About
Pluto Soundz
Pluto Soundz is non-traditional string quartet who writes and performs their own music. This ensemble was co-founded by our writers and musicians, Bonnie Diggs and Bill Tackett.
As classically trained string players, Bonnie and Bill have used Pluto to expand their skill set into a hybrid of modern fiddling/stringed styles. They have studied musicians such as Kenji Bunch, Casey Driessen and Tracey Silverman to learn how to play as a ‘stringed percussionist’.
Pluto’s specialty is trying new styles and sharing the stories inspiring their ideas. With original music that spans from Rock and Roll, Celtic, Jazz, and more, they take time to share the stories behind their songs in each performance. They believe that music is a strong component for bringing communities together.
Bill Tackett
Viola
Bill Tackett’s musical journey began in the third grade, when he first picked up the recorder. After shocking his music teacher, Mrs. Banks, with a rousing rendition of Yankee Doodle, she introduced him to the viola—and he’s been playing ever since.
After graduating high school, Bill earned a degree in viola performance from Baldwin Wallace University, followed by a degree in orchestral conducting from Florida State University. Upon completing his conducting studies, he moved to Houston just to see what would happen—and that’s when his musical career truly began to take off.
Today, in addition to his work with Pluto Soundz, Bill actively performs with the Symphony of Southeast Texas and the River Oaks String Quartet. He also maintains a private studio of around 40 violin and viola students, serves as the Orchestra Director at Lone Star College–University Park, and is the Assistant Conductor for the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra.
Bonnie Diggs
Violin
Bonnie Diggs is a seasoned freelance violinist who has been a vital part of the Houston music scene for the past decade.
Though classically trained, Bonnie's musical journey has led her to explore a wide range of genres. Her sharp ear and versatility have allowed her to seamlessly collaborate with rock cover bands, the local ensemble Two Star Symphony, and more.
As her passion for diverse musical styles grew, Bonnie co-founded Pluto Soundz, a
non-traditional string quartet known for composing and performing original music. Pluto Soundz bridges the gap between traditional string quartets and contemporary bands, incorporating percussive elements through innovative string techniques.
Andrew Cavazos
Cello
Houstonian cellist Andrew Cavazos, acclaimed across the US and internationally, performed in Austria, China, Italy, and Puerto Rico. He's been a featured soloist with the Houston Heights and Conroe Symphony Orchestras, showcased on Houston Public Media. Formerly principal cellist for Cypress Philharmonic and Houston Heights Orchestra, he's guested at esteemed universities.
Cavazos earned his MM from the University of Houston's Moores School of Music and BM from Sam Houston State University. Summers found him performing at renowned festivals in Austria and Italy. A dedicated teacher with a Katy, Texas studio, he mentors in Katy, Cypress, and Houston schools. Cavazos founded the Katy Cello Choir and taught at various music programs and youth orchestras across Texas.
Emily Zelaya
Violin
Emily Zelaya is an accomplished violinist whose musical journey began at the age of three in Anchorage, Alaska. She continued her studies through her teen years in Cedar Falls, Iowa, before moving to Rochester, New York, to attend the Eastman School of Music, where she earned her degree in Violin Performance. During her time at Eastman, she distinguished herself as one of the orchestra’s few concertmasters over four years.
With over two decades of experience, Emily has built a vibrant career performing orchestral, solo, and chamber music across the country. Now based in Houston, she is an active performer with the Houston Grand Opera, Houston Ballet, Apollo Chamber Players, Moodafaruka, and JoiLux Entertainment. In addition to performing, Emily recently completed an Advanced Professional Certificate in Orchestration for Film and TV through Berklee College of Music’s online program and is actively composing film scores and pursuing acting projects.
Emily is excited to make her debut with Pluto Soundz.
