Meet the Teaching Artists ...
James Sullivan; Principal Oboe, Alabama Symphony
James Sullivan has been Principal Oboe of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra since the rebirth of the orchestra in 1997. Prior to this appointment, he was Principal Oboe of both the Atlanta Opera Orchestra and the Columbus Symphony. While living in the Atlanta area, James often performed with the Atlanta Symphony, with whom he recorded Bach's B Minor Mass and Mahler's Sixth Symphony. More recently, James has been invited to be a guest performer with the San Francisco Symphony and the St. Louis Symphony.
James received his Master of Music degree in oboe performance from the Boston University School for the Arts where he was a scholarship student of Ralph Gomberg. During this time he served as Principal Oboe of the Boston Civic Symphony. James' other principal teachers were Jonathan Dlouhy of the Atlanta Symphony and John Mack of the Cleveland Orchestra. He also studied for two summers at the Banff Centre for the Arts in Canada where he worked with Richard Killmer and Peter Bowman.
Receiving his undergraduate degree in Music Education from the University of Georgia, James also has an active teaching career in oboe. He currently serves on the faculties of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Samford University, and Birmingham-Southern College. In the summer of 2002, he was guest Professor of Oboe at Indiana University. While in Atlanta, James was oboe instructor at Clayton State University and DeKalb College. Prior to teaching oboe, James taught choral music in the public schools for two years and worked closely with Robert Shaw and the Atlanta Symphony Chorus.
In 1998 during his first season with the Alabama Symphony, James was concerto soloist in S. Bainbridge’s Concerto in Moto di Perpetuo. Since then he has been featured with the orchestra in concertos by Francaix, Vivaldi, Vaughn-Williams, and Marcello. In 2009, James traveled to Sibiu, Romania to perform at the Romanian-American Music Festival on both the J.S.Bach Double Concerto for Violin and Oboe in C minor and the Fasch Triple Concerto for Trumpet, Violin, and Oboe d’amore in A Major.
Oboe playing and choral conducting have been dual interests of James Sullivan throughout his career. They were finally united in 2013 when he was appointed Choir Director of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Birmingham, a position he combines with his oboe duties in the ASO. The past two summers have led him to extensive study in choral music at Westminster Choir College and most recently to Oxford University in England.
James Sullivan has been Principal Oboe of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra since the rebirth of the orchestra in 1997. Prior to this appointment, he was Principal Oboe of both the Atlanta Opera Orchestra and the Columbus Symphony. While living in the Atlanta area, James often performed with the Atlanta Symphony, with whom he recorded Bach's B Minor Mass and Mahler's Sixth Symphony. More recently, James has been invited to be a guest performer with the San Francisco Symphony and the St. Louis Symphony.
James received his Master of Music degree in oboe performance from the Boston University School for the Arts where he was a scholarship student of Ralph Gomberg. During this time he served as Principal Oboe of the Boston Civic Symphony. James' other principal teachers were Jonathan Dlouhy of the Atlanta Symphony and John Mack of the Cleveland Orchestra. He also studied for two summers at the Banff Centre for the Arts in Canada where he worked with Richard Killmer and Peter Bowman.
Receiving his undergraduate degree in Music Education from the University of Georgia, James also has an active teaching career in oboe. He currently serves on the faculties of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Samford University, and Birmingham-Southern College. In the summer of 2002, he was guest Professor of Oboe at Indiana University. While in Atlanta, James was oboe instructor at Clayton State University and DeKalb College. Prior to teaching oboe, James taught choral music in the public schools for two years and worked closely with Robert Shaw and the Atlanta Symphony Chorus.
In 1998 during his first season with the Alabama Symphony, James was concerto soloist in S. Bainbridge’s Concerto in Moto di Perpetuo. Since then he has been featured with the orchestra in concertos by Francaix, Vivaldi, Vaughn-Williams, and Marcello. In 2009, James traveled to Sibiu, Romania to perform at the Romanian-American Music Festival on both the J.S.Bach Double Concerto for Violin and Oboe in C minor and the Fasch Triple Concerto for Trumpet, Violin, and Oboe d’amore in A Major.
Oboe playing and choral conducting have been dual interests of James Sullivan throughout his career. They were finally united in 2013 when he was appointed Choir Director of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Birmingham, a position he combines with his oboe duties in the ASO. The past two summers have led him to extensive study in choral music at Westminster Choir College and most recently to Oxford University in England.
Philip Ross; Associate Principal Oboe, St. Louis Symphony
Philip Ross grew up surrounded by world-class oboists. His father, Dan, is a well-known oboist and maker of gouging machines, which are high-precision cutting tools essential for reed-making. With at least one of Dan's machines in every major North American orchestra, Jonesboro, Arkansas is a revolving door of oboists making their pilgrimage to have their machines serviced. Many of these famed oboists helped shape Philip's developing skills and understanding of the instrument by offering their own valuable insight and tricks of the trade.
Ross holds degrees from the Eastman School of Music and the Chicago College of Performing Arts where he studied with Richard Killmer and Alex Klein respectively. He has made repeat appearances as guest principal oboe of the San Francisco Symphony, toured with the Chicago Symphony, and performed with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestras. Before joining the St. Louis Symphony in 2005, Philip played several seasons as English Horn with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. Ross currently serves as Associate Principal Oboe of the St Louis Symphony. His solo debut with the orchestra was in 2008, with additional solo appearances in 2014 and 2015. Ross also participates in the St. Barts Music Festival as often as his schedule allows.
Philip enjoys playing music with his wife and fellow oboist, Laura. He enjoys fly-fishing and golfing as much as possible. He is also learning the craft of gouging-machine making from his father and hopes to continue the success of the family business for generations of future oboists. The oboe couple welcomed their first child in April, 2013 and their second in April of 2015. It will remain to be seen if their daughters will take up the oboe as well, but for now they seem to enjoy hearing Mom and Dad practice and make reeds together.
Philip Ross grew up surrounded by world-class oboists. His father, Dan, is a well-known oboist and maker of gouging machines, which are high-precision cutting tools essential for reed-making. With at least one of Dan's machines in every major North American orchestra, Jonesboro, Arkansas is a revolving door of oboists making their pilgrimage to have their machines serviced. Many of these famed oboists helped shape Philip's developing skills and understanding of the instrument by offering their own valuable insight and tricks of the trade.
Ross holds degrees from the Eastman School of Music and the Chicago College of Performing Arts where he studied with Richard Killmer and Alex Klein respectively. He has made repeat appearances as guest principal oboe of the San Francisco Symphony, toured with the Chicago Symphony, and performed with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestras. Before joining the St. Louis Symphony in 2005, Philip played several seasons as English Horn with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. Ross currently serves as Associate Principal Oboe of the St Louis Symphony. His solo debut with the orchestra was in 2008, with additional solo appearances in 2014 and 2015. Ross also participates in the St. Barts Music Festival as often as his schedule allows.
Philip enjoys playing music with his wife and fellow oboist, Laura. He enjoys fly-fishing and golfing as much as possible. He is also learning the craft of gouging-machine making from his father and hopes to continue the success of the family business for generations of future oboists. The oboe couple welcomed their first child in April, 2013 and their second in April of 2015. It will remain to be seen if their daughters will take up the oboe as well, but for now they seem to enjoy hearing Mom and Dad practice and make reeds together.
Matthew Lengas, Oboe and English Horn, Kansas City Symphony
Matt Lengas joined the Kansas City Symphony as English horn and Utility oboe in 2022. He previously held similar positions in the Green Bay Symphony Orchestra and the Amarillo Symphony, and has performed as a substitute musician with the San Antonio Symphony, Louisiana Philharmonic, South Dakota Symphony Orchestra, and the Quad City Symphony Orchestra. Matt is a graduate of the Eastman School of Music, Shepherd School of Music, and the University of Texas at Austin, where he earned bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, respectively. Additional studies have included summer fellowships at the Banff Centre, Round Top Festival Institute, and Aspen Music Festival and School. A native Wisconsinite, Matt began his oboe studies in the Peshtigo, WI public school system and studied privately with Andrea Gross Hixon throughout high school. His other important mentors include Richard Killmer, Robert Atherholt, and Andrew Parker. When he is not playing the oboe or making reeds, Matt enjoys walking in Kansas City’s beautiful parks and exploring the diverse art of coffee brewing.
Matt Lengas joined the Kansas City Symphony as English horn and Utility oboe in 2022. He previously held similar positions in the Green Bay Symphony Orchestra and the Amarillo Symphony, and has performed as a substitute musician with the San Antonio Symphony, Louisiana Philharmonic, South Dakota Symphony Orchestra, and the Quad City Symphony Orchestra. Matt is a graduate of the Eastman School of Music, Shepherd School of Music, and the University of Texas at Austin, where he earned bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, respectively. Additional studies have included summer fellowships at the Banff Centre, Round Top Festival Institute, and Aspen Music Festival and School. A native Wisconsinite, Matt began his oboe studies in the Peshtigo, WI public school system and studied privately with Andrea Gross Hixon throughout high school. His other important mentors include Richard Killmer, Robert Atherholt, and Andrew Parker. When he is not playing the oboe or making reeds, Matt enjoys walking in Kansas City’s beautiful parks and exploring the diverse art of coffee brewing.
Julie Grasso; Oboist, Camp Director/Instructor
Oboist Julie Grasso enjoys an active music career as a performer, educator, clinician and businesswoman. She has served as Principal Oboe and Personnel Manager of the Gainesville Symphony Orchestra and has performed numerous concerts with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the Atlanta Pops Orchestra. She has performed with the Cincinnati Ballet Orchestra, Atlanta Ballet Orchestra, Kentucky Symphony, Richmond (IN) Symphony, Georgia Sinfonia, Greenville Symphony (SC), Columbus Symphony (GA) and Macon Symphony. As an active freelance artist, she has performed with artists such as Johnny Mathis, Al Jarreau, Dianne Reeves, Joni Mitchell, Brian Wilson, The Moody Blues, Michael Bolton, Roger Daltrey, Frank Sinatra, Jr., and Harry Connick, Jr.
With education at the forefront of her mission, Ms. Grasso maintains an active oboe studio. Her students regularly hold positions in regional youth orchestras, participate in All-State events and have gone on to pursue successful careers in music. She has served as adjunct oboe faculty at Piedmont College, and assisted in an educational oboe presentation at the Midwest Music Conference in Chicago. Julie is a founding member of three summer music camps: The Oxford Oboe Camp; The Oboe & Bassoon Camp; and The Southern Oboe Intensive, where she currently holds the position of Director. Her article entitled An Intriguing New Work for the Oboist was published in the 2001 International Double Reed Journal, where it was greeted with positive reviews.
As a sought-after event manager, Ms. Grasso has organized nationally-recognized oboe and English horn events for artists such as Elaine Douvas (Principal Oboe, The Metropolitan Opera), Patrick McFarland (English Horn, ret., Atlanta Symphony) and Linda Strommen (Prof. of Oboe, Indiana University, and Visiting Oboe Instr., The Juilliard School of Music). Julie is co-owner of a thriving double reed business (Double or Nothing Reeds) and is the current president of Envision Oboe. Additionally, Ms. Grasso served as Orchestra Contractor for the Fox Theatre’s (Atlanta) 75th Anniversary Show in December 2004.
Oboist Julie Grasso enjoys an active music career as a performer, educator, clinician and businesswoman. She has served as Principal Oboe and Personnel Manager of the Gainesville Symphony Orchestra and has performed numerous concerts with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the Atlanta Pops Orchestra. She has performed with the Cincinnati Ballet Orchestra, Atlanta Ballet Orchestra, Kentucky Symphony, Richmond (IN) Symphony, Georgia Sinfonia, Greenville Symphony (SC), Columbus Symphony (GA) and Macon Symphony. As an active freelance artist, she has performed with artists such as Johnny Mathis, Al Jarreau, Dianne Reeves, Joni Mitchell, Brian Wilson, The Moody Blues, Michael Bolton, Roger Daltrey, Frank Sinatra, Jr., and Harry Connick, Jr.
With education at the forefront of her mission, Ms. Grasso maintains an active oboe studio. Her students regularly hold positions in regional youth orchestras, participate in All-State events and have gone on to pursue successful careers in music. She has served as adjunct oboe faculty at Piedmont College, and assisted in an educational oboe presentation at the Midwest Music Conference in Chicago. Julie is a founding member of three summer music camps: The Oxford Oboe Camp; The Oboe & Bassoon Camp; and The Southern Oboe Intensive, where she currently holds the position of Director. Her article entitled An Intriguing New Work for the Oboist was published in the 2001 International Double Reed Journal, where it was greeted with positive reviews.
As a sought-after event manager, Ms. Grasso has organized nationally-recognized oboe and English horn events for artists such as Elaine Douvas (Principal Oboe, The Metropolitan Opera), Patrick McFarland (English Horn, ret., Atlanta Symphony) and Linda Strommen (Prof. of Oboe, Indiana University, and Visiting Oboe Instr., The Juilliard School of Music). Julie is co-owner of a thriving double reed business (Double or Nothing Reeds) and is the current president of Envision Oboe. Additionally, Ms. Grasso served as Orchestra Contractor for the Fox Theatre’s (Atlanta) 75th Anniversary Show in December 2004.
Kelly Newport
Kelly Newport is a free-lance oboist and English hornist from Birmingham,
Alabama. She has been principal oboist of both the Natal Philharmonic in South
Africa, and the Victoria Symphony in Texas. Currently, she is a frequent sub with
the Alabama Symphony Orchestra and teaches a thriving group of oboe students
from the greater Birmingham area. Kelly earned oboe performance degrees at
Southern Methodist University and the Juilliard School and studied further at Rice
University. Her principal teachers were Steve Lickman, Eric Barr, Elaine Douvas
and Robert Atherholt.
Kelly Newport is a free-lance oboist and English hornist from Birmingham,
Alabama. She has been principal oboist of both the Natal Philharmonic in South
Africa, and the Victoria Symphony in Texas. Currently, she is a frequent sub with
the Alabama Symphony Orchestra and teaches a thriving group of oboe students
from the greater Birmingham area. Kelly earned oboe performance degrees at
Southern Methodist University and the Juilliard School and studied further at Rice
University. Her principal teachers were Steve Lickman, Eric Barr, Elaine Douvas
and Robert Atherholt.
Siobhan Ciulla
Dr. Siobhán Ciulla is an active oboe/English horn performer and educator based in Birmingham Alabama. She is currently the instructor of oboe at Auburn University as well as at numerous school districts in the greater Birmingham area. Siobhán has performed with numerous orchestras throughout the U.S., including the Alabama Symphony, Jacksonville Symphony, Red Mountain Theatre Company, Albany Symphony, Ocala Symphony, Tallahassee Symphony, Southwest Florida Symphony, Sinfonia Gulf-Coast, the North Charleston Pops Orchestra, Brevard Festival Orchestra, the Baldwin-Wallace Bach Festival Orchestra and the Taneycomo Festival Orchestra. Siobhán earned her Bachelor's of Music Therapy from Baldwin-Wallace University, her Master's of Music Performance from Kent State University and her Doctorate of Music Performance from Florida State University. Her principal teachers include Jeffrey Rathbun, Danna Sundet and Eric Ohlsson.
Dr. Siobhán Ciulla is an active oboe/English horn performer and educator based in Birmingham Alabama. She is currently the instructor of oboe at Auburn University as well as at numerous school districts in the greater Birmingham area. Siobhán has performed with numerous orchestras throughout the U.S., including the Alabama Symphony, Jacksonville Symphony, Red Mountain Theatre Company, Albany Symphony, Ocala Symphony, Tallahassee Symphony, Southwest Florida Symphony, Sinfonia Gulf-Coast, the North Charleston Pops Orchestra, Brevard Festival Orchestra, the Baldwin-Wallace Bach Festival Orchestra and the Taneycomo Festival Orchestra. Siobhán earned her Bachelor's of Music Therapy from Baldwin-Wallace University, her Master's of Music Performance from Kent State University and her Doctorate of Music Performance from Florida State University. Her principal teachers include Jeffrey Rathbun, Danna Sundet and Eric Ohlsson.
Mandy Leach, Oboist/Associate Camp Director
Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Mandy Leach recently graduated with her Master of Music at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music, studying under Linda Strommen, Roger Roe, and Dr. Jessica Warren. Honors include being the recipient of the John Mack Memorial Scholarship in Oboe and an IU JSOM Performer’s Certificate, demonstrated in recital. She attended the Cleveland Institute of Music under the tutelage of Frank Rosenwein and Jeff Rathbun. Other primary teachers include Dr. Mark Ostoich, Dwight Parry, and Julie Grasso.
Mandy regularly subs with several orchestras in Ohio and Indiana, including the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra; Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra; Columbus (IN) Symphony; Evansville Symphony; Columbus Indiana Philharmonic; Blue Ash Montgomery Symphony; and the Butler Philharmonic. In 2025, she served as principal oboe of the NextGen Symphony, the leading orchestra of the inaugural Tianjin Juilliard Orchestral Symposium.
Outside of performing, Mandy runs a small private studio, teaching students from Ohio, Indiana, and Northern Kentucky. She also pursues an interest in ensemble library work and was selected as the IU JSOM Performing Ensemble Division Library Graduate Assistant during her master’s degree.
Mandy attended SOI as a camper in 2019 and 2020.
Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Mandy Leach recently graduated with her Master of Music at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music, studying under Linda Strommen, Roger Roe, and Dr. Jessica Warren. Honors include being the recipient of the John Mack Memorial Scholarship in Oboe and an IU JSOM Performer’s Certificate, demonstrated in recital. She attended the Cleveland Institute of Music under the tutelage of Frank Rosenwein and Jeff Rathbun. Other primary teachers include Dr. Mark Ostoich, Dwight Parry, and Julie Grasso.
Mandy regularly subs with several orchestras in Ohio and Indiana, including the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra; Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra; Columbus (IN) Symphony; Evansville Symphony; Columbus Indiana Philharmonic; Blue Ash Montgomery Symphony; and the Butler Philharmonic. In 2025, she served as principal oboe of the NextGen Symphony, the leading orchestra of the inaugural Tianjin Juilliard Orchestral Symposium.
Outside of performing, Mandy runs a small private studio, teaching students from Ohio, Indiana, and Northern Kentucky. She also pursues an interest in ensemble library work and was selected as the IU JSOM Performing Ensemble Division Library Graduate Assistant during her master’s degree.
Mandy attended SOI as a camper in 2019 and 2020.