Vandeventer Middle School Orchestra
Vandeventer Orchestra Directors
Mr. Jonathan Roane
Director
roanej@friscoisd.org
Mr. Roane graduated from The Ohio State University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Music Education, and from the University of North Texas in 2022 with a Master of Music Education. While in school, he studied string pedagogy with renowned author Dr. Robert Gillespie, violin with Dr. Kia-Hui Tan, and orchestral conducting with David Becker and David Itkin.
In 2018, Mr. Roane was appointed the inaugural orchestra director at West Lake Middle School, in Humble ISD, and grew the program to the point of hiring an assistant director. Under his direction for six years, West Lake became one of the premier middle school orchestra programs in the district and region, with groups earning sweepstakes at UIL evaluations each year, and including being named finalists in the Anne C. Roberts Houston Cup competition. In his final year at the school, West Lake Middle School was named a Commended Winner for the national Mark of Excellence competition.
In 2024, Mr. Roane began working towards a doctoral degree in music education from Boston University. In 2026, he completed all coursework and is now working on his dissertation.
He is an active member of the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Music Adjudicators Association, Texas Orchestra Directors Association, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.
Mr. Roane lives in Plano and enjoys reading, cooking, playing board games, and spending time with his wife Heather and their cat Gume.
Mr. Paul Schmaus
Assistant Director
Mr. Paul Schmaus was born in Syracuse, New York, but was raised in Orlando, Florida. He is from a musical family, going back many generations. His paternal grandparents played violin and piano for Vaudeville shows and silent movies, and his maternal grandparents were Appalachian folk musicians. His father was a nationally recognized band director, and his mother was an opera singer. He has one older brother, who taught him the guitar when he was six. Mr. Schmaus' niece is a model for Vogue, and his two nephews are accomplished drummers.
Mr. Schmaus graduated from the University of North Texas in 1998, holding a Bachelor’s of Music Performance on Double-Bass, and Certification in Music Education, with a minor in Jazz Studies. While attending UNT, he was fortunate enough to briefly study with Professor Jeff Bradetich just before graduation. During his college years, Mr. Schmaus also spent two weeks as an Artist in Residence at the Atlantic Center for the Arts in New Smyrna Beach, Florida under Avant Garde violinist/composer Leroy Jenkins.
Mr. Schmaus has worked with various recording artists from Dallas over 20 years as a session bassist, guitarist, singer, songwriter on many recordings, and, was nominated for a Grammy in 1995. Following graduation, Mr. Schmaus worked in the computer software sales industry for a few years before going into teaching. He has previously taught for Dallas ISD as an Orchestra Director, Class Piano, and Guitar Instructor, and has been a Private Bass Instructor for McKinney ISD. This is his sixth year at Vandeventer MS years, winning Sweepstakes at Region 24 UIL Concert & Sight-Reading Contests all six years, First Division and "Outstanding MS Orchestra of the Day" titles at Peak Festivals, and Division 1 at Pride of Texas Festivals.
Mr. Schmaus also gigs regularly in the tri-state area. His time away from Vandeventer is spent golfing, exercising/CrossFit, doing yoga, meditation, road cycling, swimming, attending concerts, and archery. Other interests and activities include: dining, long road trips, visiting museums, reading, watching movies, and participating in activities raising money for Service Dog charities, animal rescues, and shelters.
His favorite sports teams to watch include: FC Dallas, the Dallas Stars, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Tampa Bay Rays, Orlando City FC, the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Green Bay Packers and anyone playing rugby.
He lives in Frisco with his dogs, Maggie and Louie, and has been a resident of Frisco 18 years and a resident of Texas over 25 years.
Ms. Michelle Krenowicz
Harp Instructor
Michelle Krenowicz is an active performer and teacher in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. She has collaborated with several orchestras such as the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Austin Symphony Orchestra, and Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra among others and has played under the baton of Paul Phillips, Simon Percic, and Gemma New.
This past summer, Ms. K was a Harp Apprentice at the National Music Festival where she studied under Cheryl Losey Fedor. Ms. K has also attended the Harp Oklahoma Workshop every summer for six summers starting in 2010 under the instruction of Gaye Leblanc and Rachel Ellins. During these summers, she participated in masterclasses, harp ensemble, and performed solo works.
She recently completed her Master’s of Music in Harp Performance at Southern Methodist University under the tutelage of Emily Levin. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music at Oklahoma City University under Faith O’Neal.
When she is not playing classical music or teaching, she plays for weddings and spends time with her husband, Diego, and dog, Alfie.