Marina Fogarty
General Manager
Marina has loved music since before she was born. It started with the last Grateful Dead tour with Jerry Garcia while her mom was pregnant with her! She has always been passionate about live music and directly involved in stage production for electronic music shows starting at age 15! Some of her favorite artists include Janis Joplin, Johnny Hobo, Lil Peep, Pink Floyd, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Zeppelin, and more! She brings a versed background in music, management, retail and food service, and is stoked to be a part of our team!
Walker Destroismaisons
Music Director, Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Assistant Manager
Walker has been playing music for 19 years, starting out on alto saxophone at age 11before picking up guitar at 13. An avid musician throughout high-school, Walker then pursued music professionally, graduating from the University of New Haven with a bachelor’s degree in music and sound recording in 2014. While attending, he also took private guitar instruction from Nick Nasko, as well as performed with the UNH Jazz Band on both guitar and saxophone. He has played in numerous rock bands around the New Haven area and is currently performing regularly with original bands Strawberry Cheesesteak and Hatfield, as well as shoreline cover band Covergirl. Walker has also worked as a professional live sound engineer since 2016, as well as written and recorded several solo projects over the years.
Gleeson Edwards
Studio Coordinator, Vocal Teacher
From a young age, Gleeson always knew she wanted to be surrounded by music. Singing became a big part of her life, joining choir and audition only groups throughout grade school. Writing has always been an important outlet for Gleeson, which transformed itself from poetry to writing song lyrics. She studied music at Southern Connecticut State University and graduated with her bachelors degree and an award for excellence in musical performance in 2021. Gleeson was vocally trained in classical, musical theater and jazz. She also sang lead vocals for blues, jazz standards and Latin jazz ensembles in college, which performed twice each semester. She performed in the New Haven Festival for Arts and Ideas the summer after graduating and continues to expand and explore her musical abilities with solo projects, learning new instruments and collaborations with other talented musicians. Gleeson is excited to bring her music theory knowledge, musicianship and enthusiasm to School of Rock!
JAKE HUFFMAN
Drum Teacher, Singing Teacher
At the age of 14, multi-instrumentalist and producer Jake Huffman began his musical journey while traveling up and down the east coast with his rock band, McLovins. Jake’s band shared the stage with acts such as Blink-182, Jack White, BB King, and The Flaming Lips. In 2010, Rolling Stone described his band as “having the ability to harness the musical ferocity of Trey Anastasio, Les Claypool and Stewart Copeland before being able to legally drive a car.” Meanwhile on television, Jake left an imprint as a composer and lyricist for Sesame Street, writing dozens of songs for artists like Ed Sheeran and Leon Bridges. He also did a stint leading the house band on ESPN2’s Sports-Nation for a season. On stage, Jake goes from drums to keys to guitar all while communicating to an audience with deeply personal lyrics and stony vocals.
CHRISTIAN SACCO
Bass Guitar Teacher
Christian S. started performing as a clarinet player in his middle school concert band. He began studying bass as a student at School of Rock Madison when he was 16. He remained in the student program for 2 years while also taking part in other musical endeavors such as his high school rock ensemble. In 2020, Christian took up a music studies major in Manchester Community College, with the aim to transfer into a 4-year state university and major in music education.
Christian Brunelle
Guitar Teacher, Singing Teacher
Christian’s instrumental focus revolves around the drums and guitar. After graduating high school, he studied music performance at Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. He has spent most of his time playing drums for various local bands such as No Mind, Noah & the Flood, and The Communication, as well as running an open mic for 5 years in New London, CT. Other experiences include performing at local theaters in shows such as Next to Normal, Rocky Horror Picture Show, and Hair. Christian also has a background working in the special education field as a Registered Behavior Tech. With combined knowledge in the music education and special education fields, Christian helps develop students’ skills to the best of their abilities.
Max Caserta
Guitar Teacher, Piano Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Max Caserta is a professional guitarist based out of Milford, CT. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Western Connecticut State University in 2020 with a B.S. in Music Education. Max is well versed in many styles including jazz, funk, rock, rnb, soul, gospel and theater. Since graduating, he has been performing professionally and teaching lessons around the tri-state area. These performances include various musical theater shows, jazz festivals and shows, church concerts/services, weddings, and various venues around CT, NY and NJ.
Rachel Campus
Singing Teacher, Piano Teacher, Bass Teacher
Rach is a person who wears many hats. She started in ballet, musical theater, and poetry. At 8 years old, her father introduced her to her first rock artist, Rob Zombie. As she got older, ballet became stressful due to an injury and she decided to quit. She found company in writing poetry and performing in musicals. As a young adult, she found solace by entertaining and connecting with an audience. Rach is a self-taught vocalist, pianist, and bassist. Through guidance of her family, friends, and bandmates, Rach developed herself as a musician.In 2015, Rach started playing piano. It started with one song to break through an emotion and ended with a thousand more. She took piano classes at Capital Community College in Hartford, CT and has the capability of jump starting a youth's passion for piano. Rach has also been recognized for her stage presence and confidence while performing. She looks forward to building the confidence of future youth and bringing out their inner rockstar.
Paul Tautkus
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Fiercely talented guitarist Paul Tautkus returned to his home state after playing in Austin, Texas, and Nashville, Tennessee, for some time. Paul has played to enthusiastic crowds in nightclubs and festivals and brings a level of performance-based learning that is directly reflected in his teaching method! Paul brings his unique style and great musicianship to every performance!