Garry and Julie Lawrence
Crescendo Directors

Garry Lawrence moved to California with his wife, Julie in 2013 from Bournemouth, England. Garry is a lifelong member of The Salvation Army and has been involved in directing and playing in music groups all over the world for 45 years. Currently he leads The Salvation Army Torrance Corps Band and plays flugelhorn in The Salvation Army Western Territory Staff Band. Prior to their move, Garry ran his own business, worked in his local Salvation Army’s community drop-in center, and has been a support worker for people with autism.

Julie met Garry through The Salvation Army youth programs, and they have been married 36 years. Julie previously worked in primary education and was a stay at home mom to their three sons, James, Barney, and George. Each of their sons are fine musicians and remain living in England. Gary and Julie have been responsible for the formation of Crescendo Music and Dance and have been running the program since its inception in 2015.

Cyrus Redding Causey
Drum Teacher

Cyrus Redding Causey’s love for music and performing ignited at a young age through participating in the worship team at his mother’s church.  Cyrus received a bachelor’s degree in percussion at the Musicians Institute, where he developed a passion for jazz and Latin music. Since college Cyrus has performed at various clubs and venues around the LA area and has since become a sought-after drum instructor. He has been a teacher for the Salvation Army's Music Programs across Southern California for over 6 years.

James Kee
Guitar, Bass Guitar, Upright Bass, & Ukulele Teacher

James Kee studied contra bass performance under David Black at Chapman University, Orange County. He has been teaching String bass, Guitar and Ukulele since 2005 as well as being in demand as a performer working and recording with Grammy award winners including Adrian Young, Alan Abraham and Cameron Webb. Former students have gone on and flourished in the music industry and been assigned to major record labels. James began teaching for the Salvation Army in 2012 and has been an invaluable part of the Crescendo staff since it opened its doors in September 2015.

Michelle Sudduth
Piano Teacher

Michelle Sudduth enjoys every opportunity to make music. Born in San Francisco, she moved with her family to Colorado Springs where she spent her adolescent and teenage years surrounded by the beautiful Rocky Mountains. She attended Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee for her undergraduate education and sharpened her skills as a musician while living in "music city" in the years that followed. Her creative spirit ultimately led her away from Nashville and over the border to Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia where she received a master’s degree and worked as a music director at St John's Vancouver. Since moving to the Los Angeles area in 2012, Michelle has continued to develop as a music director, instructor, and writer and is thrilled to be part of the Crescendo family!