Atoka Strings
Dr. Tara Planeta ~ Founder/Violin
Dr. Planeta holds Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Music Performance and a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership. She has been performing professionally for over 27 years with numerous orchestras nationally including the Arizona Opera, Maryland Symphony, National Philharmonic, and Phoenix Symphony, and was a long-time member of the Roanoke Symphony/Opera Roanoke. Dr. Planeta has worked with stars such as Liza Minelli, Wynonna Judd, Natalie Cole, Art Garfunkle, Aaron Neville, and many other renowned classical/contemporary artists. Since establishing Atoka Strings, she has retired from orchestral performance to devote fully to the group. In addition to her work with ASQ, Dr. Planeta is also the Executive Director/Interim Conductor of the nonprofit Piedmont Youth Symphony, and a private instructor at The Catoctin School of Music.
Fernando Bolanos ~ Bass/Cello/Keys
Laura Ibrahim ~ Violin/Viola
Claire Bradfuhrer ~ Harp/Viola
Jamey Mann ~ Guitar
Lauren Chakalos ~ Cello
Pat Neidich ~ Trumpet
Faith Crook ~ Cello
Laura O'Konski ~ Violin/Viola
Dr. Curt Christensen ~ Trumpet
MaryAnn Perkel ~ Cello
Chris Dixon ~ Violin/Viola
Drew Robertson ~ Violin/Viola
Jennene Estes ~ Cello
Theresa Stanley ~ Violin/Viola
James Forry ~ Cello
Quentin Walston ~ Piano
Taz Hassan ~ Violin
Taryn Wood ~ Cello
Dr. Brian Helmke ~ Cello
