Greenroom Conversations

Listen to S04E04, our conversation with Cecile Licad on Apple, Spotify, and Sticher. Cecile Licad called “a pianist’s pianist” by The New Yorker, joined us to talk about her international career, starting as a prodigy and leading to her current project of American music. http://www.barrettartists.com/artist.php?id=clicad    

Jazz French Hornist and composer John Clark talked about his career path in both classical and jazz improvisation, playing, teaching, recording, composing and publishing.  He remains one of the first and few full-time jazz horn artists in the US.  Currently, he freelances in NYC, records and publishes under his label Hidden Meaning Music.    https://hmmusic.com   

Tosca Opdam is among the most prominent artists to have emerged from the Netherlands in recent years. Dividing her time between the US and Europe, she embraces the idiosyncratic qualities of both cultural worlds to enrich a personal expressiveness in music. We talked to her about her debut of a new violin concerto and various projects.  On April 23, 2020 she performs again at Carnegie Hall, Zankel Hall.  

We are so embarrassed about the long wait and if you're reading this that means you've stuck around!  Yeah for you... and Thank you!

About our Interview with: Best Morgan.  Betsy entered the studio for our interview like a true New Yorker carrying an old full Ikea bag of tasks and errands and yet also with the positivity and friendliness of a midwesterner both of which she identifies as being. And all while being 8 ½ month pregnant. Betsy tells Ryan and Kevin all about being a multifaceted performer with lots of hats to wear which she does so well from on-stage every day to understudying, standby and swing.  Hang on tight; there's a lot to learn form Betsy in all of the ways. Links to learn more Betsy's Playbill Page  

About our Interview with: George Farmer.  Ryan and Kevin were delighted to have George Farmer in the studio to discuss how he got to broadway and how he feels about lending a hand to aspiring performers.  George is truly a musician's musician.  He clearly loves everything about the industry.  Enjoy! Links to learn more George's Website George's Playbill Page Interview with Bass Musician Magazine FaceBook  

About our Interview with: Ryan Driscoll. Ryan is currently on faculty at NYU and works as a music copyist for Broadway. Most recently Ryan was the copyist for the musical COME FROM AWAY, a show he feels incredibly proud of. Listen in to find out how Ryan’s path led from early success as a performer in his teens (starring opposite Idina Menzel), to following his heart to teaching and being a music copyist. His love of what he does is infectious; you are going to be entertained listening to Ryan tell his story and explain the world of the copyist. Links to learn more NYU Faculty Bio COME FROM AWAY  

About our Interview with: Paul Sheftel, Pianist, Composer and Pedagogue joined us in the studio to share his story about his teaching experience and his path to the use of technology in his piano teaching. We discussed many aspects of his remarkable career. Links to learn more Paul's Website Yamaha Artist Website Faculty Website-Rider   Check out this episode!

About our Interview with: Lisa Alexander, bassoonist, is a solo recitalist and chamber musician in the New York metropolitan area and currently holds positions with The Ridgefield Symphony and The Little Orchestra Society. She is a founding member of the Glickman Ensemble, a bassoon chamber ensemble that has toured the United States and Europe. Ms. Alexander is Adjunct Professor of Bassoon at Hofstra University. She shares with us her career experience, reed making, synthetic reeds and all about Bassoons manufacturers and sound. Links to learn more Glickman Ensemble Website Glickman Ensemble Facebook Page Faculty Website-Hofstra       Check out this episode!

About our Interview with: Chris Fenwick. Chris was the Music Director of the Tony award winning production of FUN HOME, and is currently on staff at City Center as the Music Director of Encores! Off-Center. He sat down with us in the studio after his hugely successful run of SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE, that starred Jake Gyllenhaal and an all-star cast. Listen in to find out how he chooses to learn rather than panic in stressful situations, and why he as achieved so much so early in his career. Links to learn more Chris Fenwick Encores! Off Center

About our Interview with: Gustavo Romero, concert pianist, professor of piano at the University of North Texas College of Music.  A child prodigy he performed with the New York Philharmonic under Zubin Mehta.  He started to study at the Juilliard School at the age of 14, later graduating with a Bachelor and Master of Music.  We talked about how he was able to make the transition to an adult career, later winning many competitions including the Clara Haskill International Piano Competition.  His continuous passion for the piano allowed and still allows him to be able make changes effortlessly.  We talked about repertoire and his process in chosing and learning his program music, teaching and the legacy of the great pianists Links to learn more Gustavo's Website Gustavo's Facebook Page Faculty Page University of North Texas Film trailer of Gustavo Romero: Portrait in Piano  

About our Interview with: Elad Kabilio, Founder and Artistic Director of MusicTalks shared his ideas that created his concert series. As a Cellist he shared with us the importance of talking to the audience and how this lead to creating his concert series to connect with the younger generation of audience. Links to learn more Elad's Website MusicTalks Website MusicTalks Facebook Page        

About our Interview with: Jeremy Lawrence. He’s a Bistro Award recipient and he sat down with us to chat about his upcoming cabaret: LAVENDER SONGS. Jeremy has teamed up with director Jason Jacobs, and TOSOS to remount this award winning show with a spin that will draw even more parallels to Nazi Germany and today’s political climate. The show features songs written by or performed by queer artists in Weimar era Berlin which have been translated by Jeremy himself. Jeremy started his cabaret career in 1990 with CABERET VERBOTEN at the Mark Taper Forum, and has continued pursing the history of cabaret ever since. Listen in for a history lesson on this fascinating style of performance. Links to learn more Jeremy Lawrence Lavender Songs

About our interview with: Broadway doubler Rick Heckman. Rick and Cast opens Falsettos this fall on Broadway! In our interview, you will learn Rick's long history with the production as well as how he got into this highly competative career back in the 1980s   Broadway.com's Falsettos Page About Falsettos Rick's IBDB page  

About our Interview with: Thomas Boulton. Thomas is a very busy NYC area Freelance Trumpeter. Through his busy schedule, he makes time to teach Privately as well as in the NY Philharmonic's Teaching Artis program. Links to learn more Thomas' Website Thomas' Page on the NY Phile Website NY Philharmonic Teaching Artist Program    

About our Interview with: Elizabeth Earley. Elizabeth Earley is currently a swing in the Broadway production of SOMETHING ROTTEN, and has already been cast in the upcoming production of HELLO DOLLY, which has smashed box office records for ticket sales of a rival. Elizabeth sat down with us to chat about her experience of being a performer, but also to talk about Project Oak Dance Training, a forum she created to help artists achieve more of their potential. Listen in to hear about her beautiful outlook on performing and teaching, and find out why being left handed has helped her “rub elbows” with some very successful individuals. Links to learn more Elizabeth Earley Project Oak Dance Training

About our Interview with: Jason Tramm.  Jason is a passionate conductor and promoter of music with more than a few titles attached to his name.  He tells Kevin and Carol how he keeps himself busy with his passion as well as remaining a dedicated father. Links to learn more Jason's Website Jason's YouTube Channel  

About our Interview with: Ari Afsar. Ari is about to add HAMILTON to her list of credits that is already pretty impressive with American Idol contestant, and Miss California 2010 winner. This week, she will begin her performances as Eliza Hamilton in the Chicago HAMILTON cast. We got to sit down with her during the rehearsal process to discuss this amazing opportunity, and the steps that led to it. We talk about the ups and downs of getting fame at an early age, and why American Idol was both the best and worst experience for her. Also, listen in to this fun interview to find out how she still attended UCLA, even after the university turned her down; it’s a great lesson in tenacity!!! Links to learn more Ari Afsar IMDB HAMILTON Chicago

About our Interview with: Matous Michal one the newest members of the Chicago Symphony’s Second Violin section joined us in the studio to share his journey to getting his first job. We talked about his audition and preparation process and his experience during the first few months with the Chicago Symphony. Links to learn more Article about Matous  

Season Two Wrap-Up The Greenroom Co-Hosts all get together to talk about Seaon 2 and talk aboout whats to come for season 3.  

About our Interview with: Courter Simmons dazzles the stage playing many characters ranging from Frankie Valli (Jersey Boys) to Le Fou (Beauty and the Beast) to a character of his own invention who goes by the name of "Cacophony Daniels." In our interview we learn how Courter went from the Broadway stage to mastering heels in his own drag character and how both personas get work. Links to learn more Courter Simmons' Website Cacophony Daniels Facebook Cacophony Daniels Twitter  

About our Interview with: Ali Ewoldt joined us in the studio just four weeks after taking over the role of Christine in THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA. Being cast as Christine, in addition to being a lifelong dream, marks a groundbreaking shift for the PHANOM family as Ali is “the first woman of color, and Asian American” to take on the role. Listen in as Ali tells us about her audition process, including the notes Hal Prince had for her during her final audition on the stage at the Majestic Theatre. Ali was a wonderfully fun guest, and she has some pretty funny stories about stage mishaps. Links to learn more Ali's Website Phantom's Website    

Trombonist, Actress, Poet; Abbie Conant joined us in the studio to share stories of success, challenges, and perseverance. Currently, she finds artistic fulfillment in teaching and performing new theatrical works for Trombone with her husband William Osborne. We discussed her journey to Europe and experience with sexism in Italy as well as the Munich Philharmonic.  

About our Interview with: Patrick is currently the First Horn chair for THE LION KING on Broadway. When he's not playing for the pride, Patrick can heard in various gigs not only throughout the country, but throughout the world. A graduate of Manhattan School of Music, he has been playing on Broadway for a few decades, and has also managed to rack up a few participation Grammy’s for his involvement in works produced by the New York Philharmonic, and the Metropolitan Opera. In addition to being a wonderful french horn player, Patrick finds continued creativity through his exploration of conducting as well as composing. We were fortunate enough to have him provide an expert of his haunting composition, Meditations on Manhattan. A longer cut off his music is generously supplied at the the very end of the podcast. Listen in to hear some great stories from this fantastic individual. Links to learn more Patrick's Website The Lion King

During our conversation with Jack Schatz, Trombonist, we learn just how networking was done in the 80s which still holds true today, playing your best and saying yes. Jack started as a piano student and tells the store of how he became a monster of the the low brass world of jingles, studio work, broadway and orchestra gigs. In his "spare" time Jack managed to beat cancer, teach at the college level and have a family in the big apple. In the Fall, Jack is taking on new adventures on the faculty at SUNY Purchase.

About our Interview with: Kristy Cates, singer, dancer, actor, creative director, mentor and mother tells Ryan and Kevin how a small town girl from Northern California can through hard work and focus hit the musical theatre scene in New York and find success and artistic satisfaction. Kristy tells great stories about her journey and how she meets fellow broadway stage performers all along the way. Links to learn more Kristy's Website Wikipedia Page New York Film Academy Kristy's Playbill Page Wicked Wiki Finding Neverland Cast  

Countertenor Jeffrey Palmer originally from the State of Virginia and now lives and works in NYC after studying music in Bath, England. During the interview Jeffrey shares how he discovered his vocal speciality and explains how it is a differentiator, but does not let it put him "in a box" musically.  As an artist, Jeffrey likes to use his voice to tell stories and entertain audiences by exploring his extensive vocal range and genres of music.   

About our Interview with: Alfie Parker Jr. Alfie, a Broadway Bares staple and one of ALADDIN’s newest additions, took time to sit down with us after making his debut in the show, but while also still being in rehearsal for his upcoming put-in for the Genie role. We get to learn about the incredible audition process he went through, and how all of the Disney team gave him the “freedom to fail.” Alfie is an incredibly hard working artist, who is no stranger to set backs and disappointments, but it is his faith in God, and his positive outlook that defines him. He believes God has given him the “gift of hope” that pushes him to keep moving forward. Alfie talks about how the setbacks of not getting accepted into any musical theatre programs, and the layoffs from different shows have actually opened other doors that have made him stronger. Listen in to find out what advice Danny Burstein gave him during his first Broadway show: SOUTH PACIFIC. And also listen in to hear Alfie school us co-hosts in the world of Step Teams. Links to learn more Aladdin Alfie Parker Jr. Broadway Bares   A photo of Alfie Parker

Dr. Tara O'Connor lit up the studio (as she does every place she goes) with her joviality and quick wit. In the interview it became apparent that if you really love what you do, you never need a "vacation". Aside from teaching at numerous high-level music programs and performing in many prestigious professional performance ensembles, she makes time for personal music projects she believes in. As a flutist (not "flout-ist") she had never felt the gravitational pull of the orchestral establishment being artistically fulfilled and free to blaze her own path as she has done so successfully. In our interview, you will not be able to help but be inspired and energized by her apparent love of music and the flute.  And cooking. And photography.

About our Interview with Dave Thomas Brown. Currently staring on Broadway in AMERICAN PSYCHO, Dave sat down with us in the studio to give us some insight into the preview process for a Broadway show. Dave, originally from North Carolina, grew up doing community theatre and having occasional guest spots in his dad's barbershop quartet. We had a great time chatting about this last year which he described as blessed because of his award winning performance in THE LEGEND OF GEORGIA MCBRIDE, getting the opportunity to tour the country with his girlfriend in THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, and then of course making his Broadway debut in AMERICAN PSYCHO. Listen in to hear Dave's amazing Mandy Patinkin impression, as well as find out how Bradley Cooper made him mess up his choreography during previews of AMERICAN PSYCHO. Links to learn more davethomasbrown.com American Psycho NY Times: Dave's "Special Skills"  

Norman Carey faculty and administrator from the CUNY Graduate Center joined us in the studio to talk about his journey from pianist to theorist. He wears many hats and most identifies with his career as a pianist. After two performance degrees he pursued his Doctorate in Music Theory. We talked about; the distinction between a composer and theorist and how this was formed in the United States, the performer/theorist division and how curriculums can be more connective, the challenges of teaching an art form with traditions and understanding of why we do things, his time with Nadia Boulanger studying theory, his influence of Schenkerian analysis and the process his uses for his own compositions. His multifaceted abilities as a pianist, theorist, composer and as an administrator at the college level is what has made his career interesting. We posed a few questions for him to answer; fixed or moveable, how to teach keys and how to explain well-tempered.

About our Interview with: Director/Choreographer Connor Gallagher. Currently, Connor’s work can be seen in Roundabout’s Off Broadway production of THE ROBBER BRIDEGROOM, starring Steven Pasquale, as well as in the Disney Cruise Line hit TANGLED. Connor sat down with us to chat about his path to becoming a director and choreographer, including how his time as a performer in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST really helped open doors that were solidly shut before. We also talked about how his dance teacher (who was a dance captain on Broadway) was instrumental in prepping him for what real world dance looked like outside of the classroom. Listen in to find out what makes Connor’s choreography so special, and what it's like to choreograph for a cruise line with the biggest name in entertainment. Links to learn more Roundabout Theatre Connorgallagher.com   A photo of Connor Gallagher

Ronnie Oliver, Choral Conductor talked with us about his path to his career. Thinking he would pursue architecture in college he soon realized his love of music would be his path. Graduating college as a music education and voice major he continued his education with Dr. Ken Davis at Texas Tech University for his masters and doctorate degrees. We talked about teaching undergraduate and graduate conducting, the differences between working with professional and amateur choirs, what he listens for in auditions, importance of people skills and organizational skills, rehearsal techniques, vocal production, vocal accompanist and how to prepare a choir to perform with an orchestra

About our Interview with Christian Sebek. After more than 1500 performances playing Piangi in THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, Christian sat down to tell us his fascinating journey into the world of opera and eventually into the one musical theatre’s greatest characters. Originally on the path of technical design in theatre, Christian didn’t discover his singing voice until college. Even more interesting was his voice change that transitioned him from being a robust baritone to a tenor. Christian is a self-described “journeyman” in which he has pieced together a career that includes opera, musical theatre, voice over, a private studio, and now faculty at The Institute for American Musical Theatre. Listen in to find out how his family played an important roll in his pursuit of his dreams, as well as how he is now guiding his kids to pursue their own dreams. Links to learn more Christian's Broadway Story Christian's Website Christian Sebek

Voice Teacher, Beth Roberts, faculty at the Mannes College of Music, always knew she wanted to be a teacher, she studied music education as well as vocal performance and made an effortless transition from performer to voice teacher. We discussed; her rules for teaching various voice ranges, her path to teaching voice, her performance career, apprentice performance programs, what she looks for in young singers, how to audition, the importance of being a ‘good’ colleague, her work with the Metropolitan Opera Guild, the art of giving of a Master Class, the importance of studying Art Songs, the importance of vocal health and the speaking voice and when to know at what age to start voice lessons.

About our Interview with Paul Alexander Nolan. Steve Martin and Edie Brickell’s BRIGHT STAR just opened on Broadway, and we had the pleasure of having Paul, who stars as Jimmy Ray Dobbs, in the studio just after previews began. Paul was great fun in this interview. His charming, down to earth style really comes through in our chat. He talks about shamefully crying on an airplane as he first read the script for BRIGHT STAR, as well as “bombing” his first audition for the show. We also talk about the struggle and joy of playing Guy in ONCE, in addition to finding the humanity of Jesus in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR. Listen in to find out how he can sing a song with a biscuit in his mouth, as well as what makes him feel like he “can’t imagine a fresher hell!” Links to learn more Paulalexandernolan.com Bright Star Paul Nolan[/caption]

Violinist, Daniel Andai talked with us about his pathway to his current career as concertmaster for the Miami Symphony, Dean of Music at the New World School of the Arts and Artistic Director of the Killington Music Festival.  Following his instincts to follow opportunities that came his way he has created a multifaceted career. We talked about his; mentors, finding his way to conducting, his thesis “A Contemporary Approach to Orchestral Bowings for the Concertmaster”, his work with chamber music at the Killington Music Festival, collaborative approaches and how to teach them, learning conducting and how it has taught him so much about the collaborative process of the orchestra, management skills he uses in both conducting and administrative roles, the importance of the audition process, difficulty of musical training today and how the New World School is helping musicians, how he finds a balance in life between his various pursuits and the skills he improved to be efficient.  

About our Interview with Lorin Latarro: Choreographer Lorin Latarro was 2 weeks into the rehearsal process for the highly anticipated new musical by Sara Bareilles: WAITRESS when she sat down with us in the studio. Lorin tells a great story involving Barry Weissler, and Diane Paulus and how she actually got the job to be the choreographer for the new musical. While she says she’s “lucky” to have had so many successful working collaborations, it is clear to us that talent and her great personality are the key to her “luck.” We also touch on her transition from a dancer who has 14 Broadway credits, to a choreographer. Lorin recounts her Broadway debut as a dancer in which she left her Radio City show, started rehearsal on a Monday, and by Friday night was on. A self described “work horse,” Lorin is also the Artistic Associate at Bucks County Playhouse, and teaches at her alma mater, Juilliard where she is continuing to help dancers find their voice on many levels. She is also a strong advocate for the school to develop a musical theatre program. Listen in; we are sure you will love Lorin just as much as we did. Links to learn more Lorinlatarro.com Waitress The Musical Lorin Latarro

Accordionist, Carl Riehl, joined us in the studio to share his story of a dual career as a Lawyer and Musician. Composer of three off Broadway musicals and commercial jingles, he always followed his mantra to pursue any interesting opportunity that comes along that he can do or learn how to do. He talked about; his transition from classical piano to the accordion, his current instrument choice, how he landed the “An American in Paris” gig, the accordionist network in Manhattan, physical injuries caused by playing the accordion, different schools of accordion technique, diversity of repertoire with the accordion, creating performances venues-bands, adjusting as a musician from a classical background into a pop musician, how he learned to improvise, how he practices improvisation and practicing the fundamentals.

About our Interview with Suzzanne Douglas: Suzzanne has a long list of credits that cover film, television, opera, and the stage. She has won awards, and worked with icons such as Gregory Hines, and Sammy Davis Jr. A self proclaimed “Life long learner,” she recently graduated from Manhattan School of Music while approaching the age of 60. Her life experience and new musical tools have allowed her to open up yet another chapter as she just recently signed with a label and is now having her album produced. Listen in to find out why Suzzanne feels being a patron of the arts is so important, why “artist are special and are here to make the world a better place,” and why Paul Gemignani told her she’ll never “have to work for an asshole.” Suzzanne is a lovely, insightful human being; we are sure you’re going to enjoy this episode. Links to learn more Suzzanne's Website   Suzzanne Douglas

Alex Bender, freelance Trumpeter joined us in the studio, we started by talking about custom mouthpieces then moved quickly into equipment and how he started playing the trumpet.  He shared his childhood memories of his exposure to music which forged his love for playing all styles of music.  He always knew he wanted to be in New York City playing on Broadway since 8th grade, this goal allowed him to direct his path to his current career.  Being accepted for a Masters in orchestral trumpet at the Manhattan School of Music, and landing a job on a cruise ship at the same time he deferred school for a year and took that year on the cruise ships to study on his own, learning to play jazz, big band and while continuing to studying orchestral excerpts.  We talked about; his current warm-up practices, auditions, focusing on sound, continuing to study with various teachers and networking for jobs on Broadway.    

About our Interview with Producer, Ryan Hugh Mackey. He’s already got a Tony in the bag for his work with A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder, but you will have to listen in to find out why he has yet to touch the actual award and why he hasn’t made any money off of it yet. We had Ryan in the studio to start off a multi-part series, The Road to Broadway: From Commission to the Tony’s that will document the ups and downs of producing a show all the way from its infancy to hopefully award season. In this first part, we are introduced to Ryan, a Chicago native who has wanted to produce since age 10. And of course we get introduced to his show, currently titled: EVERLEIGH CLUB, music and lyrics by James Beaton and Storm Large, book by Rinne Groff. Don’t miss this episode as Ryan has great stories about cold calling getting him involved in GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE, as well a deeply honest prospective about being a producer. Links to learn more Ryan Hugh Mackey Productions A photo of Ryan Mackey

Udo Zimmermann, Church Musician, started at age 15 playing the organ in his local church and then made his way to Studium der Kirchenmusik in Rottenburg am Neckar, Germany and later to Frankfurt am Main University becoming a church musician which means studying singing, organ and conducting. He is now head of Church Music (organist) at Pfarrei St. Peter and Paul in Zurich Switzerland. We talked about the path in Germany/Switzerland for a church musician, what they study and the skills they need for their positions. Udo is the Head of Church Music at the Hochschule of Music in Luzern where he teaches liturgical singing and organ playing and the practice of a church musician such as creating music for the mass. We talked about; his own skills of singing, conducting, how he teaches students improvisation at the organ, pipe organs, historical pipe organs, the value of the church tradition in Europe, the choice of traditional and contemporary church music and the hymn tradition of four part singing vs. one line song singing.  

Catherine Cho, Musician, Violinist, Teacher, and Performer chatted with us about her teaching and performance focus. As a teacher she focuses on the ‘total person’, ‘how to practice’ and developing a balance in life between practicing and life. From her own experience preparing for competitions she offers her current students a view of the full picture of how to become a well rounded performer and competitor. We talked about the process of learning of undergraduate and graduate student and how she guides her students to becoming independent and finding their own pathway to their careers. As a chamber music coach her focus changes to helping students how to rehearse, how to listen to themselves, listen to each other and how to interact/communicate as a group. We also talked about how she manages her own practice, manages her own career schedule, her family life with fellow musician Todd Phillipps of the Orion String Quartet and how she communicates with parents of young violin students of how to support their child in their learning.

About our Interview with Dan Knechtges:  Dan Knechtges (“connect-us” he graciously explained). Dan is a Tony nominated choreographer, who also loves directing, and could not have been more fun for us to hang out with. He sat down with us in the studio to explain his very “A CHORUS LINE” story of going from a nine year old boy stealing the spot light in his sister’s dance class, to choreographing basement shows to Mozart, to eventually earning a Tony nomination for his work on XANADU. Of course the road is never easy, and Dan has some great stories including what he did after being told he was the worst choreographer ever, and why he was ready to walk away to be a paralegal. Dan has a wealth of knowledge, and gives it out in a very entertaining fashion. Listen in to find out what inspired Bill Finn (while they were working on The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee) to yell across the theatre, “You’re so gay Knechtges!” Links to learn more DanKnechtges.com   A photo of Dan Knechtges

About our Interview with Max Joseph:  Fresh of his Off Broadway debut, Max sat down with us to chat about his experience in MAD LIBS LIVE at New World Stages. Being no stranger to children shows, Max also talks about one of the toughest experiences in his life being cast in Theatreworks USA’s CURIOUS GEORGE. We really do have a lot of laughs chatting about car totaling wrecks, rendezvous in St. Louis, and of all people: John Cena, an idol of his. Listen in to find out Max’s dream roles, why he no longer thinks he’s bad at improv, and how at heart he’s just a “family man.” Links to learn more Instagram Twitter Facebook Official Website Mad Libs Live   A photo of Max Joseph

Denson Paul Pollard, Bass Trombonist of the MET Opera Orchestra, talked with us about his most recent sabbatical leave to play with the Radio Symphony Orchestra of Helsinki Finland. He took the audition after spending a few weeks playing with the orchestra, taking the risk along with 50 other bass trombonists he won the audition. The year was a superb experience, he talked about how the culture in Finland values and supports the arts, and how his experience of auditioning again gave him the opportunity to validate what he tells his students at Juilliard, Bard and Mannes. We talked about; the difference between European and American Conservatory student’s learning focus, what did he learn about himself going through the process of auditioning, the struggle of maintaining the excellent of performance in the MET orchestra given the demands of the schedule, demands of playing the trombone, the learning curve in learning the repertoire, how he relaxes away from his job, the rationale of his youtube channel examples, his exploration of new repertoire, how he learned the bass trombone and what lays ahead in the future. 

Woodwind Quintet “Windscape” members, Tara Helen O’Connor, Randall Ellis, Alan R. Kay, David Jolley and Frank Morelli joined us for a lively conversations about their collaboration for over two decades of performing. We talked about their start, their first program and how they became associated with the Manhattan School of Music. Known for their thematic programing, they discuss how they; create arrangements, the process in road testing their new arrangements, finding new music, create programs and how to talk to an audience. We also spent time on the mundane logistics of getting five busy people together for rehearsals and how they have learned to rehearse efficiently. Throughout our conversation they focused on the importance of offering great music to audiences and focusing on the audience’s experience. From our conversation you can hear how much “joy” they have working together and their mutual esteem as colleagues allow them to work together so effectively.

About our Interview with French Hornist, Tony Cecere, is a freelancer in the New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania areas. He has played with the New Jersey Symphony, New Orleans Symphony, American Chamber Players, Bach Choir in Bethlehem, PA., is a current member of the Philadelphia Brass, plays on Broadway and is a substitute with the MET Opera Orchestra. We talked about; his career and vast experience, how his playing has changed along with his career, what the challenges are within different ensembles and how to learn to play in varying acoustics. For students we discussed; the importance of learning ensemble skills, importance of learning how to produce a vocal musical line, and gaining listening skills by listening to recordings and just not one recording but learning how to discriminate the difference between interpretations and style. Our discussion lead to the recording industry past and present and later the workings of being a member of the Philadelphia Brass from arranging music, talking to the audience and choosing a new member. Links to learn more Tony's Philadelphia Brass Page

About our Interview with Caroline Kaiser. This week we chatted with the former Casting Director/Associate Artistic Director of Theatreworks USA, Caroline Kaiser. Caroline is self professed “musical theatre nerd.” She started out acting and quickly learned she understood the business side of show business for more than she loved the politics of performing. Listen in as she talks about getting her start with Jay Binder Casting, her time at Theatreworks, and what’s next. Caroline is truly a casting director that is “actor positive.” She love working in a community of artists that share the same goals, and she offers some wonderful insight into the audition room that will help actors as well as aspiring casting directors. Oh and for those of you who know Caroline… Henry was there too. Links to learn more Theatreworks USA Florida Studio Theatre A photo of Caroline Kaiser

About our Interview with Composer, arranger, orchestrator and pianist, Miho Hazama joined us in the studio to talk about her path to finding her mix between classical and jazz music. Currently, she is a New York City based jazz composer traveling the world performing her music. Starting as a pianist, her early studies in electronic organ later helped her with orchestration. From the age of 7 she started to study composition and later her interest in jazz started from listening to all types of music and in college hearing a big-band in rehearsal. She shared how she learned to improvise and find a balance between classical and jazz. Her life as a performer-conductor, arranger and composer is a balance that keeps her active and always busy. Recently released, she describes her second album with her jazz chamber orchestra, which includes new instrumentation for jazz music. Links to learn more Miho's Website Miho at Sunnyside Records