Nate Krieger is a lifelong advocate for music education and the Executive Director of the Fort Worth Afterschool Music Academy. A proud alumnus of both the Texas Boys Choir and the Dorothy Shaw Bell Choir, Nate’s passion for music was nurtured from an early age. He went on to study Vocal Performance at Texas Christian University, laying the groundwork for a career that blends artistry, education, and leadership.

Following his studies, Nate entered the music industry as Director of Sales for Smith Music Group, where he helped grow the visibility and distribution of Texas artists and regional music projects. He then served for over a decade as Director of Marketing and Sponsorship Coordination at Cowtown Coliseum, playing a key role in developing brand partnerships and audience engagement strategies for one of Fort Worth’s most iconic venues. Most recently, Nate brought his dynamic leadership to downtown Fort Worth as Visitor Experience Director for Sundance Square, enhancing community engagement and elevating the guest experience in the city’s premier entertainment district.

These roles sharpened his skills in outreach, operations, and cultural programming—but music remained at the heart of his personal mission. Today, Nate is building his life’s purpose through music education. Through the Fort Worth Afterschool Music Academy, he is expanding access to high-quality, cost-free music instruction for students across the region. Under his direction, the Academy empowers youth from all backgrounds to discover their voice, develop their talents, and grow in confidence through the transformative power of music.

As a performer, Nate remains active in the arts, singing with the Fort Worth Opera Chorus and serving as a paid soloist at First Presbyterian Church. His work continues a proud family tradition—his father, a music educator for 60 years, instilled in him the belief that music has the power to change lives.

Jan Lässker grew up in Switzerland within a family of musicians. He began piano lessons at age 5, and by age 8, he was the pianist in his school’s jazz band. His career in music arguably began when he invited his entire Kindergarten class to a concert at his house—much to the surprise of his parents. Despite this early passion, Jan pursued a decades-long career in construction.

It wasn’t until he met his wife, an art teacher, in Fort Worth that he felt the pull toward education. Jan and his wife have been married for 22 years and have a 12-year-old daughter.

Jan originally came to the United States to become an airline pilot and holds a commercial pilot’s license.

He has taught and conducted an Italian church choir for children ages 6 to 16 in Switzerland and later founded an after-school choir during his first year of teaching in Fort Worth. That choir has since performed several times each year across the city, including at venues such as Sundance Square and the Harambee Festival. This is his seventh year working in the Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD).

For Jan, music has always been a source of stability, comfort, and expression. As a teacher, he strives to create a safe and welcoming environment for all students—free from judgment and open to experimentation, exploration, and improvisation. To foster this kind of atmosphere, he often models vulnerability by humming or making quirky sounds in front of his students, helping them understand that mistakes are not only okay but essential to learning. He also seeks to broaden their musical horizons by exposing them to the vast diversity of musical styles and traditions.

To Jan, music is the great universal language—capable of bringing people of all colors together in literal harmony.

Kyle Flynn’s journey with the Dorothy Shaw Bell Choir began at a young age, thanks in large part to the involvement of his older brother. Even before becoming a member and ringer himself, Kyle was immersed in the magical sound of the bells, and his passion for that music only deepened over time. He spent nearly a decade as a member of the choir and emerged as a dependable leader among the student ringers.

Kyle’s love of music extends well beyond handbells. He has a deep appreciation for moving musical pieces in all forms and is known for creating personalized music mixes on CDs as heartfelt gifts for close friends and family. His artistic interests also stretch beyond music. As a lead actor with the Vagabond Players at R. L. Paschal High School, Kyle developed a strong appreciation for storytelling in all its forms.

After earning a Bachelor of Arts in Electronic Media and Communications from Texas Tech University, Kyle returned home to Fort Worth to support the Dorothy Shaw Bell Choir as a staff assistant. He also began working as a Substitute Teacher for the Fort Worth Independent School District.

Today, Kyle is honored and excited to lead the Dorothy Shaw Bell Choir into a new era of excellence as its Managing Director.

Michael Mangrum is a classical guitarist and bilingual educator who lives in Fort Worth, Texas.

Michael’s music reflects his formal training background as a guitar performance major at St. Mary’s University (San Antonio, TX) and his strong connection to the culture and music of Latin America.

Michael plays music from the classical guitar repertoire, original arrangements of popular/jazz songs for solo guitar, and original pieces.