Horn
Bill Bernatis is currently Professor of Horn at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Assistant Director of UNLV Orchestras, Principal Horn with the Las Vegas Philharmonic, and Assistant Principal Horn with the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra in New York. Bernatis has been Professor of Horn and Orchestra Director at Del Mar College in Corpus Christi, Texas, Professor of Horn at Baylor University in Waco, Texas and Ithaca College in Ithaca, New York. His performing background includes a wealth of orchestral and chamber music with the Corpus Christi Symphony, the Waco Symphony, the San Angelo Symphony, the Breckenridge Music Institute, and the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra. He has also performed with the Seattle Symphony, Reno Philharmonic, Syracuse Symphony, Rochester Philharmonic, Sierra Winds, Boston Brass, Dallas Brass, Burning River Brass, Ithaca Brass, Ithaca Wind Quintet, Baylor Chamber Players, Baylor Brass Quintet, and the Texas Brass Ensemble.
Recently, Bernatis was asked to perform with the Utah Symphony on a Mahler cycle for a series of concerts that culminated in a recording of Symphony No. 8 with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. He has recorded soundtracks for video games and motion pictures such as Eulogy, Step Up Revolution, and Mirror, Mirror. Bernatis studied with John Iltis at Washburn University (BM), Philip Farkas at Indiana University (MM), and Bill Scharnberg at University of North Texas (Doctoral studies).
Over the years, Bernatis has performed solo recitals and studio recordings, judged competitions, and held master classes around the country. He has performed solos with the Corpus Christi Symphony, Waco Symphony, and Victoria Bach Festival to name a few, and recorded for The Masters Symphonic Band Series and Mode Records. He is an active recitalist, clinician, and freelance performer.
Beth Lano, associate principal French horn, was educated at Ball State University and Indiana University, with additional study at Northwestern University and the University of Michigan. Her principal teachers include Philip Farkas, Dale Clevenger, Louis Stout, and Fred Ehnes. She began her professional career at age 17 as a touring and recording musician and has since appeared with major orchestras throughout the United States, including the Indianapolis Symphony, Atlanta Symphony, Omaha Symphony and Opera Omaha, the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, and the Grand Rapids Symphony.
After relocating to Las Vegas in 1982, Beth spent five years in the traveling orchestra backing Wayne Newton, followed by a two-year engagement with Jubilee! at Bally’s, where she also served as assistant conductor. In 1986, she began performing with Frank Sinatra, touring nationally with both his East and West Coast orchestras. She later toured with Ann-Margret and Johnny Mathis, establishing herself as a versatile performer equally at home in symphonic, theatrical, studio, and popular music settings.
In 1989, Beth expanded her professional scope into public relations, serving as Director of Public Relations for the Musicians Union of Las Vegas during a major labor dispute. Following the resolution of the strike, she continued her work as an independent publicist for arts and labor organizations and later joined several local public relations and advertising agencies. She continued to freelance concurrently in both music and communications throughout the 1990s.
During this period, Beth developed an award-winning career in broadcasting and voice acting. She hosted morning and evening radio programs on KQOL-FM, KSTJ-FM, and KJUL-FM, and later became an announcer for Nevada Public Radio, hosting programs on KNPR-FM and KCNV-FM. In recognition of her 31 years of service in broadcasting and voice acting, she was inducted into the Nevada Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2025.
Beth’s theatrical credits include solo horn in Monty Python’s Spamalot at Wynn Las Vegas and principal horn in Phantom: The Las Vegas Spectacular at The Venetian. She has performed with a wide range of artists appearing in Las Vegas, including Tony Bennett, The Who, Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Seal, Andrea Bocelli, Luciano Pavarotti, Plácido Domingo, Kelly Clarkson, Cheap Trick, and many others. Her recording credits include several critically acclaimed jazz albums, most notably Carl Saunders’ Eclecticism, Harry Skoler’s A Work of Heart, and Paul Broadnax’s Here’s to Joe, a tribute to Las Vegas jazz legend Joe Williams.
In addition to her work with the Las Vegas Philharmonic, Beth maintains a busy career as a freelance musician. She has a private teaching studio and continues to work as a freelance voice actor. She lives in South Las Vegas with her husband, Joe, and their menagerie of dogs and cats, and enjoys hiking, writing, reading, and traveling whenever time allows.
Frank Joyce has been tenured as part of the Las Vegas Philharmonic for over 20 years. Frank studied in California with George Cable and Gerald Thatcher formally, and has had other instruction from such notables as Jim Thatcher and Rick Todd. Frank has performed with the San Luis Obispo County Symphony, Santa Maria Symphony, Santa Barbara Symphony, and the Arizona Opera.
Locally, along with his LVP commitments, Frank has performed with the Nevada Ballet, Opera Las Vegas, the Las Vegas Synphonietta, and many other notable freelance opportunities including Andrea Bocelli, the Who, Journey, Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo, and others. Also, during the tenure of Phantom Las Vegas at the Venetian, Frank performed in many shows during its 5+ year run.
In 1999, Frank came to Las Vegas as a builder, and has been building the Las Vegas community ever since. Notable projects include the Las Vegas Municipal Courthouse downtown, Global Community High School and Family Support Center, 3773 Howard Hughes Parkway high-rise Tower and parking structure, numerous healthcare projects at Sunrise Hospital, MountainView Hospital, Southern Hills Hospital, and St. Rose Siena Hospital.
Frank lives in Henderson, and in his free time enjoys spending time with his family and playing tennis whenever possible.
Studio Artist Teacher of Horn, San Diego State University and Point Loma Nazarene University
Mike McCoy is a highly accomplished horn player and dedicated educator based in Southern California. As the Studio Artist Teacher of Horn at SDSU and PLNU, he brings a wealth of real-world experience to the studio, shaped by a dynamic career as a freelance and studio musician.
Mike currently serves as 4th Horn with the Las Vegas Philharmonic and has built a diverse performance résumé across classical, commercial, and cinematic music scenes. His studio work in Los Angeles includes collaborations with some of the industry’s most iconic composers, including John Williams, Danny Elfman, John Debney, and Bruce Broughton—experiences that have deepened his appreciation for both artistry and versatility.
A founding member of Presidio Brass, Mike helped shape the group’s global touring legacy, combining high-level musicianship with a commitment to music education and outreach. The ensemble earned a reputation for its engaging performances that bridged entertainment and inspiration for audiences of all ages.
Born and raised in San Diego, Mike is a proud alumnus of the San Diego School for Creative and Performing Arts. He continued his studies at San Diego State University and later at the Boston Conservatory, where he refined his craft and broadened his musical perspectives.
Beyond the stage and studio, Mike enjoys life by the beach, quality time with his dogs, and camping adventures with his girlfriend—activities that reflect his grounded and joyful approach to life.