Jimmy Bilbrey
Jimmy Bilbrey, a Cookeville native, is a multi-instrumentalist/singer-songwriter who grew up in a musical home. He graduated from Tennessee Tech in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science degree in classical violin. An award-winning songwriter, Jimmy has had songs recorded by national and international artists. Some of Jimmy's gospel songs are played regularly on the radio. He currently performs in his family bluegrass band, The Bilbreys, and has been the Minister of Music at University Heights Baptist Church since 1998. Jimmy has 37 years of teaching experience and currently teaches violin/fiddle, guitar, mandolin, banjo, piano, ukulele, bass, songwriting and harmony singing.
Jeanie Holder
Jeanie began playing violin as a child in Putnam County schools in 5th grade. During high school, she studied violin at Blair School of Music in Nashville, Tennessee and played with the Nashville Youth Symphony, spending summers at Sewannee Summer Music Center. She received a bachelor's degree in Music Education from TTU, specializing in stringed instruments. After graduation she taught music in Crossville, Tennessee and was a conductor for the Children of Crossville Chamber Orchestra. She maintained studios in Crossville and Cookeville where she taught private lessons for 28 years before joining the staff of the School of Performing Arts.
Callie Herman
Callie Herman has been on staff with the School of Performing Arts since 2018, teaching violin and cello. She holds degrees in music from Tennessee Tech University and the University of Tennessee. Callie and her family reside in Cookeville and are members of Stevens Street Baptist Church, where she serves faithfully in the worship orchestra.