Jennifer McDonald

Jennifer McDonald is both a seasoned performer and dedicated educator, with years of experience singing live with bands and in church settings. She is a piano and vocal coach at Music Compound, where her encouraging teaching style blends creativity with technical skill. Whether performing herself or guiding others, Jennifer’s mission is to spark joy in music and help each student shine with confidence.

Natalie Smith

Natalie Smith is a highly accomplished vocalist and vocal coach with more than a decade of performance and teaching experience. Trained in both classical and contemporary styles, she has performed professionally while also guiding students toward success on stage, in competitions, and in recordings. As a vocal instructor at Music Compound, Natalie is celebrated for her ability to blend strong technique with artistry, helping singers unlock their full potential.

Claudia Marmelo

A passionate musician and educator, she believes deeply in the power of music to inspire, connect, and build confidence. At Music Compound, she brings joy and encouragement to students by creating a warm, welcoming environment where they can grow both musically and personally.

Her background spans voice, piano, guitar, and songwriting, with a strong emphasis on vocal training. She has years of experience in choir, has performed the National Anthem at various events, and leads Music Compound’s youth vocal groups, helping young singers find their voice and thrive on stage.

She especially enjoys working with beginners, guiding them as they build a solid musical foundation. Her teaching style is individualized, focusing on confidence, creativity, and fun. Beyond teaching, she is always eager to support the Music Compound team wherever needed, bringing flexibility, enthusiasm, and a genuine love for music to everything she does.

Sylvie Valiente

Sylvie Valiente is the professional name of Mari-Ann Kucharek – a classically-trained English soprano with over four decades of performance experience spanning choral, operatic, jazz, and rock music. A Royal College of Music Grade 8 distinction holder in piano, violin, and singing, she has performed in high class venues in the UK, Austria, Thailand and the Middle East, even performing on the Acoustic Stage at the world famous Glastonbury Festival. She released an album in November 2021 called “wide open air” right before settling in Florida, where she is a proud member of the Sarasota choral community. Mari-Ann has the honor of performing the US National Anthem at the Elizabeth Moore Sarasota Open Tennis Tournament, the Pittsburgh Pirates games, the ProMod Stock Car Championships, Manatee County events, and here at Sarasota Polo.

Sentimental Gents

Sentimental Gents is a registered barbershop quartet that has entertained audiences in
Sarasota and Manatee Counties for several years. The quartet is composed of Tenor Dave Cama, Lead Clark Niepert, Baritone Jim Stoup, and Bass Ken Cerny. The group has more than 65 years singing experience in the barbershop genre – 4-part acapella close harmony. All are members of the Sarasota Chorus of the Keys, an established Chorus in the Barbershop Harmony Society. The quartet enjoys performing for birthday or anniversary parties, civic organizations, and especially for senior care communities, and Valentines Day greetings. We look forward to
singing for you!

Jim is our contact person: (941) 720-9734 or barisharp4@gmail.com

[Pictured from left to right: Dave, Clark, Ken, Jim]