Rebecca Simons is a professional violinist and private instructor local to Melbourne, FL. Mrs. Simons graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Florida State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Instrumental Music Education in 2008. While at FSU, Mrs. Simons studied violin with Eliot Chapo and string pedagogy with Dr. Michael Allen. After graduation, Mrs. Simons moved to Clearwater, where she taught Orchestra at Largo Middle School for 5 years before returning home to Brevard County. She spent 3 years teaching orchestra at Heritage High School before leaving public school teaching to be home with her first son. At that time, she directed her attention to developing her private studio and began training with the Suzuki Association of the Americas for which she is now certified through level three. Mrs. Simons maintains an active performance career in orchestras and small ensembles throughout Central and South Florida. Among her many and varied experiences, Mrs. Simons feels that her most important achievement is the continued nurturing of her four children: Graham (8), Logan (5), Vera (2), and Jake (10 months).
Catherine (Cat) Maida is an artist and photographer who was born and raised in Staten Island, New York. Attending Drew University in Madison, New Jersey, she graduated with a BFA in Media and Communications as well as Studio Art and Photography. Cat has a strong background in video and audio production, and can seamlessly integrate her creative skills with her software skills and marketing knowledge as the Communications and Marketing Director at the BSO. She was awarded the Stanley Prescott Hooper Memorial Prize in Studio Art by her university in 2024, which is presented to the student who demonstrates the highest potential, promise, and integrity in studio art. She continues to develop her practice as an independent artist outside of the BSO. When Cat is not in the office, you can find her working on her paintings or enjoying live music!
Years with the BSO: 5
Diane is a Pittsburgh-area native (go Steelers!) with degrees in Piano Performance, Music Education and Music History/Literature. Began playing clarinet/bass clarinet with community ensembles in high school, and has had the opportunity to sub with the Sarasota Orchestra and Chattanooga Symphony Orchestra. She also brings administrative experience from Sarasota and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. She considers herself a coffee connoisseur and LOVES to read – favorite genres: horror/supernatural and sci-fi; favorite authors include Stephen King and Iain M. Banks. Currently she can be seen around Brevard playing keyboard for the Band of the Bay and occasionally sitting in with the Space Coast Jazz Band.
Patrick Phillips is a professional French Hornist and private teacher in Satellite Beach, FL. Patrick graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Instrumental Education in 2010. He studied horn with Michelle Stebleton and conducting with Patrick Dunnigan and Richard Clary. After graduating, he taught band and orchestra at St Petersburg High School for 3 years and then at Satellite High School for 10 years. He left the classroom in 2023 to be home with his kids and dedicate time to freelancing and private teaching. In addition to being a full-time performer with the Brevard Symphony, Patrick performs with several groups around Central and South Florida. Patrick is a proud father and Satellite Beach local. He is often seen around his beloved beach-town with his wife Ashley and their three children: Rose, Lily, and Billy.
Adriana Stenvik began her musical journey at a young age in the Vero Beach community. She studied music performance at the University of Central Florida with Melissa Kraut on cello and later received a Master of Arts in music. Adriana is currently the professor of Cello and Bass at FIT. As a freelance cellist, Adriana performs regularly with the Brevard Symphony and Walt Disney World Orchestras as well as many other professional entertainment companies around central and south Florida. She has shared the stage with Duran-Duran, Andrea Bocelli, Sting, Rod Stewart, Kelly Clarkson, Joshua Bell, Johnny Mathis, and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra among others. Adriana has worked as a freelance librarian for over a decade and is excited to join the BSO Artistic Staff. She currently resides in Vero Beach with her husband and two sons and teaches cello, violin, viola and bass privately at home.
