Denisa Heitman-Hanna, President, holds a degree in jazz guitar performance from the University of Colorado, Denver, and currently serves as president and principal bassist of the Palisades Symphony. Mentored by renowned jazz guitarist Johnny Smith, Denisa began teaching in Smith’s studio as well as the University of Southern Colorado shortly after graduation. While playing guitar in summer pops concerts with the Colorado Springs Symphony, she was encouraged by the conductor to take up double bass, enabling her to become a year-round member of the orchestra. It was during her tenure at Smith’s studio that Denisa met her future husband, drummer Jake Hanna, who at that time performed in Bing Crosby’s personal quintet alongside Johnny Smith. After their marriage, Denisa moved to Los Angeles. Over their 30-year marriage, she balanced her lutherie work with traveling alongside Jake while he performed with many of the era’s greatest jazz musicians. Denisa credits Pastor Wally Mees of Palisades Lutheran Church for introducing her, as a recent widow, to Joel B. Lish, thus opening a new chapter of her musical journey with the Palisades Symphony. Denisa strongly believes that “music heals and uplifts the soul.”