Donnie Wright
CEO & CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Donnie Wright was born in Greensboro, North Carolina, and has built a lifelong career around his passion for music. With roots in 50s rock and bluegrass, he began playing guitar at the age of 14 and quickly excelled, driven by a deep love for the craft and a natural musical instinct.
He is a graduate of Liberty University, where he earned a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Education and an M.A. in Music Education. In 2006, Donnie founded Highland North Music and now serves as its CEO, General Manager, and Creative Director. Under his leadership, the school has grown into a vibrant community centered around performance, creativity, and a unique approach to music education.
Donnie built Highland North Music on the belief that the most fundamental element of learning music is FUN. As he often says, “If what you are doing is not ‘FUN,’ then ‘WHY’ do it at all?” He believes that anyone can learn music naturally—much like learning a first language—often within just three to four years, without the need for complicated theory or traditional methods.
He is also a strong advocate for music as a core part of education, believing it plays a vital role in personal growth, creativity, and development. His vision is for music to become a normal and essential part of every child’s educational journey.
Above all, Donnie is a family man who values his wife, Deborah, their three daughters, and five grandchildren, and he brings that same sense of care and community into everything he builds.
Iris Crowe
VOCAL, PIANO & LITTLE ROCKERZ TEACHER
Iris is also a native of Greensboro and was exposed to music and dance from birth thanks to her mother, who shared her love of the performing arts with her daughter. During elementary school and high school, Iris studied piano, guitar, voice, dance, and drama. She performed with the school choruses, special vocal ensembles, and in high school drama productions. In the summer before her senior year, she attended the Easter Music Festival in Greensboro as an on-campus vocal student. It was during her senior year that she got her first taste of being the lead singer in a rock band, “Ezra”, and found her passion.
During the next two years working and traveling with “Ezra,” she came close to permanently damaging her voice due to overuse and misuse, and knew it was time to regroup. She then studied at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro as a Voice Major in the School of Music. This lasted a year, and even though the experience was invaluable, she knew she had to return to her true love: rock. From that time on, Iris performed as lead singer in area bands Enticer, Subway,
Barracuda, and Shadowplay. She was also involved in various recording projects, most recently with a group called Visions of Venus, which professionally recorded 2 discs.
Her love for music and performance is a large part of who Iris is, and with age and life experiences, has come a desire to use her talent and experience as a force for good.
Jeanna Bridges
VOCAL & PIANO TEACHER/ASSISTANT OFFICE MANAGER
Jeanna Bridges has had a lifelong love of music and art. She began piano lessons at age six and was actively involved in church choirs and school choruses. During her teen years, she attended the Cannon Music Camp at Appalachian State University, while continuing her classical voice and piano training through Trinity AME Zion Church under the influence of her mother, Joan, a well-known local and regional singer, and Minister of Music Dr. Charlotte Alston.
Jeanna also developed a love for jazz through her father’s record collection. She graduated from Dudley High School and attended Bennett College on a music scholarship, where she studied music theory, church music, opera, and organ, and performed as a featured soloist in the Bennett College Choir. She later continued her studies at Winston-Salem State University, focusing on vocal performance, composition, and conducting, while also working as a DJ at WSNC. Jeanna eventually completed her studies at UNCG in Psychology and Broadcasting, where she hosted a jazz and international music program on WUAG-FM.
Following graduation, Jeanna began a career in Special Education, teaching in North Carolina and later in Tampa, Florida, where she remained active in church and community choirs. After many years in Tampa, she returned to North Carolina, continuing her teaching career and experiencing the joy of singing alongside her mother in the Sanctuary Choir at Trinity AME Zion Church as a featured soloist.
In addition to music, Jeanna has explored acting, appearing in productions with the Community Theatre of Greensboro and the City Arts FRINGE Festival. Her passion for music led her to Highland North Music, where she further developed her vocal skills in rock and jazz as a student of Iris Crowe, and performed with the school’s Barely Upright Band. She now joins the Highland North staff, teaching piano and voice.
Vance D. Archer III
VIOLIN, VIOLA & CELLO TEACHER
Vance D. Archer III has been a musician for over 60 years, with a career spanning from classical cello and the Family String Quartet to 30 years of leading Folk Music, Irish Cello, and Contra Dance bands in the greater New York City/New Jersey region.
Since moving to Greensboro in 2005, Vance has become active in the Triad Music and Art Scene. He plays fiddle in the Irish Pub Band, Banna, and the Bluegrass Band “821“.
Vance convenes the Triad Fiddlers, a circle that teaches old-time and Irish fiddle tunes and techniques to all, and the folk music circle “Bishop’s Bridge,” which plays acoustic music from all traditions.
Vance hosts a monthly “Traveling Hootenanny” where folks join for an evening of socialization and singing. Vance performs a monthly solo concert series in various Triad Assisted Living venues. For these solo performances, he plays Guitar, autoharp, and Fiddle while leading the singing. He also provides solo and duet background entertainment at social gatherings and trade shows.
Vance can assemble the right mix of musicians to suit most musical venues. Vance would rather practice outside than inside. He can often be seen strolling in the Bog Garden, Bicentennial Gardens, Country Park, or the Arboretum, fiddling with his dog Jolly tied to his belt.
Mike D. Highfill
GUITAR & BASS TEACHER
Mike’s music career began at the age of 10 when he started playing trumpet at Frazier Elementary School. In his early years, he discovered guitar and bass, which he taught himself. During high school, in addition to trumpet, he also played flugelhorn, French horn, and baritone. He was a diligent, dedicated music student—his horn came home and was used daily, even if his other books didn’t! He was definitely a band nerd. With the exception of 7th grade (when the older students had first section covered), from elementary through high school he played in the 1st trumpet section, consistently competing for—and often earning—first chair. He graduated from Northeast Guilford High School in 1980 and briefly attended the UNC-G School of Music.
After several years managing his father’s commercial janitorial business, Mike attended the School of Nursing at Guilford Technical Community College, where he tutored fellow students in biology, pharmacology, and nutrition. This led to a 21-year career in clinical nursing, primarily in Critical Care areas such as ER, CCU, Post Anesthesia, and a ventilator hospital. He also served as the lead EKG and Advanced Cardiac Life Support review instructor for three years at the Surgical Center of Greensboro. After much soul searching and prayer, he retired from nursing in 2010. He later worked with a friend’s construction business until the industry downturn ended that opportunity. During that time, both his mom and stepdad became gravely ill, requiring him to care for them. His stepdad has since passed, and his mother has returned home to Summerfield, where he continues to help care for her.
While his trumpet-playing days ended around 1980, Mike’s passion for music has never left. He has played guitar and/or bass with many talented musicians and bands, both secular and Contemporary Christian. His musical interests are wide-ranging—if it’s good music, genre doesn’t matter. There is a reason we still listen to Mozart! He has been writing songs since high school, co-writing with other musicians and continuing to do so today.
Mike believes music is a God-given gift meant to be shared and looks forward to helping students learn and grow in this art.
Mike Carney
DRUMS & PERCUSSION TEACHER
Mike Carney was born in Asheville, North Carolina, in late 1994 but moved to Wake County three years later. Orlando, Florida, in 2000. Mike moved back to North Carolina in 2003 and resided in Chapel Hill, where he first began to show interest in music. While he was originally trying to learn to play bass guitar, Mike couldn’t resist playing a set of drums whenever possible. Mike began playing percussion in his middle school band in 2006. The following year, he would receive a drum set for Christmas at the age of 13. He seemed like he always knew what to play the moment he sat on the throne, despite having no prior instructions. Mike would go on to join the Chapel Hill High School Marching Band in 2009 as a drumline member. This is where Mike learned to increase his diligence as a serious musician and developed healthy physical, social, and learning habits.
Mike would also play in the Sunday youth group services at New Hope Church in Durham, NC, until finishing high school. Mike also thrived in the school’s Jazz program, while winning an Outstanding Soloist Award at the 2012 Elon Jazz Festival. Then would win CHHS’s Most Outstanding Percussionist Award, Student elected “Drum Kit Master” Award, and the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award in 2013. Mike got a hint of GTCC’s Entertainment Technologies Program. He began attending GTCC classes in 2015 in Recording Engineering. Mike decided to switch to Commercial Music in 2017 because, while participating in a leadership work study at New Hope Church, mainly playing services at their various satellite locations, he felt his abilities were better suited to a professional drummer. Mike was featured in GTCC’s 2017 production of Romeo and Juliet: Promenade, demonstrating his cajón abilities in the moving pit orchestra. He also began developing his talents as a singer in GTCC’s Performance Ensemble, including performances of songs such as The Talking Heads’ ‘Slippery People’, Peter Gabriel’s ‘Mercy Street’, and The B-52’s ‘Love Shack’. Many were performed while playing drums.
Mike was recognized very highly his peers and instructors for taking on musical leadership in his ensembles. This year, Mike has obtained an Associate of Applied Science degree in Commercial Music from GTCC’s Larry Gatlin School of Entertainment Technology. He aspires to continue his journey as a drummer, musician, and educator by helping those eager to learn new skills along the way.
Mike Carney has joined Highland North Music School because he feels that he can help contribute to the caring, passionate learning environment they provide for their students and share his love for the art of drumming and music.
Roberto Caballero
TROMBONE, TRUMPET, PIANO, BASS, & GUITAR TEACHER
Roberto (Robbie) Caballero serves as the City of Greensboro’s Chief Data Officer and brings a deep passion for both music and community into everything he does. Alongside his professional career, music has remained a constant and meaningful part of his life.
Robbie’s musical journey began with classical training at David D. Jones Elementary School, where he studied piano, violin, and trumpet. He continued on trumpet through his early years at Grimsley High School before being encouraged to take up the trombone—a decision that would shape his musical path moving forward.
He attended the University of North Carolina at Greensboro from 2004–2008, studying trombone performance before stepping away to get married and start a family. In 2015, he felt called to return and complete what he had started. With three young children and in his 30s, Robbie went back to UNCG and earned his Bachelor of Music in Trombone Performance in just three semesters, studying under Dr. Randy Kohlenberg.
In addition to his classical background, Robbie has spent many years playing keys, guitar, and singing in both worship teams and small group worship settings, developing a strong foundation in contemporary and band environments. He has known Highland North founder Donnie Wright since 2006, and the two have played music together for many years.
Today, Robbie serves as the Band Director for the Highland Rock Orchestra and continues to perform regularly across the Triad, sharing his love of music through vocals, piano, and trombone.
Robbie is passionate about helping students discover the joy of music and believes it should be accessible, engaging, and fun for everyone.
Krista Johnson
GUITAR & BASS TEACHER
Krista is originally from Pennsylvania, where she earned a B.A. in Anthropology from Bloomsburg University and later completed her Doctor of Chiropractic degree at New York Chiropractic College. She went on to practice as a chiropractor in Madison, North Carolina.
Krista and her husband later settled in North Carolina, where they are raising their four children. While her professional background is in healthcare, music has always been a passion of hers.
In 2019, Krista’s children began taking lessons at Highland North Music, where the family quickly fell in love with the staff, community, and approach to music education. Inspired by their experience, Krista began taking guitar lessons in 2020 and later added bass.
Over the next several years, she developed the skills needed to both perform and teach. In 2022, Krista joined the Highland Rock Orchestra, and in 2023 she officially joined the teaching staff.
Krista brings a unique perspective as both a parent and musician and is passionate about helping students build confidence and discover their love for music.
Clay Collins
BASS TEACHER
Clay Collins was born and raised in Greensboro and has loved music for as long as he can remember. He began with piano but soon wanted to expand his ear and explore other instruments.
After seeing Donnie Wright perform at a Christmas concert, Clay was inspired to learn guitar. Not long after, a bass guitar crossed his path—and it was first love at first open E. His parents soon bought him his first bass, and from there he was off to the races. Clay continued developing his skills through lessons with Mike Highfill before Mike Naylor ultimately “took him to the dark side” of bass.
Over time, Clay developed a strong connection to the instrument, playing basses he named “Good Omen,” “Blackjack,” and eventually his dream bass, the SR370e “Bluey.”
After several years in the performance-level band—where he also led rehearsals—Clay’s growth as a musician led Donnie Wright to invite him to join the teaching staff at Highland North Music.
As an instructor, Clay is known for his relatable and encouraging style, creating a relaxed environment where students feel comfortable learning, making mistakes, and growing at their own pace. He enjoys tailoring lessons to each student’s interests, helping them stay engaged and excited about practicing and improving.
Clay continues to perform and is now joining the Highland Rock Orchestra as a bass player, further expanding his experience on stage.
Sanjna Gudena
VIOLIN & FLUTE TEACHER
Sanjna Gudena, born in 2007, moved to NC when she was seven. Even before moving, she began her music journey in piano. Then, in sixth grade, she wanted to join the band and decided to pick up flute. She picked up quickly and soon learned by herself after knowing the basics.
In addition to playing the flute and piano, she has recently started learning the violin under Vance Archer, one of HNM’s resident Instructors.
Her love of blues and jazz was always constant, and she loved incorporating flute into its melodies. However, when she encountered Highland North, she became a rock fan, using her flute to exemplify that when she joined the student-led Performance Band.
With what she learned, she wants to show the other side of the flute that many don’t know or see. She wants to spread her enjoyment of the instrument with others.
As of May 2024, Sanjna has joined the HNM staff as an intern to grow, teach, and inspire kids within our community.
Abigail Stewart
PIANO TEACHER
Abby Stewart has recently moved to the Greensboro area and is thrilled to join the Highland North family!
She graduated with a Bachelor’s in Music Education from Messiah University in Pennsylvania and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Piano Performance at UNCG. Classically trained since age five, Abby is dedicated to growing as both an educator and musician. She firmly believes in the healing power of music and is passionate about equipping others with the skills and confidence to share it.
Abby brings experience in both performing and teaching across a variety of styles, including classical, jazz, theater, and pop piano. She enjoys helping students build strong musical foundations while also encouraging creativity and personal expression. She looks forward to continuing to grow alongside her students at Highland North.
When she’s not playing the piano, you might find her exploring thrift stores or enjoying a large cup of coffee.
Sydney Wenger
VOCAL TEACHER
Sydney Wenger is a recent graduate of Liberty University with a B.M. in Vocal Performance. During her undergraduate studies, she trained under Dr. Wayne Kompelien and performed the roles of Fiordiligi in Così fan tutte, Countess Almaviva in Le nozze di Figaro, and Rosalinda in Die Fledermaus. In 2023, she performed as Violetta in La Traviata and Clorinda in La Cenerentola with the Mediterranean Opera Studio and Festival in Sicily. Sydney won the aria/concerto competition at Liberty University and sang with the LU Symphony Orchestra in May 2023.
As a Young Artist with Opera Roanoke, Sydney has performed in concerts featuring composers such as Mozart, Handel, and Strauss, including the role of Gretel in Hansel and Gretel by Engelbert Humperdinck. In the fall of 2023, she participated in the Strauss Ecstasy concert under the direction of Steven White. Sydney was the Virginia state winner at the National Association of Teachers of Singing in 2022 and placed 2nd in the Mid-Atlantic Region in 2024, earning additional awards and scholarships from PMEA, Liberty University, and the University of North Carolina Greensboro.
Sydney is in her first year at UNCG, pursuing her M.M. in Performance with a concentration in Vocal Pedagogy. She is a graduate assistant in the voice department and is studying with Dr. Bob Wells.
Tanay Shah
GUITAR TEACHER
Tanay Shah, born in 2009, started playing guitar at five and quickly fell in love with music. He began with acoustic guitar, focusing on fingerstyle playing, which helped him build a solid foundation. At 12, he got his first electric guitar, which opened up new possibilities for his playing.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Tanay taught himself guitar using YouTube lessons, which fueled his passion and made him more dedicated to music.
Besides guitar, Tanay also played the flute in the Northwest Guilford School band, which gave him experience in different styles of music. This variety of experiences has led him to appreciate many genres, from classical to modern, with a newfound interest in rock.
Curiosity in different music types has helped Tanay grow as a musician. Tanay is always eager to learn and experiment with new styles.
He’s committed to continuing his musical journey while having fun and is excited about joining the Highland North Music Academy.
Jack McLawhon
GUITAR TEACHER
Born in 2010, Jack McLawhon began his musical journey in 2023 after
receiving his first guitar from his grandparents for Christmas. Although it initially
sat unused, Jack’s growing curiosity led him to pick it up and explore its sound—
sparking a deep and lasting passion for music.
Jack began formal instruction at Highland North Music with teacher Mike Highfill.
His rapid progress and dedication quickly set him apart, allowing him to bypass
the Showcase level and move directly into the P90 band.
After performing in two shows, Jack advanced into the student-led band,
where he continues to perform and collaborate with fellow musicians.
Since his very first lesson, Jack has practiced guitar daily and has since built
a personal collection of more than eleven instruments. His commitment to
continual growth and his enthusiasm for sharing knowledge have shaped
him into both a skilled musician and a supportive mentor.
Jack is thrilled to join the Highland North Music staff, where he looks forward
to helping students develop their skills, confidence, and love for guitar.
Samuel Tosto
GUITAR, BASS, PIANO, DRUMS, UKULELE, VOCAL & COMPOSITION TEACHER
Samuel Tosto is a composer, performer, and private music instructor with over a decade of teaching experience. He has been composing music for almost 20 years, with a focus on writing for film, TV, video games, and heavy metal and rock, and he brings his creativity into every lesson.
As a teacher, Samuel keeps things practical, encouraging, and accommodating for students.
He works with all ages and skill levels—whether one is picking up an instrument for the first time, preparing for auditions or performances, or wanting to compose their own music.
Lessons are personalized to each student’s goals and pace, with a clear plan for progress.
Samuel offers instruction in guitar, piano, drum set, bass guitar, ukulele, vocals, and composition.
Ariana Rivero
VIOLIN, PIANO & VOCAL TEACHER
Ariana Rivero’s passion is to share the gift of music with others. Since picking up a mini violin at age six, she has loved creating beautiful sounds that bring joy and bless others. She began taking lessons from the Music Academy of North Carolina shortly after she moved to Greensboro in 2015. She enjoys playing
many genres of music, from classical to contemporary.
Her favorite places to play are at her church, in the worship band, or at the youth group. She is currently dual-enrolled at GTCC pursuing an Associate’s in Fine Arts in Music. She plays in the Chamber Ensemble at GTCC and has also been the concertmaster of the Greensboro Youth Philharmonic.
She has been teaching violin and has experience playing for over a decade. Her students have thrived and shown success very quickly, learning to compose and play their own music.
Her fun and encouraging teaching style allows students to express themselves and truly enjoy music.
Warren Waken
PIANO & DRUMS TEACHER
Warren Waken was born in Cleveland, Ohio, with a strong, innate interest in both music and medicine.
He has been playing instruments since the age of nine, beginning with the piano and later expanding his skills to the drums at eleven. Academically driven, Warren is enrolled in Advanced Placement (AP) courses and advanced math classes, demonstrating both discipline and intellectual curiosity.
He is committed to taking early initiative in building his career, focusing on strengthening his resume through early college opportunities and consistent work experience. Since the age of fourteen, Warren has maintained employment, working in landscaping during the summer and serving at a retirement home for several months.
His work ethic and dedication reflect a strong foundation
for future success.
Gabriel Kostov
PIANO TEACHER
Hailing from Greensboro, North Carolina, Gabriel combines the precision of a concert pianist with the creativity and reach of a modern digital influencer.
He began studying piano at the age of five, with his musical voice taking shape more fully at twelve under the guidance of Dr. Thomas Swenson, and later continuing his studies with Dr. Dmitri Vorobiev at sixteen.
Gabriel has earned recognition in competitions including MTNA, ECU, and the Ronald Sachs International Piano Competition. He has also participated in masterclasses with distinguished faculty from leading institutions such as the Eastman School of Music, the Cleveland Institute of Music, and The Juilliard School.
In addition to his performance career, Gabriel has developed a strong online presence, bringing classical music to a broader audience through engaging and creative content.
With a following of over 70,000, he connects with musicians and listeners alike through a unique blend of humor, insight, and musical expertise.
Wendy Oheung
CEO & CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Wendy brings over 30 years of piano experience and a lifelong passion for music education to her teaching. She began studying piano at the age of eight in Calgary, Alberta, and was accepted into the Gifted Academy at Mount Royal College, where she further developed her musical foundation.
Wendy later studied under the renowned piano teacher Marilyn Engle and earned her ARCT Performer’s Diploma through the Royal Conservatory of Music.
Over the years, Wendy has performed in senior communities, participated in piano competitions, and built a thriving private studio with more than 40 students, ranging in age from 3 to 75.
She is passionate about creating a positive and encouraging environment where students feel inspired to grow both musically and personally.
Known for her warm, creative teaching style, Wendy incorporates fun and engaging games along with interactive learning techniques to help students build confidence, stay motivated, and develop
a lifelong love of music.