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Alejandro Avila

Paraguayan-born pianist Alejandro Avila began his musical studies at age five. He earned his Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from São Paulo State University (Brazil), studying with Dr. Cláudio Richerme and Dr. André Rangel, and his Master of Music from Central Michigan University under Dr. Alexandra Mascolo-David. He completed his Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the University of Kansas in 2020, under Dr. Michael Kirkendoll.

Since 2022, Dr. Avila has served as Instructor of Keyboard Studies and Director of Accompaniment at Barton Community College in Great Bend, Kansas. He is the recipient of Barton’s 2025–2026 Distinguished Instructor Award and was instrumental in creating the Barton Community Music School, expanding access to music education for young musicians in the region.

An active recitalist and collaborative pianist, Dr. Avila is South American Director of the International Piano Professionals Association (IPPA) and co-founder of The Jopará Ensemble, which blends Paraguayan folk music with classical and contemporary elements. In June 2026, Jopará released its debut album, Celebración. Dr. Avila also serves as Associate Faculty and coordinator at the Conero International Piano Festival in Recanati, Italy, and as a performing artist at the Salt Creek Song Festival in Ashland, Nebraska each summer.

In 2025, Dr. Avila was appointed President-Elect of the Kansas Music Teachers Association (KMTA), serving a two-year term before beginning a two-year presidency in September 2027. Through his work as an educator, performer, and arts advocate, he remains committed to expanding access to music education, supporting emerging musicians, and fostering connections between South American musical traditions and the broader international classical music community.

Irene Diaz Gill

Irene Díaz Gill is a cellist and dedicated educator based in Pittsburg, Kansas. She serves as Orchestra Director at Pittsburg Middle and High Schools, where she leads a growing string program. She also maintains a private cello studio.

An active performer, Irene performs regularly with the Jopara Ensemble and the Southeast Kansas Symphony. She has performed as a soloist in Paraguay and the United States, and as a section cellist in several orchestras in the Midwest.

Irene holds a Bachelor of Music in Performance from Pittsburg State University, a Master of Music from Illinois State University, and a Performance Certificate and teaching licensure from Emporia State University. She has completed extensive Suzuki teacher training in cello and previously served on the faculties of Emporia State University and Friends University.

Aleia Gonzalez

Aleia is a Paraguayan classical guitarist based in Great Bend, Kansas, holding a Master of Music degree in Guitar Performance from the University of Missouri–Kansas City.

As an active performer, she frequently presents solo recitals and collaborates with singers, instrumentalists, and ensembles. Recent collaborations include performances with the Kansas City Chorale and the Salina Symphony.

Aleia is a founding member of Jopara Ensemble, which blends traditional Paraguayan music with classical and modern influences to create a unique and dynamic sound.

Aleia serves on the board of the Kansas City Guitar Society and teaches guitar at Barton Community College and the University of Kansas.

Ramiro Miranda

Ramiro teaches at Pittsburg State University, while pursuing an active career as a violinist and conductor. He is a member of the Switchgrass String Quartet and has shared the stage with internationally acclaimed classical guitarist Berta Rojas, performing music by Agustin Pio Barrios and Heitor Villa Lobos.

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