Camp Leaders

Dr. Dovgalyuk is the Minister of Music at Court Street United Methodist Church. He is a violin professor at Liberty University and is the Concertmaster of the Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra. He is a world-renowned violinist, having performed throughout the USA and Europe, including Sweden, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, Latvia, and Russia. Dr. Dovgalyuk holds his Doctor of Musical Arts in Violin Performance degree from the University of Maryland.

Dr. Dovgalyuk has performed in many of the world’s finest concert venues. In March of 2017, Dr. Dovgalyuk traveled with the National Symphony Orchestra on their Russia tour and performed in the Moscow Conservatory concert hall as well as the Great Hall in St. Petersburg. He has performed with some of the world’s finest musicians including Yo-Yo Ma, Joshua Bell, Gidon Kremer, Wynton Marsalis, Stevie Wonder, The Getty’s, Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Martina McBride and many others.

Known as simply, Dr. D :)

Kate Dovgalyuk began studying the viola at the age of 10 in Lake Ridge, VA. While in high school, Kate studied under violist Patricia Plombon and was a member of the Youth Orchestras of Prince William County. She was also a member of the YOPW string quartet and the Woodbridge Senior High School string quartet. Kate attended George Mason University where she studied under Ramon Scavelli, violist of the National Symphony Orchestra, and graduated in 2004 with a Bachelor of Music in music education. Since graduating, she has performed with many local orchestras as well as chamber ensembles and is the principal violist for the Piedmont Symphony Orchestra. Kate is currently a member of the Liya Ensemble and is involved with Liya Music Camp, both established in memory of her husband’s sister Liya. Kate has been the strings director at various elementary schools in Fairfax County and as well as director of the Fairfax Area Orchestra.

Sarah Catherine Sonnenberg was born and raised in Lynchburg, Virginia where she started group Suzuki lessons in the Lynchburg City public school system at the age of 5.  At eight years old she began taking private violin lessons with Ms. Ellen Habitzruther, whom she continued to study with until graduating from high school.

Sarah Catherine has been a featured violinist and soloist with many organizations, including the Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra, Forte Music Organization, and multiple solo recitals throughout the central Virginia area. She also had the privileged of performing alongside a world-renowned pianist, and artist in residence at the University of North Texas, Gustavo Romero.

She received a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance from the University of Michigan, School of Music, Theatre & Dance (SMTD) in 2019 and a minor in creative writing. While at SMTD, she studied under Mr. David Halen and Mr. Stephen Shipps. Other teachers include Ms. Linda Schroeder (National Symphony Orchestra), Ms. Akemi Takayama (Shenandoah Conservatory), Dr. Wanchi Huang (James Madison University), Dr. Shin Lin Tsai (Boston University), Mr. Andrew Jennings (University of Michigan), Ms. Amy Barlowe Bodman (Ohio University), Mr. Ivan Zenaty (Cleveland Institute of Music), Mr. Kevin Lawrence (University of North Carolina, School for the Arts).

Sarah Catherine resides in Michigan and is on staff at NorthRidge School of Performing Arts in Plymouth and at Milford Music Academy in Highland. She also performs regularly with the Michigan Philharmonic, Dearborn Symphony, NorthRidge Church, and on the worship team at Trinity Presbyterian Church. She also continues to perform with the Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra and throughout the central Virginia area.

Eric Hollandsworth grew up as a cellist in Roanoke, VA, studying with Peggy McHenry, Dr. Kenneth Lurie, and Alan Weinstein. It was during his studies with Weinstein that Eric was introduced to Jazz. Eric made Upright and Electric Bass his main instruments by his early twenties. He became a sought-after theatre pit orchestra bassist, performing regularly with several professional and community-based theatres. 

Eric has toured with regional and national blues and jazz artists throughout his career and has worked with artists such as Dave Matthews Band members and Grammy Award-winning cellist Zuill Bailey. Eric is a sought-after recording artist and had been a part of over a dozen albums with various artists and groups.

On the classical side, Eric has served as both principal bassist and cellist for the Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra, the Commonwealth Choral Society, and the James Chamber Players.  Currently, Eric performs as a member of the Waynesboro Symphony Orchestra, the Lynchburg Symphony, and the University of Lynchburg Wind Ensemble and Orchestra.  

Along with his work with the orchestras, Eric is currently performing with and co-music director for the Sway Katz Big Band,  performs with the Eric Hollandsworth Quartet, Americana group Carrington Kay, modern Jazz combo Flat Five Jazz , the Lynchburg Community Big Band at the University of Lynchburg, and has revived the Roots Rock band The Tendencies.

Eric is a professor of music at both University of Lynchburg and Sweet Briar College, teaching Upright and Electric Bass, Cello, Guitar, Ukulele, and one on one classes in songwriting, as well teaching a private studio in the Lynchburg - Roanoke area. Most recently Eric has also taken a teaching position at the Allegro Music School.

Sarah Gates, originally from Grand Junction, CO, has been passionate about music since her childhood. She started playing piano at an early age and began learning the clarinet as an elementary school student. Thanks to the guidance of her music teacher, Marge Zollner, Sarah was able to secure 2nd place in a statewide piano competition in 2018. The same year, she moved to Lynchburg, VA, to pursue a Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance under the tutelage of Dr. Tad Hardin and Mr. Jon Werking, as well as a BM in Woodwind Performance under Dr. Cassandra Hibbard. Recently, Sarah completed both degrees and graduated in the spring.

During her time at Liberty University, Sarah honed her skills as a solo performer and accompanist, showcasing her versatility by playing the same pieces on both instruments. She also teaches music privately in the local Lynchburg area. She intends to pursue her piano studies further by enrolling in the Master’s program at Liberty University.