Charles Olivier, Bandoneon

Charles Olivier is currently director of the Texas Tech University Tango Orchestra and the co-director of the Lubbock ISD All-District Tango Orchestra, a group unlike any other in the United States whose purpose is to educate high school students from the city of Lubbock, TX, about tango music, culture, and performance. Charles’ extensive work with the group was recognized by Texas Tech University with the President’s Excellence in Diversity and Equity Award.

As a performer, he is a founding member of Tango Llaneros. Charles has also attended the Reed College Tango Institute, Cuarteto Tanguero Summer Workshop, and has been a key speaker about tango for the Osher Life Long Learning Institute.

Charles attended Texas Tech University where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education and a Certificate of World Music Performance in Tango. He is currently pursuing a Masters in Ethnomusicology at Texas Tech University where he continues to study and perform tango music as well as concentrating in tango music education.

Catherine Olivier, Violin

Alongside Charles, Catherine Olivier is currently the co-director of the Lubbock ISD All-District Tango Orchestra, the Head Orchestra Director at Hutchinson Middle School, Orchestra, and a Private Teacher for violin in Lubbock, TX.

As a performer, Catherine is one of the founding members of   Tango Llaneros and has performed many tango works, including Piazzolla's "Maria de Buenos Aires" and his Tango Ballet.  She has attended the Cuarteto Tanguero Summer Workshop and continues to seek out learning opportunities in tango education.  

Catherine attended Texas Tech University where she graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education, Certificate of World Music Performance in Tango, and a Masters in Music Education at Texas Tech University.

Adam Smith, Piano

Adam Smith is the piano player and founding member of Tango Llaneros. He is a doctoral student in piano pedagogy at Texas Tech, and, as his day job, he works at the TLPDC at Texas Tech, assisting graduate students as part of the TEACH Program. Adam received his B.S. in Piano and Political Science from Indiana University, Bloomington. He received his M.M. from Texas Tech University, and he is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Fine Arts at Tech. 

HANNAH MACGILLIVRAY, BASS

​Hannah Macgillivray, the newest member of Tango Llaneros, arrived in Lubbock, Texas by way of Calgary, Alberta to pursue graduate studies at Texas Tech University. She received her MM from Texas Tech and is currently working towards her DMA under the tutelage of Dr. Mark Morton. Hannah has had the opportunity to perform with the Lubbock Symphony Orchestra, Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra, Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Red Deer Symphony Orchestra, and has performed as a soloist with the University of Calgary Orchestra, where she received her BMus. In addition to her formal studies, Hannah enjoys exploring different avenues of music and strives to become a versatile performer.

JEREMY COUTURE, CELLO

Jeremy Couture is from Lubbock, TX and is a founding member of Tango Llaneros. He began playing the cello at age 11. He is an active student in the Texas Tech School of Music, the community and at festivals around the country. At TTU, he has served as Assistant Principal cello of the University Symphony Orchestra, was an officer of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, has been a member of the TTU Tango Camarata and the Celtic Ensemble, and has been one of the busiest chamber musicians having participated in numerous string and mixed ensembles. Jeremy has also taught in the TTU String Project and is a Supplemental Faculty member with LISD. Along with his busy performance schedule at churches and private events in Lubbock, Jeremy is also a substitute cellist with the Lubbock and the Big Spring Symphonies.  Nationally, Jeremy has attended the Hot Springs Music Festival (AR) and the Bay View Chamber Music Festival (MI). Scholarships he has received include Sponsor a Student Scholarship and he is a scholarship student in the School of Music. J

JORDAN KIRKSEY, VIOLIN

Jordan Kirksey is a violinist for Tango Llaneros, where he has been a member since June of 2015. His primary studies have been with associate professor of violin at Texas Tech, Dr. John H Gilbert.  In addition, he has studied and performed in masterclasses with Lauren Eastman, Rossitza Goza, Korey Konkol, Bruce Coppock, Jonathan Magness, and the legendary violin pedagogue Sally O’Reilly.  Jordan currently studies economics at Texas Tech University, where he also studies violin performance and performs in various ensembles through out the university.  In the community, he can also be found performing with Lubbock Moonlight Musicals and the Lubbock Symphony Orchestra.  In addition to his studies and musical activities, Jordan is an active member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia and the TTU Gay Straight Alliance, and works as a teaching assistant for Sylvan Learning Center and Lubbock ISD.