Harpist Melissa Gallant holds a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University and a master’s degree from Butler University. Melissa teaches and performs in schools and community settings through the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and Arts for Learning. She also performs frequently with the Lafayette Symphony Orchestra, the Fishers Chamber Orchestra, the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, and the Indiana Wind Symphony.

Storyteller Portia Sholar Jackson is a graduate of Arsenal Technical High School of Indianapolis where she credits the speech team and drama department for a rich beginning in the arts. Portia holds a degree from Indiana University Bloomington in elementary education with a minor in African-American Studies. Storytelling allows Portia to weave her two loves of teaching and the arts. Portia founded a traveling storytelling troupe, The Freedom Train, presenting stories to audiences of all ages throughout the country and emphasizing such topics as cultural awareness, self-esteem, decision-making skills, and American history.