Meet Our City Coordinators

Steven Isoye is a retired educator. He served as a science teacher, department chair, principal, and superintendent during his career. Throughout his career and in his schools, he has supported student travel, which he sees as an incredible opportunity for students to broaden their sense of the people and cultures that make up this world. Steven played the clarinet in band from 5th grade through his senior year of high school and in a university band.

London is one of Scott’s favorite cities in Europe and he is so happy to bring the majesty and charm of London to our Ambassadors of Music travelers!

Scott retired from teaching band in Colorado after 32 years.  During that time, he fell in love with international travel, teaching at various summer music camps in Germany and Lebanon.  Scott also had the opportunity to travel with the Colorado Ambassadors of Music for six tours, so he is very familiar with the experiences our Ambassadors will enjoy along their journey.

In retirement, Scott is Co-chair of the Colorado All-State High School Band, conducts the Loveland Concert Band and performs in the Exquisite Brass Quintet and the Fort Collins Wind Symphony.  Scott serves as a mentor to band directors around the state, and is a consultant with the Poudre School District (Fort Collins, CO).

I love traveling, meeting new people, and learning about the local culture and what makes people so special and different.  I was born in Palermo in Sicily, and grew up in a typical Italian family with my parents and my brother.  I got my diploma in Chemistry and after a couple of attempts at the local university in Palermo, I realized that something different was waiting for me.

I have spent a good part of my life exploring and working outdoors as an Environmental Trainer since 2000, meeting groups of kids, teachers, scholars and public authorities. It was one of the most exciting moments in my life.  I was able to meet new people and discover a very good part of Europe.

I live in Palermo with my family: Daniela (my wife), Mariapaola (my daughter), 3 dogs (all female), 2 goldfishes (not sure what gender they are!) and a dove (another girl!).

Hi! I’m Luciano, but you can call me Luci. I am originally from Argentina but I’ve been living abroad for the past 5 years. I come from a family of tour guides and the land of dinosaurs. I’ve worked on AOM three times and I’ve loved it a bit more each time!

My name is Laura Bonizzato, and I live near Verona, Italy. I have been a certified tour leader and manager since 2012. In addition to Italian, I speak English, German, and Spanish fluently. Furthermore, I have lived abroad in Germany, Spain, England, and Ireland.

My greatest passion is traveling — discovering new places and experiencing the excitement of a new landscape, a new dish, or a different culture. I have many years of experience in travel planning and tour management, and I have led, and continue to lead, trips for various tour operators and travel agencies throughout Italy, Europe, and worldwide. I am organized, hardworking, efficient, passionate, detail-oriented, approachable, and communicative. I love helping people find their way, grow through new experiences, and create unforgettable memories.

With a background in Art History, combined with my passion for homemade food, local culture, and storytelling, let me take you on a once-in-a-lifetime journey filled with magical memories and unforgettable adventures.

Lori’s love of music and travel has been an important part of her career. She recently retired from Drury University as the Chair of the Performing Arts Department and Director of Jazz Studies, after 25 years as Director of Bands.

She’s been honored with awards including Teacher of the Year, 50 Directors Who Make a Difference National Award, and the Missouri Association of Jazz Educators Outstanding Jazz Educator of the Year.

Her journey in music education has taken her far beyond the classroom. She’s been part of the Ambassadors of Music program since 1990, when she first experienced Europe as a staff member, and later as Missouri Jazz Band Director, sharing music and unforgettable experiences with students across countries and cultures. In 2023, her journey came full circle when she became AOM City Coordinator in Switzerland.

Lori’s love of making connections and building relationships are an important part of her work and life.

Mary Anne and Marvin Manring’s life together stretches back to 1981, where they met as college band mates. Their collegiate music travels included a Washington, D.C. trip for the 1985 Presidential Inauguration.

After college, they taught in public schools for a combined total of 70 years – Marvin as a band & choir director and Mary Anne as an upper elementary/middle school math teacher. Their travels have taken them to dozens of destinations in North and Central America, the British Isles, Greece, and continental Europe, often with (or thanks to) their children Liz and Lucas and their families.

Mary Anne and Marvin stay busy with local civic clubs and activities, the music ministry of their church, and as many rounds of golf as possible. Mary Anne relaxes with weekly games of pickleball and Mahjong. Marvin remains active in the music profession as historian with the state music educators’ association and a trustee and clinician/conductor for the Windjammers Unlimited circus band music preservation society.

Alexa Gibbs resides in Ames, IA, and teaches grade 7-12 band at South Hamilton CSD. She has led ensembles to great successes, including multiple performances at the Iowa Bandmasters Association Conference. In addition, Alexa enjoys supporting the teaching profession by hosting student teachers, adjudicating various music contests, and accompanying.

She is currently serving as the NCIBA Middle School Honor Band Chair and is NCIBA President Elect. Alexa also received the 2023 NCIBA Karl King Distinguished Service – Active Award.

Alexa was an advisor for the Iowa Ambassadors of Music from 2014-23. She now has made a second home of Bad Hofgastein, Austria, where she has served as city coordinator for the AOM since 2024.

Outside of teaching, Alexa performs with local ensembles, maintains a private piano studio, and is a seasonal employee at Deal’s Orchard. Alexa enjoys spending time with her family and friends, especially her niece and nine nephews, and traveling whenever possible.