Meet our team

Ian Mitchell graduated from The University of Central Missouri with a bachelor’s degree in music performance and went on to graduate from the UMKC Conservatory with a master's in music theory. While studying at UCM, Ian served as the concertmaster of the UCM Orchestra, played in the UCM
Jazz-Rock Combo Ensemble, and was the American String Teacher’s Association Chapter president. At UMKC, Ian taught an introduction to music theory course and worked as a tutor and substitute professor through the graduate teaching assistant program.

Ian continues to perform with various local ensembles and bands while teaching as an elementary strings public school teacher. After working as a Sprouts teacher for three years, Ian worked to found Seedling Strings to preserve the Sprouts program and its mission to deliver quality affordable early music education.

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Violinist Matthew Bennett is a founding member of the Fountain City String Quartet which performs throughout the region broadening the audience base for classical music. Matthew is also a member of the Monarch String Ensemble in residence at Finley Farms in Ozark, MO. Matthew has been a member of orchestras in the US, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland and has premiered works for violin by the L.A. based composer, Joshua Peterson and Grammy-winning composer, Michael Colina in New York City.

As a chamber musician, Matthew has collaborated with Owen/Cox Dance Group, Kansas City Chorale, the Lyric Opera of KC, New Ear Contemporary Chamber Ensemble, Black House Collective, Kansas City Baroque Consortium, and Spire Chamber Ensemble. Performing recitals has brought Matthew to the stages of Morse Concert Hall at Juilliard, Mannes, Art in the Loop KC, The Lied Center, as well as local concert series. Matthew has been the concertmaster for musical theater productions at Starlight, the Kansas City Music Hall, New Theater Restaurant, the Kauffman Center, and Musical Theater Heritage.

Aidan Sarmiento is a Kansas City–based musician, actor, and educator. He holds a BFA in Musical Theatre and a BA in Music from Drake University, where his interdisciplinary training strengthened both performance and pedagogy. Aidan teaches piano, voice, and strings with Bach to Rock and Lessons in Your Home, and he recently earned his substitute teaching certificate from the Missouri Department of Elementary & Secondary Education.

As a performer, he collaborates with local artists, plays for senior living homes, and has appeared in new musical works through a Heartland Arts residency exploring infrastructure and sustainability in local politics. He is passionate about the unexpected connections that arise from engaging with diverse communities and thrives on the creative synergy of collaboration.

Victor Diaz is a Colombian violist and educator pursuing his Master’s degree at the International Center for Music at Park University, where he has also completed his Artist Diploma. He has performed with the Orchestra of the Americas, Mahler Chamber Orchestra Academy, and the Sphinx Organization - receiving an Honorable Mention in the 2024 Sphinx Competition. Victor has subbed with the Kansas City Symphony, reached the super-finals of several professional auditions, and won positions with the Wichita, Des Moines, and Topeka symphonies. He is currently a fellow with the Orchestra and Conducting Academy at the Aspen Music Festival.