Annabelle Marie
With a Masters Degree in Music Education, Annabelle is a music specialist who focuses on “physical singing,” incorporating the body-voice connection into her teaching. Her diverse expertise comes from years of dedicated study. She holds a Bachelors in Music, violin performance; a Masters in Music Education with Kodaly emphasis; a full certification from legendary vocal coach Judy Davis, earned through a dedicated 4+ years of study; and grounding in choreography earned through the San Francisco School of Circus Arts.
Her pedagogy is based on the methods of Hungarian educator Zoltan Kodály who believed that song is the foundation of musical learning. This approach leverages folk music from around the world and physical movement to build music skills. Driven by a passion for generating access to quality music education, she founded the VOENA children’s choir in 1994 with a handful of eager participants. An accomplished singer, violinist, pianist, composer, arranger, and educator, Annabelle received the 2008 Jefferson Award for Community Service and has built such a sterling reputation for excellence that even Grammy Award-winning composers and conductors such as Eric Whitacre contact her directly when they need to recruit young singers for projects. Since 1994, she has led VOENA to prestigious heights, building performances that have been admired at the White House, Carnegie Hall, and abroad. She is the driver behind all VOENA programs, supported in this work by the Board and VOENA contractors.
Macayla Sedeno
Macayla Sedeno, brings twelve years of VOENA performance experience to VOENA. During her years with VOENA she was a member of both the Creavo ensemble and the VOENA BEATS drumming and percussion group under the leadership of Jeff Campitelli. Macayla has been fortunate to travel the world with VOENA. She has performed at Carnegie Hall (2018, 2022, and 2024), Abu Dhabi for the Crown Prince, The Grand Ole Opry, and the 2024 Croatia tour.
Macayla is passionate about motivating her students to fully embody the VOENA "Big Three". Instilling leadership and mentorship skills that translate beyond VOENA. With her ability to connect with children and anticipate each of their unique needs, she creates a fun, hard-working, and respectful learning environment, also teaching as a private tutor for members.
Makai kemp
A VOENA alumnus, Makai Kemp returns as the dedicated instructor for the Redwood City site, bringing a passion for music, youth empowerment, and cross-cultural connection. With training in piano, woodwinds, percussion, classical voice, and jazz vocals, Makai blends creativity, discipline, and fun in every rehearsal.
From marching band to local choirs like Georgia Street Singers and Sing For America, his well-rounded background reflects VOENA’s mission to unite voices through both familiar and global music. In addition to leading choir, Makai also teaches Voices Beats (VBI)—VOENA’s unique percussion program—giving students a strong rhythmic foundation. He’s thrilled to share his experience with the next generation of VOENA singers.
Richard Sherwood
Richard Sherwood, a native of Los Angeles, began his percussion career playing on the family kitchen sink as a child and later received a degree in Jazz performance from Sonoma State University. Richard has been touring the world with a wide variety of eclectic artists including Grammy winner Hamid Saeidi and The Earth Harp Collective, as well as teaching drummers of all ages for the past 25 years. Innovation has always been an important part of Richard’s approach to music. In 2018, Richard began the creation of a giant electro-acoustic percussion instrument called the Drumdala.
“I am honored to be able to collaborate and perform with VOENA. They are a unique and visionary group that empowers young people and educates audiences through their culturally varied repertoire. In my continued instruction and assistance, I intend to broaden their skills with independence of their limbs, to be able to hear and perform complex polyrhythms.”
Carl Kittrell
Musical nomad Carl Kittrell, received a Bachelors of Music Education degree from Henderson State University in 1979 studying orchestral percussion and a Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Carl has taught instrumental and vocal music in Arkansas, Missouri, Alaska, and California. Carl retired from Benicia Unified School District in 2017, finishing a 34 year teaching career. Since 2003, he has performed as an associate percussionist with the Diablo Symphony Orchestra and principal timpanist with the Contra Costa Chamber Orchestra, including musicals playing drums/percussion, bass, and guitar, and served twice as conductor for musicals at Benicia High School. Carl met Annabelle Marie in Sicily, as part of World Music Retreats as he continues pursuing his interest in bluegrass flatpicking guitar with Bryan Sutton and Chris Eldridge, nine time zones from their hometown of Benicia! A longtime admirer of VOENA, he is pleased to add his musical expertise to their already accomplished musical leadership.
Maximilian Burgess-Shannon
Maximilian began singing with VOENA in 2011 and quickly developed a passion for both singing and drumming. He studied percussion under Jeff and Gabby Campitelli and is now an accomplished drummer specializing in African djembe and Irish bodhrán.
As a private drumming tutor and current section leader for VOENA’s young male singers, Max supports boys through vocal changes while also teaching in VOENA’s Music in the Schools program. He’s known for his ability to connect with young audiences, making music fun while building vocal technique, rhythm skills, and a love for global harmony.
Rose Eiess
With over three years of involvement in the internationally recognized VOENA Children’s Choir, Rose Eiess has emerged as both a commanding performer and an inspiring young leader. Her musical journey has taken her to prestigious stages—including a featured performance at Carnegie Hall—and across borders, representing VOENA on tour in Croatia.
Rose’s impact extends well beyond performance. Within VOENA, she has taken on significant leadership responsibilities, including mentoring younger singers at the Preparatory and Intermediate levels. She was selected as soprano section leader for VOENA’s elite Creavo girls ensemble, a role reserved for the choir’s most accomplished vocalists. Her leadership serving as Head Teacher at VOENA’s Summer Music Camp, guides participants through immersive vocal and performance training.
In addition to her work on stage and in camp, Rose plays a key role in VOENA’s outreach efforts through the VOENA in the Schools program. As a co-instructor, she helps bring high-quality music education directly into classrooms, fostering creativity and confidence in young students while spreading VOENA’s core message of unity through music.
Rose’s journey reflects VOENA’s mission in action: nurturing young voices into powerful agents of artistic excellence and social impact.
