Team Tunes

Tara Palmer-Pop grew up on Beaver Island, deeply immersed in its rich musical traditions. As a member of both the Palmer and Gillespie families — two families known for providing music at island events for generations — Tara understands firsthand how music connects people and strengthens the fabric of the Beaver Island community.

TUNES Music Makers holds a special place in Tara’s heart, as the organization was founded in memory of her father, Edward Palmer, whose music brought joy, healing, and connection to their family. Through her father’s example, Tara saw how music could soothe wounds, especially the emotional scars her father carried from his service in Vietnam. Inspired by his legacy, Tara’s primary goal is to ensure that music remains a defining and accessible part of life on Beaver Island, while also promoting the healing power of music for all generations.

Tara brings a strong background in fundraising, event planning, and grant writing to her role at TUNES. She is passionate about researching similar programs and finding creative ways to make music education sustainable and accessible for the Beaver Island community.

Kellie (Gillespie) Sopczynski brings strong leadership and operational expertise to TUNES Music Makers. A Beaver Island native, she was raised in a close-knit community that shaped her lifelong commitment to service and giving back. Kellie began her career in nursing before moving into blood banking, where she now serves as Director of Operational Excellence at Versiti Blood Centers, leading efforts in quality, efficiency, and team development. She earned her MBA in August and is proud to honor the legacy of her Uncle Ed Palmer through her involvement with TUNES, supporting music education in the community she calls home.

If you know Beaver Island’s music scene, you probably know Hilary Palmer. Hilary has been singing at island events since childhood, encouraged by her father, Edward Palmer, and many of the island’s beloved elder musicians. By the age of 9, she was already sharing the stage with some of Beaver Island’s most iconic performers, and her passion for music has only grown since.

Hilary’s experience as the vocal lead in a rock band, combined with her versatility in performing everything from country music to traditional Beaver Island tunes with the Stay Happy Band, gives her a unique leadership perspective. Her ability to collaborate with musicians across genres and generations makes her an incredible asset to TUNES Music Makers, especially when teaching young musicians how to work together and find their own musical voice.

Hilary’s deep love for Beaver Island and her commitment to honoring her father’s legacy — spreading joy through music — shines through in everything she does for TUNES Music Makers.

Ruby John is an Anishinaabe fiddler from Northport, Michigan, and an enrolled member of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. She began playing fiddle at age eleven, starting with Suzuki training before discovering she learned most naturally by ear. Under the guidance of her teacher Christine Williams and through mentors including Danny Gillespie, Danny Johnston, Lee Sloan, and Bob Sadler, Ruby immersed herself in traditional fiddle music. She found her musical community at Irish sessions with TC Celtic and Old Time Fiddlers Association gatherings across Michigan.

As a teenager, Ruby attended AlgomaTrad on St. Joseph Island, studying with leading Canadian fiddlers—an experience that deepened her love of traditional music, especially playing for dances. Her fiddling has since taken her throughout the United States, Canada, and Ireland. Ruby’s involvement with TUNES Music Makers feels like a natural fit, rooted in her belief in expanding access to music for all ages and preserving Beaver Island’s musical traditions. She also carries a deep personal connection to the legacy of Edward Palmer, whose early encouragement helped shape her musical path. Ruby knows firsthand that learning music can change a life, and she is honored to help pass that gift on through TUNES.

Karine Pierson brings a wealth of musical experience and educational expertise to TUNES Music Makers. As the owner and educational director of MiMusic Studio — the studio that provides virtual lessons for TUNES students — Karine plays a vital role in shaping the programming that helps make music education accessible to Beaver Island’s remote community.

Born in Michigan, Karine’s lifelong love of music began as a toddler learning violin through the Suzuki method. Her passion quickly grew, leading her to immersive experiences in music programs throughout her youth. At just thirteen, she toured Europe with the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp International Choir, and later attended the prestigious Interlochen Arts Camp on scholarship.

After earning her bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and teaching in Detroit, Karine embarked on a full-time music career, performing with bands across the country. In 2023, she purchased Vokey Music and transformed it into MiMusic Studio and TC Violin Co, now serving hundreds of students through lessons and instrument rentals.

Karine’s passion lies in helping students discover their unique motivation for learning music, ensuring that every student — whether on Beaver Island or beyond — can experience the joy and empowerment that comes from making music.

Support Team

Rita Palmer-Stewart
Jessica Anderson
Brenna Green-Wearn
Chuck Pop
Mary Palmer
Rob Cole