Behind every lesson, concert, and program is a dedicated team of educators, staff, and volunteer leaders committed to making music accessible to everyone. Together, they shape the vision, steward the organization, and help ensure the School of American Music continues to inspire generations through the joy of music.

Leadership Rooted in Music. Guided by Community.

Our Staff

HEIDI EDINGER SMITH

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Heidi brings more than 30 years of leadership in hospitality, marketing, operations, and nonprofit management to the School of American Music. Throughout her career, she has helped open hotels, convention centers, restaurants, and hospitality concepts while leading sales, marketing, and operational strategy. She also has extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and community engagement, most recently helping Neighbor by Neighbor significantly expand its annual fundraising efforts.

Music has been a lifelong part of Heidi's story. She played flute in marching band and orchestra, earned recognition in statewide competitions, and later performed with a college band. Today, she continues exploring music by learning keyboard and ukulele. As Executive Director, Heidi is committed to expanding access to music education, strengthening community partnerships, and ensuring the School of American Music continues to thrive for future generations.

A longtime admirer of Harbor Country, Heidi enjoys spending time outdoors, traveling, cooking, and exploring the region with her rescue dogs.

Denise Vanden Bussche has dedicated nearly 30 years to helping students discover the confidence, creativity, and joy that music can bring. Inspired by her mother, an accomplished pianist, Denise began studying piano and flute at a young age and performed throughout her school years, including international tours with the Blue Lake International Orchestra and Musical Youth International. She studied Music Education at Wayne State University before building a lifelong career as a piano and flute instructor.

Since joining the School of American Music in 2018, Denise has helped foster a welcoming environment where students of all ages can grow through music. As School Director, she is committed to expanding access to quality music education while supporting students, instructors, and families as SAM continues to grow.

Outside the classroom, Denise enjoys spending time with her husband, eight children, six grandchildren, and the Harbor Country community she proudly calls home.

SCHOOL DIRECTOR

Denise Vanden Bussche

Board of Directors

  • Tom Flint

    BOARD PRESIDENT

    Tom Flint joined the School of American Music Board of Directors in 2020 after a more than 30-year career in sales and management. A full-time Three Oaks resident, he is passionate about community service and believes every child deserves a welcoming place to explore creativity through music. As Board President, he helps guide SAM's mission of making music education accessible to all.

  • Bill Korbel

    BOARD TREASURER

    Bill Korbel has served on the School of American Music Board of Directors since 2013, bringing decades of financial and nonprofit leadership to the organization. A Harbor Country native, he is General Manager of Lost Dunes Golf Club and a Certified Public Accountant with a background in accounting and consulting. In addition to SAM, Bill has served as treasurer for several local nonprofit organizations and is passionate about giving back to the community that has shaped his life. He and his wife, Laura, live in Sawyer and have two adult children, including a former SAM student.

  • Devon Bergman

    BOARD SECRETARY

    Devon Bergman joined the School of American Music Board of Directors after relocating to Three Oaks following more than three decades in Chicago. A lifelong musician, he began studying violin at age seven, sang with the Colorado Children's Chorale, performed in orchestras throughout his school years, and studied classical and jazz voice in college. Today, he continues to sing and play guitar while advocating for accessible music education for all ages. Professionally, Devon serves as Midwest Regional Construction Manager for a national multifamily real estate company, bringing leadership and problem-solving experience to SAM's Board.

  • Karl Holland

    BOARD MEMBER

    Allie Carter joined the School of American Music Board of Directors in 2024 and became Board Secretary in 2025. A pianist and passionate supporter of music education, she serves on SAM's Scholarship Committee and helps plan community events. Following a career in airline customer service, Allie dedicated her retirement to serving others through hospice volunteering, therapy dog visits, local fundraising, and museum education. Her lifelong commitment to community service reflects her passion for helping SAM create opportunities for students through music.

  • Arthur Anderson

    BOARD MEMBER

    Arthur Anderson joined the School of American Music Board of Directors in 2019 and served as Board Secretary through 2025. After retiring from a career in the federal government and relocating to Harbert, he enrolled as a piano student at SAM, rekindling a lifelong interest in music. Arthur believes learning an instrument is both rewarding and enriching at any age, and he is proud to support the School's mission of making music education accessible to the community. Outside of SAM, he enjoys gardening and hiking.

  • John Balich

    BOARD MEMBER

    John Balich has served on the School of American Music Board of Directors since 2014 and helps care for the Arts & Education Center as SAM's caretaker. A retired property manager, he has contributed to the School in many hands-on ways, including installing the bamboo flooring in the facility. John is passionate about supporting music education for children and enjoys all genres of music, from gospel to rock and roll. He lives in Three Oaks with his wife and two dogs and enjoys spending time with his growing family.

  • Sharon Eggleston

    BOARD MEMBER

    Sharon Eggleston joined the School of American Music Board of Directors after seeing firsthand the impact music education had on her child as a SAM voice student. She brings a diverse background in healthcare, business, and higher education, with experience as a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant, healthcare administrator, business instructor, and adjunct professor. A lifelong musician herself, Sharon has played flute and piccolo and sung in choir. She is passionate about expanding access to the arts and helping SAM enrich the lives of students and families throughout the community.

  • Pat Putnam

    BOARD MEMBER

    Pat Putnam joined the School of American Music Board of Directors in 2019, inspired by her lifelong belief in the value of music education. A retired software engineer, she combines her passion for music with active leadership at SAM, serving as producer for both the Harbor Country Singers and the River Valley Senior Center Choir. Pat also serves on the Governance Committee and helps document SAM events through photography. She enjoys singing, hiking, reading, traveling, and supporting opportunities for people of all ages to experience the joy of music.

  • Diane Ruzevich

    BOARD MEMBER

    Diane Ruzevich has been passionate about music since she began guitar lessons at age eight and believes music has enriched every stage of her life. After a lifelong career in the nonprofit sector, including 29 years as a reference librarian in suburban Chicago, she continues to pursue her own musical journey through guitar lessons at the School of American Music. Diane is proud to support SAM's mission of making music education accessible to everyone and believes every person should have the opportunity to experience the joy of learning music.

  • Andrew Bell

    BOARD MEMBER

    Andrew Bell joined the School of American Music Board of Directors in late 2025, bringing expertise in marketing, communications, and community engagement. As Director of Marketing & Communications for Toast Hospitality in New Buffalo, he leads brand strategy and storytelling for hospitality properties along Lake Michigan. A lifelong musician, Andrew played trumpet in marching, symphony, and jazz bands and is a proud alumnus of Western Michigan University's Bronco Marching Band. He is passionate about helping SAM expand its reach, strengthen its long-term sustainability, and inspire more people to discover the lifelong joy of music.

  • Collleen Newquist

    BOARD MEMBER

    Colleen Newquist joined the School of American Music Board of Directors in 2025, inspired by Harbor Country's vibrant arts community and her passion for supporting creativity. A full-time Three Oaks resident since 2016, she brings decades of leadership in communications, having spent 25 years at the University of Chicago, where she served as Assistant Vice President and led the university's in-house creative agency. As a writer, artist, and communications consultant, Colleen is dedicated to helping strengthen and promote the arts throughout the region.

  • Barbara Yokum

    BOARD MEMBER

    Barbara Yokom brings more than 35 years of leadership in arts education and entrepreneurship to the School of American Music Board of Directors. She founded and led a successful performing arts school for nearly three decades, taught dance for more than 20 years, and established the Academy of Dance for The Joffrey Ballet in Chicago as its founding director. An author, consultant, and arts advocate, Barbara continues to champion creativity and community through The Holiday Social Club in Southwest Michigan, where she and her husband, Andy, live.

  • Patricia Zelazny

    BOARD MEMBER

    Patricia Zelazny joined the School of American Music Board of Directors in 2026, bringing a lifelong passion for music and the arts. Her musical journey began with the study of oboe and organ and continues today as a voice student at SAM. Professionally, Patricia spent 25 years as an interior designer and antique dealer, combining creativity with an appreciation for craftsmanship. She is passionate about helping SAM inspire creativity, connection, and a lifelong love of music throughout the community.

Honoring Our Founder

Garth Taylor (1945–2025)

The School of American Music was founded in 2012 by Garth Taylor, whose vision was simple yet profound: to create a place where people of all ages and backgrounds could experience the joy, connection, and lifelong benefits of music.

A passionate educator, musician, and nonprofit leader, Garth believed music had the power to strengthen individuals and communities alike. His leadership laid the foundation for the School of American Music, and his influence continues to be felt in every lesson, rehearsal, performance, and friendship formed within these walls.

Today, we honor Garth by carrying forward the mission he inspired—making music accessible, welcoming, and meaningful for generations to come.

Keep the music playing, friend.