04/28/2026
MEET: Debbie Komosinski. Debbie taught at both Iroquois and Akron Central Schools where she tripled the beginning music program enrollment. Throughout her 34-year career, Debbie taught Elementary Band and Orchestra at all three levels. She retired three years ago, but continues to sub because of her love of teaching music. Mrs. Komosinski received many awards during her teaching career. She was chosen for “Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers” in 2008. She also received WBEN’s “Educator of the Week” award in 2007 and the BPO/ECMEA Award for Excellence in Music Education in 2012. As a performer, she has played flute in the Amherst Symphony Orchestra, Sikora Post Legion Band, and the Erie County Wind Ensemble. She is currently in her 31st year as Principal flautist in the Cheektowaga Symphony Orchestra.
MEET Joan Ricca. Joan taught music at Nardin Academy for 40 years. During those years Joan began the instrumental music program at both the elementary and high school levels. She also directed the high school musicals for 30 of those years. Joan is a retired member of ECMEA, NYSSMA, and MENC. Joan is enjoying her retirement performing with the Cheektowaga Symphony, the Erie County Wind Ensemble, and ensembles with dear friends.
MEET Melinda Easter. A native of WNY, Melinda graduated from Baldwin Wallace College Conservatory of Music with a bachelor’s degree in Music Education, and taught music for almost forty years in the Sweet Home Central School District. Under her direction, the middle school bands consistently earned Gold NYSSMA ratings. Melinda is an active member of Wednesday Morning Musicale. She has performed in the Cheektowaga Community Symphony Orchestra, American Legion Band, Erie County Wind Ensemble, Opera Sacra, Clarence Summer Orchestra, and Young Audiences of Western New York and has adjudicated at numerous solo festivals. In addition to her music, Melinda has also served as secretary on the Board of Directors of the Academy for Human Rights and was recently inducted into Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity.
Meet Terri Izzo. Terri is a resident of Williamsville, and an Amherst Chamber Orchestra Flutist who has also performed with the Cheektowaga and Amherst Orchestras, Peoria and Springfield Symphonies in Illinois, the Philippine-American Chamber Orchestra in Virginia Beach, and the Erie County Wind Ensemble and Hamburg Village Band. She received her Bachelor's degree in Flute Performance and Music Education and Master's degree in Flute Performance in Illinois where she began her career as a professional flutist and music educator. She enjoyed her family's musical lifestyle with her late husband, Christopher, a Music Professor and Conductor, and daughters Nicole and Gina who are both professional musicians and performers today. Terri taught music for the Bloomington, IL and Virginia Beach, VA School Districts, and upon settling in Western NY with her family served as an Instrumental Music Teacher and District Music Coordinator for the West Seneca CSD. She also maintained an active private studio of talented music students through the years. Terri enjoys playing with the Amherst Chamber Orchestra is is honored to perform with her fellow flute musicians and friends for the Amherst Chamber Ensemble Series
Debbie, Joan, Melinda and Terri will be performing Kuhlau's Grand Quartet in E Minor Op. 103 for Four Flutes at ACE's upcoming Chamber concert on Sunday May 17, 2026 at 3pm.
We look forward to seeing you there!
