KELLI SOIKA
Interim Executive Director
Kelli Soika is the Interim Executive Director at ECHOrchestra. With over fifteen years of experience with community organizations, Kelli brings vision and skills to ensure that ECHO continues to bring excellent music to the Energy Corridor. With a passion for bringing people together, Kelli is excited to spread the word about ECHO’s mission. She has lived in Austin and Boulder, Colorado, but has decided that Houston is home where she and her family have helped found the first cohousing community in all of Texas. In her free time, Kelli runs a small textile business, volunteers with Child Advocates, and is a master naturalist. She also enjoys spending time with her husband and three daughters.
JOHN LOVING
Personnel Manager
John Loving is a professional double bass player, teacher, and luthier based in his hometown of Houston, TX. John started playing double bass at the age of eleven, and has since performed with ensembles spanning multiple genres: from Classical to Balalaika, Funk, Bluegrass, Flamenco, and Klezmer. He attended the Moores School of Music, studying under Dennis Whittaker. While attending the University of Houston, John performed with the Moores Symphony, Opera, and Chamber Orchestras. He is now in his third season with the Energy Corridor of Houston Orchestra.
He enjoys his day-jobs: working on double basses at Lisle Violin Shop, and teaching private bass lessons all over the city. At home he is happiest spending time with his partner, Sam, and his three cats Carl, Luanne, and Prince Noodle. Most of all, he’s just so grateful that he gets to do this for a living, and work with amazing and passionate musicians of all ages from all around the world.
SARAH GARCIA
Librarian
Sarah Garcia has been a violinist with ECHO since 2021. She also serves as the ECHO librarian, assists with other ECHO fundraising efforts such as silent auctions and most recently, the first ECHO merchandise sale. Sarah earned her Bachelors of Business Administration in Accounting and works as an accountant in Houston’s energy sector. Sarah is a great fan of the Houston Astros baseball team. She enjoys bird watching, fishing, and hunting. Sarah also loves to dote on her two cats and a dog.
