Ashley has a passion for music and the powerful effect it has on the brain. She has been playing the trombone for over 15 years. She attended WSU where she played in the Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, Orchestra, Symphonic Band, Marching Band, and Pep Band. She loves to travel and was able to go with the WSU Orchestra on two study abroad programs to Spain and Hawaii. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Music with a Minor in Psychology. Ashley first played with Skyward Symphony when it was founded back in 2018. Her other hobbies include hunting, fishing, hiking (basically anything outdoors), and is enthusiastic about environmental stewardship and wildlife conservation.

Brittney discovered her love of music in the 3rd grade when an after school music program introduced her to the violin. She's been hooked ever since. Brittney enjoyed teaching violin lessons throughout high school. She helped teach elementary school children in the “Strings For Kids” after school program. Brittney graduated from Utah State University with a Bachelor of Science in Operations Management. She worked in Dallas, Texas for several years and completed her MBA from Texas A&M. She is the Continuous Improvement Manager at JBT in Ogden. She enjoys spending time with her husband and their two dogs.

Jonathan is an attorney at the law firm of Christensen & Jensen. Many consider him a lawyer who happens to be a musician. However, he considers himself a musician who happens to practice law. Originally a student of music at the University of Utah, Jonathan switched focus to business and then law. He attended Saint Louis University, where he studied his current specialty of criminal defense and death penalty law. However, his dream of standing in front of an orchestra never died. In 2018, thanks to the dedication and talent of a very special group of musicians, he was able to take the baton as director of Skyward. Jonathan is married to his sweetheart Tara, whom he credits as being the most patient woman in the world, and without whom the dream could not exist. They are the parents of two daughters—both on musical journeys of their own. McKenzie, Jonathan's oldest daughter, plays cello at Skyward and is the youngest musician in the orchestra. Ella, Jonathan's youngest daughter, is a stage actress and studies at the Centerpoint Academy in Centerville, Utah. When speaking of Skyward Symphony, Jonathan is always quick to acknowledge that the orchestra belongs to the musicians and, most importantly, the community that supports them. He sincerely appreciates the hard work and dedication of all involved and looks forward to many more years of making music with this amazing orchestra.

MaryAnn has been involved with music since the ripe old age of 10! She chose the clarinet in 5th grade, and was inspired by her band teacher to push herself to play the best she could. Ever since, she has diligently worked to be first chair in every band and orchestra she has performed with. In the Weber State Marching Band, MaryAnn was Drum Major for 3 years. She has been the clarinet section leader for many ensembles, including the Weber State Band and several All State groups. She serves as both the clarinet section leader and Associate Director of the Skyward Symphony. Music is a huge part of MaryAnn's life, and one of her many passions. It led her to the love of her life, whom is also a member of the Skyward Symphony! They love spending time together playing music. MaryAnn also loves to hike, read, raise her two children, and walk her dogs. MaryAnn has a Bachelor of Integrated Studies in Music, Mathematics, and Psychology from Weber State. She taught Mathematics at Sunset Junior High, but is now their Canvas specialist. She dreams of becoming a Veterinarian and is working on getting into school for that.

Nick Jones joined Skyward as its Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer in 2018. Nick has a Bachelor's degree in Economics from Brigham Young University. He began his financial career in 2007 when he joined Peregrine Accounting & Consulting, LLC of Farmington, Utah. During his time at Peregrine, Nick provided accounting services for various private and public companies. He has deep expertise in all EDGAR reporting requirements. He also specializes in business valuation and audit preparation for public companies. He has served on the board of directors of several private and publicly-owned companies. In addition to Skyward, Nick is CFO of: Solar Integrated Roofing Corporation (SIRC) Bnet Media Group, Inc. Waste Tyre Solutions, Inc. Xeco Energy Corporation GP Solutions, Inc. Nick was instrumental in securing Skyward’s status as a non-profit organization and continues to lend his expertise to the management and financial health of the symphony.

Sarah started playing the violin at the age of 10. She is a graduate of Snow College, holding a Bachelor of Commercial Music with an emphasis on violin performance (part of the second graduating class of a newly-developed program). As a student she soloed with Kansas, Kurt Bestor, Nathan Pacheco, and many others. She is currently working on a Masters of Music Technology from Southern Utah University, expecting to graduate this summer. She has learned a great deal about recording, live sound, and the business of music from both degrees. She currently plays for several groups, including: Skyward Symphony (as founding member, Concertmaster, and board member) New American Philharmonic (with her parents) StringFX (Formerly Salt Lake String Quartet) Black-Tie String Quartet and Booking Agency Sarah is passionate about sharing the beauty of music and teaches private lessons to as many as 34 students every week! She strives to teach her students how music helps us learn about ourselves, and who we can become through hard work and dedication. She challenges each individual student to become the best they can be but also have fun while doing it. Skyward Symphony proudly and frequently features her virtuoso talent!

Sean Topham is a board member.

Shelby Moyes Batis is the Oboe and English Horn section leader for Skyward Symphony. She graduated with her Oboe/English Horn Performance Minor from Weber State University.

Alexis has played the clarinet since junior high school. Performing music for others has been a lifelong passion of hers. She is currently attending Weber State University. Symphony members may contact Alexis at alexis@skywardsymphony.org with any questions regarding our scores and sheet music.

Katherine is the violist gone rogue as the videographer for Skyward Symphony. Her studies at university lead her all the way from Physics to Communication, where she studied Digital Media. She graduated with her Bachelor's Degree in Spring 2023 and now inhabits the media realm as a videographer. She works mainly on commercial and short film sets in Utah with the goal to become a full-time cinematographer and director. Katherine also dabbles in acting and music production and enjoys time spent playing and recording viola and piano.

Melissa Hansen is Skyward Symphony's saxophone section leader. She was taught piano by her mom at an early age and then learned the clarinet in junior high. She moved to saxophone in 9th grade to be involved with the jazz band. After high school the saxophone was only pulled out on special occasions. In 2016 she joined the Golden Years band and regained her love of playing with a band and performing for the community. She was thrilled to be a founding member of Harmonic Winds of Utah in 2022 and equally excited to discover Skyward Symphony in 2023. Recently, she has enjoyed learning music transposition and harmonization. Music is not just a passion for Melissa; it has led to improved mental health and self-esteem. She plays soprano, alto, and tenor saxophone and clarinet with the different groups she performs with. Melissa has a background in Chemical Engineer and worked as a senior scientist for a nutraceutical company for 15 years before stepping back and taking some time with her family. She enjoyed several years of teaching math and English at her daughter’s elementary school and then in 2014, she co-founded a non-profit organization where she is Executive Director. She loves to read and do all kinds of sewing projects. Melissa married her love, Josh, in 1994 and they have 3 grown kiddos and 3 amazing grandkids.