About Us
Merino String Quartet
Merino String Quartet is one of
the most sought-after Falls ID based
ensembles for weddings, corporate
events, and parties. The group
performs both classical music,
as well as original arrangements
of popular contemporary songs,
bringing a level of artistry and
professionalism your guests
are sure to notice!
6
About Us
Ariel Loveland
Violin
Ariel Loveland is a passionate musician, educator and performer. She is the First Violinist of the Merino String Quartet and the Director of the Madison Junior High Orchestra. She has performed in many venues in countries all over the world as an orchestral violinist, chamber musician, recording artist, and conductor. She began playing with the Idaho Falls Symphony at age sixteen and has been supporting and participating in the Idaho Falls Symphony in various roles ever since. Ariel holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Brigham Young University-Idaho, a Master of Music Education degree from Southern Utah University, and is currently pursuing her Doctoral studies in Music. She has taught thousands of award-winning students, has conducted them in Carnegie Hall and in 2026, the Lincoln Center. Ariel has a standing invitation at the Avaloch Music Institute and feels blessed to associate with the highest caliber of musicians. She loves the young musicians in her classroom, is grateful for the support of her husband, and considers the greatest gift in her life to be her three wonderful children.
Christine Hutchings
Cello
Christine Hutchings is an active cellist based in Idaho Falls, performing with orchestras throughout the region, including the Idaho Falls, Helena, and Billings symphonies. She is also an experienced wedding and event musician, bringing expressive, refined playing to both large concert halls and intimate settings. Christine is known for her warm tone, musical sensitivity, and collaborative artistry. She is also cofounder and cello instructor at the String Academy of Idaho Falls where she brings her passion for music to both the stage and the classroom.
Lisa McNiven
Viola
Dr. Lisa McNiven holds degrees from Brigham Young University-Idaho, The University of Cincinnati-College Conservatory of Music, and Idaho State University. Her competition successes, including the International Gee Viola Competition, has led to solo appearances throughout the Western United States.
A native of Rexburg, Idaho, Lisa is an active performer and teacher. She serves as principal violist of the Idaho Falls Symphony, frequently performs chamber music and solo recitals, and has performed with the Grand Teton Music Festival.
In addition to performing, Dr. McNiven teaches music history at BYU-Idaho and maintains a full private violin and viola studio. She has also produced several pedagogical recordings for violin and viola students.
Natalie Blackburn
Violin
Natalie Blackburn is a professional violinist and violist in the southeastern Idaho area. She combines extensive performance experience with decades of dedicated teaching. Natalie is highly active both locally and regionally, playing in symphonies across the surrounding states and maintaining regular performance commitments with local orchestras. Alongside performing, she has provided private instruction in the area for 25 years, helping spread the joy of music to many students over the years. Natalie has enjoyed playing in a quartet setting, ranging from weddings to classical concert settings, for over 20 years. She loves sharing her passion, whether it be from the stage or to a personal teaching studio.