At the heart of Wild Rumpus lies a group of extraordinary musicians, each with a passion for pushing the boundaries of contemporary chamber music. United by a shared dedication to artistic exploration, risk-taking, and collaboration, our ensemble members bring their unique talents and diverse backgrounds to create a vibrant and dynamic musical experience. Get to know the musicians who make up the soul of Wild Rumpus and contribute to the magic of our performances.
Jessie Nucho – Flute
San Francisco-based flutist Jessie Nucho is a driving force in the contemporary music scene. Her performances as a chamber musician, soloist, and educator showcase her profound commitment to new music. With a penchant for premiering works by emerging composers, Jessie’s artistry pushes the envelope of flute music. Her collaborations with various ensembles, including Wild Rumpus, Ensemble Mik Nawooj, and Fog City Guitar Duo, demonstrate her versatility and dedication to artistic growth.
Sophie Huet – Clarinet
Clarinetist Sophie Huet’s passion for new music shines through her performances. As the clarinetist and Development Director of Wild Rumpus, she brings a wealth of experience and an adventurous spirit to the ensemble. Sophie has performed with various ensembles, including the New Spectrum Ensemble and the Magik*Magik Orchestra. Her musical journey is a testament to her commitment to exploring the depths of contemporary music and fostering meaningful connections with composers and audiences alike.
Brendan Lai-Tong – Trombone
Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, trombonist Brendan Lai-Tong’s appreciation for diverse musical genres drives his artistry. His performances span classical, contemporary avant-garde, rock, jazz, and reggae, showcasing his versatility and musical curiosity. Brendan has collaborated with prestigious organizations such as the San Francisco Opera, San Francisco Ballet, and Oakland East Bay Symphony. As a member of Wild Rumpus, he adds a dynamic and expressive voice to the ensemble’s sound.
Mckenzie Camp – Percussion
Percussionist Mckenzie Camp’s artistic journey is a testament to the transformative power of music. Hailing from San Francisco, she has played with leading bay area ensembles such as the San Francisco Opera and Symphony Silicon Valley. Mckenzie’s collaborations with renowned musicians and composers, including Steve Reich and Steve Schick, have enriched her artistic palette. Her performances with Wild Rumpus and other contemporary ensembles reflect her dedication to bringing fresh perspectives to the world of percussion music.
Ed Garcia – Percussion
Ed Garcia’s artistry as a percussionist and composer knows no bounds. Pursuing a Doctorate of Musical Arts at UC Santa Cruz, Ed’s performances span diverse musical settings, from rock bands and chamber music to Indonesian gamelan and experimental percussion. As a member of Wild Rumpus since 2013, he specializes in mallet percussion, drum set, and experimental percussion, adding innovative textures to the ensemble’s sound.
Giacomo Fiore – Electric Guitar
Italian-born guitarist and musicologist Giacomo Fiore brings a unique perspective to Wild Rumpus. Currently living and working in San Francisco, Giacomo has performed across the globe, premiering new works for electric, classical, and justly-tuned guitars. His four solo recordings have earned critical acclaim, and he has lectured at esteemed institutions such as the San Francisco Conservatory and UC Santa Cruz. As Artistic Director of Tangents Guitar Series, Giacomo continues to champion contemporary guitar music.
Margaret Halbig – Piano
Pianist Margaret Halbig’s passion for new and contemporary music is evident in her performances with Wild Rumpus since its inception. Her advocacy for wind and piano chamber ensemble is evident through her membership in Frequency 49, which explores the unique relationship between color and sound. Additionally, Margaret’s role as a coach and pianist for various organizations showcases her dedication to nurturing young talents and promoting the growth of contemporary music.
Mia Nardi-Huffman – Violin
Violinist Mia Nardi-Huffman’s rise as a dynamic player in contemporary and chamber music is nothing short of remarkable. Currently pursuing her Masters of Music at the San Francisco Conservatory under Bettina Mussumeli, Mia has premiered new works through various festivals and concerts. As concertmaster of the SF Conservatory Orchestra, her leadership skills and artistry contribute to the ensemble’s success.
Joanne de Mars – Cello
Cellist Joanne de Mars’ musical journey has taken her from Seattle to the San Francisco Conservatory, where she studied with Jennifer Culp. Her diverse background includes performances with jazz, pop, classical, and contemporary groups, showcasing her versatility and adaptability as a musician. Joanne’s collaborations with Wild Rumpus, Kanye West, and Vertigo Quartet reflect her dedication to exploring various musical styles and pushing artistic boundaries.
Eugene Theriault – Contrabass
San Francisco native and bassist Eugene Theriault’s passion for contemporary music is evident in his diverse repertoire. Graduating with a B.M. from the Oberlin Conservatory and an M.M. from the San Francisco Conservatory, Eugene’s performance experiences include working with the San Francisco Symphony and the New World Symphony. As a member of Wild Rumpus, he adds depth and resonance to the ensemble’s unique sound.