MEET THE CONDUCTORS
Our team of music educators at North Idaho Youth Symphonies work hard in order to produce a quality musical experience for our musicians and compelling performances for all.
Chase Chang
Interim Director of Philharmonic Orchestra
Chase Chang holds an M. M. in Conducting from Brigham Young University, a B.A. and B.M. in Music Education from the University of Washington, and is a National Board certified teacher.
He studied with former Associate Concert Master of the Seattle Symphony and String Professor, Walter Schwede, studied oboe with Alex Klein (Chicago Symphony/Calgary Symphony), and studied conducting with Kory Katseanes.
Chase Chang is currently board President of the North Idaho Youth Symphony. He was Principal Symphony Conductor of the Seattle Ensign Symphony and Chorus, and led performances at Seattle's Benaroya Hall. He recorded with Jennifer Thomas and her award-winning music album, “The Fire Within”. Mr. Chang appeared in her music video; now viewable on YouTube. *Click Here to see the music video!*
Mr. Chang was elected as the Orchestra Curriculum Officer for the Washington Music Educator's Association from 2018-2020. Additionally, he managed All-State and All-Northwest Orchestras for ten years.
Chase Chang held positions as Artistic Director and principal conductor of the Issaquah Philharmonic Orchestra. In 2024 he was the Violin/Viola specialist for the Washington State University Cougar Music Camp and will be for 2026. Mr. Chang conducted the Academy Orchestra in the Student Orchestras of Greater Olympia (SOGO). He coached winds and strings for the Tacoma Youth Symphony, Student Orchestras of Greater Olympia, and Everett Youth Symphony.
Mr. Chang taught orchestra, band, and choir in the public schools since 1998. He is sought as a clinician, judge, and guest conductor around the Puget Sound, Eastern Washington, and North Idaho areas.
He taught in the Bellevue School District for 15 years, bolstering the orchestra programs at Tyee Middle School, Bellevue High School, and Odle Middle School. Chase Chang currently teaches orchestra at two middle schools in the Spokane School District.
SHAD FRAZIER
Director of Intermezzo String Orchestra
Shad Frazier graduated with a BA in Instrumental Music Education from the University of Idaho. He has been a member of the Idaho Army National Guard since 2009 and is a Chief Warrant Officer 2, currently serving as the Commander for the 25th Army Band. The 2023-24 season will be Mr. Frazier's fourth year with the NIYS.
Mr. Frazier is also the Instrumental Music Director for Lake City High School where he manages two Concert Bands, Marching and Pep Band, two Jazz Bands, two String Orchestras, and the percussion ensemble, “STOMP”. He has been teaching since 2012 and has experience at all grade levels in band, orchestra, and choir.
Shad married his wife, Allison in 2011 after meeting in the Vandal Marching Band at the University of Idaho (GO VANDALS!) in 2007. They have two sons together, Dean and Arlo, who are the two most precious boys on the planet. He enjoys spending time with his family and their two dogs, Penny and Daisy in the woods or on the water, fishing.
Kristina Phillips
Director of Debut String Orchestra
Kristina Phillips received her Bachelors of Music Education from Pacific Lutheran University and received her Masters Degree from the American Band College at Southern Oregon University. She has taught band and orchestra in the public schools in Tacoma, Spokane and Coeur d’Alene. Currently, Kristina is the Fifth Grade Strings teacher for the Coeur d'Alene School District.
Kristina is the principal cellist for the Coeur d'Alene Symphony, has served as principal bassist of the Coeur d’Alene Symphony, and is a regular performer with local music ensembles including Coeur d'Alene Summer Theater and the Lake City String Quartet. She has served as one of the conductors for the North Idaho Youth Symphony since 2007. She also maintains a large private teaching studio in Coeur d’Alene. She and her husband Jim (who teaches orchestra at Cd'A HS - go Viks!) live in Coeur d’Alene with their four adorable children, three dogs and numerous chickens.
Degrees and Certifications:
Bachelor of Music Education, Pacific Lutheran University 1998; Masters of Science in Arts and Letters, American Band College at Southern Oregon University, 2003; Idaho Teaching Certificate.
Jonathan Madrid
Symphonic Band Director
Jon Madrid is a middle school instrumental music educator with over eight years of experience building engaging, student-centered music programs. He began his teaching career as a K–12 music educator in the Cottonwood School District, where he led general music classes and directed band programs across grade levels. He currently teaches in the Coeur d’Alene School District, where he directs a comprehensive program that includes beginning, intermediate, and advanced band and orchestra, as well as a pep band. His teaching emphasizes collaboration, engagement, and the development of strong musical fundamentals to support student success.
Mr. Madrid earned his Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the University of Idaho and his Master of Music in Music Education from Stephen F. Austin State University. He is certified to teach in Idaho. His teaching philosophy focuses on patience, consistency, and creating a supportive environment where all students can grow as musicians and individuals.
In addition to his work in the classroom, Mr. Madrid maintains an active private lesson studio, teaching a variety of instruments including strings, brass, piano, and percussion.
As a performer, Mr. Madrid has performed with regional ensembles, including the Coeur d’Alene Symphony, Whitworth Symphony Orchestra, and North Idaho College Wind Symphony. He also mentors student teachers, helping guide the next generation of music educators.
Mr. Madrid has been recognized as a Teacher of the Year nominee in 2022 and 2024 and is a recipient of multiple Excel Grants. He has also received funding from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Idaho Commission on the Arts to support drum festival programming for his students and community.
