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MASTER OF MUSIC GRADUATES

Congratulations to our Spring 2021 Master of Music Graduates:

Abigail Beerwart
M.M. in Voice

Written by Delores Ziegler

Abi, you arrived at UMD two years ago with a lovely instrument, a solid technique and a well-studied musicality. Watching you work hard to put all of these strengths together with ever increasing creativity and bold choices in expression onto the virtual AND "live" stage has been a joy. You are fearless and it shows. May you have the opportunity to show the world what you have to offer.
 

Jeffrey Robert Chapman
M.M. in Horn

Written by Gregory Miller

Jeff will be pursuing a graduate performer's certificate at the Lynn University Conservatory of Music as well as becoming an active member in the South Florida freelance scene. Wishing Jeff all the best in his future endeavors.
 

Michael Chong
M.M. in Viola

Written by Katherine Murdock

Michael, you have impressed us with your quest for refinement and beauty as an artist, and your unerring dedication in the pursuit of your goals. You have shared generously in the studio and in the school with your intelligence, commitment and tremendous integrity. Your recital radiated with elegance and purity, and showed your unique inner voice. We wish you great fulfillment ahead!
 

Emily Anne Davis
M.M. in Flute

Written by Sarah Frisof

Emily, you have taken on the challenges of the year and a half with aplomb! You were the first one to attempt a masked flute recital, and you did it with great success! I look forward to seeing what the next few years bring for you, and we are all excited that you will still be in the area.
 

Colin James Foley Doyle
M.M. in Voice

Written by Gran Wilson

Only you could Zoom from the Rocky Mountains! But it revealed intense concentration, and a multi-faceted guy with many more levels than just singing. You have climbed the heights of the upper vocal register with the gallantry of your mountain climbing feats. Since you return to Colorado this summer as an apprentice, I’m hoping for more Zooming from the high alpine with lots of high notes.
 

Nathaniel Fuerst
M.M. in Percussion

Written by Jauvon Gilliam

I literally have not seen you since you started your master’s here at UMD. What a wild ride it has been! You have pushed through and grown leaps and bounds. I’m excited for what the future holds for you, especially since you’ll still be here with us. You’re making the TERPS and the DAWGS proud. Congrats, Nate!
 

Nora Beth Griffin
M.M. in Voice

Written by Delores Ziegler

Nora, it has been exciting to hear your voice grow into its vibrant fullness. Watching you become a more secure musician, trusting in your artistic and dramatic choices during this limiting time has been gratifying. You are a born leader. Your thoughtful comments and inclusive language in studio class bears this out. No matter what life has in store for you, you will come out on top! 
 

Patrick Grimone
M.M. in Oboe

Written by Mark Hill

Despite the considerable handicap of three out of his four M.M. semesters being significantly impacted by the pandemic, Patrick has steadily and intentionally tackled head on his biggest instrumental and musical challenges with determination and discipline. He has broadened his musical language and has refined his artistic skills. His playing has improved dramatically and transformatively as a result of this focused commitment. I am confident his future will be well-served by his hard work and growth here at Maryland, just as we have indeed benefitted from his contributions to our school and community. We will miss him!

Hart Joseph Guonjian-Petit
M.M. in Jazz Trumpet

Written by Chris Gekker

Hart, your contributions here at our School of Music have been so rich and generous. You've served as a mentor to a number of our undergrads, and have always been quick to share your artistic knowledge and insight. Considering your full-time job in our public school system, along with being a very in-demand professional trumpeter in the DC/Baltimore metropolitan area, this is so unique. Thank you!

Emma Rae Hammond
M.M. in Flute

Written by Sarah Frisof

Emma, you ZOOMED through this degree with great success! Even with the challenges of technology, you managed to put together a monster recital program and deliver it with gusto. We will all miss having you around D.C. and in the studio, but we know you will do great things in New Jersey!

Katherine Moore Kincaid
M.M. in Voice

Written by Delores Ziegler

Kat, I am awed when I remember how hard you have worked these past two years to solidify your technique, expand your musical and dramatic choices and create a convincing portfolio. The invitation to audition for the Paris Opera Young Artist Program was a great learning experience and a tribute to your hard work. May your work with the Toledo Young Artist Program be a step to a successful career.

Gal Kohav
M.M. in Voice

Written by Delores Ziegler

Gal, you have shown much spirit and creativity in your work with MOS and OperaTerps. Along with an exciting voice and exuberant nature, you have given so much of your time, support and energies to the undergraduate singers. While this past year has weighed heavily on us all, moving forward, I wish you great success in all you attempt.
 

Yu-Ching Lin
M.M. in Composition

Written by Robert Gibson

It has been a pleasure to work with Yu-Ching these past two years as she has developed her musical voice in new directions. Her compositions at UMD include a string quartet, Weaving Dreams, which was performed in a very successful reading by the internationally recognized quartet Brooklyn Rider and a beautifully crafted woodwind quintet, 2020, which was her final project for the master’s degree.

Debra Loh
M.M. in Bassoon

Written by Joseph Grimmer

You’ve progressed so much in these two years and I’m so proud of all that you’ve accomplished. I’m so excited for you to begin your playing career in the Air Force in the fall. Your hard work has paid off and they’re lucky to have you!
 

Katherine McCarthy
M.M. in Cello

Written by Eric Kutz

Katie McCarthy received her bachelor’s in music from UMD and apparently couldn’t get enough of the School of Music! She has been a leader in the cello studio and she now prepares to stay in the area and bring her entrepreneurial drive to us in new capacities.
 

Karyann Cate Mitchell
M.M. in Oboe

Written by Mark Hill

Karyann has evolved from a very gifted student to a true artist and professional in two short years. She has soaked up and capitalized on every opportunity during her time here with focus and positive energy, and has auditioned for and won a position with one of our Army Bands. She has elected to be stationed in Japan, and we wish her much adventure and success as she heads for basic training!
 

Collin Joseph Power
M.M. in Voice

Written by Kevin Short

Brilliant baritone and organist Collin Power has completed six years in total at UMD. He was an incredibly successful undergrad and built upon his accomplishments magnificently while an MOS student. As a result of his exponential musical and vocal growth, he has placed himself in the enviable position of having created multiple avenues to build what I know will be a world class career and life. 

Erin L Ridge
M.M. in Voice

Written by Jennifer Cabot

After our one year together I am amazed at all you have accomplished. I will always remember your thirst for information and your openness to try new things. I especially enjoyed discussing with you the characters in your arias and how that propels your singing. You embrace opera and songs in such a complete way and your beautiful voice has continued to develop with all your dedication!

Brennan Rudy
M.M. in Trumpet

Written by Chris Gekker

Brennan, thank you for your outstanding work here. You've contributed greatly to our School of Music in many ways. I'm so happy and excited that you will continue in our doctoral program. Well done!
 

Christian Isaiah Simmons
M.M. in Voice

Written by Kevin Short

Christian Simmons, the local born lion and wunderkind honed his prodigious talent while a student in MOS. As a result, he's fully equipped to take advantage of some unique opportunities, including his participation in the Washington National Opera's recording of Blue and his residency in the Cafritz Young Artist Program. Fortunately we'll hear this lion roar locally for a few more years yet.

Corey James Sittinger
M.M. in Percussion

Written by Lee Hinkle

Corey will head to Penn State next year to pursue a Professional Performance Certificate. He is a member of Matchstick Percussion, a professional percussion quartet, who recently performed for the “Brooklyn Bound” series. At UMD, he has served as a graduate assistant and section leader for UMSO, UMWO and UMWE. When not at the drums, he can be found preparing for and competing in a triathlon.
 

Sarah Stembel
M.M. in Voice

Written by Delores Ziegler

The South has produced many fabulous voices. Sarah Stembel should be named among them. Keep working to ensure that all aspects of your artistry match the unique, luxurious timbre of your sound. Many things will be required of you, perseverance and tireless curiosity among them. You have already shown us how you triumph over personal adversities; now go out and show the world.
 

Öznur Tülüoğlu
M.M. in Voice

Written by Gran Wilson

Hearing your audition for us, I glanced at colleagues. They all were smiling. They knew you had a special talent. Your lessons brought many more welcomed smiles in a difficult year. For that I will always remember and be grateful. But I am most proud of you for unleashing the tigress that lives in your soul. Letting her roar with an angelic voice, she will be heard far beyond the balcony.

Carina Hoi-Ning Wu
M.M. in Piano

Written by Larissa Dedova

Dear Carina, congratulations on your graduation today! It is a big and very important day for all of us! I am very happy with all the progress you have made as a pianist and musician. Your M.M. degree is well deserved! I wish you and your family all the very best! 
 

David Young
M.M. in Bassoon

Written by Joseph Grimmer

I’m so glad that you decided to come back and finish your degree during these crazy times! The University of Delaware is so fortunate to have you leading their bassoon studio moving forward. Your two recitals this year were inspiring and I’m very much looking forward to continuing to work together in the fall for your D.M.A.!