Max Q from Peabody LAUNCHPad: Recent Episodes
Peabody LAUNCHPad
Our final episode this season features horn player Rachel Jones (BM ’18). Shortly after graduating from Peabody, Rachel joined the 229th Army Band Brass Quintet and has since expanded into working in Human Resources for the Guard. Outside of her work with the National Guard, she is an active freelancer on the East Coast and recently became a core member of the Maryland Winds.
We’re looking for interviewees for next season! If you are a recent Peabody alumni, or want to recommend we reach out to someone, please email us at LAUNCHPad@jhu.edu.
Recorded April 22, 2024.
Season 4 music by Soo Hyun Bahn. Audio editing by Greg Hays. Logo by MegDig Design.
Our guest this month is Ana Uribe Law (MM ’21), a musicologist and violinist. After receiving her Master’s degree in Musicology from Peabody, Ana is now pursuing her PhD at Florida State University. She also holds an MBA in Arts Innovation from the Global Leaders Institute.
Ana is a passionate advocate for greater representation of popular music genres within academia. Her research centers on contemporary Latin American genres, with a particular emphasis on the impact and influence of reggaeton in the United States. In addition to her scholarly work, Ana has prepared and indexed several renowned 20th century Latin American music journals, and served as a research and digitization assistant at RIPM (Le Répertoire international de la presse musicale).
Website: www.anaspul.com
Youtube: @anaspul
Recorded March 11, 2024.
Season 4 music by Soo Hyun Bahn. Audio editing by Greg Hays. Logo by MegDig Design.
Our guest for this episode is Steve Crino (DMA ’22), a teacher and composer with a deep focus on vocal music. Steve’s creative portfolio includes two award-winning operas, numerous songs, and choral compositions. A passionate interdisciplinary collaborator, he is co-founder of The Circus Opera Company, a new organization exploring connections between opera and circus arts. Steve maintains an active private studio and teaches Music Theory and Music History at Temple University. Our conversation touches on building your own projects, creating financial stability as a composer, and the importance of personal connections and word of mouth.
Website: www.stevencrino.com
Instagram: @stevecrino
Youtube: @stevencrino6967
We’re closing out the episode with a section of “Stay for a While” from Steve’s opera Six Autumns on the Hudson.
Recorded February 15, 2024.
Season 4 music by Soo Hyun Bahn. Audio editing by Greg Hays. Logo by MegDig Design.
Our guest this month is film, theatre, and games composer Ashna Pathan (BM ’22). Currently working as a full-time assistant to the acclaimed composer Mac Quayle in Los Angeles, Ashna’s recent projects include the award-winning comedy short “Aghast!” and the full-length musical “Senior Year Is Gonna Kill Me! – The Murder-Mystery Musical.” We delve into Ashna’s diverse types of composition, her journey into the LA music production scene, finding opportunity and support in your networks, and her strategies for time management and motivation.
Website: www.ashnapathanmusic.com
Instagram: @ashnapathanmusic
Youtube: @ashnapathanmusic
We’re closing out the episode with a sound clip Ashna wrote for the 2022 short film NURIKABE.
Recorded January 27, 2024.
Season 4 music by Soo Hyun Bahn. Audio editing by Greg Hays. Logo by MegDig Design.
This time on Max Q we are speaking with Marie Herrington (BM ’20, Vocal Performance). A versatile artist, Marie’s repertoire extends from sound installations, as seen with the Alluvium Ensemble at the New Orleans Contemporary Arts Center, to her role as a featured composer at San Francisco’s SongFest. We discuss how she got into Chruch music, finding support for your creative endeavors, and the importance of enthusiasm. Currently, she is the Music Director at Govans Presbyterian Church in Baltimore. Additionally, she is an active leader and collaborator in regional musical ensembles.
Website: www.marieherringtonmusic.com
Instagram: @jsbachdafachup
Closing out the episode we have a clip of Marie’s “A Dream” for voice and loop station.
Recorded January 9, 2024.
Season 4 music by Soo Hyun Bahn. Audio editing by Greg Hays. Logo by MegDig Design.
Max Q this week features drummer, educator, and composer Allen Branch. (BM ’22 Jazz Percussion) A multi-instrumental jazz performer, Allen (also known as Aldo) has played at international venues, including Carnegie Hall and the Berlin Music Hall. More recently, Allen has moved into education and is currently serving as the Dorothy Clayborne Teaching Fellow at the Bryn Mawr School.
Website: https://aldobmusic.com/
Instagram: @aldobmusic
Allen’s recommendations:
48 Laws of Power – Robert Greene
Closing out the episode we have a clip of Allen’s original composition, “Baby Done Changed” from his album 27 Love.
On Max Q we’re featuring soprano and arts-administrator Mira Fu-En Huang (MM ’22 Historical Performance Voice). Mira masterfully juggles her performance career—highlighted by roles in operas like Handel’s “Semele” and collaborations with contemporary composers—with her arts administration work at organizations like the Candlelight Concert Society and Business Volunteers Maryland. A former social media intern at LAUNCHPad, she also earned a Launch Grant for her storytelling project, “Story to Song”. Join us as we delve into Mira’s multifaceted career, exploring how she balances her time, starting and running an ensemble, and her drive for storytelling in music.
Closing out the episode, is a recording of Mira from an upcoming release with Ensemble Magdalena.
Website: mirafuenhuang.com
Instagram: @amirsopranosaur
Mira’s recommendations:
Before the Coffee Gets Cold – Toshikazu KawaguchiRecorded Oct. 2, 2023
Season 4 music by Soo Hyun Bahn. Audio editing by Greg Hays. Logo by MegDig Design.
This week on Max Q, we spotlight Andrea Copland (MM ’19, Oboe & Musicology), a Baltimore-based oboist, music historian, and librarian. Integrating actively performing and gigging with contributions to research institutions like Peabody’s Friedheim Library and the répertoire international de la presse musicale (RIPM) database, Andrea has also taken on the role of an educator with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s OrchKids program. Passionate about social justice and music accessibility, she delves into the confluence of music, politics, and perception on her blog, ‘Outward Sound’. We discuss the opportunities found in setbacks, balancing multiple priorities, and building what motivates you into your job.
Blog: outwardsound.org
Instagram: @outwardsound
Andrea’s recommendations:
Simone de Beauvoir’s The Ethics of Ambiguity William Cheng’s Just Vibrations Jonathan Sterne’s Diminished Faculties .Recorded Aug. 7, 2023
Season 4 music by Soo Hyun Bahn. Audio editing by Greg Hays. Logo by MegDig Design.
Max Q this week features dancer, choreographer, filmmaker, and movement researcher Rush Johnston (BFA ’22, Dance.) During their time at Peabody Rush received several grants including a Launch Grant for their show “Making a Mess.” Alongside creating widely featured performances, choreography, and dance films, they are the founder of the confi-DANCE project in Greenville, SC, which provides movement workshops for at-risk youth, and Kaleid Movement Collective, an interdisciplinary artistic platform for creative experiments and exhibitions.
Website: https://rushjohnston.com/
Instagram: @rushj_dance
Facebook: @rush.johnston
Check out “My Room,” one of the pieces Rush mentioned in our conversation.
Recorded Mar. 15, 2023
This is the end of Max Q’s third season! If you have a recommendation for a recent Peabody alum you think we should have on the Podcast, let us know at LAUNCHPad@Jhu.edu
Audio editing by Greg Hays. Logo by MegDig Design.
This episode we’re interviewing Dmytro Nebesh, who graduated from Peabody with degree in Music for New Media in 2022. Dmytro currently works as a sound designer for Firaxis Games and as a freelance composer. In the interview, we explore how Dmytro’s experiences during school led to his sound design role, connecting and collaborating on professional work, and balancing creative projects and other personal priorities with a full-time job.
Website: https://dmytronebesh.com/
Instagram: @dmytro_nebesh
YouTube: @dmytronebesh6939
Twitter: @Dadmyt
You might notice our intro music is different this episode. Dmytro composed the theme music for the first season of Max Q, and we’ve brought it back as a special feature for this episode.
Recorded Mar. 1, 2023
Audio editing by Greg Hays. Logo by MegDig Design.
We’re featuring Nathan Cicero (MM ’18, Vocal Accompanying) on Max Q! Since graduating, Nathan has built a career as a freelance collaborator, church musician, and as music staff for numerous opera companies including Sarasota Opera, Chicago Summer Opera, and Pensacola Opera. We discuss the path to becoming a collaborative pianist, life working as a pianist in an opera company, building a freelance career, and the differences between playing for musicians and a general audience.
Nathan’s Recommendations:
- Bulletproof Musician Podcast
- Martin Katz’s “The Complete Collaborator”
- “Life of the Opera Pianist” Facebook Page
Closing out the episode we have a recording of Nathan playing Poulenc’s “Madrigal,” with Baritone Mark Billy.
Recorded Jan. 30, 2023
2022 Intro music by Aaron Gao. Audio editing by Greg Hays. Logo by MegDig Design.
This episode of Max Q features violist, arts administrator, and yoga teacher Gavon Peck (GPD ’20, Viola), speaking with Sarah Thomas. Gavon performs regularly with chamber ensembles and orchestras in DMV, is an Artistic Director at Listeso Music Group, and teaches yoga with Baltimore Hot Yoga and Wellness. Sarah and Gavon discuss his different types of work, the evolution of life goals, and the importance of taking care of our bodies as artists.
Website: http://gavonpeck.com
Recorded Dec. 8, 2022
2022 Intro music by Aaron Gao. Audio editing by Greg Hays. Logo by MegDig Design.
We’re reposting an episode from our archives to celebrate alum conductor Michael Repper (DMA ’22). Michael’s recent recording with the New York Youth Symphony received a Grammy Award for Best Orchestral Performance, the first time a youth orchestra has received this award. In these interview clips, we discuss Michael’s perspective on networking, managing your time as a freelancer, and the wisdom found in Disney movies.
Find out more about Michael and his current projects:
Website: www.mikerepper.com
Instagram: @mikerepper
Twitter: @mikerepper
Stream Works by Florence Price, Valerie Coleman, Jessie Montgomery Performed by the New York Youth Symphony, Michael Repper, and Michelle Cann
2022 Intro music by Aaron Gao. Audio editing by Greg Hays. Logo by MegDig Design.
Interview Recorded Jan. 24, 2019
This episode of Max Q features Sam Bessen (MM ’17, Horn). Sam is the curator of the Levy Sheet Music Collection at the Johns Hopkins Sheridan Libraries as well as the Founder & Artistic Director of the In the Stacks Series, which hosts performances in the George Peabody Library. Speaking with Christina Manceor, the conversation explores how Sam found his way to his position as a curator, how to connect your passions to new career paths, and how to pivot and move past performance injuries.
Recorded Dec. 9, 2022
2022 Intro music by Aaron Gao. Audio editing by Greg Hays. Logo by MegDig Design.
This episode of Max Q features Bobby Ge (MM ’20, Composition), a Chinese-American composer, pianist, and educator. Since graduating from Peabody, Bobby has collaborated on several multimedia projects, won composer residencies and competitions, and had works performed and commissioned by a variety of different orchestral and chamber ensembles. Christina Manceor speaks with him about building collaborative relationships, how artist residencies work, and the importance of grants in supporting his goals. Currently, Bobby is pursuing his Ph.D. in composition as a Naumberg Fellow at Princeton University.
Website: www.bobbygemusic.com
Instagram: @bobbycge
At the end of the episode, you can hear a clip of “Variations for the Worlds Below” fromThe Ocean’s Cry, a visual album created by the composers’ collective Consonance in collaboration with the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center. This piece was written for and performed by a trio of musicians from Peabody – Robert Brown (BM ’22) on sax, Ben Giroux (BM ’21) on percussion, and Sherry Du (MM ’19) on piano. The album is available on all streaming platforms
Recorded Nov. 28, 2022
2022 Intro music by Aaron Gao. Audio editing by Greg Hays. Logo by MegDig Design.
In this episode of Max Q, Christina Manceor speaks with Lily Josefsberg (GPD 18’ Piccolo Performance.) After extensive freelancing experience at orchestras around the U.S., she was appointed piccolo and 3rd flute with the San Diego Symphony in May 2022. The discussion covers life for orchestral musicians, ways to navigate the audition process, and how Lily’s experience … Continue reading 3. Max Q – Lily Josefsberg →
This week on Max Q we speak with Baritone Ross Tamaccio (MM ’18). Ross has built a career on concert music and church music, singing career both as a soloist and ensemble member, singing with ensembles like True Concord, Conspirare, the Santa Fe Desert Chorale, and with most of the major church music programs in the DC … Continue reading 2. Max Q – Ross Tamaccio →
Welcome to season three of Max Q! Episode one features composer, instrumentalist, rapper, and producer Arindam Jurakhan (MM ’21). After releasing his first album FLINCH during his final year at Peabody, Arindam is currently pursuing his DMA in composition at the University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music. We discuss differences between producing live and recorded … Continue reading 1. Max Q – Arindam Jurakhan →
Robin is joined by alumni ensemble Bergamot Quartet (Ledah Finck MM ‘18, Sarah Thomas MM ‘19, Amy Tan MM ‘19, Irene Han MM ‘18). With the imminent release of their debut album In the Brink, we discuss how Bergamot has found success building opportunities to give workshops, opening doors for performances and collaborations, and crowdfunding their … Continue reading 14. Max Q – Bergamot Quartet →
Christina speaks with saxophonist Kyle Jones (MM ’17), who is currently pursuing a DMA in saxophone performance at the University of Missouri Kansas City Conservatory; in addition to his freelance career, Kyle is an educator and arts administrator. They discuss how to approach building a sustainable career in the arts, including balancing time between school, … Continue reading 13. Max Q – Kyle Jones →
Composer Frances Pollock (MM ’15, Voice) started her own projects while at Peabody, creating opportunities for both her colleagues and herself. Robin McGinness discusses how Frances figured out prioritizing, the importance and ease of establishing relationships, and building understanding of the financial side of art and opera. Frances’s Opera Earth to Kenzie will be performed … Continue reading 12. Max Q – Frances Pollock →
Jacob Lyerly (MM ’20, Guitar & Pedagogy) joins Robin McGinness to discuss how his experience in the Arts in Health and other Peabody programs built the skills he uses in his career today. While at Peabody Jacob was a member of LAUNCHPad’s student staff, an active performer solo and with his duo Un/Strung, and a regular participant in … Continue reading 11. Max Q – Jacob Lyerly →
Violinist Shannon Fitzhenry (BM ’18) maintains a busy schedule subbing with the BSO, performing gigs and chamber concerts with other Peabody alumni, and serves as concertmaster for the El Paso Symphony Orchestra. In this episode, she joins Robin McGinness to discuss how she built her current portfolio career, the unique challenges of finding orchestral work, and … Continue reading 10. Max Q – Shannon Fitzhenry →
Networking, or making connections with artists, partners, and collaborators is one of the primary challenges we hear about from students and alumni. This week on Max Q we’ve highlighted clips addressing how to talk to people, build relationships, and find strong partners. In order, here are the full interviews featured in today’s episode: Cellist and arts … Continue reading 9. Max Q – Networking →
Pianist Dr. Melody Quah, a 2017 Peabody DMA graduate, joins Christina Manceor on Max Q. Melody has a broad-ranging career as a soloist, collaborative pianist, and educator across multiple continents. They discuss navigating the requirements of a new faculty position, keeping a healthy separation from your work, and building experience towards a faculty position. The … Continue reading 8. Max Q – Melody Quah →
Christina Manceor speaks with percussionist Chris Salvito (Peabody MM ’16) and pianist Nicoletta Favari of Passepartout Duo. Making music that escapes categorization, the duo’s travel around the world informs the multi-disciplinary collaborations, instrumental compositions, and evocative music videos that constitute their work. The conversation centers on how artistic residencies have been foundational for the duo, … Continue reading 7. Max Q – Passepartout Duo →
This week on Max Q, Robin speaks with composer and vocalist Daniel Sabzghabaei (MM ’17). After Peabody Daniel immediately went on to pursue his doctorate, all while continuing to grow his list of commissions and premieres. We discuss how he deals with creative “drought,” managed to keep creating through the pandemic, trying to escape the trap … Continue reading 6. Max Q – Daniel Sabzghabaei →
In this episode Dr. Forshee is joined by Jessica Satava (MM ’04, Voice), executive director of the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra in Pennsylvania. They discuss Jessica’s journey to leading an orchestra, how she joined and learned the needs of her new community through food and concerts, and discoveries about how changing the narrative and venue can open … Continue reading 5. Max Q – Jessica Satava →
In this episode, Christina Manceor speaks with Allison Clendaniel (BM 2014) and James Young (DMA 2012). Just to name a few facets of their diverse work, Allison and James are performers, composers, and performing arts presenters based in Baltimore. Alongside their colleague Jason Charney, they co-founded Mind on Fire, a cooperative of highly trained musicians whose goal is to eliminate barriers in classical and contemporary music. On the podcast, we discuss the challenges of balancing freelance work as creative artists, why it’s important to look at success as a process, and how their work with Mind on Fire has evolved over the years.
Allison’s website: www.allisonisonline.com
James’ website: www.jamesdavidyoung.com
Mind on Fire website: www.mindonfire.org
Upcoming Mind on Fire Virtual Variety Show, feat. Bashi Rose, Natalie Draper, and Orlando Johnson
April 21, 8pm – www.twitch.tv/mofbaltimore
Recorded Feb. 25, 2021
2021 Intro music by Dmytro Nebesh. Audio editing by Greg Hays. Logo by MegDig Design.