BACHELOR OF MUSIC GRADUATES
Congratulations to our Spring 2020 Bachelor of Music Graduates:
Nina Evelyn Anderson
B.M. in Voice
Written by Martha Randall:
Nina Anderson will be attending Boston Conservatory for a master’s in voice performance next year. She was cast to sing Zerlina in Don Giovanni at the Vocal Academy of Orvieto in Italy this summer, now postponed to 2021. Brava for all your successes and hard work! All the best, Nina, as you fly away to a bright future—my heart follows you!
Henrique Sjoberg Carvalho
B.M. in Voice
Written by Kevin Short
Henrique Carvalho, the Brazilian baritone with the burnished vocal timbre who seems to be a veritable Pied Piper, leading his merry band of colleagues whether at UMD or a music camp in Germany in all manner of social gatherings. His gregariousness combined with his inquisitive and hardworking nature will surely contribute to his future success.
Emily Chu
B.M. in Voice
Written by Carmen Balthrop:
Twins
Hi Emily! Oh you're Maria, I'm sorry please forgive
This went on for weeks life was suddenly hard to live
Wait Emily has a mole I finally figured it out
But then suddenly I lost my groove
Because Emily had her mole removed
Two beautiful personalities and voices treasures outside the norm
The world will see and love whether you teach or perform
Maria Chu
B.M. in Voice
Written by Carmen Balthrop:
Twins
Hi Emily! Oh you're Maria, I'm sorry please forgive
This went on for weeks life was suddenly hard to live
Wait Emily has a mole I finally figured it out
But then suddenly I lost my groove
Because Emily had her mole removed
Two beautiful personalities and voices treasures outside the norm
The world will see and love whether you teach or perform
Keegan Robert Emery Couse
B.M. in Jazz Saxophone
Written by Tim Powell:
Keegan Couse’s dedication to becoming a complete future educator and jazz saxophonist is second to none. Always asking “how would you teach this to a young student,” Keegan has had his eye on becoming a first-rate career educator since walking into the doors of the School of Music. You will have some very lucky students next year in your first job in MCPS.
Daniel Robert Degenford
B.M. in Trombone
Written by Matthew Guilford:
It has been my distinct pleasure having Daniel Degenford as a student in my trombone studio for the past four years. As one of the top high school trombonists in the state of Maryland, I was very pleased by his decision to sign on as a Terp. He has displayed exemplary work ethic, attitude and artistry. I wish him the very best.
Nathan Lee Dorsey
B.M. in Clarinet
Written by Robert DiLutis:
Nathan has been an inspiration to the entire clarinet studio. Working through and overcoming a physical injury during 2 years of his education, he has shown us all incredible strength and dedication. Nathan will be teaching as a music educator in the fall and will be missed as my favorite cat sitter!
Madeline Rose Ferguson
B.M. in Clarinet
Written by Robert DiLutis:
Maddie has been a dedicated and hard-working student over the past 4 years. Her work as Director of the New Horizons, adult clarinet choir, has been spectacular. Watching her grow and learn from her experiences with them has only reaffirmed her desire to teach. Next year she will be joining Teach for America as a teacher in upstate New York.
Clifford J. Hangarter
B.M. in Clarinet
Written by Robert DiLutis:
Cliff has been a thoughtful and focused student for the past 4 years. His work has been focused and of the highest quality. Whether driving a campus bus or guiding the clarinet studio across Belgium, Cliff has always been reliable and dedicated to his art. He will be greatly missed in the clarinet studio!
Daphine Seymone Henderson
B.M. in Double Bass
Written by Anthony Manzo:
Daphine! You’ve been a challenge, a joy, a struggle, and an inspiration. The visionary connections you make so effortlessly, your passionate advocacy for what you feel is right; your big-picture awareness; all will surely serve you well in the future. Continue to stoke those passions, find that focus and balance, and we’ll be watching you fly!
Camille Alexandra Jones
B.M. in Violin
Written by James Stern:
Camille’s Voices Unheard initiative champions the music of underrepresented minorities. Started at the School of Music, it will now be taken to University of Michigan—where she will pursue her M.M. on full scholarship—and beyond! What better advocate for these treasures than this violinist whose sound and personality explode from her instrument. Even as soloist with a full orchestra, she is never unheard.
Joseph Zachary Koenig
B.M. in Double Bass
Written by Richard Barber:
It has been my great pleasure to be Joe's teacher for the past four years. Joe has an earnestness about him that is very special in a musician and a student. Joe has always been focused on learning in lessons; he listens carefully and is willing to commit completely to trying something new. Joe is willing to dig deep into his own emotional experience to find the music's essence, and find how a particular piece of music connects with him. His interpretations are always unveiled and open for his listeners to experience. All of these qualities will serve him well as a musician and as a teacher. I will miss Joe's wry and well-timed sense of humor, and especially his persistent kindness and good nature.
Mary Shea Kealey Kustas
B.M. in Voice
Written by Martha Randall:
Mary Shea Kustas completes her B.M. in voice this spring and will student teach next fall at Hollifield Station and Walter Johnson for her degree in music education. She is a Renaissance woman! She sings, conducts, and plays violin, and did all three in OperaTerps Down in the Valley this spring. Mary Shea, cyber hugs and mega congratulations!
Patrick William Lill
B.M. in Clarinet
Written by Robert DiLutis:
Patrick has been an incredible student and over the past few years, developed into a mature and accomplished musician. Next year he will be moving to North Carolina to continue performing and composing. He hopes to earn a master’s degree in the near future.
Francis Joseph Marcellino
B.M. in Jazz Saxophone
Written by Tim Powell:
The jazz studies area is going to miss Joey Marcellino’s attitude and passion for the music. Whether playing in School of Music ensembles or leading his own bands, Joey’s candid and comical outlook fills the room. Best of luck in Switzerland studying philosophy and physics at the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne.
Julia Suzanne Marks
B.M. in Cello
Written by Eric Kutz:
Julia Marks made no secret upon her arrival at UMD that she intended to reach for the stars—made clear through her eagerness to tackle the most challenging cello literature. She rose to the occasion both through her performances, and her minor in astronomy! Next fall she will pursue graduate degrees in cello and music ed at Catholic University.
Jonathan Raven Metcalf-Burton
B.M. in Jazz Saxophone
Written by Tim Powell:
Jonathon Metcalf-Burton epitomizes hard work and steady growth. Having transferred from Montgomery College before coming to Maryland, Jonathon always put in plenty of time in the practice room. Best of luck in your new-found career in retail and woodwind repair.
Ella Misangyi
B.M. in Clarinet
Written by Robert DiLutis:
Ella has been one of the hardest working students I have ever taught. Her success at UMD has been a credit to her dedication and desire to be the best musician and person possible. We will all miss her work as president of the UMD Clarinet Society. Next year Ella will be working and applying for master's degree programs.
Cosette Sophia Ralowicz
B.M. in Horn
Written by Gregory Miller:
These past four years have been transformative for you in so many ways and you have developed into a refined player and musician as a result. It has been a sheer joy to have been a part of your growth during this time and I wish you all the very best as you continue your graduate work at the University of Michigan.
Niklas Mathias Schnake
B.M. in Horn
Written by Justin Drew:
It has been an honor to work with Niklas this past year. This year his horn playing went through a lot of changes, some not easy. The honesty, resilience, determination, and grit you've shown through these adjustments will take you far, wherever life takes you. I wish you all the best as you seek out a graduate program over the next year.
Jessica Elizabeth Schueckler
B.M. in Violin
Written by Irina Muresanu:
With a bright smile and a kind word for everyone, Jessica Schueckler's presence lightens up the room. As a versatile performer, she contributed several times to her local high school's musicals performances, as well as volunteering to perform for Classical Conversations. Jessica will continue to grow her private teaching studio in Glenn Burnie, MD.
Emily Wren Shallbetter
B.M. in Voice
Written by Carmen Balthrop:
My New York 17
The nickname I gave you as you entered my studio with glee
Noticing all the while your focus and maturity
Your sparking voice and eclectic vocal range fit you to a tee
Which made teaching you just amazing for me
Emily I have no doubt that success awaits you out there
Nothing will stop you, I know, not even your blue or purple hair.
Ghanghyun Cory Shim
B.M. in Piano
Written by Larissa Dedova:
Bravo, Cory! Your senior recital proved that you became a very serious mature musician and excellent performer. I am very proud of you and look forward to your coming back in the fall to do your M.M. studies! Congratulations on your graduation! Well done!
Timothy John Wagman
B.M. in Oboe
Written by Mark Hill:
TJ has been a model of cheerful determination, earning performance and business degrees while working a 20+ hour work week and rising to a managerial position. His winning, patient and kind attitude will undoubtedly serve him well as he combines his artistic and practical skills into a successful future. We will miss him in the oboe studio!
John Lee Walden
B.M. in Trumpet
Written by Chris Gekker:
Thank you, John, for all your fine performances in our Symphony Orchestra, Wind Orchestra, and in the Chamber Music program!
Evan Michael Williamson
B.M. in Jazz Guitar
Written by Gerard Kunkel:
Evan Williamson would take anything I threw at him and burn it up, a serious guitar player. With bold confidence in lessons and inspiration in performance, he shows flexibility and maturity. He says exactly what he means with intelligence, humor and a good heart. This also shows up in his arranging skills, along with wicked creativity. Go Evan Go!
Di Yue
B.M. in Trumpet
Written by Chris Gekker:
Di, thank you for all your fine playing, after you transferred here from the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. Your solo performances have been especially outstanding, as when you performed for the acclaimed virtuoso Tine Thing Helseth who visited us for a recital and masterclass. Good luck with your future studies at Boston College!!