Gina Samardge
Gina has been performing and teaching music around NYC since her arrival in 2002. A native Ohioan, she grew up in the local theaters, singing and dancing in numerous productions. After receiving a BA in Music from the University of Dayton and a short stint living and performing in Cleveland, OH, she spent nearly a year traveling around the world to such places as Germany, Japan, Thailand, Kenya, Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
Upon her return to the States, she began teaching music in a school in Central Ohio. It wasn't long before she felt the need to finally venture out East to the city that stole her heart when she was 16.
Since Gina has moved to New York she has performed with VOICETheatre, The Soon-To-Be-World-Famous Female Clown Troupe, Main Squeeze Orchestra and numerous other short films and theatrical productions.
Along with her music degree, Gina has attained her first 2 levels in the Orff-Schulwerk Approach to teaching Music and is a scholarship recipient of the program.
Gina formerly taught for the Brooklyn-Queens Conservatory of Music and directed the Children's Chorus there. She has also been on faculty at the Turtle Bay Music School and has taught at Collegiate School for Boys.
Gina is a member of the American Orff-Schulwerk Association, as well as the NYC Chapter, and a member of the Early Childhood Music and Movement Association.
She also leads her own sing-a-longs at various locations in Brooklyn and has her own toddler music and movement classes, Musical Stew. She was selected as a Time Out NY Kids' Top Choice for her sing-a-long birthday parties.
Most recently, Gina performed at the 2008 Fringe Festival in the play "Pawnshop Accordions." Her performance in the role of Zaida, a mute accordionist, earned her several wonderful reviews. You can read more on the Press/Reviews page.
Gina has been performing with The Maestrosities, a clown band were featured at the KIMTOM International Clown festival in Shanghai, China. Check out some of the photos!