Faculty Bios
Laura Hammes Black is a dedicated violin instructor based in Wichita, Kansas where she teaches privately and serves on the faculty of Bethany College (Lindsborg, KS) and Friends University
(Wichita, KS). As an accomplished musician, she performs with the Wichita Symphony, the Music Theatre of Wichita Orchestra, and the Wichita Grand Opera Orchestra, and holds the position of concertmaster for the Bethany College Community Orchestra. In addition to her teaching and performing, Laura is the Artistic Director and Strings Coordinator of Camp Allegro Wichita and has contributed her expertise at the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in Michigan. With a Master of Music in Violin Performance from Indiana University and a Bachelor of Music from the University of Michigan, she was honored with the Daniel J. Sevart Award for Community Service by the Wichita Symphony in 2011.
Hal Grossman is an esteemed Associate Professor of Violin at the University of Oregon and a faculty member at the Aria Summer Academy. With a rich teaching background that includes the University of Oklahoma and the Interlochen Arts Academy, he has also performed as a concerto soloist with orchestras across America, Europe, and Canada. A recipient of prestigious awards, including first prizes at the International Cleveland Quartet Competition and the National Fischoff Chamber Music Competition, Mr. Grossman is renowned for his innovative violin teaching and performance. His workshop, “No Pain, All Gain,” part of The Grossman Method, focuses on stretching exercises designed to alleviate the pain and tension that musicians often face from extensive practice.
Dr. Ruben Balboa is a violist, conductor, and educator recognized by the American Viola Society both as an Emerging Artist (2021) and Emerging Teacher (2022). He is Assistant Professor of Violin/Viola and String Music Education at Wichita State University. Before joining WSU, Dr. Balboa held teaching appointments at the University of Texas in Austin, Illinois State University, Texas State University, and Southwestern University. His students have achieved recognition at many levels. As a performer, Dr. Balboa appears regularly with symphony, opera, and chamber ensembles. He has performed with orchestra in Wichita and throughout Texas. He is a winner of the Coltman Chamber Music Competition. He frequently performs in recital with his wife, soprano Dr. Samantha Balboa, in programs for viola, voice, and piano.
Alicia Mora began her violin journey at the age of 12, nurturing a deep passion for both performance and teaching. She earned her master's degree in Music Performance, in Violin Pedagogy, from the University of Oregon’s School of Music and Dance. Alicia has graced the stage with various symphonies across the Midwest and West Coast, including the Eugene Symphony and Rogue Valley Symphony. Her dedication to music has led her to perform as a solo with the Kansas Wesleyan Orchestra and learn from esteemed musicians, enriching her skills and inspiring the next generation of young violinists.