Because...: Recent Episodes
Marc Zyla
Inspired by the children’s book Because by Mo Willems, Because… is a podcast hosted by Marc Zyla that explores the people, places, and things that helped us get to where we are today.
This week on Because… we hear part two of the becauses of Matthew Onstad.A Wisconsin native, Dr. Matthew Onstad serves as Assistant Professor of Trumpet at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, where he teaches all things trumpet, coaches chamber music, and performs with the Whitewater Brass Quintet. He has held the position of Principal Trumpet with the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra since 2022.While earning his DMA and MM degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Dr. Onstad served the Mead Witter School of Music as a Project Assistant performing with theWisconsin Brass Quintet, a faculty ensemble-in-residence. He holds the rank of Staff Sergeant in the132nd Wisconsin Army National Guard Band and has performed with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, ProMusica Chamber Orchestra, Milwaukee Ballet Orchestra, Madison Symphony Orchestra, Wisconsin ChamberOrchestra, Orchestra Iowa, Illinois Symphony Orchestra, and the Isthmus Brass. He held the position of Principal Trumpet with the Quad City Symphony Orchestra from 2016-2021.
Matthew Onstad – Performer/EducatorThis week on Because… we hear part one of the becauses of Matthew Onstad.A Wisconsin native, Dr. Matthew Onstad serves as Assistant Professor of Trumpet at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, where he teaches all things trumpet, coaches chamber music, and performs with the Whitewater Brass Quintet. He has held the position of Principal Trumpet with the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra since 2022.While earning his DMA and MM degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Dr. Onstad served the Mead Witter School of Music as a Project Assistant performing with theWisconsin Brass Quintet, a faculty ensemble-in-residence. He holds the rank of Staff Sergeant in the132nd Wisconsin Army National Guard Band and has performed with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, ProMusica Chamber Orchestra, Milwaukee Ballet Orchestra, Madison Symphony Orchestra, Wisconsin ChamberOrchestra, Orchestra Iowa, Illinois Symphony Orchestra, and the Isthmus Brass. He held the position of Principal Trumpet with the Quad City Symphony Orchestra from 2016-2021.
On this week’s episode we hear part 2 of the becauses of Nicolas Propes.Nicolas Propes is an experienced and versatile music educator and conductor, having taught and conducted musicians at all levels from elementary school beginners, to junior high, high school, college, community, and professional ensembles. In 2020, Nicolas was honored to have been presented with the American Prize in Conducting, Band/Wind Ensemble Community Band Division for his work with the Big River Brass Band, a British-style brass band consisting of members from the Quad Cities (IA/IL) area. He has recently been named as a finalist for The American Prize in Conducting, Band/Wind Ensemble Non-Collegiate Division in 2023 and is currently awaiting the selection of this season’s winner.Mr. Propes earned his Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from the University of Iowa in 2002 and his Master's Degree in Conducting from the American Band College of Sam Houston State University in 2015. He began directing school band programs in 2003 in the Pleasant Valley Community School District and established himself as a qualified and respected teacher. Numerous ensembles under his direction received top ratings at festivals and contests, but more importantly, he inspired countless students to create music through their high school years, many of whom have gone on to be life-long appreciators of music.In 2016, Nicolas joined the staff of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra as Orchestra Librarian. In addition to…
On this week’s episode we hear part 1 of the becauses of Nicolas Propes.Nicolas Propes is an experienced and versatile music educator and conductor, having taught and conducted musicians at all levels from elementary school beginners, to junior high, high school, college, community, and professional ensembles. In 2020, Nicolas was honored to have been presented with the American Prize in Conducting, Band/Wind Ensemble Community Band Division for his work with the Big River Brass Band, a British-style brass band consisting of members from the Quad Cities (IA/IL) area. He has recently been named as a finalist for The American Prize in Conducting, Band/Wind Ensemble Non-Collegiate Division in 2023 and is currently awaiting the selection of this season’s winner.Mr. Propes earned his Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from the University of Iowa in 2002 and his Master's Degree in Conducting from the American Band College of Sam Houston State University in 2015. He began directing school band programs in 2003 in the Pleasant Valley Community School District and established himself as a qualified and respected teacher. Numerous ensembles under his direction received top ratings at festivals and contests, but more importantly, he inspired countless students to create music through their high school years, many of whom have gone on to be life-long appreciators of music.In 2016, Nicolas joined the staff of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra as Orchestra Librarian. In addition to…
On this weeks Because… we hear part two of the becauses of Adam Peters.Adam has many irons in the fire and is currently the Director of Operations for Clock, Inc, a LGBTQ+ community center non-profit in the Quad Cities. He previously worked on Senate and Presidential campaigns (Franken, Biden, Buttigieg) in California, Iowa, & Pennsylvania. Adam has acted on shows like ABC’s The Goldbergs, FOX’s 9-1-1, and Amazon’s Sneaky Pete. Adam and Alex Hall co-hosted SHOW CHOIR LIVE and occasionally host live stream events for national competitions. In his spare time, Adam enjoys running, playing legos with his nieces Juliet and Emmelyn, and calling Bingo at the Raccoon Motel. Adam is proud of his decade of involvement at Showchoir Camps of America and urges all to join the fun!
On this weeks Because… we hear part one of the becauses of Adam Peters.Adam Peters is a freelance show choir clinician, show designer, collaborator, and adjudicator based out of Iowa. For the last fifteen years, Adam has worked in clinic settings with numerous award winning show choirs and adjudicated competitions across the country. Adam is extremely proud of his years as co-director of show choirs at Muscatine H.S. where he created innovative award winning story/concept shows. In 2014, Adam was honored to receive the “Spirit of Service” ASPIRE award at the FAME National Championships in Chicago, IL.
On this weeks Because, we hear part I of the becauses of composer Matthew Jackfert. Matthew is a native of Charleston, WV. He completed his undergraduate Composition degree at West Virginia University as well as his undergraduate Chinese degree. He also finished a Master’s in Composition at the University of Texas in Austin. Jackfert currently works in Charleston, WV as a composer and radio host with West Virginia Public Broadcasting, and he serves as adjunct Professor of Composition at Marshall University. In addition to his freelance composition work, he performs, writes, and arranges for the Appalachian-rock group,The Company Stores. Some of his TV work includes scoring shorts for HBO’s Sesame Street and more. His concert music has been performed by several top ensembles including the National Symphony Orchestra, the Cleveland Orchestra, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the New York Pops at Carnegie Hall, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, and the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra among others.
On this week's Because, we hear part I of the becauses of composer Matthew Jackfert. Matthew is a native of Charleston, WV. He completed his undergraduate Composition degree at West Virginia University as well as his undergraduate Chinese degree. He also finished a Master’s in Composition at the University of Texas in Austin. Jackfert currently works in Charleston, WV as a composer and radio host with West Virginia Public Broadcasting, and he serves as adjunct Professor of Composition at Marshall University. In addition to his freelance composition work, he performs, writes, and arranges for the Appalachian-rock group,The Company Stores. Some of his TV work includes scoring shorts for HBO’s Sesame Street and more. His concert music has been performed by several top ensembles including the National Symphony Orchestra, the Cleveland Orchestra, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the New York Pops at Carnegie Hall, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, and the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra among others.
On this episode of Because… we hear the becauses of St. Ambrose University Director of Choral Activities, Nathan Windt.As Director of Choral Activities at St. Ambrose University, Dr. Nathan Windt brings professional choral singing experience with the Chicago Symphony Chorus, the May Festival Chorus, the Vocal Arts Ensemble of Cincinnati, the Camerata Singers of Lake Forest, and numerous church and synagogue choirs, singing masterworks under the batons of Daniel Barenboim, Pierre Boulez, James Conlon, and many others. While with the Chicago Symphony Chorus, he served as Musician-in-Residence with the South Shore Community Chorus, a community outreach choir that included choristers from the CSC. Dr. Windt is an accomplished baritone soloist, giving recitals (most recently Winterreise in February 2022), and singing both oratorio and operatic repertoire. His roles include Figaro in Le nozze di Figaro, Dr. Falke in Die Fledermaus, Prince Yamadori in Madame Butterfly, the title role in Gianni Schicchi, Grandpa in The Tender Land, Bob in The Old Maid and the Thief, and Sciarrone in Tosca.An accomplished conductor of opera, Dr. Windt has conducted a variety of operatic styles and epochs, including Le Nozze di Figaro, Dido and Aeneas, Cavalli’s L’Egisto, and Ravel’s L’Enfant et les Sortileges, the latter receiving First Place in Class IV of the National Opera Association Competition for Best Production of the Year (2007). He has also served as vocal coach for a number of productions,…
On this episode of Because… we hear the becauses of St. Ambrose University Director of Choral Activities, Nathan Windt.As Director of Choral Activities at St. Ambrose University, Dr. Nathan Windt brings professional choral singing experience with the Chicago Symphony Chorus, the May Festival Chorus, the Vocal Arts Ensemble of Cincinnati, the Camerata Singers of Lake Forest, and numerous church and synagogue choirs, singing masterworks under the batons of Daniel Barenboim, Pierre Boulez, James Conlon, and many others. While with the Chicago Symphony Chorus, he served as Musician-in-Residence with the South Shore Community Chorus, a community outreach choir that included choristers from the CSC. Dr. Windt is an accomplished baritone soloist, giving recitals (most recently Winterreise in February 2022), and singing both oratorio and operatic repertoire. His roles include Figaro in Le nozze di Figaro, Dr. Falke in Die Fledermaus, Prince Yamadori in Madame Butterfly, the title role in Gianni Schicchi, Grandpa in The Tender Land, Bob in The Old Maid and the Thief, and Sciarrone in Tosca.An accomplished conductor of opera, Dr. Windt has conducted a variety of operatic styles and epochs, including Le Nozze di Figaro, Dido and Aeneas, Cavalli’s L’Egisto, and Ravel’s L’Enfant et les Sortileges, the latter receiving First Place in Class IV of the National Opera Association Competition for Best Production of the Year (2007). He has also served as vocal coach for a number of productions,…
On this episode of Because… we hear part 2 of the becauses of St. Ambrose University Director of Bands, Nicolas Enz.Nicholas Enz serves as the Director of Bands at St. Ambrose University, where he conducts the Symphonic Band and the Jazz Ensemble and teaches courses in music and music education.Enz is an active guest conductor and clinician with appearances throughout the Midwest and Great Lakes region, including Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana, Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, and Ohio.Before joining the faculty at St. Ambrose University, he served as the Director of Bands at Michigan Technological University and taught in the Copper Country Intermediate School District.Throughout his career, Enz has earned distinctions teaching at the college and high school levels. His high school jazz program received numerous awards and recognitions, including "Outstanding Jazz Ensemble" at the Northern Michigan University Jazz Festival and second place at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Jazz Festival. The program also received eight grants from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs. The Michigan Tech Superior Wind Symphony embarked on six performance tours and was honored as an ensemble-in-residence at the Historic Ironwood Theatre. The 250-member Michigan Tech Huskies Pep Band was selected four times by the WCHA as the host band for the WCHA/NCAA Final Five Hockey Tournament. Enz received the 2016-17 St. Ambrose Faculty of the Year Award.Under Enz's leadership, the St. Ambrose…
On this episode of Because… we hear the becauses of St. Ambrose University Director of Bands, Nicolas Enz.Nicholas Enz serves as the Director of Bands at St. Ambrose University, where he conducts the Symphonic Band and the Jazz Ensemble and teaches courses in music and music education.Enz is an active guest conductor and clinician with appearances throughout the Midwest and Great Lakes region, including Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana, Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, and Ohio.Before joining the faculty at St. Ambrose University, he served as the Director of Bands at Michigan Technological University and taught in the Copper Country Intermediate School District.Throughout his career, Enz has earned distinctions teaching at the college and high school levels. His high school jazz program received numerous awards and recognitions, including "Outstanding Jazz Ensemble" at the Northern Michigan University Jazz Festival and second place at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Jazz Festival. The program also received eight grants from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs. The Michigan Tech Superior Wind Symphony embarked on six performance tours and was honored as an ensemble-in-residence at the Historic Ironwood Theatre. The 250-member Michigan Tech Huskies Pep Band was selected four times by the WCHA as the host band for the WCHA/NCAA Final Five Hockey Tournament. Enz received the 2016-17 St. Ambrose Faculty of the Year Award.Under Enz's leadership, the St. Ambrose Symphonic…
On this weeks episode of Because… we hear part 2 of the becauses of hornist, Ellen Dinwiddie Smith.Ellen has been a member of the Minnesota Orchestra since 1993 and currently serves as third horn. Smith is Adjunct Professor of Horn at the University of Minnesota and has served as Young-Artist-Program faculty at the Curtis Institute of Music Summerfest. She was the founding Artistic Director of the Colonial Chamber Series (2006-2017) and organized the Musicians for Tsunami Relief benefit concert (2005) and Community Emergency Service Benefit Concert (2012), both held at Colonial Church in Edina.As a soloist, she has appeared with the Minnesota Orchestra, Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, National Repertory Orchestra, the Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra, Kenwood Symphony Orchestra, Linden Hills Chamber Orchestra and Mississippi Valley Symphony Orchestra.Smith is a 1987 graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music, where she studied with Myron Bloom and was a member of the Curtis Wind Quintet, a top prize winner in the Fischoff Chamber Music Competition. Prior to studies at Curtis, Smith attended the Juilliard School and the University of Texas at Austin. Her teachers include Myron Bloom, Wayne Barrington, Greg Hustis and Michael Hatfield.
Ellen has been a member of the Minnesota Orchestra since 1993 and currently serves as third horn. Smith is Adjunct Professor of Horn at the University of Minnesota and has served as Young-Artist-Program faculty at the Curtis Institute of Music Summerfest. She was the founding Artistic Director of the Colonial Chamber Series (2006-2017) and organized the Musicians for Tsunami Relief benefit concert (2005) and Community Emergency Service Benefit Concert (2012), both held at Colonial Church in Edina.As a soloist, she has appeared with the Minnesota Orchestra, Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, National Repertory Orchestra, the Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra, Kenwood Symphony Orchestra, Linden Hills Chamber Orchestra and Mississippi Valley Symphony Orchestra.Smith is a 1987 graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music, where she studied with Myron Bloom and was a member of the Curtis Wind Quintet, a top prize winner in the Fischoff Chamber Music Competition. Prior to studies at Curtis, Smith attended the Juilliard School and the University of Texas at Austin. Her teachers include Myron Bloom, Wayne Barrington, Greg Hustis and Michael Hatfield.
In this episode of Because, we hear the "becauses" of Quad City Symphony Orchestra Music Director and Conductor, Mark Russell Smith.Mark's story explores the immeasurable impact that his mother had on his musical upbringing. We also go with Mark on his journey from his childhood in Arizona to his collegiate days at the Julliard School and the Curtis Institute of Music and we see how his career as a conductor was shaped along the way!
On this week’s Because we hear part two of bassoonist and educator, Benjmin Coelho's becauses. Benjamin has appeared as a soloist, chamber musician, orchestral musician, teacher, and clinician in several countries including the United States, Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Panama, Portugal, France, Romania, Australia, Canada, and the Czech Republic. In the United State Mr. Coelho has played with the Waterloo/Cedar Falls Symphony (Iowa), The Camerata Chamber Orchestra (Indiana), The Bloomington Pops Orchestra (Indiana), The Bronx Opera Company (New York), and Orchestra Iowa. Currently, he performs as the principal bassoon with the Quad City Symphony Orchestra (Iowa/Illinois) and the Iowa Woodwind Quintet. He also worked extensively as a performer in his native Brazil, including principal positions with symphony orchestras in Rio de Janeiro, Campinas, and Belo Horizonte. An enthusiastic proponent of new music, Mr. Coelho has commissioned, performed, and recorded many works by European, American, and Latin American composers. His recordings include Bassoon Images from the Americas (2003), released by Albany Records; Bravura Bassoon (2005), Pas de Trois (2006) released by Crystal Records, and Explorations (2007) released by MSR Classics. As a member of the group Wizards! A Double Reed Consort, Coelho has recorded two CDs released by Crystal and Boston Records in 2000 and 2003 respectively.
On this week’s Because we hear the becauses of bassoonist and educator, Benjmin Coelho. Benjamin has appeared as a soloist, chamber musician, orchestral musician, teacher, and clinician in several countries including the United States, Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Panama, Portugal, France, Romania, Australia, Canada, and the Czech Republic. In the United State Mr. Coelho has played with the Waterloo/Cedar Falls Symphony (Iowa), The Camerata Chamber Orchestra (Indiana), The Bloomington Pops Orchestra (Indiana), The Bronx Opera Company (New York), and Orchestra Iowa. Currently, he performs as the principal bassoon with the Quad City Symphony Orchestra (Iowa/Illinois) and the Iowa Woodwind Quintet. He also worked extensively as a performer in his native Brazil, including principal positions with symphony orchestras in Rio de Janeiro, Campinas, and Belo Horizonte. An enthusiastic proponent of new music, Mr. Coelho has commissioned, performed, and recorded many works by European, American, and Latin American composers. His recordings include Bassoon Images from the Americas (2003), released by Albany Records; Bravura Bassoon (2005), Pas de Trois (2006) released by Crystal Records, and Explorations (2007) released by MSR Classics. As a member of the group Wizards! A Double Reed Consort, Coelho has recorded two CDs released by Crystal and Boston Records in 2000 and 2003 respectively.
On this episode of Because we hear the becauses of cellist, Hannah Holman.Hannah Holman, cellist, joined the New York City Ballet Orchestra at the beginning of the 2012-2013 season. Her career has encompassed orchestral and chamber music, solo performances, and teaching. In a review of the second CD she recorded with pianist Rene Lecuona, Fanfare magazine declares "her tone and technique are the stuff that cello legends are made of "... Holman's cello sings with a lustrous tone that's hard to resist."In addition to her work with the New York City Ballet Orchestra, Ms. Holman is the principal cellist of the Quad City Symphony, a position she has held since 2008. She began her professional career in England playing with the English String Orchestra under Yehudi Menuhin and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra under Simon Rattle.
On this episode of Because… we hear the because of Theatrical Artist Shelley Cooper.Cooper is currently the Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre at Augustana College in Rock Island, IL . Shelley has performed all over the world for a number of companies such as Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Monroe Symphony, Chicago Summer Opera, Opera Quad Cities, Orlando Repertory Theatre, Shawnee Summer Theatre, Redhouse Arts Center, Varna Opera Theatre, Bangkok Theatre Festival, and the Simbiose Produções (MOVE Studio) in São Paulo, Brazil and the Venetian Macao in Macau, China. Most noted performances are “Johanna" in Sweeney Todd starring Tony-Award Winning Actress, Faith Prince, “Nellie” in South Pacific,“Cinderella” in Into the Woods, “Ariel” in The Little Mermaid, "Armida" in Rinaldo, “Edith” in Pirates of Penzance, “Berta” Il barbiere di Siviglia at the Varna Opera Theatre in Bulgaria and the Soprano soloist in Handel's Messiah with Bangkok International Orchestra. Her original one-woman show, La Divina: The Last Interview of Maria Callas has been performed on three continents.Shelley has also found great success as a director for opera directing the world premiere opera, Karkinos and Two Remain for the Quad City Symphony. Shelley is a proud Associate Member of the Stage Directors and Choreographer’s Society.
On this episode of Because… we hear the becauses of cartoonist and author, Jason Platt.Jason’s full-length graphic novel series, Middle School Misadventures, has won praise from SLJ and has been on the Texas Library Association’s Little Maverick Reading List. Jason fell in love with cartooning early in his childhood. Drawing early inspiration from Charles M. Schulz (Peanuts), Jim Davis (Garfield), and Jim Henson (The Muppets). Later working as both a professional actor and a puppeteer, Jason focused on the art of illustration and graduated from Savannah College of Art and Design (or SCAD, for those in the know). While he trained in several styles he found that whenever he drew for fun, or just for himself, it was always cartooning.
On this episode of Because… we hear the becauses of composer and multi-instrumentalist, Chris Dudley. Dudley is most known for his work as the keyboardist in the multi-Grammy award nominated band Underoath. After almost two decades and over one million albums sold, Chris is finally bringing his unique ear and style to the film scoring world in a way that’s already leaving a prominent mark.I hope you enjoy our conversation!
On this episode of Because… we hear the becauses of percussionist, Aaron Williams.Aaron Williams serves as Principal Percussionist with the Des Moines and Quad City Symphony Orchestras. He has also held the position of Principal Percussionist with the Mansfield Symphony (Mansfield, OH) and Section Percussionist with the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony Orchestra. Having great enthusiasm for contemporary chamber music, Aaron served as Artistic Director and percussionist for “Rhythm Unleashed: The Music of Marc Mellits”, a concert on the Quad City Symphony’s Signature Series. In Des Moines, he collaborated with organist Tin-Shi Tam to give the U.S. premieres of two duets for organ and percussion: Phaikon 493 by Leander Kaiser and The Shining City by JacobTV. He has performed on Chamber Music at Salisbury House (Des Moines, IA) and the Des Moines Symphony’s Spotlight at the Temple.Aaron resides in Des Moines, IA where he maintains a private teaching studio and is on the faculty of the Des Moines Symphony Academy.I hope you enjoy our conversation!
On this episode of Because… we hear the becauses of international horn soloist and associate professor of horn at the University of Illinois, Bernhard Scully. Bernhard is a member of the University of Illinois Global STEAM working group and is Artistic Director of Cormont Music. He spends most of his summer in the White Mountains of New Hampshire as both the Artistic Director of the Kendall Betts Horn Camp and as the horn player of the North Country Chamber Players. His solo career has spanned across many genres from classical, to jazz and beyond, including being the former long-time horn player of the Canadian Brass and former principal horn of the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra. Among his many awards are top honors at numerous competitions, most notably being the first classical brass player to win a McKnight Fellowship for Performing Musicians.I hope you enjoy our conversation!
On this episode of Because… we hear the becauses of composer, William Campbell.William is a pianist and award-winning composer of music for all genres. Campbell’s music for films includes work nominated for two Oscars (Academy Awards) in 2021 and 2019, an Emmy nomination in 2020. His recent scores have earned the awards for best film score in 2020 by the Iowa Motion Pictures Association, and best original score at the 2021 (International) Luminous Frames Festival. Additional awards include those from ASCAP, Kennedy Center American Collegiate Theater Festival, Penfield Music Commission, Waging Peace, and multiple teaching institutions. His most recent album of solo piano music, All In Due Time, was released in 2021 to critical acclaim and may be streamed on all major sources. He is also a sought-after composer for orchestral, chamber, and vocal music, and is regularly commissioned to write new works by various organizations every year. A passionate educator, he is a Professor Music at St. Ambrose University teaching all aspects of music theory & composition, as well as courses that lead to greater cultural understanding through music.I hope you enjoy our conversation!
On this episode of Because, we hear the becauses of pianist and educator, Marian Lee.Marian Lee made her New York City debut at Carnegie Hall as winner of the Artists International Award and has appeared as soloist and with orchestra internationally in Austria, Belgium, Italy, France, Norway, and Russia to name a few. Lee has performed at Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center’s Millenium Stage, Seattle’s Benaroya Hall, Moscow’s Tchaikovsky Hall and Rachmaninoff Hall, and the Hermitage Winter Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia. In liaison with the U.S. State Department, Lee received numerous grants in support of performances of American contemporary music abroad and is a former Fulbright and International Research and Exchange (IREX) scholar.In 2022, Lee launched her YouTube channel @pianoclub88 to share her approach to piano technique informed by her extensive background as an educator and performer. Lee currently serves on the faculty at St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa.
On this episode of Because, we hear the becauses of Grammy nominated guitarist Mak Grgic. Touted as a gifted young guitarist by the New York Times and a guitarist to keep your eye on by the Washington Post, Mak Grgic is a star on the worldwide stage. An expansive and adventurous repertoire attests to his versatility and wide ranging interests. From the ethnic music of his native Balkans to extreme avant-garde and microtonal music, his roles as soloist, collaborator, and Grammy nominated recording artist are fueled by curiosity, imagination, and boundless energy.
On this episode of Because, we hear the becauses of composer Jonathan Bailey Holland. An acclaimed composer, Holland has been commissioned by the American Composers Orchestra, the American Guild of Organists and Arx Duo. His work has been performed by such artists and ensembles as the LA Philharmonic, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Eighth Blackbird, as well as Awadagin Pratt and Roomful of Teeth. He was recently named the Jack G. Buncher Chair and new head of the School of Music at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania.
On this episode of because we hear the becauses of Rachel Price, Quad City area Youth Advocate.Rachel has worked in the youth development field for over six years, where her passion is creating a supportive and safe environment for all youth to thrive.Rachel was born and raised in West Virginia, where she also attended college and received a Bachelor's in English. Rachel and her husband and Because.. host Marc Zyla, also from West Virginia, moved to the Quad Cities six years ago and are proud to call the community their second home. Rachel, a former competitive rower, enjoys kayaking, hiking, and exploring the Midwest with her husband and two rescue dogs, Dolly and Roxie.
On this Episode of Because... We hear the Becauses of composer, Jacob Bancks.Praised as “colorfully orchestrated, invitingly lyrical” (The New York Times) and “highly caffeinated” (The Boston Globe), the music of Illinois composer Jacob Bancks (b. 1982) has engaged and inspired musicians and audiences around the world.At the core of his output are works for orchestra, with performances by the Philadelphia Orchestra, the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, the Nashville Symphony, the Sarajevo Philharmonic, the Annapolis Symphony, the South Dakota Symphony, the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphony, and the New York Youth Symphony.
On this episode of Because… we hear the becauses of Brian Baxter.Brian Baxter is a musician and orchestra manager who composes music inspired by family, place, and poetry. He writes primarily chamber, orchestral, and vocal music. Brian resides in the Quad Cities and serves as Executive Director for the Quad City Symphony Orchestra.
On this episode of Because... we hear the becauses of David Renfro. A native of Kingsport, Tennessee, David is the Principal Horn of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, a position he has held since 2005. He also serves as the ASO's Chief Development Officer. Prior to that appointment, David taught horn and chamber music at Henderson State University. He received his Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees in Horn Performance from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music where his primary teachers included Myron Bloom, Michael Hatfield, and Richard Seraphinoff.
On this episode of Because… we hear the becauses of violinist and conductor, Kyle Dickson. Kyle is quickly building a reputation as an innovative and compelling presence on the podium. Recipient of the 2021 GPMF Advocate for Arts Award, Dickson is a Salonen Conducting Fellow with the San Francisco Symphony under the guidance of Music Director Esa-Pekka Salonen through the Colburn School in Los Angeles.
In today’s episode, we hear the becauses of New York City based low brass multi-instrumentalist, composer, and educator Reginald Chapman. Reginald enjoys interfacing with a variety of situations and genres, his career includes a long list of studio credits and extensive touring itineraries with brass bands like Lucky Chops and NO BS Brass, indie rock groups such as Foxygen, as well as Broadway/Classical/ and Jazz performances. I hope you enjoy our chat!
In Episode 8 of Because we hear the “becauses” of Boise Philarhmonic Executive Director, Laura Reynolds. Laura’s story begins as a beach baby in California and follows her path to the Seattle Symphony and the Boise Philharmonic where Laura is instrumental in pushing orchestras to embrace their important roles in their communities.
In Episode 7 of Because we hear the “becauses” of Augustana Voice Faculty member and Mayor of Moline, Sangeetha Rayapati. Sangeetha’s story begins in Westchester, PA and follows her path to becoming head of voice faculty at Augustana College and Mayor of Moline, Illinois.
In Episode 6 of Because we hear the “becauses” of QCSO Assistant Conductor and QCSYE Music Director, Ernesto Estigarribia. Ernesto’s story begins in Paraguay and weaves through the Midwest with stops in Pittsburg… Kansas, Minneapolis, and the Quad Cities.
In this episode of Because we explore the "becauses" of Renee Elise Goldsberry. Renee Elise Goldsberry received the Tony Award, Grammy Award, Drama Desk Award and the Lucille Lortel Award for her performance off and on Broadway in the musical phenomenon Hamilton. Since winning the Tony Award, she has appeared in Baz Luhrmann’s The Get Down for Netflix and shot the title role for HBO’s The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks opposite Oprah Winfrey. She is currently starring in the Netflix series Altered Carbon. You can also catch her in the new NBCU show Girls5eva with Sara Bareilles.
In this episode of Because, we hear the “becauses” of Quad City Symphony Orchestra Associate Principal 2nd violin, Janis Sakai.Janis’s story begins with a sprint towards a string quartet as a baby and continues along a musical path that goes from Chicago to London to Japan and back again!Janis’s story also shows what can happen when a musician is inspired to use their music-making for positive change.
In this episode of Because, we hear the “becauses” of the League of American Orchestra’s President and CEO, Simon Woods.Simon’s story begins in Wimbledon, England, and explores a musical life that began with an eclectic listening background, a strong connection to a piano teacher, and what can result when an individual remains flexible and follows opportunities as they present themselves! Stops on this journey include Abbey Road Studios, Philadelphia, Seattle, New Jersey, and New York.
In this episode of Because, we hear the "becauses" of Quad City Symphony Orchestra Music Director and Conductor, Mark Russell SmithMark's story explores the immeasurable impact that his mother had on his musical upbringing. We also go with Mark on his journey from his childhood in Arizona to his collegiate days at the Julliard School and the Curtis Institute of Music and we see how his career as a conductor was shaped along the way!