of the New World. D’Addario Performing Artist, Gemeinhardt Woodwind Artist, JodyJazz Artist.
B.A. in Music 1978, Yale University; MM in Jazz Composition and Arranging, UMass Amherst, 2008, where he was also a professor.
Spent years touring the world with groups led by Jaimoe of the Allman Brothers, Brazilian jazz stars Airto & Flora Purim, and others, and as a leader and educator, including at Yale, Northeastern, and BU. Has performed or recorded with George Benson, Pat Metheny, Paquito D’Rivera, the Springfield Symphony, and many others. Does cross-curricular teaching on the African roots of the music and cultures of the New World. D’Addario Performing Artist, Gemeinhardt Woodwind Artist, JodyJazz Artist.
Antonio Berdugo
Director of Instrumental Music, Middle School Orchestra, Upper School String Ensemble and Nobles Symphony Orchestra At nobles since 2016Antonio Berdugo is a Colombian conductor and violinist known for his active and diverse career spanning Europe, North and South America. He currently serves as the Director of Instrumental Music at Noble and Greenough School and holds the role of Artistic Director for the Cajamag Symphony Orchestra in his hometown of Santa Marta, Colombia.
In addition to his conducting and violinist roles, Mr. Berdugo is a dedicated educator. He has collaborated with notable orchestras such as the Northeast Massachusetts Youth Orchestras, the Side by Side Orchestra at Longy School of Music, and the Milton Public Schools Orchestras.
Mr. Berdugo’s academic journey includes earning a Masters of Music Degree in Composition from Longy School of Music of Bard College, a Violin Performance certificate from La Sierra University, and a Bachelor of Music Education from the Colombian Seventh Day Adventist University. He has received mentorship from prominent conductors and educators, including Julian Pelicano, Charles Peltz, Diane Wittry, Kirk Trevor, and Frank Batistti.
Antonio Berdugo is a Colombian conductor and violinist known for his active and diverse career spanning Europe, North and South America. He currently serves as the Director of Instrumental Music at Noble and Greenough School and holds the role of Artistic Director for the Cajamag Symphony Orchestra in his hometown of Santa Marta, Colombia.
In addition to his conducting and violinist roles, Mr. Berdugo is a dedicated educator. He has collaborated with notable orchestras such as the Northeast Massachusetts Youth Orchestras, the Side by Side Orchestra at Longy School of Music, and the Milton Public Schools Orchestras.
Mr. Berdugo’s academic journey includes earning a Masters of Music Degree in Composition from Longy School of Music of Bard College, a Violin Performance certificate from La Sierra University, and a Bachelor of Music Education from the Colombian Seventh Day Adventist University. He has received mentorship from prominent conductors and educators, including Julian Pelicano, Charles Peltz, Diane Wittry, Kirk Trevor, and Frank Batistti.
Adjunct Music Faculty
Bruce Bears
Title
Piano Instructor
At Nobles Since
1999
Bio
B.A., Music Composition, Hobart College
Performs approximately 150 times a year in the U.S., Canada, and the EU. Produced/performed on numerous CDs, including the 2010 Grammy-nominated “Stomp the Blues Tonight”; works frequently as a studio musician and tours with Duke Robillard.
Essie Bertain
Title
Vocal Teacher
At Nobles Since
2024
Bio
Essie Bertain is a graduate of the Boston Conservatory (M.F.A. in musical theatre vocal pedagogy) and The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (B.F.A. in musical theatre). Before moving to Boston, Ms. Bertain taught voice and piano lessons for almost a decade in Portland, Oregon. She is an accomplished and award-winning performer, who has performed in Northern California, the Pacific Northwest, and New England. She continues to perform locally in the greater Boston area. Ms. Bertain is a proud member of New England National Association of Teachers of Singing. In her spare time, she enjoys long-distance running and spending time with her husband, Allen, and their pets.
Nicole Cariglia
Title
Cello Instructor
At Nobles Since
2019
Bio
B.Mus in Cello Performance ’99 New England Conservatory of Music; M.Mus in Cello Performance ’01 NEC; D.M.A in Cello Performance ‘09 Boston University
Cello studies with Yeesun Kim at NEC and Rhonda Rider at BU. Artistic Director of the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras’ Intensive Community Program. ICP Cello faculty. Active performer in Boston, appearing regularly with the Grammy-nominated Boston Modern Orchestra Project, Odyssey Opera, The Cantata Singers and Back Bay Chorale.
Jeffrey 'Doc' Chanonhouse
Title
Director of Blues Band
At Nobles Since
1996
Bio
Trumpet Diploma in Professional Music (magna cum laude); Berklee College of Music; Classical studies at Boston University with Armando Ghitalla.
Has played principal trumpet in the North Shore Philharmonic Orchestra, Wellesley Symphony Orchestra, New Hampshire Symphony Orchestra and was an extra trumpet for the Boston Symphony String Orchestra. He was voted “Best Horn Player in Boston” by the Boston Blues Society in 1996 and is currently a member of the Linemen, a band sponsored by the Bose Corporation.
Andra Voldins Dix '94
Title
Viola and Violin Instructor
At Nobles Since
2004
Bio
B.A., Harvard University, M.Mus. Boston University School of Fine Arts
Violinist/violist Andra Voldins Dix ’94 has been active as an orchestral, chamber, Broadway, TV, and recording musician in Boston and New York. Her music festival appearances have included the Colorado Music Festival, Spoleto Festival Italy, Kingston Chamber Music Festival, and the Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival. Ms. Dix has earned fellowships at the Tanglewood Music Center and the Aspen Music School. She is the Director of the Chamber and Orchestral program at Concord Academy and is an adjunct violin and viola faculty at Nobles and Phillips Andover Academy. She is also on the coaching staff of the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras. Ms. Dix holds a bachelor of arts degree in music from Harvard University, where she was a recipient of the Leonard Bernstein Memorial Scholarship, and a master of music degree in viola performance from Boston University’s School of Fine Arts, where she was inducted into the National Music Honors Society.
Alan Johnson
Title
Trombone and Tuba Instructor
At Nobles Since
2024
Eun Mi Lee
Title
Violin Teacher
At Nobles Since
2022
Bio
B.M.A. in Violin Performance at Temple University; M.M. in Violin Performance at Rice University, D.M.A. in Violin Performance at University of Texas at Austin.
She has won numerous awards and competitions including Edwin B. Garrigues Scholarships (2007-2011), Starling Awards (2011), Shepherd School tuition Awards (2011-2013), Starling Distinguished Violinist Scholarships (2013-2016), Austin Civic Orchestra Concerto Competition, MBC Symphony Orchestra Young Artist Concerto Competition, and Daegu Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition. She also attended many summer festivals including the Encore Music Festival, Mozarteum Summer festival, Great Mountain Music Festival, and Baroque Summer Festival. Dr. Lee received her doctorate in violin performance from the University of Texas at Austin in 2016. She received her Master’s degree from Rice University in 2013. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree from Temple University in 2011. She received full scholarships from each of these institutions. Her principal teachers include Brian Lewis, Cho Liang Lin, Eduard Schmieder, Malcolm Lewis and Ikhwan Bae.
She has had masterclasses with various artists, including Ida Kavafian, Ani Kavafian, Joshua Bell, David Kim, Soovin Kim, Ilya Gringolts, Martin Beaver, Emerson Quartet, Tokyo String Quartet, Miro Quartet, and others. She has also performed at different venues such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Kimmel Center, Long Center, Blanton Museum of Art, Jones Hall, Stude Concert Hall, Duncan Recital Hall, Homer Rainey Hall, and Bates Hall.
Lee has been a tenured first violinist at Austin Symphony Orchestra since 2017, and she has been teaching private students since 2007. She greatly enjoys teaching her students, as it inspires her and fills her with joy. Besides music, she likes outdoor activities such as jogging, playing badminton, and hiking. She currently resides in Wellesley, MA.
Linda Poland
Title
Clarinet Instructor
At Nobles Since
2015
Bio
B.M., Clarinet Performance, University of Maryland
M.M., Clarinet Performance, New England Conservatory of Music
Linda Poland has had extensive orchestral experience as a section clarinetist, most notably with the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra and the Albany Symphony Orchestra. She has performed in opera, ballet, and chamber music throughout the Boston region. In recent years, Kammerwerke, a professional double wind quintet, featured Ms. Poland as principal clarinet. Additionally, her work in senior communities as an artist/entertainer has widened her musical scope to popular music vistas. Ms. Poland is also a clarinet instructor for Milton Academy, Dedham Country Day school, Milton and Newton Public Schools, and the University of Massachusetts Boston.
Marty Richards
Title
Director of Drum Ensemble, Percussion Instructor
At Nobles Since
2002
Bio
B.A. in Professional Music, Berklee College of Music
Drummer for jazz great Gary Burton for 10 years and for Grammy-nominated blues guitarist Duke Robillard. Currently the drummer for rock legend Peter Wolf, The Joe Perry Project (guitarist for Aerosmith) and for the J. Geils Band.
Binney Stone
Title
Guitar Instructor, Director of Guitar Ensemble
At Nobles Since
1998
Bio
B.A. Psychology, SUNY at Buffalo, NY; B.Mus Composition, Berklee College of Music
Played and recorded with Bill Frisell, D. Sharpe, Gary Valente, Dizzy Gillespie, Stan Strickland and Leslie Gore. Currently a freelance guitarist/vocalist working in Boston and New York areas.
Gretchen Stone
Title
Piano Instructor
At Nobles Since
2001
Bio
B.M.,Berklee College of Music
Has performed both in jazz combos and in classical venues, and in a piano/vocal jazz duo. She also teaches at MusicMaker studios in Brighton, and at Solomon Schechter Day School in Newton.
Linden Wu
Title
Flute Teacher
At Nobles Since
2022
Bio
Bachelor’s in Music Ed. from University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, Masters in Flute Performance from New England Conservatory. Previous mentors include Jonathan Keeble, Paula Robison, and Elizabeth Rowe.
Chicago Flute Club solo competition finalist, Tanglewood guest, freelance musician. Flute faculty at Brookline Music School, The Middlesex School, and Natick Public Schools.