UpBeat from Everything Conducting

Hosts John Devlin and Enrico Lopez-Yañez catch up about the 23-24 season so far. Then, UpBeat welcomes the incredible American Singer-Songwriter Cody Fry. Cody thinks about his music with the orchestra in mind from the very beginning, and that symphonic influence is deeply felt. Your favorite hosts explore a variety of topics with Cody including how to best collaborate with pop artists, how he builds shows, and his view on performing "old favorites" versus new music for audiences. 

Hosts John Devlin and Enrico Lopez-Yañez discuss all the ways in which artists express themselves in writing and how to do this in the best possible way. They chat about resumes, biographies, cover letters and social media in this episode's 4/4. Then, UpBeat welcomes a roundtable of artists from the Lake George Music Festival (where John and Enrico were in residence in August, 2023). Check out their conversation with Music Director Roger Kalia, Concertmaster Amalia Hall, and Conducting Fellow Joshua Edward. We hope you enjoy this latest episode of UpBeat!

Season Five is here! Hosts John Devlin and Enrico Lopez-Yañez are joined in the premiere LIVE RECORDED episode by Roger Kalia, Music Director of the Lake George Music Festival; Symphony NH; the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra; and Orchestra Santa Monica. The discussion centers around the creation of one's own music festival, advice for young conductors on early career opportunities, and connecting with our communities. 

Hosts John Devlin and Enrico Lopez-Yañez answer the tough questions in this first-ever LIVE and IN-PERSON episode of UpBeat. Fielding questions from the participants of the inaugural Everything But Conducting seminar in conjunction with the Omaha Symphony, the guys address lots of topics including the history of the EC organization, managing relationships while guest conducting, and leadership philosophies. We've still got our introduction, fake ad, and coda for you as well... so give a listen to the finale of season 4 of UpBeat! 

Hosts John Devlin and Enrico Lopez-Yañez are joined by Ankush Bahl in the 4/4 to discuss crafting the perfect audition video. Then, UpBeat welcomes Erik Rönmark, President and CEO of the Detroit Symphony. The discussion centers around community-focused programming, how to stand out as a young conductor, and a discussion of the search process for the DSO's new Music Director, Jader Bignamini. 

Hosts John Devlin and Enrico Lopez-Yañez discuss everything you need to know to plan the perfect week with a professional orchestra in the 4/4. Then, UpBeat welcomes Angel Velez, a veteran of the TV and Film conducting world. He chats with the guys about the world of click tracks and streamers, how to rehearse and record in the studio, and what orchestral conductors need to know before their first film gig. 

Hosts John Devlin and Enrico Lopez-Yañez chat about rehearsal psychology with Col. Jason Fettig, Director of the United States Marine Band in the 4/4. Then, UpBeat welcomes Diane Wittry, Music Director of the Allentown Symphony Orchestra and the Garden State Philharmonic. In the interview, our trio of conductors chat about Diane's "Beyond the Baton" philosophies, her approach to conducting gesture, and about the amazing programs that she has developed in Allentown to connect with her community.

On this special-edition episode of UpBeat, the guys collaborate on the pod with the amazing hosts of the Soundweavers podcast: Rosanna Moore and Blaire Koerner. You'll hear the normal intro and coda, while the body of the episode is a wide-ranging four-way discussion.  Topics of the talk include the challenges and the joys of working with orchestras and chamber groups, business practices that can help you succeed in either setting, and industry trends that we see in the future of classical music. It's a great chance to hear John and Enrico get asked some very interesting questions, and also get to know the amazing Soundweavers folks. Enjoy! 

Hosts John Devlin and Enrico Lopez-Yañez reveal the favorite parts of their 22-23 season and how they relate to their overall artistic goals in the 4/4. Then, UpBeat welcomes Utah Symphony Concertmaster Madeline Adkins who shares her dos/don'ts list for young conductors, the special role of the concertmaster/conductor relationship, and some insights into her new project, "The Maze," a concerto for violin and orchestra by composer Nathan Lincoln de Cusatis.  

Hosts John Devlin and Enrico Lopez-Yañez are joined by Anna Edwards to pay tribute to Michael Jinbo in the 4/4. Then, UpBeat welcomes Julian Kuerti, Music Director of the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra and Principal Guest Conductor of the National Symphony Orchestra of Peru. During his interview, he shares his approach to developing relationships as both a Music Director and a guest conductor,  strategies for creating programs that truly serve your community, and some amazing stories about his mentors such as Levine, Masur and Iván Fischer! This was an incredible interview-- you won't want to miss it!

Hosts John Devlin and Enrico Lopez-Yañez discuss how to thrive musically and in your day-to-day both at home and on the road in the 4/4. Then, UpBeat welcomes Rochester Philharmonic Concertmaster Juliana Athayde and Principal Oboe Erik Behr who share invaluable advice to conductors of all levels: how to best handle rehearsals with professional orchestras, creating camaraderie with staffs and players, and what they view as the future of successful concert design. You don't want to miss this conversation!  

Hosts John Devlin and Enrico Lopez-Yañez discuss how to maximize your tax season with their tips, tricks and record-keeping advice in the 4/4. Then, UpBeat welcomes Elena Armijo who discusses leadership philosophies for the arts, how we can build culture in our organizations, and what she sees as positive trends for our industry. 

Hosts John Devlin and Enrico Lopez-Yañez discuss how to chart your path to the podium from undergrad to the professional world in the 4/4. Then, UpBeat welcomes Miguel Harth-Bedoya who shares his philosophies on the education of young conductors, his core philosophies of conducting, and his connection to many of today's great composers. 

In the Season 3 Finale, hosts John Devlin and Enrico Lopez-Yañez discuss how to lead our orchestras with vision and compassion alongside guest Anna Edwards in the 4/4. Then, UpBeat welcomes Peter Throm of Peter Throm Management who discusses pathways to success for conductors, how to obtain and work best with a manager, and how to program the perfect pops concert. 

Hosts John Devlin and Enrico Lopez-Yañez discuss how to have succeed in every stage of leading an operatic production in the 4/4. Then, UpBeat welcomes friend of the pod Michael Ellis Ingram as he discusses how to get started in opera, the differences between conducting opera and orchestra, and what everyone needs to know about how to work with singers. 

Hosts John Devlin and Enrico Lopez-Yañez discuss how to succeed in Assistant Conductor applications and auditions with industry expert Adrienne Valencia in the 4/4. Then, UpBeat welcomes Giancarlo Guerrero who shares the story of his path to the podium as Music Director of the Nashville Symphony, his advice for young conductors, and his prioritization of work with living American composers. 

Hosts John Devlin and Enrico Lopez-Yañez discuss their plans for 2021-22 and how they can relate to your future programming in the 4/4. Then, UpBeat welcomes Ankush Kumar Bahl who shares his pathway to programming his first season at the Music Director of the Omaha Symphony. 

Hosts John Devlin and Enrico Lopez-Yañez recap their busy July schedules. Then, Upbeat welcomes guest, Anwar Nasir, newly appointed Executive Director of the Louisiana Philharmonic, who discusses his transition from his background as a professional dancer to working with orchestras, connecting with audiences where they are, and giving opportunities to artists that do not have a background in the traditional orchestra setting. 

Hosts John Devlin and Enrico Lopez-Yañez shake up their normal routine, skipping the 4/4 and instead, hearing from two guests! First, UpBeat welcomes Steve Brosvik, President & CEO of the Utah Symphony,  who discusses organizational balance, audience assessment, and how to make a quality first impression. Then, Aubrey Bergauer joins the hosts and discusses how to create a welcoming environment, making bold, progressive decisions, and facilitating sustainable success.

Hosts John Devlin and Enrico Lopez-Yañez discuss how conductors can work best with soloists in the 4/4. Then, UpBeat welcomes guest Natasha Paremski, internally acclaimed piano soloist, who discusses her collaborations with conductors, her visions for great rehearsals and performances, and her work with the New York Piano Society where she was recently named Artistic Director. 

Hosts John Devlin and Enrico Lopez-Yañez discuss how conductors can work best with orchestral wind sections in the 4/4. Then, UpBeat welcomes guest Mallory Thompson, Director of Bands at Northwestern University,  discusses how to achieve excellence in conducting winds, commissioning and recording, and her path to the podium. 

Hosts John Devlin and Enrico Lopez-Yañez discuss how conductors can be excellent educators on and off the podium in the 4/4. Then, UpBeat welcomes guest Doug Beck, Director of Artist Training Programs at Carnegie Hall. Doug discusses his background in the classical-music world, his time working side-by-side with Lorin Maazel, and his philosophies around NYO-USA.

Hosts John Devlin and Enrico Lopez-Yañez discuss pops programming, conducting and mission in the 4/4. Then, UpBeat welcomes guest Steven Reineke, Music Director of the New York Pops, and Principal Pops Conductor of the National Symphony Orchestra, the Houston Symphony and Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Maestro Reineke discusses his path to the podium, the skills needed for pops conducting, and the impact that pops programming can have on your community.

Hosts John Devlin and Enrico Lopez-Yañez discuss innovative concert design in the 4/4. Then, UpBeat welcomes guest Thomas Wilkins, Music Director of the Omaha Symphony. Maestro Wilkins discusses his musical and personal philosophies, changes he would like to see in the industry, and the "why" in what we do as conductors.

Hosts John Devlin and Enrico Lopez-Yañez discuss the people we will work with at our first big orchestra job in the 4/4. Then, UpBeat welcomes guest Tracy Kornet, Anchor for NBC 4-Nashville. Tracy talks about her path to the news desk, tips for public speaking, and gives her advice for acing the interview.

Hosts John Devlin and Enrico Lopez-Yañez discuss the people we will work with at our first big orchestra job in the 4/4. Then, UpBeat welcomes guest Marcia Farabee, former Principal Librarian and the National Symphony Orchestra. In the conversation, Marcia discusses her tools for a successful relationship between librarians and conductors, how to navigate the murky waters of copyright issues, and she shares her stories about some of the legendary NSO music directors.

Hosts John Devlin and Enrico Lopez-Yañez discuss the ins and outs of working with youth orchestras in the 4/4. This episode's features an extended 4/4 as this topic is so broad. During beat 4, the guys welcome Ankush Kumar Bahl, Music Director Designate of the Omaha Symphony, to share his thoughts on youth-orchestra success.

Hosts John Devlin and Enrico Lopez-Yañez discuss how we can succeed in our relationship with the press in the 4/4. Then, UpBeat welcomes guest Marc Uys, ED of the Princeton Symphony Orchestra. In the conversation, Marc discusses the hiring process for Assistant Conductors and guest conductors, fundraising advice, and shares his tenets of administrative success.

Zoya Leybin's journey through a musical life is inspiring in every way. She received her training in the Soviet Union and came to the United States with a dream to join the San Francisco Symphony. Her story is one that the UpBeat podcast team cannot wait to share with you all. This is a must-listen not only for conductors, but for everyone in our industry. She inspires and sends to us all a message of love and healing.

Hosts John Devlin and Enrico Lopez-Yañez discuss all the facets of a Music Director search week in the 4/4. Then, UpBeat welcomes guest Michelle Merrill, Music Director of the Coastal Symphony of Georgia. The conversation includes discussions about career paths for conductors, her experience at the Detroit Symphony, her recent debut with the National Symphony, and advice for early-career music directors.

Hosts John Devlin and Enrico Lopez-Yañez discuss the role of staff conductor in the 4/4. Then, UpBeat welcomes guest Matthew Oberstein, VP of Opus 3 Artists. The conversation includes discussions about how conductors can acquire representation, strategies for career development, and the state of our industry as many orchestras return to performance.

Hosts John Devlin and Enrico Lopez-Yañez discuss developing excellent preconcert lectures in the 4/4. Then, UpBeat welcomes guest Richard Scerbo, Director of the National Orchestral Institute+Festival. The conversation includes discussions about running a top-tier summer festival, selecting guest conductors, and all of the various conducting positions Richard holds that contribute to a well-rounded artistic life.

Hosts John Devlin and Enrico Lopez-Yañez speak with guest Col. Jason Fettig, the 28th director of the United States Marine Band, "The President's Own." Topics include military careers for musicians, Col. Fettig's own pathway, and the incredible collaborations and projects the Marine Band has been able to pursue under his tenure.

Hosts John Devlin and Enrico Lopez-Yañez discuss programming a classical season with special guest Ankush Bahl in the 4/4. Then, UpBeat welcomes EC team member Anna Edwards for her segment: "Important Voices." Anna discusses some amazing composers and pieces that she discovered during her quarantine project: "100 Days of Social Listening."

Hosts John Devlin and Enrico Lopez-Yañez discuss programming a pops season in the 4/4. Then, UpBeat welcomes guest Sasha Cooke, a world-known mezzo-soprano, currently Artist in Residence at the San Francisco Symphony. Ms. Cooke discusses how she chooses projects, her strategies for achieving work-life balance, and how the best conductors collaborate.

Hosts John Devlin and Enrico Lopez-Yañez interview oboist Titus Underwood, Principal Oboe of the Nashville Symphony Orchestra. Titus is the first black oboist to receive tenure as a principal player in a major US symphony. During the interview, Titus discusses his path to Nashville, how race impacts orchestras as institutions, and how the audition process should be changed to ensure fairness of process.

Hosts John Devlin and Enrico Lopez-Yañez discuss conducting live movies and soundtrack recordings in the 4/4. Then, UpBeat welcomes guest Camille Cintrón Devlin, a PR and Communications professional who has worked at institutions such as the Kennedy Center, Wolf Trap, and projects like Gourmet Symphony. The conversation includes advice for success in the areas of PR, social media, and branding. Plus, she explores the experience of Latino women in the arts industry.

Hosts John Devlin and Enrico Lopez-Yañez discuss the steps that go into starting a new project before you go public in the 4/4. Then, UpBeat welcomes guest Gabriel Lefkowitz, Concertmaster of the Louisville Orchestra. The conversation includes advice for success during conductor/music director searches, and for how best to work with the concertmaster of your orchestra.

Hosts John Devlin and Enrico Lopez-Yañez answer listener questions on conducting gesture, how to find your way to the podium, and orchestral setups in the 4/4. Then, UpBeat welcomes James Ross, Music Director of the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra, who discusses his path to the podium, creativity in our field, and where orchestras can go next.

Hosts John Devlin and Enrico Lopez-Yañez discuss assistant conductor auditions in the 4/4. Then, UpBeat welcomes guest Peter Kazaras, Director of Opera UCLA. The conversation includes advice for young conductors regarding success in the opera field, as well as stories about Kazaras' time working under the baton of Leonard Bernstein.

Hosts John Devlin and Enrico Lopez-Yañez discuss the art of cover conducting in the 4/4. Then, UpBeat welcomes guest Jessica Slais, VP of Artistic Administration at the Nashville Symphony, who gives advice to conductors about how to collaborate best with orchestras' administrations.

Hosts John Devlin and Enrico Lopez-Yañez discuss how to succeed during your first rehearsal with a new professional orchestra. Plus, the hosts welcome special guest Dr. Michael Votta Jr., President Elect of the CBDNA and Director of Bands at the University of Maryland, and examine reduced-ensemble repertoire that will be useful for all conductors when we return from COVID-19.

Hosts John Devlin and Enrico Lopez-Yañez interview Everything Conducting Co-Founder, Ankush Bahl, the newly appointed Music Director (starting fall, 2021) of the Omaha Symphony. Topics include his path to the position, goals for his tenure, and the types of challenges and fears that conductors face when taking a position of this magnitude.

Hosts John Devlin and Enrico Lopez-Yañez interview conductor Michael Ellis Ingram, Kapellmeister und Solorepetitor at the Staatstheater in Schwerin, Germany. Michael discusses his musical journey from the US to Europe, conducting in Germany, and racial issues in the US and abroad.

Hosts John Devlin and Enrico Lopez-Yañez discuss defining your artistic identity in the 4/4 and welcome guest Anna Edwards, who talks about her career, her advocacy for female conductors, and her projects promoting the work of underrepresented composers.

Hosts John Devlin and Enrico Lopez-Yañez discuss lessons to learn from COVID-19 times, welcome special guest Ankush Kumar Bahl, and examine artistic leadership through vulnerability.