Administration - Caroga Arts Collective

Kyle Barrett Price
Founder, Artistic & Executive Director

Kyle Barrett Price, Founder, Artistic & Executive Director of the Caroga Arts Collective, member of the Cavani String Quartet, and founding member of KASA Quartet, is nationally recognized for his multi-faceted musical career, innovative leadership style, and advocacy for collaborative programming in the arts and humanities.

His profound love of chamber music stems from a family of dynamic musicians at The Chamber Music Connection, where he had the opportunity to work with some of the most respected and acclaimed musicians of our time, including members of The Cleveland, Cavani, Emerson, Guarneri, St. Lawrence, and Brentano String Quartets. As the cellist of the Cavani Quartet, Kyle has taught and performed across the country, including visiting residencies at Peabody Conservatory, University of Tennessee-Knoxville, McDuffie Center for Strings at Mercer University, Cleveland State University, Ravinia Festival, Maverick Concerts, Chamber Music Connection, among others.

As a soloist, Kyle has performed at internationally renowned music festivals, including The Perlman Music Program and Banff School of the Arts. Kyle’s concerto appearances include performances with the LaCrosse Symphony Orchestra, Wisconsin Philharmonic, and Caroga Arts Ensemble. He has made guest teaching appearances at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Peabody Conservatory, DePaul University, University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Arizona, among others. Honors and solo prizes include Grand Prize Winner of the 2018 Schubert Club Competition, Grand Prize winner of the 2015 Yamaha Young Performing Artists Competition, and Honorable Mention in the 2017 Gershwin International Music Competition.

In addition to playing the cello, Kyle has been composing from the age of 10 and has distinguished himself with an original voice, receiving commissions from the Johnstone Fund for New Music, Carpe Diem String Quartet, and the Chamber Music Connection. His compositions have been performed by Calidore Quartet, University of Wisconsin-Madison Symphony Orchestra, National Summer Cello Institute, Caroga Arts Ensemble, and Chamber Music Connection Orchestra.

Kyle’s compositions and arrangements are also regularly featured through his performances as a member of the KASA Quartet, a multi-genre quartet formed at the Caroga Lake Music Festival. Grand Prize winners of the 2017 Coltman Chamber Music Competition, KASA Quartet, frequently performs and collaborates with artists such as Eddie Barbash, Sawyer Fredericks, WARP Trio, and Miriam Elhajli.

Kyle’s passion for chamber music and desire to facilitate opportunities for those around him acted as a catalyst for his vision to form an artist-led creative community, resulting in his creation of the Caroga Lake Music Festival in 2012 and the Caroga Arts Collective in 2016. With the help of his family, partner, peers and community, Kyle has grown the organization from a “homemade” music festival of eight musicians in his grandmother’s house to an organization that hosts over fifty events throughout the calendar year, featuring 150+ artists and attracting 8,000+ individuals. It is widely regarded to be the pride and joy of the community and a model for artist-led festivals around the country.

Kyle completed his Masters and Doctoral degrees at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, studying under the renowned pedagogue cellist and Feldenkrais practitioner Uri Vardi. He received his Bachelors degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music under the tutelage of the founding Cavani String Quartet cellist Merry Peckham. Outside of music, Kyle enjoys going on adventures with his wife, Hinano Price, Vice President of Artistic Planning at Saratoga Performing Arts Center, and playing basketball in his free time. Kyle will also be appearing as a CLMF Resident Artist this summer.

Stephanie Price-Wong
Associate Executive Director

Stephanie Price is a nationally recognized violist, educator, and arts leader known for genre-defying performances, dynamic teaching, and advocacy in music entrepreneurship. She serves as Associate Executive Director of the Caroga Arts Collective, where she developed the SPACE Program to expand affordable string education in the rural Southern Adirondacks of New York. Previously, she served as Adjunct Viola Professor at Ohio University and Assistant Artistic Director and Fellowship Program Director at Chamber Music Connection in Columbus, Ohio. A founding resident artist of CLMF and violist of the award-winning KASA Quartet, Stephanie holds degrees from the Eastman School of Music and Cleveland Institute of Music.

Elizabeth Macintosh
Director of Artistic Operations

Violist Elizabeth Macintosh, a native of Columbus, OH, began studying the violin at the age of three. When she was 14, she began playing the viola in order to form a string quartet with her pre-existing ensemble of three violins and a cello. Elizabeth has been a part of the Caroga Arts Collective team since 2017 and has been delighted to be a part of its growth over the past seven years. In May of 2022, she graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder with a B.M. in Viola Performance, a certificate in Musical Entrepreneurship, and minors in Business, Economics, and German Studies. In May of 2024, she graduated from Eastman School of Music with a M.M. in Viola Performance. She currently lives in Boulder, CO, and enjoys baking, reading, and spending time outdoors.

Tara Hanish
S.P.A.C.E. Program Administrative Assistant

Originally from Michigan, Tara called Cleveland and NYC home before landing in Upstate NY. She is currently a member of the Fenimore Chamber Orchestra, Glens Falls Symphony, Catskill Symphony, and performs with the Albany Symphony, Candlelight Concerts, Albany Pro Musical, and with her post-rock band, “You Bred Raptors.” Tara has also enjoyed sharing the stage in support of renowned artists including Yo-Yo Ma, Leonard Slatkin, Joshua Bell, The Foo Fighters, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Michael Buble, Kanye West, and Josh Groban.

Tara is an Associated Faculty member and Administrative Assistant for the Caroga Arts SPACE program, and also maintains a private studio in the Capital District area. Tara received her Professional Studies diploma from the Cleveland Institute of Music (Richard Aaron), M.M. from the University of Miami (Ross Harbaugh), and B.M. from the University of Michigan (Anthony Elliott).

More information on Tara can be found at: www.TaraHanish.com

Kathy Manning
On-Site Manager

Kathy Manning is a retired Registered Nurse, has been married 47 years, and has 2 sons and 3 grandchildren. She was employed by Valley Central Middle School as a school nurse for 20 years, where she cared for students and staff and handled their medical needs. During her time at Valley Central Middle School, Kathy was a member of the New York State School Nurses Association and organized first aid classes, blood drives, exercise classes, medical education classes, food/gift/clothing drives, and developed the district emergency response plan. Additionally, Kathy has worked for 40 years for her family’s private contracting business as Vice President and Bookkeeper.

Kathy is a long-standing Caroga Arts volunteer and member of the Advisory Board. Prior to becoming the On-Site Manager, Kathy was responsible for selling CAC merchandise, organizing the annual gala, and helping to maintain the gardens at Sherman’s. In addition to her work with Caroga Arts, Kathy is a Trustee of the Caroga Historical Museum.

Keegan Bushey

Facilities Manager

Keegan Bushey is excited to join Caroga Arts Collective after 14 years at The Egg in Albany. He began his tenure as a member of the production staff before advancing to Operations Manager, overseeing facility and event operations for one of New York State’s premier performing arts venues.

Prior to The Egg, Keegan served as Assistant Stage Manager at Capital Repertory Theatre during the 2011–2012 season and as Assistant to the Production Director at Glimmerglass Opera in 2010.

Throughout his career, Keegan has worked behind the scenes to support performances, events, artists, and audiences across theater, opera, concerts, and community events throughout New York State.

A lifelong visitor to Caroga Lake, Keegan is excited to begin this new chapter with Caroga Arts Collective and to help support the organization’s mission of bringing exceptional arts and cultural experiences to the Adirondack region.

Cece D’Amore
Production Manager

Cece D’Amore’s passion for music has been a driving force since they were young, playing bassoon in local bands and orchestras. After interning at CLMF, Cece switched schools to study music production. Now going into their last year at the Academy of Live Technology, with a degree in Live Experience Production, Cece is excited to be back at Caroga. Cece has had many great opportunities running sound and lights for live performances and festivals, and is looking forward to bringing that knowledge to the Caroga Lake Music Festival this year.

Jonathan Galle
Audio & Video Recording Engineer

An accomplished concert violinist and recording engineer from Seattle, Washington, Jonathan Galle is a go-to in the Denver area for audio recording. Jonathan began playing the violin at age four and achieved a bachelor’s degree in violin performance from the University of Colorado at Boulder.

While he greatly enjoys being onstage, Jonathan loves being “behind the glass” even more. Jonathan has worked with many award-winning artists to produce the recordings they want and the sound they need.

Casey Kirch
Facilities & Grounds Assistant

Casey recently moved to Caroga Lake after finding his dream off-grid cabin for sale during a family visit. He enjoys homesteading, reading and drawing with his dog and best buddy Brady and is excited to be a part of the CAC team and being involved in the Caroga Lake community.

Concetta Sager
Administrative Coordinator

Concetta and her husband, Richard, are long-time Johnstown residents and have two daughters and 4 grandchildren. She retired after a long career in telecommunications, holding numerous management and leadership roles throughout her tenure. She possesses a Business Administration Degree from FMCC, Bachelor of Professional Studies Degree and MBA from Empire State College. She is a Trustee for the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Johnstown, a volunteer at the Sunflower Shoppe and a member of the 100 Women Who Care organization.

Lorie Mott
Financial Administrator

Lorrie Mott began her love for music in the first grade while taking piano lessons. Being part of yearly classical piano competitions and taking on flute lessons only solidified that joy. She taught herself every instrument that her friends and family played and took a year of cello which turned out to be a favorite instrument. While her career went in another direction, music was always a focal point and it even helped her gain employment in the computer field due to the logic they knew came from a musical background. Lorrie retired from Eaton/Crouse-Hinds with a 23-year career in electronic data interchange and computer programming. A degree in Accounting brings her back to Caroga Arts as their Financial Administrator. She is a long-standing Caroga Arts volunteer and very excited about the future here at Sherman’s where she once enjoyed many Sundays as a child. Lorrie and her husband Bob have made Caroga their year-round home which they will enjoy with their three daughters and their families. She looks forward to making Sherman memories with their grandchildren who are now starting lessons this year in the SPACE program.

Deborah Barrett Price
Artistic Advisor

Violist Deborah Barrett Price is recognized throughout the country as an innovative pedagogue and versatile performer. She is the founder and artistic director of the Chamber Music Connection, Inc. (CMC), a nationally recognized program providing education, service and performance opportunities to students of all ages and skill levels. In recognition of her work as a chamber music entrepreneur, pedagogue, and performer, Debbie has received numerous awards, including the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center Award for Extraordinary Service to Chamber Music, the Alumni Achievement Award from Baldwin Wallace Conservatory and the Columbus Symphony Orchestra Community Educator of the Year. She has also received multiple nominations for the Ohio Governor’s Award for Arts Education and Arts Administration.

Hinano Price
Executive Advisor

Hinano (Hina) Price is the Vice President of Artistic Planning at Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC), where she oversees programming for SPAC’s resident companies – including The Philadelphia Orchestra, New York City Ballet, and Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center – as well as the Saratoga Jazz Festival and year-round performances in the Spa Little Theater.

Prior to joining SPAC, Hina spent nine seasons at Ravinia Festival, the oldest music festival in North America. She most recently served as Director of Programming, overseeing all classical programming and curating the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s six-week residency, in addition to performances in the Martin Theatre and Bennett Gordon Hall.

Earlier in her career, Hina worked with concert touring company Classical Movements and held seasonal positions with the National Symphony Orchestra at The Kennedy Center, Bravo! Vail Music Festival, and Overture Center for the Arts. Since 2015, she has played a key role in the growth of Caroga Arts Collective and the Caroga Lake Music Festival.

Born in Tokyo, Hina spent her childhood in Hong Kong, Singapore, and New York. A classically trained flutist, she has appeared as a concerto soloist at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall and holds a Bachelor of Music Performance from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She currently resides in Saratoga Springs, NY, with her husband, cellist Kyle Price.

Jadin Baron
Festival Management

Jadin Baron will be interning with the Caroga Arts Collective for the first time this summer. Born and raised in Malibu, California, she was fully immersed in music, chamber choir, and musical theatre for as long as she can remember. In 2019, her high school choir was given the opportunity to perform in the Harmonic Convergence Concert at Carnegie Hall, conducted by Dr. Eugene Rogers. She recently graduated with honors from Los Angeles Pierce College with an associate degree in Film, Television, and Electronic Media studies. She has won 4 different awards in regards to video and audio editing. While in school, she also worked on various music videos and short films as an actress as well as an assistant to the stunt coordinators. Recently, she has been working on producing her own music, as singing is one of her passions. Her work as a personal assistant to high profile clientele has enabled her to fine tune her editing, marketing, and photography skills, as well as opening doors for her to work alongside many colorful personalities. She loves nature, music, art, and community, and is looking forward to experiencing this wonderful music festival in the Adirondacks!

Addam Blackwood
Event Assistance Intern

Addam Blackwood is a senior at Scotia Glenville High School, where he plays guitar, performs with the school rock band Snatrat, and serves as a technician for the Drama Club. He plans to pursue a degree in Music Industry and Audio/Sound Engineering. Outside of music, Addam enjoys the outdoors — camping, hiking, and Scouts, where he is working toward earning the rank of Eagle Scout.

Ava Lesko
Festival Management Intern

Ava Lesko is a rising junior at Wesleyan University studying Music and Sociology with a minor in Film. She is heavily involved in Wesleyan’s music scene, being a member of several performing bands as a keyboardist, keytarist and singer. Ava also produces and records music, most recently creating a cast recording for an original campus musical. Originally from Cooperstown New York, Ava is excited to join the festival team and contribute her passion for live performance and the arts.

Kyson Orick
Festival Management Intern

Kyson Orick is a recent graduate of Capital University in Bexley, Ohio where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Industry with a minor in Emerging Media. Kyson is an avid gigging musician, teacher, and arts administrator based in Columbus, Ohio. In Columbus Kyson plays in big bands, operates a private teaching studio, and works at Chamber Music Connection. Kyson’s goal as an arts administrator is to bring music to those who have limited/no access so that they can experience its greatness and all of the benefits that come along with it.

Claire Mathews
Festival Management Intern

Claire Mathews is a rising senior at the University of Hartford pursuing a degree in Music Management with a cello emphasis. She works with the Hartt Community Division managing four large youth orchestras, including the Connecticut Youth Orchestra, coordinating weekly rehearsals and concerts. Claire currently serves as President and Head of the Live Events Department for Redtail Records, where she leads the planning and execution of live performances and artist events on campus. She also sings with the all female a cappella group, UHarmonies. Claire is a native of Frederick, Maryland and is so excited to join the team at Caroga Arts this summer!

Jacob Thompson
Audio-Visual & Lighting Intern

From the not-so-sunny shores of San Francisco, Jacob Thompson is a recent Computer Science graduate from the University of California, Merced and was the Team Lead for the school’s social media marketing team. He has had a fascination with technology and a love for the arts from a young age, working with cameras, microphones, editing and design software, and theatre tech. He has a deep appreciation of live music and is honored to be a part of the Caroga Arts team and help these musicians put on the best show for you.

Kim Hart, Marketing Liason

Kate Healey, Development Coordinator

Cassandra Lyons Querques, Branding & Design Consultant

Mary Grace Rohrs, Marketing & Communications Coordinator