meet the musicians
Daniel holloway, cello
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s in Music Performance, Columbus State University, 2003. Master’s in Music Performance, Southern Methodist University, 2009
EXPERIENCE: A native of Atlanta, GA, Daniel has played the cello for 25 years. He has studied with Martha Gerschefski, Andre Gaskins, and Andres Diaz. From 2003-2020, he played in several regional symphony orchestras, including the Columbus, Macon, LaGrange, Albany, Johns Creek, Savannah, Augusta, Sarasota, Valdosta, Charleston, Greenville, Chattanooga and Alabama Symphonies. He has since shifted gears away from orchestral playing to focus more on his online teaching website, OnlineCelloLessons.org, and mainly performs for weddings and other private events, recording sessions, and church services. Daniel has been a major contributor in helping grow and build Elite Strings!
LOVES: Billiards, Poker, Bluegrass and Old-Time fiddle music, Movies, Craft Beer, and Chess.
FAMILY: He has two very loving and musical parents, an older sister, a younger brother, a beautiful daughter and his beautiful girlfriend and life partner, Erica Ransbottom.
FAVORITE MUSICAL EXPERIENCE: Performing with Yo-Yo Ma and the Greenville Symphony. Playing with Evanescence and orchestra. Arranging and performing various songs for our cello duo ‘A Couple Cellos’ with Erica Ransbottom.
Sarah park chastain, viola
EDUCATION: Bachelor of Music in Viola Performance, Cleveland Institute of Music
EXPERIENCE: Over 30 years of performing weddings and events. Substitute viola of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Violist for the The Queens Ball Bridgerton Experience.
LOVES: Music, Yoga & Pokémon Go
FAMILY: Youngest of three musical daughters. Married to trumpet player and mother to two sons and two dogs.
FAVORITE MUSICAL EXPERIENCE: Too many to name, however, I recall photobombing my friend’s selfie with Usher after rehearsal. Performing in Carnegie Hall with my hometown orchestra (Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, woot woot) was also really cool.