Our Brass Studio

Peyton Kueltzo is a trumpet and piano player from Minooka, Illinois. She is currently an undergraduate in Music Education and Trumpet performance major at Illinois State University. During her studies at ISU, she has performed in Wind Symphony, Symphonic Winds, the Big Red Marching Machine, as well as the Symphony Orchestra.

Peyton started her musical journey when she was 9 years old, with the piano. She was trained in many diverse types of music and has played piano in ensembles such as jazz bands and pit orchestras gaining experience in these different genres. Peyton has been playing trumpet since she was 10 years old. She has played in various ensembles throughout her career from jazz, chamber, orchestral, and wind ensemble. She currently plays in the Trumpet Studio at Illinois State University under the direction of Dr. Anne McNamara and Joshua Mobley. Peyton has collaborated with wonderful teachers in the past such as Mark Ponzo (trumpet) and Evan Rea (piano). 

Peyton is excited to teach at Hip Cat Music School and looks forward to sharing her passion for music with students in the community. She believes that music is an important part of a child’s education and is eager to help them learn and succeed. 

Caleb Baca is a French horn player from Normal, Illinois. He is currently pursuing a degree in Music Education at Illinois State University. While at Illinois State he has performed with the Symphonic Band, Symphonic Winds, and the Big Red Marching Machine. He also had the opportunity to perform in the world premiere of “Shuffle”, written by Ty Bloomfield, an Illinois State Graduate. Caleb has also been featured as a soloist with the Big Red Marching Machine. He is now working with Dr. Rachel Hockenberry in her horn studio at ISU.

While French horn is his main instrument, Caleb is also a talented classical guitarist and trumpet player. He spent time playing in his school’s concert band as well as their jazz band.

Caleb performs in a variety of styles to help explore new avenues of expression. When not teaching and performing he still enjoys playing classical guitar in his free time.

Caleb is excited to work with the next generation of musicians. He looks forward to working with students of all ages and abilities and helping them grow as musicians.

Graham Miller is a trombonist and pianist from Plainfield, Illinois. He is currently studying music education at Illinois State University with their Presidential Scholarship and has held leadership roles playing trombone in ensembles including the ISU Wind Symphony, Symphony Orchestra, Symphonic Winds, Jazz Ensemble I, and Big Red Marching Machine. He is also a piano accompanist and performs frequently in the Bloomington-Normal area at church services, vocal recitals, and concerts with the Hip Cat Children’s Choir.

Graham’s passion for music education doesn’t just stem from his love of musical expression; it’s a deeply rooted desire to instill that love in others. Music is a beautiful tool for immense personal development, and Graham’s philosophy is built on that fact. As a middle school band camp counselor, high school marching band tech, and private lesson teacher for several years, he has emphasized the development of his students’ creative thinking, problem solving, self-esteem, social skills, teamwork and work ethic through effective musical pedagogy. His students aren’t just better musicians at the end of the day, but better people. 

Outside of his life as a player and teacher, Graham sings in the University Glee choir at ISU, and he’s a member of the music education club. He also has experience as a composer and freelance arranger.