Vandeventer Middle School Orchestra
Vandeventer Orchestra Directors
Mr. Jonathan Roane
Director
roanej@friscoisd.org
Jonathan Roane was born in Uruguay, South America, and moved to Houston, Texas, where began playing the violin in 6th grade. During his high school years, he was part of orchestras that performed at the Midwest Clinic and were named Grand Champions at the ASTA national orchestra festival.
Mr. Roane graduated from The Ohio State University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Music Education, and from the University of North Texas in 2022 with a Master of Music Education. While in school, he studied string pedagogy with renowned pedagogue and author Dr. Robert Gillespie, violin with Dr. Kia-Hui Tan, and orchestral conducting with David Becker and David Itkin.
In 2018, Mr. Roane was the inaugural orchestra director at West Lake Middle School, in Humble ISD, and grew the program to the point of hiring an assistant director. Under his direction for six years, West Lake became one of the premier middle school orchestra programs in the district and region, with groups earning sweepstakes at UIL evaluations each year, and including being named finalists in the Anne C. Roberts Houston Cup competition.
This fall, Mr. Roane will start coursework for a doctoral degree in music education from Boston University. He is an active member of the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Music Adjudicators Association, Texas Orchestra Directors Association, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.
Mr. Roane lives in Plano and enjoys reading, cooking, playing board games, and spending time with his fiancée Heather.
Mr. Paul Schmaus
Director
Mr. Paul Schmaus was born in Syracuse, New York, but was raised in Orlando, Florida. He is from a musical family, going back many generations. His paternal grandparents played violin and piano for Vaudeville shows and silent movies, and his maternal grandparents were Appalachian folk musicians. His father is a retired, nationally recognized band director, and his mother is a retired opera singer, both on their 80s and still living in Orlando. He has one older brother, who taught him the guitar when he was six. Mr. Schmaus' niece is a model for Vogue, and his two nephews are accomplished drummers.
Mr. Schmaus graduated from the University of North Texas in 1998, holding a Bachelor’s of Music Performance on Double-Bass, and Certification in Music Education, with a minor in Jazz Studies. While attending UNT, he was fortunate enough to briefly study with Professor Jeff Bradetich just before graduation. During his college years, Mr. Schmaus also spent two weeks as an Artist in Residence at the Atlantic Center for the Arts in New Smyrna Beach, Florida under Avant Garde violinist/composer Leroy Jenkins.
Mr. Schmaus has worked with various recording artists from Dallas over 20 years as a session bassist, guitarist, singer, songwriter on many recordings, and, was nominated for a Grammy in 1995. Following graduation, Mr. Schmaus worked in the computer software sales industry for a few years before going into teaching. He has previously taught for Dallas ISD as an Orchestra Director, Class Piano, and Guitar Instructor, and has been a Private Bass Instructor for McKinney ISD. This is his sixth year at Vandeventer MS years, winning Sweepstakes at Region 24 UIL Concert & Sight-Reading Contests all six years, First Division and "Outstanding MS Orchestra of the Day" titles at Peak Festivals, and Division 1 at Pride of Texas Festivals.
Mr. Schmaus also gigs regularly in the tri-state area. His time away from Vandeventer is spent golfing, exercising/CrossFit, doing yoga, meditation, road cycling, swimming, attending concerts, and archery. Other interests and activities include: dining, long road trips, visiting museums, reading, watching movies, and participating in activities raising money for Service Dog charities, animal rescues, and shelters.
His favorite sports teams to watch include: FC Dallas, the Dallas Stars, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Tampa Bay Rays, Orlando City FC, the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Green Bay Packers and anyone playing rugby.
He lives in Frisco with his dogs, Maggie and Louie, and has been a resident of Frisco 18 years and a resident of Texas over 25 years.
Ms. Megan Li
Harp Instructor
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Ms. Li received her harp training at The Cleveland Institute of Music where she studied under renowned harp soloist Yolanda Kondonassis. She earned both a Bachelor of Music and a Master of Music degree in Harp Performance. In addition, Ms. Li furthered her ensemble experience by attending many prestigious summer festivals including the Tanglewood Music Festival, Round Top Festival Institute, Eastern Music Festival, Sewanee Summer Music Festival and the Monteux School and Music Festival. Ms. Li was also honored to be one of the last harpists to spend the summer studying with legendary harp teacher Alice Chalifoux at the Camden Harp Colony.
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Since moving to the Dallas/Fort Worth area, Ms. Li has performed with many local orchestras including the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, Irving Symphony Orchestra, Plano Symphony Orchestra, and Abilene Philharmonic, among others. She is also an avid chamber musician and enjoys playing harp and violin duets with her husband, Steven Li, who is a member of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra.
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Ms. Li has a passion for teaching and has enjoyed helping her students achieve top ratings in Texas State Solo and Ensemble contests as well as be selected for All-State Orchestra. When she is not playing the harp or teaching, she enjoys spending time with her daughter Charissa, playing the ukulele, singing, reading, skiing, and hiking.