MUSICIANS

Cynthia Drexler ~ Director / Viola

Cynthia has been a member of the Fort Collins Symphony since 2009, and has also performed with the Cheyenne Symphony and Greely Philharmonic. Originally from San Diego, she was a member of the San Diego Chamber Orchestra and a regular substitute member of the San Diego Symphony. Prior to relocating to Fort Collins in 2008 to pursue her Masters degree from CSU, she directed Camelot Strings in Southern California for 10 years, and maintained a busy teaching schedule with her own studio, and as an adjuct professor of strings at San Diego Christian College. She received her BA in Violin Performance at USC, studying with Violinist Eudice Shapiro and Violist Milton Thomas.

Along with her busy performance schedule, Cynthia maintains a vibrant music studio, teaching violin, viola, and piano to students of all ages along the Front Range area. Cynthia's great passion is performing chamber music, and loves the beauty and emotional satisfaction of providing wedding clients with music that exceeds their expectationsm both in quality and service. She also has a great love for performing in area churches, where her flair for soloing is both uplifting and spiritually edifying.

Beth Wells ~ Cello

Beth has performed with the Fort Collins Symphony and Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra for the past 26 seasons. She has also held positions in the Cheyenne Symphony and has performed with a variety of ensembles throughout Colorado. Beth received her BME degree from the University of Denver, Lamont School of Music.

Since 2013, she has been the chairperson for the Colorado Chapter of American String Teacher Orchestra Festival, and is currently Director of the Northern Colorado Cello Choir. In addition to Beth’s busy performance schedule, she maintains an active cello studio – specializing in lessons to elementary through high school students.

Beth is active as a member of the Fort Collins Symphony Education Committee and the Fort Collins Symphony Musicians’ Committee. She and her husband, Tom, a professional bassoonist, enjoy international travel, attending the Telluride (Colorado) Film Festival, listening to live performances of great orchestras, and spending time with their five children and granddaughter.

Elle Li ~ Violin

Elle received her Master’s Degree in Violin performance at the University of Denver. She has been performing with the Denver Philharmonic Orchestra as Principal Second Violinist, the Pueblo Symphony as Assistant Concertmaster, and with the Cheyenne and Fort Collins Symphony Orchestras.

Elle began playing violin at the age of three. After studying under professional training for nearly 20 years, she received her Bachelor’s degree in China. While in college, in addition to performing in professional orchestras Elle performed for master classes, held solo and chamber recitals, was a member of the school's faculty quintet, and was awarded in a chamber music competition.

In addition to her current work as an orchestra musician, Elle teaches students of all ages in and around the Denver area. She also enjoys hand-crafts and is an avid jewelry artist.

Travis Rollins ~ Viola

Travis currently resides in Englewood, Colorado. He has been performing with various orchestras around Colorado, including the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, the Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra and the Pueblo Symphony Orchestra.

Through music, Travis strives to create a story that is both personal and universal. Travis earned his Bachelor’s Degree at CCM at the University of Cincinnati and received his Master’s Degree in Viola Performance from the University of Denver, in June, 2014.

Through dedication and hard work, he has won many competitions, including the Geraldine Gee Competition and the Baur Competition at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music.

He has also performed with many different ensembles at CCM, Aspen Music Festival, and Montecito Music Festival. Although classical viola is his main passion, he enjoys taking his musical talents into related areas, including work as a music producer, poet, and rapper.