MASTER OF MUSIC GRADUATES
Congratulations to our Spring 2020 Master of Music Graduates:
Esther Alana Atkinson
M.M. in Maryland Opera Studio
Written by Kevin Short:
How's about ya, Esther Atkinson! The totally delightful conscientious mezzo soprano hailing from Northern Ireland who has put up with us Yankees drawing too much of a distinction between the words "VIALS" and "VOWELS." The former of course being the preferred way of pronouncing "VOWELS" by this supremely talented and wise lass from across the pond.
Darya Emily Barna
M.M. in Violin
Written by David Salness:
Darya Barna is multi-talented and resilient; well-suited to succeed in these tough times. As a performer, she has successfully managed her 20-student teaching studio while interning at the Washington Performing Arts. A cracker jack administrator, Ms. Barna is eager to commence her new position as Program Coordinator for the International School.
James Thomas Andrew Bible
M.M. in Trumpet
Written by Chris Gekker:
Andy, your ensemble and solo work has been extraordinary here with our Symphony Orchestra and Wind Orchestra, and in our Chamber Program. You've shown great leadership and excellent musicianship. Good luck as you enter the U.S. Army as one of their crucial trumpeters, a challenging job for which you are extremely qualified!
Levi Bradshaw
M.M. in Violin
Written by Irina Muresanu:
Levi Bradshaw has distinguished himself as a mentoring figure to the violin undergrads. He will open his private violin studio and continue his chamber and orchestral activities. He will keep his position as Plant Manager for Professional Startup and Operating Services, Inc., which he successfully juggled while being a full-time graduate student.
Charles John Calotta
M.M. in Maryland Opera Studio
Written by Gran Wilson:
No one works harder than you to take advantage of the training and opportunities afforded you. Your performance in Ariodante was professional and scintillating. Your voice soared as if on wings, filling me with pride, joy, and respect for what you have accomplished. Let your hunger to learn be your guide, and your singing will fly even higher.
Alyssa Louise Centanni
M.M. in Violin
Written by James Stern:
Whether playing the richly complex violin solos in a Kurt Weill opera or performing outside of the School of Music with her tango orchestra, Alyssa produces a seething, Romantic violin sound like she was born to do it. Through her job at Apple, hosting and curating workshops and events, she has discovered a love of teaching, and is now looking forward to expressing that love through teaching violin.
Judy Chirino Ortega
M.M. in Maryland Opera Studio
Written by Jennifer Cabot:
It has been such a pleasure to work with you these past two years! Your voice and your heart are very special. Continue to discover all that your voice can do. You will be amazed by what is to come. I will remember your laugh and your easy high notes and the fun we had discovering that fast singing is not so bad after all.
Michele Ann Currenti
M.M. in Maryland Opera Studio
Written by Delores Ziegler:
With an intellect, organizational skills and problem-solving abilities to rival any CEO, Michele commands the stage with a voice that can melt your heart. Her talent and vocal capacity is as diverse and multifaceted as her personality. Combined with her drive and creativity, I know that Michele will succeed wherever her dreams lead her.
Erica Marie Ferguson
M.M. in Maryland Opera Studio
Written by Carmen Balthrop:
I first saw you perform at Towson, your quality hit me in a rage
All of the facets you portrayed illuminated the stage
At UMD you shared your talent in Handel and others in specific ways
Confirming that your gifts warranted nothing less than praise
Go sing, go act, go stage direct, never let it stop.
Remembering always that you are on of our crop
Brent Flinchbaugh
M.M. in Trumpet
Written by Chris Gekker:
Brent, you've done some of the most accomplished orchestral principal trumpet playing here in our Symphony Orchestra—little surprise, as you've been getting hired by the Baltimore Symphony for their subscription concerts! Your work in Howard County in one of the largest public school programs is also inspiring! Thank you!!
Jack Taylor French
M.M. in Maryland Opera Studio
Written by Kevin Short:
California dreamin' baritone, Jack French, from the left coast is a real jack of all trades. A former Quarterback, equally at home performing in musical theater as well as opera and is just scratching the surface of his prodigious talent. Fortunately it seems like the lessons learned on the gridiron are serving him well with his other pursuits.
Austin Gaskin
M.M. in Music Education
Written by Stephanie Prichard:
Austin: Strength. Scholarship. Slay. You bring intelligence, wit, and an astute perspective to everything you do and it has been an absolute pleasure to advise your thesis project. You shine a light in the dark and give voice to those whose voices have not been heard. I’m proud of you and I will miss you.
Jason Gekker
M.M. in Double Bass
Written by Anthony Manzo:
Congratulations Jason! Your hardworking focus has made your upward trajectory seem inevitable, but the best part has been watching the bass become truly a part of your voice, allowing your usually hidden humor and enthusiasm to spill out on the canvas of your music. I look forward to your further explorations in both the classical and jazz realms!
Jeremy Lucas Harr
M.M. in Maryland Opera Studio
Written by Kevin Short:
New York City born Jeremy Harr, the understated basso with an ideal blend of confidence and humility whose wittiness lays bare a very keen intellect. Fortunately his vocal acumen is just as impressive as his mental attributes. Qualities that have already put him at the forefront of young basses as he readies for his adventure with Pittsburgh Opera.
Michael David Hogue
M.M. in Maryland Opera Studio
Written by Gran Wilson:
Both as singer and producer of the arts, you have distinguished yourself beyond anyone's expectations, including your own. And I couldn't be happier or prouder of your tenacity and successes, both current and to come. The Pugh Trust underwriting of your Lincoln Project secures the future of a major accomplishment. I am filled with admiration.
Hui Shan How
M.M. in Piano
Written by Larissa Dedova:
Dear Sharon, you have always impressed me by your profound musicianship, curiosity, and determination. It was a genuine pleasure to work with you! Your M.M. recital was a great illustration of what could be done by a talented and strong person even under current challenging circumstances. Brava! My warmest congratulations!!
Joanna Lynn Jones
M.M. in Maryland Opera Studio
Written by Delores Ziegler:
Whoever could have imagined over 6 years ago that the shy freshman, with the adorable smile would blossom into a beautifully, well-rounded artist, with spectacular high notes, a sincere and compelling stage presence and still slay us with her adorable smile. Joanna, your consummate musicianship and love of music will take you where you want to go.
Michael Kuhl
M.M. in Jazz Studies
Written by Steve Fidyk:
Congratulations Michael on completing your M.M. in jazz studies. The contributions you made to the program as a student-performer/educator were exemplary. Your “can-do attitude” helped set the standard for professionalism for our undergraduates in this time of transition in the jazz studies program. Continued success in the future.
Sarah Lee Lanzo
M.M. in Music Education
Written by Kenneth Elpus:
Sarah Lanzo is a true Terp music educator. A Class of ’09 B.M.E. alum, Sarah excels as a musician-educator in Montgomery County. Throughout her master's degree, she has applied her keen intellect to improving her practice. We know her students will benefit from her work on choral pedagogy and her action research on body mapping in the choral classroom.
Sarit Yosefa Luban
M.M. in Violin
Written by David Salness:
Sarit Luban possesses ineffable artistic qualities that distinguish her playing as wholly organic, heartfelt, and utterly original. With you, I savor my memories of collaboration in the studio and professionally onstage at the Smithsonian. You have become fully the artist that was your lot; now with a joyous, confident, and uncontested voice.
Michael Robert Lundien
M.M. in Piano
Written by Larissa Dedova:
Congratulations on your graduation, Michael! You successfully finished your M.M. studies here, learned a lot, and made an impressive progress as a musician and pianist! Very happy for you and wish you all the best in your life!
Mackenzie Lyn Marr
M.M. in Collaborative Piano
Written by Rita Sloan:
From her halo of beautiful hair down to her chic brown boots, collaborative piano M.M. graduate Mackenzie Marr has a unique sense of style all her own and it has stamped itself upon her imaginative performances. Combined with her indomitable spirit when encountering setbacks, this is a winning recipe. I am excited to see and hear her next act!
Jessica Nicole Mashburn
M.M. in Maryland Opera Studio
Written by Delores Ziegler:
Jesse, a force of nature, full of energy, imagination and a thrilling voice. You have a commanding stage presence and opulent sound. Congratulations on being accepted to the prestigious and highly competitive Merola Summer Program. There are many adventures awaiting you. Be ready to embrace them!
Grayham Sawyer Nield
M.M. in Bassoon
Written by Joseph Grimmer:
Congratulations, Grayham! I am thrilled with the progress you’ve made in these two brief years. Your hard work and dedication have shown themselves in the large strides you’ve made on the instrument. I know you’ll continue to grow as a musician in your next steps and I’m looking forward to watching your progress. Congratulations!
Jasmine Simone Olwalia
M.M. in Maryland Opera Studio
Written by Delores Ziegler:
Jazmine....what's in a name? You certainly live up to your moniker; your "old soul" is as sweetly fragrant as the old-world vine that flowers. It's your honeyed voice that captures our ears and captivates our senses. It is your deep sense of who you are that communicates to our spirits. May you generously share those gifts and travel far.
Howard Allen Perry
M.M. in Clarinet
Written by Robert DiLutis:
A.J. started his career at UMD by helping out the clarinet studio on our tour to Europe. When a member became ill he stepped in and did an incredible job. That sums up A.J.'s work at UMD in a nutshell. Always willing to help out, thoughtful and understanding. His kindness will be missed in the clarinet studio.
Michael Raymond Quinlivan
M.M. in Jazz Studies
Written by Gerard Kunkel:
Mike Quinlivan brought so much heart to the UMD crew of guitar players. His authenticity and earnest quest for excellence was not only deeply appreciated but made notable by his generosity and skillful teaching as a GA in the Jazz Dept. He already is what he aspires to be—a truly professional guitar player and a wise teacher. I’m gonna miss him.
Catherine Anne Robinson
M.M. in Horn
Written by Gregory Miller:
Your curiosity and passion for learning were a springboard for all that you were able to accomplish in these two short years. You leave Maryland with a wealth of information and experiences. May it serve you well as you continue your quest for knowledge and more opportunities.
Hannah Manning Smith
M.M. in Horn
Written by Gregory Miller:
Although these past two years went by quickly, I am thrilled that you will be returning to Maryland in the fall in pursuit of your D.M.A. Your talents in performance, teaching and administration will continue to serve as the foundation for a very successful career path.
Christine Louise Stinchi
M.M. in Horn
Written by Gregory Miller:
Your perseverance, determination and sheer grit has paid off. I have enjoyed witnessing your growth as both a player and a musician during these past two years. Continue to strive for excellence as you explore new opportunities at Michigan State University.
Cambria Van De Vaarst
M.M. in Harp
Written by Sarah Fuller:
Cambria has, over the past two years, found her musical voice by harnessing her patience, focus, and self determination. Her willingness to put time and effort into her work have allowed her passion to shine through, whether playing Bach, Mozart, or Debussy.
Yurong Yang
M.M. in Collaborative Piano
Written by Rita Sloan:
It has been wonderful watching collaborative piano M.M. graduate Ria Yang become such an artistic and communicative performer. Additionally, her ebullient smile and personality are a joy to behold. It is really hard to picture the School of Music without her so we are truly lucky indeed in that she will be returning next year to start on her D.M.A.
Yiran Zhao
M.M. in Violin
Written by James Stern:
A beautiful, and flexible sound; an unbroken musical line—these things Yiran has discovered over the course of her master’s degree and, in the process, opened up as a person. Her awakening has been a joy to watch. Upon graduating, Yiran intends to return to China where she will be pursuing orchestra and teaching positions.