Meet Our Team
Artistic Director
Born in Monroe, Louisiana, clarinetist Katelyn Waffer Poetker encompasses “Nuance and precision" (Santa Barbara Independent) through her playing. She has a passion for chamber music, and has performed for series such as the Mariposa Concert Series in Santa Barbara, Norfolk Chamber Music Festival, and the Ladies Musical Club of Seattle. Katelyn is a founding member of the award-winning woodwind quintet, ZaRiah.
Katelyn Poetker
Artistic DirectorOriginally from Monroe, Georgia, Benjamin (Ben) Smith is an orchestral flutist, chamber musician, and writer. As a soloist and chamber musician, Ben has performed on major stages across France, Italy, Germany, Canada, and South Korea. He is a regular substitute musician with multiple orchestras and is a founding member of ZaRiah.
Ben Smith
Artistic Operations CoordinatorMexican-American bassoonist Abigail Lopez serves as Artistic Operations Coordinator for Queen City Chamber Music (QCCM), where she helps shape and support the organization’s artistic programming and initiatives. Through her work with QCCM, she is committed to creating engaging chamber music experiences that foster connection, accessibility, and artistic collaboration within Charlotte’s growing cultural landscape.
Abigail Lopez
Events Coordinator
AJ Neubert, a native of Buffalo, New York, is currently the Principal Bassoonist of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra. He received his bachelor's degree from the Oberlin Conservatory, studying with Drew Pattison, as well as a Performance Studies Certificate at The Colburn School, studying with Richard Beene. AJ is a founding member of ZaRiah.
AJ Neubert
Founder
Jamison Hillian is an accomplished oboist and chamber musician based in Charlotte, North Carolina. A member of the award-winning chamber ensemble ZaRiah, he has appeared in performances presented by the Ladies Musical Club of Seattle, Friends of Chamber Music Kansas City, and the Waterbury. Symphony Orchestra Chamber Concert Series.
Jamison Hillian
Founder
Born and raised in Worcester, Massachusetts, Oved is a passionate orchestral hornist, soloist and chamber musician. He has performed with multiple ensembles including the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, Mansfield Symphony Orchestra, New World Symphony, and Chelsea Symphony Orchestra. Oved is also a founding member of the award winning wind quintet ZaRiah.