Our Support Staff
Adrian Walker
Adrian Walker, violinist, serves as concertmaster of the Fox Theater Orchestra. Other concertmaster positions have included the Ballet Orchestra of St. Louis, the Bach Society of St. Louis, the Saint Louis Philharmonic, Masterworks Chorale Orchestra, the Belleville Philharmonic, the University City Symphony, the Gateway Festival Orchestra, and the Union Avenue Opera Orchestra. He has also performed as a replacement violinist with the Saint Louis Symphony orchestra, after completing the New York Philharmonic Fellowship Program with SLSO. He toured nationally with the Broadway show "An American in Paris". Walker received his B.M. Degree in violin Performance from the Eastman School of Music and attended Southern Illinois University Edwardsville for graduate courses. He currently teaches strings at Carr Lane Visual and Performing Arts Middle School, and has taught at the Interlochen Arts Camp.
Program Coordinator
Exploring and developing musical skills and talents is a big part of Jessica Little's love of teaching. She is the Music Director for Coulee Christian Schools in western Wisconsin and has dedicated ten years to Music Education. Beginning in 2006, as a Jennings High School senior, she volunteered under the elementary band instructor as a mentor to the students. She witnessed music's impact on the students and the instructor during the rehearsals and concerts, which led her to pursue an education and career in teaching music. Before moving to Wisconsin, 8 of Jessica's teaching years were spent in St. Louis public schools. She has initiated and developed instrumental programs, choral ensembles, and a General Music curriculum throughout her years in St. Louis and Wisconsin.
Little has played the clarinet for over 20 years in band, ensemble, and solo settings. She graduated from Claflin University in Orangeburg, South Carolina, in May 2013 with a bachelor's of Arts in Music Education, which provided her with education in various instruments to the intermediate level. She has also received Level IV certification in Choral Music Experience and training in the Classical Guitar curriculum.
After earning her BA, Jessica successfully pursued a Master of Public Policy Administration and a certificate of Nonprofit Management Leadership from the University of Missouri-Saint Louis. During her undergraduate years and first year of teaching, Jessica felt the push to look into Nonprofit Management for writing grants and organization administrative skills. She plans to use her music background and public policy and nonprofit management knowledge to enhance the Gateway Music Outreach. As an administrator and educator, she is honored to be part of the team.
Davin Rubicz
Cellist and educator Davin Rubicz began his studies in early childhood with the Suzuki method. After attending intensive summer music programs like the Indiana String Academy, ENCORE School for Strings, and Music Academy of the West, he went to the Cleveland Institute of Music and Rice University, studying with Richard Aaron and Norman Fischer and completing a BM and MM in cello performance. During college, he spent his summers at the Spoleto Music Festival (Italy), Taos School of Music, and Aspen Music Festival.
As a performer, Davin held section cello positions with the Kansas City Symphony, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra, and has also played with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He has been featured on concert series such as LaJolla SummerFest, Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival, Missouri Chamber Music Festival, Ariel Concert Series, Chamber Music Society of Saint Louis, and the Pulitzer Arts Foundation Series.
As an educator, Davin has a cello studio in St. Louis and has held teaching positions in the preparatory departments at the Cleveland Institute of Music and Rice University. He was on faculty at the Mercer School of Music, the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Suzuki program, and has also been invited to teach Richard Aaron's studio at the University of Michigan. He was the Artistic Director of the Prep Program at the Community Music School of Webster University, coordinating chamber music groups and coaching advanced high school classical musicians in the greater Saint Louis area before his most recent appointment as Director of Education for the Chamber Music Society of Saint Louis.
Outside of music, Davin enjoys practicing yoga, growing vegetables, and riding his electric unicycle.
Erica Wilson
Erika N. Wilson is a native of St. Louis and a prime example of the benefits of an equitable arts education accompanied by innovative opportunities.
As a proud Normandy graduate (class of 2003), she experienced a second-to-none arts education through the fine arts department of her beloved alma mater. There, she was introduced to the Cameron Youth Chamber Orchestra, a training ground for African American youth string players. Wilson was enveloped in a true Classical music-cultural training community from the eighth grade until well after she graduated from college.
Wilson intended to study music business to become an A&R but soon found her true love in the communications department, where she maintained her orchestra seat and scholarship until graduation, a well-placed strategy for an out-of-state student who was nurturing new talents outside of violin.
Wilson returned to St. Louis with a degree in tow and began her adult life as a committed advocate for the arts. After graduation, Wilson continued her community work from college as the Manager of Community Engagement for the Griot Museum of Black History and Culture, which led her into the Community Liaison role that began her advocacy journey with Urban Strategies Inc., a national nonprofit leader in equity-driven strategies for children, families and, communities experiencing large-scale revitalization. She currently serves as their Vice President of Communications and Marketing.
As a creative entrepreneur, Erika, along with her husband Darryl, co-owns several businesses. These include The Wilson Group LLC, a certified MBE creative consulting company featuring small-batch handmade candles and workshops, and Honor with Strings, which provides affordable private Violin instruction. Wilson also serves with Gateway Music Outreach, a local nonprofit creating partnerships to bring music instruction and other artistic services to underserved communities. In addition to her entrepreneurial ventures, Erika proudly served as the Board Chair of St. Louis ArtWorks, a 2016 National Arts and Humanities Youth Program awardee from 2016 - 2023. Her leadership at St. Louis ArtWorks is a testament to her ability to drive change and empower youth through premier arts education and apprenticeships within the region.
Erika's academic journey is a testament to her commitment to learning and growth. She earned her bachelor's in public relations/ journalism from Indiana State, a master's in management from Fontbonne, and a Diversity and Inclusion certificate from eCornell. This diverse educational background reflects her dedication to understanding and promoting equitable arts education and performance representation in St. Louis, and beyond.
Michelle Davidson
Michelle Davidson is a violinist and violist with over 40 years of experience as a performer and educator. She holds a Master of Music degree in Viola Performance from the University of Oregon and a Bachelor of Music degree from the St. Louis Conservatory of Music. Michelle is a Registered Suzuki Teacher with the Suzuki Association of the Americas, having completed training in Books 1-5 for both violin and viola.
Michelle's teaching career spans over two decades and includes positions at the Suzuki School of the Arts, the University of Oregon Community Music School, and various institutes and programs in the United States. She currently serves as a Teaching Artist for the Youth Orchestra Los Angeles (YOLA) program, where she works with students at the Camino Nuevo Charter Academy and the YOLA Beckmann Center.
In addition to her teaching and administrative roles, Michelle maintains an active performing career. She has been a member of numerous orchestras and ensembles, including the Western Piedmont Symphony Orchestra, Oregon Mozart Players, Eugene Opera Orchestra, Eugene Symphony Orchestra, St. Louis MUNY Orchestra, and St. Louis Fox Theatre.
Michelle is also committed to service and leadership within the music education community. She served on the Board of Directors for the Suzuki School of the Arts in Hickory, NC, from 2010-2012.