*Tim Gotwald, flute instructor, CVSM Community Symphonic Band director

Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Susquehanna University, Master of Music Education and Music Performance from Shenandoah University.  Tim is a founding board member of CVSM. He taught in the Chambersburg Area School District music department for 37 years and has performed with various local organizations.

*Herm Hopple, string & electric bass instructor, CVSM Community String Orchestra director

Teaching Artist Statement:

I love the bass!  Providing the “bottom” in ensembles is an experience that always thrills me.  The sound of the bass is powerful and exciting and I delight in passing the skills of bass playing on to students of all ages and accomplishment.

Teaching Bio:

Herm Hopple has been providing double bass and electric bass instruction at CVSM since 1999.  He received his B.S. Mu. Ed. degree at Susquehanna University and his Masters in Mu. Ed. from Penn State.  As a former public school string teacher and orchestra director, Herm has experience with differing levels of ability and enjoys working with all ages – incorporating both note and rote techniques in his instruction.  Herm is a member of PMEA (Pennsylvania Music Education Association).

Performance Bio:

B.S. Mu. Ed. Susquehanna University, M. Mu. Ed. Penn State University. Central Pennsylvania native, Herm Hopple has played double bass with the Potomac Symphony, the Gettysburg College-Community Orchestra, and served many years as principal bass with the Shippensburg College-Community Orchestra.  Herm is the current and founding director of the CVSM String Orchestra, and is also well known as the electric bassist with the CVSM Concert Jazz Band and the CVSM Jazz Quartet.

*Rochelle Kniss, Treble Makers (Chambersburg) Director

Teaching statement:  I love working with children’s choirs.   It is important work to introduce quality repertoire for students in a voice range that is made for their young voices.  Choir is all about teamwork, working hard towards a goal of learning a song and having a lot of fun along the way.  Choir is a place to find one’s voice, to learn self control, and while doing this having a much needed break from technology.  

Bio:  A graduate of Lebanon Valley College, BS in music education with a concentration in piano and further studies in Suzuki piano training and Dalcroze Eurhythmics.  Suzuki piano instructor, former K-8 music teacher at New Danville Mennonite School in Lancaster County, PA  and recently taught PreK-5th grade general music, weekly choirs (up to 120 students) and HS ensemble accompanist 2006-2023 at Shalom Christian Academy, former Cumberbunds accompanist for CVSM 2005-2013.  

Performance Bio:  Accompanist for Shippensburg University Choir since 2017, Worship Minister at Marion Mennonite Church 

*Patrick McNamee, clarinet instructor, New Horizons Band director

B.S. Mu. Ed. Clarion University.  Retired Director of the High School Band for the Waynesboro Area School District and previously at Scotland School for Veterans Children.  Performance experience includes soloist for church & other community events, and playing for various musicals in the pit orchestra.

*Jeffrey Noll, piano instructor, & Voice and Drama Camp director

Bachelor of Sacred Music, Baptist Bible College.  Further study at Towson State, Md.  Accompanist for many area instrumental and vocal soloists.  Served as musical director for various children’s musical productions at CVSM and is the Minister of Music at Hagerstown Bible Church.

*Deborah Stotelmyer, violin, viola, & New Horizons String ensemble instructor

Teaching Statement

I believe in teaching the ‘whole’ person, because  a student is more than just technique and musicality, they are growing individuals who want to play the instrument for various reasons. I believe in playing for personal enjoyment while honing skills to the highest level to which each student is capable, but I also endeavor to coach students on the discipline necessary for achievement of any goal, and encourage each student to reach farther than they think they are capable. I believe in helping students believe in themselves while understanding the process necessary for reaching their desired goals. I  understand that most students are not interested in a career, but I do encourage those that have the ability to consider it, and I believe everyone benefits from playing as well as their ability allows. I am as comfortable with a 70+ senior adult and 4 yr old beginner as I am with high school aged and middle school aged students.

Teaching Bio

B.S. Mu. Ed, Frostburg State College. I have studied with John Eaken of the Eaken Trio, William Haratounian of the National Symphony, Norman Nunamaker formerly at Gettysburg College, and have received coaching from Elizabeth Adkins, retired Associate Concertmaster of National Symphony. My former students have auditioned and been selected for MD, PA, and WV All-State Orchestras, PA Central District and Regional Orchestras, the National Symphony’s  Orchestra Institute and Interlochen Summer Institute, in addition to Merit Scholarship winners at Cumberland Valley School of Music. In addition to teaching for Cumberland Valley School of Music at Waynesboro and Wilson College in Chambersburg, I am also employed by Hagerstown Community College, where I teach individual lessons and string ensemble class.

Performance Bio

I am currently the Concertmaster for Mercersburg Community Chorus/Orchestra. I played with the MD Symphony Orchestra  for 22 years, 20 of which I was Associate Principal 2nd Violin. I am the former Concertmaster of Millbrook Orchestra and Frederick Community Orchestra. Recently (Spring 2012) I was Concertmaster for Shippensburg University Orchestra.