Linda Lowe is a poet, singer-songwriter producer, recording artist and the founder of Writers in the Round Concert Series a community sponsored, non-profit performing arts organization dedicated to connecting and mentoring creative writers and musicians.

She has recorded nine albums of original music on her Rollin’ Records label including a duet album with Steve Gillette entitled "So Far Apart" produced by her husband, Karl Caillouet. Her songs "Let Her Go Gently" “Amber Eyes" and "Someday I’ll Be a Bluebird" are used in hospices and funerals across the country. She is currently working with Rock Romano in Houston, Texas on an album of her music entitled  "Lucid Dreamer" originally produced by Robert Palmer. Her most recent release entitled “Barbwire Heart” is now available on https://lindalowe.hearnow.com/

She is the author of the "Little by Little" production, a musical presented at Main Street Theater in 1996 and again in 2017 with Xavier Educational Academy students in the Rice University Village. Linda and her daughter, Michelle Caillouet began the Music and Drama department for Xavier Educational Academy in West University Place, Texas where they continue to teach.

For 10 years Writers in the round presented their concert series at Hamman Hall with Linda hosting and directing each show. Writers in the round will celebrate their 35th anniversary in the 2024-2025 season at The West University Place Masonic Lodge and Main Street Theater where they began in 1990. Linda's archives are currently being collected and preserved for her contribution to Texas Music at Rice University's Woodson Research Center and Texas State University's Texas Music History Department. Linda will be touring with Women in the round in 2025.

Her teaching style incorporates pop, contemporary folk, Blues and original finger picking patterns.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linda_Lowe

Marc Garvin is a guitar soloist, chamber music performer, public speaker, radio personality and well-known professor of guitar.  Marc Garvin is currently an active guitar instructor on the faculties at Rice University, St. Francis Episcopal School and Houston’s long time staple music school-“Writers in the Round”.  He has been on the faculties of Carnegie-Mellon University, Houston Baptist University, Lamar University and Lonestar College. 

 He’s performed as a soloist and ensemble member with Houston’s classical music triad:  the Symphony, Grand Opera and Ballet (which tapped him as a soloist for the American Premier of Christopher Bruce’s, “Ghost Dances”).  He’s performed regularly with the Grammy Award winning Houston Chamber Choir.  Additionally, he’s accompanied legendary Italian tenor Luciano Pavarotti as well as Italian soprano Cecilia Bartoli.  He’s performed in Spain as part of ChamberArt Madrid.  Whether performing with the Pittsburgh Symphony Chamber Ensemble, at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., or as a recitalist through the Texas Commission on the Arts, his enthusiasm and musicality has charmed audiences throughout the United States and Canada. 

 As a radio personality, Marc made the airwaves vibrate on Houston Public Radio (KUHF-88.7 FM), where he co-hosted Pulling Strings – a weekly show featuring all instruments picked, plucked, and strummed.

 For more information about Marc Garvin:  www.marcgarvin.com

Fernando TBD








TBD

Michelle, a Theater and Mass Media major at Henderson State University, also studied Drama and Dance at Perry Mansfield Performing Arts School for seven years under Linda Kent, David Baecker, and Janine Levine. She attended Master classes with Stephen Schwartz, Andrea Burns, Peter Flynn and John Plumpis. Michelle has also studied jazz, ballet, tap, modern dance, musical theater and stage combat.

Michelle won the Reddie Spirit Award for best admissions essay for HSU; and was reviewed in SingOut Magazine for the song 'Maybe my Baby', in the musical Little by Little (Rollin' Records Production). She was also awarded The Poetry Award, as well as the Most Eloquent Writer  Award at Perry Mansfield. In addition, her artwork of the skyline of Houston was chosen to be etched in steel by Artist Mel Chin on one of his seven 70-foot pillars,  which pay tribute to Houston's past and present at Sesquicentennial Park on historic Buffalo Bayou.

At Henderson State University, Michelle was a Staff writer for the Oracle; a DJ for 99.9 The Pulse FM; and was on the staff of HTV. She was the recipient of the 'Best Actress' award as the Ballerina in Hotel Cassiopeia; and the 'Best Actress' award for playing the part of  'Rose' in Dancing at Lugnessa. She also played 'Randi Canwell' in the world premier of  Simon Says Shoot, which received the 2004 Directors Choice award at the America College Theater Festival. Michelle is an Alumna of the Gamma Omega Chapter of Alpha XI Delta.

Michelle has been Stage Manager, Camp Counselor and a Staff member of WITR for over 15 years and is Now head of the Drama Department. She is the founder of the MC Theater Group at Writers in the Round and is the Drama Teacher at Xavier Educational Academy, both located in West University Place, Texas. Michelle has toured with Carolyn Hester and "Women in the Round on the Road "performing original music in Radio Shows across the South Eastern US. She has won parts in over 300 stage productions. Michelle was also a life guard and swim instructor at West U Community Center.

Lisa Pendleton
Lisa Pendleton is the Operations Manager and Sound Engineer for Writers in the Round. She teaches beginner Piano, Voice and Jam Band. 

She has performed in musicals, recorded background vocals for various artists at Sugar Hill Studio and sings first soprano at both the Lakewood Church Young Adults and The Epicenter worship teams.

Lisa worked as a Sound Engineer at The Epicenter and Ark Fellowship.  She joined the cast in several theatre performances including High School Broadway shows, playing the lead role of Judy and supporting actress Rita for the musical White Christmas at Playhouse 1960, and a city council woman in Footloose at Stage-works Theatre. 

Kayla Pendleton
Kayla Grace Pendleton is a musician who hasn’t found a stringed instrument she doesn’t at least try playing.  The electric guitar is her instrument of choice, but she has also been spotted playing bass, keyboard, harmonica, ukulele, banjo, harp, drums, and also enjoys whistling a tune.  She’s performed with Cypress School of Rock, Xavier Educational Academy (2022 Best Musician & Artist Awards), Writers in the Round, and Christ Family Church.  She currently teaches guitar and keyboard at WITR, is part of the CFC worship team, and is a Physics major at the University of Houston. She is a musician’s musician who plays electric guitar in the style of Bonnie Rait. Kayla teaches jam band, piano, guitar, bass, banjo and ukulele on Saturdays at Writers in the round. 

Judi has taught piano and voice full-time in Houston since 1987, and spends every Friday night playing keyboard for ComedySportz, an improv troupe. She grew up in the musical theatre community in Cleveland Ohio, sneaking into the local theatre, but quickly got hired to accompany and arrange music. She also teaches improvisation, composition, coaches pop vocal students, and accompanies instrumental and vocal contest students. Her self-published book, “Piano Freedom,” teaches students how to play and improvise pop music and even improvise classical music.

Sally started teaching piano, flute and guitar when she was 14 years old.  She also started teaching gymnastics at that time, eventually coaching on a team that ranked 6th in the nation. Sally is passionate about helping students discover and learn to play the music they want to learn. With a B.A. in Theatre and M.B.A. specializing in the arts, Sally has a vast knowledge of all kinds of music.  She is open to teaching all genres that are relevant to students whether that be pop, classical, musical theatre, oldies or original tunes.   
 
“I believe that motivating and inspiring 21st Century piano students requires a different approach than the way I was taught.  Most people see themselves being able to play and sing songs or accompany friends at gatherings so I start ear training, theory and teaching chords right away, just like the guitar students.  I draw materials from various blogs on the web for the latest teaching methods and my students use apps on the iPad and computer for learning notes, theory or accompanying a song.”
 
Sally prefers to work in small groups.  The children are much more motivated to practice for each other, it teaches them to do their part and its just more FUN.  As soon as they’re ready she has beginners take 15 minutes alone, and 30 minutes with another student  (Students signing up with a friend get the sibling discount.)  Last concert her trio of 6 and 7 year old girls played, Louie Louie, My Hair had a Party Last Night and Mean.
 
Sally has students from 6 to 65.  Some are learning to play by ear and some that just want to read music.  She teaches 2 days a week at Writer’s in the Round and volunteers at Family Point in the Memorial area other days.  She also offers partial scholarships for especially motivated kids from families needing a little help. 

Mary Shannon
Mary Shannon is a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Houston, Texas. Mary Shannon is currently a student at the University of Houston after graduating from Xavier Academy in May of 2020. There she was awarded “Best Songwriter and Best Musician of the 2020 Class”. She applied for and was accepted to both Berklee College of Music and the Los Angeles College of Music. She has been releasing music since her freshman year of high school and has since then accumulated over five million streams across all music platforms. She has recorded with renowned producers across the world and traveled to Malibu to record her hit song “Train Tracks” with producer and songwriter, Kai Stevens.

Mary Shannon has not only released music but has performed for as long as she can remember. She has performed with Writers in the Round over the last 10 years under the mentorship of Linda Lowe and the “Women in the Round”.  She has played venues across the Houston area such as House of Blues, Ovations Night Club, Main Street Theater, and BFE Rock Club.  In October 2019, Mary Shannon was invited to be the opening act for Hudson Moore, Rolling Stones magazine’s “10 New Country Artists You Need to Know” at White Oak Music Hall.  Mary Shannon plans to fill 2024 with new music and many more live concerts. To stay up to date, follow her on Instagram and Spotify with the QR codes below 

Ruthanne is a classically trained musician of many talents who is passionate about performing all styles of music. The focal points of her musicianship are on the viola and violin as well as musical composition and theory. She began her musical study at the age of 5 with the piano before branching out to stringed viol instruments at age 7, and it has been said from early on in her study of music that she can play just about any instrument placed in her hands.

Ruthanne studied and practiced the viola under master musicians from San Jacinto College and the University of Texas at Brownsville, where she remained principal violist at both institutions throughout her academic studies and degrees earned. She continues to perform regularly in various groups such as The Classical Revolution and has performed for numerous weddings, banquets, and other special occasions throughout Texas.

Performing regularly, collaborating with other musicians, and experiencing all genres of music are a few of the important lessons her students become familiar with. Having over 10 years of teaching experience benefits Ruthanne’s ability to tailor her lessons to fit the individual needs of her students, and she relishes in sharing her love and knowledge of music with others.

Coming soon to WITR:

Wildwood’s Online Master’s Class

Stay tuned for more information on Wildwood’s Online Master’s Class courses.

Ronnie is an accomplished guitarist, a talented master of the instrument, known by his peers in the music and recording industry for a unique ability to tastefully embellish and improvise on a tune's melody in a manner that supports both vocal and instrumental elements, and with a signature style that delights the listener's ear.

Ronnie has been playing professionally since 1965. He has been a member of The Instant Daddio’s, Dash Riprock and the Dragon’s, The Coconuts, the New World Beatniks, Mr. Big and the Rhythm Sisters, Wildwood and Women in the Round, and he is also known for his comedic stage presence.

His songwriting talents have been heard as jingles and theme songs for TV and radio. Ronnie is also well known among performers for writing the novelty song "Breakfast Blues", recorded by many groups including Trout Fishing in America. He has also toured internationally playing rock, blues, jazz, Latin, reggae, folk and all popular styles and has taught guitar in Houston, Dallas, and Gulf Breeze, Florida.

Ronnie is an accomplished recording musician, recording sessions in Houston, Dallas, Los Angeles, Austin, Miami and Pensacola, including numerous albums from his own studio.

Ronnie's teaching repertoire includes acoustic and electric guitar as well as electric bass.

His album “World Beach” can be found be found at Apple Music; Amazon and Spotify.

Aura Lee, growing up in a musical family in Kentucky, sang in a rock band and a church choir in junior high, and a folk trio, New Rivertown Singers, in high school. She was a member of the folk trio, Night Kitchen, while attending Boston University. She was the lead singer with Jim Alkire's Jazz Band in Lafayette, Indiana.

After college, a tour with Podunk Peacock in Europe led to the duo Marc and Linda and eventually evolved into the 5-piece, multi instrumental, high energy, vocal and comedy band "Wildwood". Aura Lee added autoharp, kalimba and percussion to the group, which recorded a self -titled album, performed frequently on regional TV shows and played to SRO crowds throughout the Southwest. While she was performing with Wildwood's Ronnie Levine in Sportin' Life in Houston and LA, she fell in love with the music of the 1930's Boswell Sisters, revered as "The World's Foremost Harmonists", became friends with Vet Boswell, the one surviving sister and crisscrossed the country, doing research for a Boswell Sister screenplay.

Aura Lee co-authored the book "Manners are Fun" in conjunction with her position as Executive Director of Historic Thomas Duncan Hall, a not-for-profit performance venue in Lafayette, Indiana. She and her son, Skye, wrote and recorded songs for the hall's 15 year old program which has inspired Citizenship, Civility and Character in thousands of school-age children. Through her business, Etiquette Connect, she has presented to groups from Girl Scouts and at-risk teens to Purdue University Post Doctoral students and Houston's Xavier Education Academy.

Aura Lee recorded and toured with Women in the Round on the Road throughout Texas, Arkansas, Alabama, Indiana, Florida and North Carolina performing in theaters, listening rooms, TV and radio shows for thirty years.

Music has been a sustaining joy from her childhood and loves to to share that joy with people of all ages.

Erich grew up in West University Place, Texas where he studied drums, guitar, and keyboard at Writers in the Round Concert Concert Series Music and Drama for several years. He served as an intern in the WITR Summer Camp in both 2007 and 2008.

Erich attended The University of Houston, Houston Community College, Antioch College and New College of California where he studied for a year and traveled abroad with the LEAPYear Program visiting Honduras, Costa Rica and Guatemala.

Joining the band NeuHuman Erich soon moved to Austin performing in clubs and listening rooms in the area. He played keyboards and sang in Austin, while participating in the 100 Songs in 100 Days Project. During that project he worked on the collaborative aspects of songwriting as well as video production.

In 2019, Erich moved to Houston for the summer to teach drums, piano, guitar and songwriting at WITR Summer Music Camp for both summer sessions.

We are very excited to include Erich Graham as one of our WITR Music Teachers who teaches virtually with WITR from his home in Austin.

Songs in 100 Days Project

In loving memory

Writers In The Round dedicates the space below to honor our teachers who have passed on from our earthly band. May their memory live on in the minds and hands of their students, to whom they strove to impart a love of music and an ability to express that love in performance. All of us at WITR, students, parents and staff, mourn your passing and miss you.

IN MEMORIAM
December 1, 1947 - August 4, 2017
Joe was an actor, musician, composer and songwriter with 39 years of experience. Among many TV shows, he was a writer for “Sesame Street”, and performed on "A Prairie Home Companion". His children’s programs have been taught in schools and on stage across the country and he has released several children’s CD’s from his Non Toxic Band for children. He performed publicly In Houston area clubs with his wife Susan Elliott as the jazz duo, Mood Indigo, voted best jazz duo in Houston by the Houston Press. Joe  taught jazz with an emphasis on structure and music theory. He had been with Writers In The Round since 2001.

http://www.bradshawcarter.com/tributes/Joseph-Romano

IN MEMORIAM
1952 - 2017
Gary Gillispie attended the University of St. Thomas, U of H and the Philladelphia Music Academy. He worked with the Houston Ballet Company, Houston Dance Center and the Up Town Dance Center. He was the Musical director for Company on Stage where he recently directed the “Fantastics”, “God Spell”, “Snoopy”, “Pied Piper of Hamilton”, and the “Nutcracker”. Gary was also the founding Director of the Houston Music Conservatory formed in 1985, performing in concerts across the country and currently accompanied well known performing and recording artists in the Houston area. He had been with WITR since 2005. He was a regular concert performer at Shermann Clay. Gary performed for President Bush and had worked with Steve Allen, Arnnett Cobb, and Chuck Mangione. For the past four years Gary had been the Organist for Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Gary helped to start up Tele-conference Music Lessons for Florida State Hospital in Orlando. Gary was a loved and respected teacher of piano and music theory for 45 years and taught with an emphasis on traditional and improvisation.