Musician Bios
MaryBeth Minnis is principal bassoonist of the Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra, a position she has held since 1985. She can frequently be heard as a substitute bassoonist in orchestras throughout Michigan and performs regularly with the Powers Woodwind Quintet, a CMU faculty ensemble. Minnis is Assistant Professor of Bassoon at Central Michigan University and performs on a Püchner bassoon.
Kennen White is principal clarinetist in the Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra and has held positions with Grand Rapids, Toledo, and Santa Fe Opera Orchestras. With degrees from Northwestern and University of Michigan, he performs and records with the Crescent Duo and Powers Woodwind Quintet. White is professor of clarinet at Central Michigan University.
Dr. Mary Jo Cox received her Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees in piano performance from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. A student of Frank Weinstock and C. Nolan Huizenga, she also studied harpsichord with Eiji Hashimoto. Dr. Cox maintains an active schedule as soloist and chamber musician throughout the United States. As a member of the Ixopo Duo, she and pianist Franklin Larey were awarded first prize in the Graves Duo-Piano Competition and were finalists in the prestigious Murray Dranoff International Duo-Piano Competition. She currently holds the position of principal keyboardist with the Midland Symphony Orchestra and is a frequent collaborative pianist for festivals and competitions throughout the United States. In addition, Cox is a frequent MTNA adjudicator and has served on the faculties Central Michigan University, New England Music Camp, and the Cincinnati Conservatory Community Music School. She is the Director of Worship and Arts at First Presbyterian Church, Mt. Pleasant.
Kennen White is principal clarinetist in the Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra and has held positions with Grand Rapids, Toledo, and Santa Fe Opera Orchestras. With degrees from Northwestern and University of Michigan, he performs and records with the Crescent Duo and Powers Woodwind Quintet. White is professor of clarinet at Central Michigan University.
Dr. Mary Jo Cox received her Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees in piano performance from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. A student of Frank Weinstock and C. Nolan Huizenga, she also studied harpsichord with Eiji Hashimoto. Dr. Cox maintains an active schedule as soloist and chamber musician throughout the United States. As a member of the Ixopo Duo, she and pianist Franklin Larey were awarded first prize in the Graves Duo-Piano Competition and were finalists in the prestigious Murray Dranoff International Duo-Piano Competition. She currently holds the position of principal keyboardist with the Midland Symphony Orchestra and is a frequent collaborative pianist for festivals and competitions throughout the United States. In addition, Cox is a frequent MTNA adjudicator and has served on the faculties Central Michigan University, New England Music Camp, and the Cincinnati Conservatory Community Music School. She is the Director of Worship and Arts at First Presbyterian Church, Mt. Pleasant.