COMMUNITY CONCERTS
DACAMERA presents dozens of community concerts each season. For details on these events visit the Free Events page.
A LITTLE DAY MUSIC
A Little Day Music is a series of free concerts presented at noon on the first Wednesday of the month, October thorugh May, in the Wortham Theater Center’s Grand Foyer. Each concert is designed to deliver DACAMERA’s signature programming to an audience including senior citizens, downtown professionals, and homeschooled students. The series features a variety of chamber music and jazz, presented in an accessible one-hour concert format. Audiences are invited to enjoy their lunch while listening to the music. Click here for the events calendar.
STOP, LOOK AND LISTEN!
Stop, Look and Listen! is a series of free chamber music and jazz concerts presented in one of Houston’s most inspiring and stimulating environments, the world-renowned Menil Collection. These museum concerts feature unconventional, interactive concert formats and fun, adventurous musical selections. The programs are often designed to celebrate specific artwork on display in the museum. Click here for the free events calendar.
COMMUNITY JAZZ CONCERTS
Jazz is central to DACAMERA’s programming and frequently represented in our Community Concerts. Look for free concerts at Miller Outdoor Theatre – with recent performances by saxophonist Lakeisha Benjamin, vocalist Somi and percussionist Pedrito Martinez (pictured above) – and performances by our jazz musician in residence, including outdoor performances at The Menil Collection.
POP-UP CONCERTS AT HOUSTON MUSEUMS
DACAMERA is well known for connecting music with visual art, and has long-standing partnerships with The Menil Collection; The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; Rothko Chapel and other institutions. During the 23/24 season, look for performances in these spaces and also at Houston Center for Contemporary Craft and Holocaust Museum Houston.
Photo: Rothko Chapel/Hung L. Truong
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
DACAMERA YOUNG ARTIST PROGRAM
The DACAMERA Young Artist Program is a chamber music fellowship program for emerging professional instrumentalists, singers and composers. The goal of the program is to encourage musicians to develop the skills necessary to become passionate, forward-thinking and community-focused “citizen artists;” that is, artists who reimagine the traditional notions of their music-making and embrace the role of contributing to society through the transformative power of their art and proactive social engagement. DACAMERA Young Artists participate in an exciting variety of performances, workshops and school visits.
MUSIC ENCOUNTERS
Music Encounters is a DACAMERA initiative that brings classical music and jazz into students’ core-curricular classrooms throughout Houston. The mission of the program is to establish creative learning environments that support the Texas Essential Knowledge Skills (TEKS) by promoting collaboration between artists, students and classroom teachers.
Learn more about Music Encounters including sample lessons and videos.
MENTORS IN MUSIC
Mentors in Music is a series of master classes in which Houston’s most talented student musicians have an opportunity to work directly with DACAMERA guest artists. Most master classes are open to the public although some are exclusive to certain school partners.
DACAMERA has presented master classes by soprano Dawn Upshaw, pianist Emanuel Ax, pianist Sullivan Fortner, bassist Christian McBride, composer and conductor Matthias Pintscher, the Brentano String Quartet and many more.
DACAMERA CREATIVE RESIDENCIES
DACAMERA Creative Residencies allow artists to spend an extended period of time developing or carrying out a project. A recent example was drummer/composer Kendrick Scott’s Unearthed, and the related Exploring Unearthed residencies in two Fort Bend ISD middle schools. Other examples include Jason Moran’s Homecoming residency and Finding Home, a residency exploring immigration through folk music and chamber music .
FINDING HOME – ENCONTRANDO HOGAR
Finding Home is a residency that explores folk music and chamber music through discussions of the meaning of the music as it relates to immigration and the student’s family history of immigration. Throughout the 2020-21 academic year, DACAMERA Young Artist collaborated with schoolchildren at Wharton Dual Language Academy, Briarmeadow Charter School and Ortiz Middle School to create interactive performances featuring folk music that is important to each community. Students researched folk music from their community while reflecting on their family history. A DACAMERA Young Artist composer then arranged some of those pieces chosen by students, for string quartet or solo harp.
Encontrando Hogar es una programa que explora la música folklórica y música de cámara a través discusiones de la significancia de la música en imigracion y la historia de las familias de los estudiantes. Durante los años académicos 2020 a 2021, los Artistas Jóvenes de DACAMERA se colaboraron con estudiantes en Wharton Academia de Lenguajes Dual, Escuela Chárter de Briarmeadow y La Escuela Intermedia Ortiz a crear actuaciones interactivos que incluyen la música más importante en cada comunidad. Los estudiantes investigaron las músicas folklóricas de sus comunidades y reflejaron en las historias de sus familias. Entonces, un compositor de DACAMERA arregló esas canciones que fueron elegidas por los estudiantes para el cuarteto de cuerdas o el arpa.
EXPLORE THESE RESIDENCIES FOR YOURSELF
These Finding Home residencies were generously funded in part by the Edaren Foundation and The Powell Foundation.
If you are interested in hosting a Finding Home residency at your school, please contact Ellie Parker, Director of Education and Community Initiatives | eparker@dacamera.com
HOMECOMING RESIDENCY
In the fall of 2014, DACAMERA launched the Jason Moran Homecoming Residency, a multi-year residency with the jazz pianist/composer and Houston native, presented in partnership with the University of Houston’s Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center for the Arts. Jason Moran is leading activities engaging Houston’s historic Third and Fourth Ward communities. Moran’s residency features in-school and community programs with his ensemble The Bandwagon, focusing on an exploration of the interconnected relationships between jazz, neighborhood, community and visual art.
The Jason Moran Homecoming Residency was organized in partnership with the University of Houston Mitchell Center for the Arts and was made possible by support from the Lynne Murray, Sr. Educational Foundation and Chamber Music America through its Residency Endowment Fund.
The Residency – Year 1
Jason Moran made his first visit to Houston in September 2014, with visits to MacGregor Elementary, Gregory Lincoln Middle School and the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. Jason also visited with DACAMERA Young Artists, who will continue to visit the schools involved in the residency and work with the students on year-long projects.
Holed Up Premiere
The first year of the Jason Moran Homecoming Residency included the creation and world premiere of The Rauschenberg Project–Holed Up, an exploration of the work of visual artist Robert Rauschenberg, commissioned by Da Camera. Moran collaborated with celebrated Houston-based visual artist Robert Pruitt, a member of the provocative collective Otabenga Jones & Associates. Rauschenberg, a fellow Texan, has been a major influence on Moran’s work. For this multimedia project, Jason Moran collaborated with Pruitt and expanded his celebrated trio, The Bandwagon, to include a special guest from Houston’s jazz scene, vocalist Horace Grigsby, and guitarist Marvin Sewell.
Holed Up image by Pin Lim/Forest Photography.
Jazz Appreciation Month performance at Discovery Green
On April 30, Da Camera celebrated the conclusion of year one of the Homecoming Residency at DACAMERA JAM at Discovery Green. Jason Moran performed with students from the HSPVA Jazz department to a crowd of over 1,500.
Jason Moran Homecoming Residency – Year 2
Year two of the residency featured Moran leading activities engaging Houston students and communities. Moran’s residency featured in-school and community programs, focusing on an exploration of the interconnected relationships between music, neighborhood, community and visual art.
In February, Moran conducted a master class with HSPVA jazz combo and lead a workshop of the new pieces created in a collaborative storytelling project involving students from the the HSPVA Creative Writing department and the Jazz combo. At MacGregor Elementary, he performed alongside students at this alma mater in a Black History Month performance and returned to Gregory Lincoln Education Center. On February 24, Jason Moran presented the annual Artist Talk at the Contemporary Art Museum Houston. In collaboration with the University of Houston Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center for the Arts and DACAMERA, CAMH welcomed Moran in conjunction with Jennie C. Jones: Compilation. Moran examined Jones’s use of experimental jazz to inform her aesthetic and conceptual approaches to art making.
The public highlight of year 2 was Meet Me at MacGregor, presented by the University of Houston Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center for the Arts as part of CounterCurrent 2016.
“Using the basketball court as our stage and having the music fill the park…of and for the community of Houston. ” – Jason Moran
Moran created a musical event in the park where he spent so many Sundays growing up in Houston. Originally conceived as an outdoor day of live music, the event was moved indoors to the Shrine of the Black Madonna. It featured, as befits a homecoming, musical guests flowing in and out of the band. Jason Moran’s trio the Bandwagon performed, and were later joined for a set by legendary Houston vocalist Horace Grigsby. DJ Cypher played tracks between sets. The final set featured Moran in a duo setting with Houston native drummer Chris Dave.
Jason Moran Homecoming Residency – Year 3
Year three of the Jason Moran Homecoming residency kicked off with a public performance on DACAMERA’s jazz series of Jason Mason Presents In My Mind: Monk at Town Hall, 1959 at Wortham Theater Center.
In January, Jason Moran led workshops and a jam session with student musicians at artist Tierney Malone’s installation at Project Row Houses, The Jazz Church of Houston. These activities were organized by the Mitchell Center.
In April, Jason Moran returned to Discovery Green for a free Jazz Appreciation Month performance, in a trio with bass player Chris Walker and drummer Denardo Coleman.
DACAMERA YOUNG ARTIST PROGRAM
The DACAMERA Young Artist program is a fellowship program for emerging professional instrumentalists, vocalists, and composers. The goal of the program is to encourage musicians to develop the skills necessary to become passionate, forward-thinking and community-focused “citizen artists;” that is, artists who reimagine the traditional notions of their music-making and embrace the role of contributing to society through the transformative power of their art and proactive social engagement. DACAMERA Young Artists participate in an exciting variety of performances, workshops and school visits. Young Artists perform at the Wortham Center; The Menil Collection; the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; and area hospitals and libraries. They are also the principal teaching artists for DACAMERA’s innovative Music Encounters program.
The 2023/2024 Young Artists are:
Andrea Benabent, piano; Keaton Brown, baritone; Nanki Chugh, violin; David Dietz, cello; Oliver Dubon, composer; Chris Ellis, cello; Isaac Foreman, piano; Arthur Gilligan, percussion; Gavin Goodrich, composer; Sara Han, clarinet; Christian Harvey, double bass; Hanna Hrybkova, violin; Jillian Krempasky, mezzo-soprano; Ariel Lee, violin; Weilan Li, viola; Yu-Ming Ma, violin; Jonathan Mak, piano; Jimena Montserrat, soprano; Astrid Nakamura, violin; Hunter O’Brien, flute; Anne Pinkerton, oboe; Lauren Ross, viola; and Brooke Wyatt, piano.
Click below the photo to learn more about each DACAMERA Young Artist. Look for upcoming performances by the Young Artists on our Free Events page.
Andrea Benabent
Piano
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Andrea Benabent Follana, a prizewinner of numerous national and international piano competitions, is currently completing her DMA in Piano Performance at the University of Houston under the guidance of Dr. Andrew Staupe. A pianist from Spain, she is a Second Year Young Artist at DACAMERA. Founder and artistic director of the concert series “Elkins Lake Classicals” and “Elkins Lake Performing Arts Series” in Huntsville, Texas, she has recently been appointed Communications and Marketing Manager of the Houston Chamber Choir. Andrea holds degrees from the Royal Higher Conservatory of Madrid and Sam Houston State University. She is also a member of the Texas New Music Ensemble, Archer Piano Quintet, and the Levante Piano Duo, the latter of which promotes the musical heritage of Spain. She is also passionate about flamenco music and explores the genre in her compositions.
Andrea Benabent Follana ha sido ganadora de numerosos concursos nacionales e internacionales, y actualmente estudia el Doctorado en Música en la University of Houston, bajo la tutela del Dr. Andrew Staupe. Andrea es una pianista de España y es actualmente una Joven Artista de segundo año en DACAMERA. Es fundadora y directora artística de la serie de conciertos “Elkins Lake Classicals” y“Elkins Lake Performing Arts Series” en Huntsville, Texas, y recientemente fue nombrada Communications and Marketing Manager del Houston Chamber Choir. Andrea cuenta con títulos del Real Conservatorio Superior de Música de Madrid y de Sam Houston State University. Es además miembro del Texas New Music Ensemble, Archer Piano Quintet, y de Levante Piano Duo, el último de los cuales promueve la herencia musical de España. Andrea también es apasionada de la música flamenca y explora este género en sus composiciones.
Keaton Brown
Baritone
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Hailing from Houston, Texas, DACAMERA Young Artist baritone Keaton Brown received his Master of Music from Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music, where he performed the roles of Masetto in Don Giovanni, Harry Easter in Street Scene, and Soldato II in L’incoronazione di Poppea. Mr. Brown was an Emerging Artist this past summer at Seagle Festival, where he performed the role of Fredrik Egermann in A Little Night Music. Mr. Brown has performed roles such as Papageno in Die Zauberflöte, Orphemon in L’amant Anonyme, Buff in The Impresario, Frank in Die Fledermaus, and Matt in The Fantasticks. Mr. Brown received his Bachelor of Music from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. He studies under the tutelage of Nova Thomas.
Originario de Houston, Texas, el Joven Artista de DACAMERA Keaton Brown obtuvo su Maestría en Música por la Shepherd School of Music de Rice University, donde cantó los papeles de Masetto en Don Giovanni, Harry Easter en Street Scene, y Soldato II en L’incoronazione di Poppea. El verano pasado Keaton fue un Emerging Artist en el Seagle Festival, donde cantó el papel de Fredrik Egermann en A Little Night Music. Además, Keaton ha cantado los papeles de Papageno en Die Zauberflöte, Orphemon en L’amant Anonyme, Buff en The Impresario, Frank en Die Fledermaus, y Matt en The Fantasticks. Keaton obtuvo su Licenciatura en Música por el San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Actualmente estudia bajo la tutela de Nova Thomas.
Nanki Chugh
Violin
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Nanki Chugh, an Indian-American violinist from Southern California, is currently pursuing her master’s degree in violin performance with Paul Kantor at Rice University. She received a B.S. degree in Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry from Yale University in 2022, and was the concertmistress during Yale Symphony Orchestra’s Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 seasons. Passionate about the intersection of music, art, and science, and its impact on education, therapy, and society, Nanki spent this past summer studying the effects of collaborative music-making on the brain at the University of Houston. This season, Nanki looks forward to working as a DACAMERA Young Artist, collaborating with composer Sam Wu, and premiering new works with Musiqa to share music with the greater Houston community.
Nanki Chugh es una violinista india-americana originaria del sur de California, y actualmente estudia la maestría en Violín con Paul Kantor en Rice University. En 2022 obtuvo el título de Licenciatura en Biofísica molecular y Bioquímica por Yale University, donde fue la concertino de las temporadas de Otoño de 2021 y Primavera de 2022 de la Yale Symphony Orchestra. Dada su pasión por la intersección de la música, el arte y la ciencia, y su efecto en la educación, la terapia y la sociedad, Nanki pasó el verano pasado estudiando los efectos cerebrales de la producción musical colaborativa, en la University of Houston. Esta temporada, Nanki está contenta de trabajar como Joven Artista de DACAMERA, colaborar con el compositor Sam Wu, y estrenar obras nuevas con Musiqa, para compartir su música con la gran comunidad de Houston.
David Dietz
Cello
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Cellist David Dietz has performed across North America and Europe and is experienced in a variety of settings as both a performer and teacher. Recent highlights include performances with MUSIQA Houston, Aperio Ensemble, Ars Lyrica, DACAMERA Young Artists, the Klangspuren Festival in Innsbruck, Austria and the Windwood Music Festival in Alberta, Canada. David is a founding member of Trio Menil, which won top prizes at the 2023 Plowman Chamber Music Competition. He frequently performs with the Houston Grand Opera Orchestra and will be joining the Houston Ballet Orchestra this season. Teaching is an important part of David’s artistic practice, as demonstrated through his work as Adjunct Instructor of Cello at Lone Star College and through a robust private teaching studio.
El chelista David Dietz se ha presentado a través de Norte América y Europa y tiene experiencia en varios ámbitos como ejecutante y como maestro. Sus más recientes acontecimientos importantes incluyen actuaciones con MUSIQA Houston, Aperio Ensemble, Ars Lyrica, Jóvenes Artistas de DACAMERA, el Klangspuren Festival en Innsbruck, Austria, y la Windwood Music Festival en Alberta, Canadá. David es miembro fundador del Trio Menil, que ganó los más altos premios en la Plowman Chamber Music Competition en el 2023. Frecuentemente toca con la orquesta de Houston Grand Opera, y se unirá a la orquesta del Houston Ballet esta temporada. La enseñanza es una parte importante de la práctica artística de David, lo cual se muestra en su trabajo como instructor adjunto de chelo en el Lone Star College y en su gran estudio privado.
Oliver Dubon
Composer
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Oliver Dubon is a musician hailing from Palmyra, Virginia. His compositions have been performed by musicians such as Grammy Award-winning pianist Nadia Shpachenko, Grammy Award-winning vocal octet Roomful of Teeth, the Ónix Ensamble, and the Confluss Duo. He has held artist residencies at the Arvo Pärt Centre as well as the Atlantic Center for the Arts where he worked with composer/pianist Timo Andres. Dubon’s discography includes a work on Giovanni Albini’s A Contemporary Ukulele as well as a work on Nadia Shpachenko’s upcoming album – Greatest of All Time. Oliver holds a B.A. from Pomona College and currently studies at the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University in the studio of Pierre Jalbert.
Oliver Dubon es un músico originario de Palmyra, Virgina. Sus composiciones han sido interpretadas por músicos como la ganadora del Grammy Nadia Shpachenko, el octeto vocal ganador del Grammy Roomful of Teeth, el Ónix Ensamble, y el Confluss Duo. Ha tenido residencias artísticas en el Arvo Pärt Centre, así como el Atlantic Center for the Arts, donde trabajó con el compositor y pianista Timo Andres. La discografía de Dubon incluye un trabajo en A Contemporary Ukulele, de Giovanni Albini, así como una obra en el próximo álbum de Nadia Shpachenko: Greatest of All Time. Oliver obtuvo su Licenciatura en Artes por el Pomona College, y actualmente estudia en la Shepherd School of Music de Rice University, en el estudio de Pierre Jalbert.
Chris Ellis
Cello
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DACAMERA Young Artist cellist Chris Ellis has been described as “a rapidly rising cello star” (The Irish Times). Chris received his Bachelor and Masters of Music at Conservatoire Nationale Supérieur de Musique et Danse Paris before obtaining a second Masters of Music degree at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music. Chris has performed internationally at SuperCello Festival Beijing, Piatigorsky Cello Festival Los Angeles, Cello Biennale Amsterdam and across France, Germany and the Netherlands. In Ireland, recent highlights for Chris include performing and teaching at the National Concert Hall’s International Master Course Festival and making his debut as soloist with the Irish Chamber Orchestra. Recent prizes include the 2023 Doug Davis performance award and the Prix Ravel from Fontainebleau Academie, France. Chris enjoys an active performing schedule, with upcoming projects including performances with Musiqa Houston and Kinetic Ensemble.
El chelista y Joven Artista de DACAMERA Chris Ellis ha sido descrito como “una estrella del chelo de rápido ascenso” (The Irish Times). Chris obtuvo sus títulos de licenciatura y maestría en el Conservatoire Nationale Supérieur de Musique et Danse Paris antes de obtener una segunda Maestría en Música en la Shepherd School of Music de Rice University. Chris se ha presentado internacionalmente en SuperCello Festival Beijing, Piatigorsky Cello Festival Los Angeles, Cello Biennale Amsterdam, y a través de Francia, Alemania y los Países Bajos. En Irlanda, sus acontecimientos recientes incluyen haber tocado e impartido clases en el National Concert Hall’s International Master Course Festival, y haber hecho su debut como solista con la Irish Chamber Orchestra. Sus distinciones recientes incluyen el premio de ejecución Doug Davis 2023 y el Prix Ravel de la Fontainebleau Academie en Francia. Chris cuenta con un activo calendario de actuaciones, que incluyen proyectos de actuaciones con Musiqa Houston y Kinetic Ensemble.
Isaac Foreman
Piano
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Isaac Foreman is establishing himself as an exciting and versatile pianist and chamber musician. A first year DACAMERA Young Artist, he is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts at Rice University with Jon Kimura Parker. Mr. Foreman completed a master’s degree at The Juilliard School. He has recently appeared at Alice Tully Hall’s “Wednesday at One” series, the Juilliard Focus Festival, and the Gijón International Piano Festival. He is a prize winner of several competitions, including the Young Texas Artists Piano Competition (2nd Prize), American Virtuoso International Competition (1st Prize), MTNA Steinway and Sons Piano Competition (2nd Prize), and looks forward to performing with the Shepherd School Symphony Orchestra this season as winner of the school’s piano concerto competition.
Isaac Foreman se está estableciendo como un pianista y músico de cámara apasionado y versátil. Es un Joven Artista de primer año de DACAMERA, y actualmente estudia el Doctorado en Música en la Rice University, con Jon Kimura Parker. Isaac obtuvo su maestría en música en la Julliard School. Recientemente se presentó en la serie “Wednseday at One” en el Alice Tully Hall, en el Juilliard Focus Festival, y el Gijón International Piano Festival. Ha sido ganador de diversas competencias, las cuales incluyen Young Texas Artists Piano Competition (2º lugar), American Virtuoso International Competition (1º lugar), MTNA Steinway and Sons Piano Competition (2º lugar), y se prepara para tocar al lado de la orquesta sinfónica de la Shepherd School of Music esta temporada, como ganador de la competencia de piano de dicha escuela.
Arthur Gilligan
Percussion
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Arthur Gilligan grew up in Rio de Janiero, Brazil where he attended the Villa-Lobos School of Music. In 2015, Mr. Gilligan relocated to Houston and received an Associate of Arts degree from San Jacinto College. He then transferred to the University of Houston’s Moores School of Music and completed a bachelor’s degree in Music Education and a master’s degree in Percussion Performance with a Teaching Assistantship. Mr. Gilligan performed with the TCCBDA All-State Jazz Ensemble in 2017, received the Clara Freshour Nelson Scholarship, and was section leader for the Moores School Wind Ensemble and Symphony Orchestra. He teaches at The Village School and Shadow Creek High School and performs at The Music Box Theater and as a DACAMERA Young Artist.
Arthur Gilligan creció en Río de Janeiro, Brasil, donde asistió a la escuela de música Villa-Lobos. En 2015 se reubicó en Houston y recibió el grado de Associate of Arts por el San Jacinto College. Posteriormente se transfirió a la Moores School of Music de University of Houston y completó la licenciatura en Educación Musical y la maestría en música en Percusión con una ayudantía docente. Arthur se presentó al lado de TCCBDA All-State Jazz Ensemble en 2017, recibió la beca Clara Freshour Nelson y fue líder de sección para el ensamble de alientos de la Moores School y la Symphony Orchestra. Actualmente da clases en The Village School y Shadow Creek High School, y toca en The Music Box Theater y como Joven Artista de DACAMERA.
Gavin Goodrich
Composer
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Gavin Goodrich is a composer and concert pianist whose works synthesize pure mathematics, Vipassana Meditation, and visual arts. Born in an Alaskan fishing community, he taught himself piano, composition, and mathematics from YouTube videos before receiving a scholarship to study at Columbia University, where he graduated with honors. His senior thesis focused on developing mathematical systems for applying 15th-century Franco-Flemish polyphony into microtonal systems. After taking a year off from academics to teach in Spain on a Fulbright Grant, he now lives in Houston and is currently pursuing his Master of Music in Composition at Rice University studying under Arthur Gottschalk.
Gavin Goodrich es un compositor y pianista de concierto cuyas obras sintetizan las matemáticas puras, la meditación Vipassana, y las artes visuales. Nació en una comunidad pescadora de Alaska y aprendió piano, composición y matemáticas de manera autodidacta, utilizando videos de YouTube, antes de recibir una beca para estudiar en la Columbia University, de donde se graduó con honores. Su tésis se enfocó en desarrollar sistemas matemáticos para aplicar la polifonía francoflamenca del siglo XV a sistemas microtonales. Después de tomar un año libre de academia dando clases en España con una beca Fulbright, ahora vive en Houston y estudia la Maestría en Música en Composición en la Rice University, con el profesor Arthur Gottschalk.
Sara Han
Clarinet
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DACAMERA Young Artist Sara Han is a South Korean clarinetist, currently studying with Richie Hawley at the Rice University Shepherd School of Music. Sara is an active orchestral and chamber musician–most recently, she appeared with the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra. Before Rice, Sara attended the Curtis Institute of Music. During this time, she served as acting principal clarinetist of the Opera Philadelphia Orchestra, performed with the London Symphony Orchestra, Symphony in C, and New World Symphony. Sara attended the Music Academy of the West in 2019 and was named winner of the Keston MAX Audition. Sara was a winner of the 2018 Yamaha Young Performing Artists Competition and has been featured on the NPR radio show From the Top.
La Joven Artista de DACAMERA Sara Han es una clarinetista de Corea del Sur que actualmente estudia con Richie Hawley en la Shepherd School of Music de Rice University. Sara es un músico activo de orquesta y de cámara, y recientemente ha tocado con la Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra. Antes de estudiar en Rice, Sara estudió en el Curtis Institute of Music. Durante ese tiempo, Sara fue clarinetista principal de la Opera Philadelphia Orchestra, y tocó con la London Symphony Orchestra, Symphony in C, y New World Symphony. Sara asistió a Music Academy of the West en 2019 y fue ganadora del Keston MAX Audition. También fue ganadora de Yamaha Young Performing Artists Competition en 2018 y ha aparecido en el programa de radio NPR From the Top.
Christian Harvey
Double Bass
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Christian Harvey, a double bassist from Riverdale, GA, is part of a wave of next-generation double bassists. Christian’s music journey began at Martha Ellen Stilwell School of the Arts, where he performed at many venues, including Carnegie Hall (NY). Currently pursuing a Master’s in Music at Rice University (TX), Christian studies with Paul Ellison. Christian is a Community Embedded Fellow with the Houston Symphony, where he works closely with the Community Embedded Musicians of the orchestra to organize and perform engaging concerts throughout the community. Christian is also a part of the Young Artist program with DACAMERA, where he works to develop the skills necessary to become a passionate, forward-thinking and community-focused “citizen artist.” In 2023, Christian received third place in the national Strings Competition with the National Association for Negro Musicians. Christian earned his Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance from Columbus State University (GA), studying with Patricia Weitzel and Jackie Pickett.
Christian Harvey, contrabajista originario de Riverdale, Georgia, es parte de una ola de la próxima generación de bajistas. Su camino musical inició en la Martha Ellen Stilwell School of the Arts, donde se presentó en varios recintos, incluyendo Carnegie Hall en Nueva York. Actualmente se encuentra estudiando la Maestría en Música en Rice University, en Texas, y estudia con Paul Ellison. Christian tiene el puesto de Community Embedded Fellow con la Houston Symphony, donde trabaja con la Community Embedded Musicians de la orquesta para organizar y presentarse en cautivadores conciertos a lo largo de la comunidad. Christian también es parte del programa de Jóvenes Artistas con DACAMERA, donde trabaja para desarrollar las habilidades necesarias para convertirse en un “ciudadano artista” apasionado, progresista y enfocado en la comunidad. En 2023 recibió el tercer puesto en la National Strings Competition con la National Association for Negro Musicians. Christian obtuvo el título de Licenciatura en Ejecución Musical por la Columbus State University, en Georgia, donde estudió con Patricia Weitzel y Jackie Pickett.
Hanna Hrybkova
Violin
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Hanna Hrybkova is currently pursuing her Master of Music at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music in the studio of Professor Cho-Liang Lin. Hanna performed as a soloist and chamber musician in Belarus, Russia, Europe, and the United States. She has been a prize winner of international competitions such as the Manhattan International Competition, Rudolf Barshai International Competition, Samuel Fordis Young Artists Concerto competition, Schwob School of Music Concerto Competition, and UCLA “All-Star” Concerto competition, performing on the legendary “Duke of Alcantara” Stadivarius violin with the UCLA Philharmonic. She has also recorded two world premieres on the CD with the VEM ensemble. Currently Hanna actively performs as a DACAMERA Young Artist, a substitute violinist with the New World Symphony, and a first violinist with the Symphony of the Southeast Texas. Hanna began studying violin in her native Belarus, later graduated from the Rimski-Korsakov Saint-Petersburg Conservatory and the Schwob School of Music (BM).
Hanna Hrybkova actualmente estudia la Maestría en Música en Shepherd School of Music de Rice University, dentro del estudio del profesor Cho-Liang Lin. Hanna se ha presentado como solista y como músico de cámara en Bielorrusia, Rusia, Europa y los Estados Unidos. Ha sido ganadora de concursos internacionales, como Manhattan International Competition, Rudolf Barshai International Competition, Samuel Fordis Young Artists Concerto competition, Schwob School of Music Concerto Competition, y UCLA “All-Star” Concerto Competition, y ha tocado con el legendario violín Stradivarius “Duke of Alcantara”, al lado de la UCLA Philharmonic. Hanna ha participado en grabaciones de dos estrenos mundiales en CD con el ensamble VEM. Actualmente Hanna se presenta como Joven Artista de DACAMERA, como violinista sustituta en la New World Symphony, y como primer violinista en la Symphony of the Southeast Texas. Hanna comenzó sus estudios de violín en su natal Bielorrusia y posteriormente se graduó de la licenciatura por la Rimski-Korsakov Saint-Petersburg Conservatory y la Schwob School of Music.
Jillian Krempasky
Mezzo-Soprano
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Jillian Krempasky is a mezzo-soprano based in Houston. She received her Master of Music degree in Voice Performance from Rice University, and her Bachelor of Music degree in Voice Performance from Westminster Choir College. Jillian was awarded a Houston District Encouragement Award at the 2023 Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition. Contemporary works are a vital part of Jillian’s career. She has performed in the world premieres of multiple pieces including Sam Wu’s Weather Model and Mark Buller’s Sung on the Water. Jillian’s voice is featured on composer J.A. Kawarsky’s album titled Dancing In the Palm of God’s Hand (Navona Records). She also collaborated with the Rice Percussion Studio on Jacob Druckman’s Animus II. Jillian is a second-year member of DACAMERA’s Young Artist Program.
Jillian Krempasky es una mezzosoprano basada en Houston. Obtuvo el título de Maestría en Música en Ejecución Vocal por la Rice University, y su Licenciatura en Música en Ejecución Vocal por Westminster Choir College. Jillian obtuvo un premio de estimulación en el distrito de Houston de la Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition de 2023. La música contemporánea es parte vital de la carrera de Jillian. Se ha presentado en estrenos mundiales de diversas obras, que incluyen Weather Model de Sam Wu, y Sung on the Water, por Mark Buller. La voz de Jillian aparece en el álbum del compositor J. A. Kawarsky titulado Dancing In the Palm of God’s Hand (Navona Records). También ha colaborado con el estudio de percusión de Rice en la obra Animus II, por Jacob Druckman. Jillian es miembro de segundo año del Programa de Jóvenes Artistas de DACAMERA.
Ariel Lee
Violin
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Ariel Seung Hyun Lee, born in Seoul, South Korea, is currently pursuing the degree of Doctoral of Musical Arts in Violin Performance at the Shepherd School of Music of Rice University. She is currently under the tutelage of Kathleen Winkler, and also serves as the Benjamin Armistead Shepherd Teaching Fellow at the university. She received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at the Juilliard School, under the tutelage of Li Lin, and as an avid chamber and orchestral musician, Ariel has participated in the Verbier Music Festival, Music Academy of the West, Heifetz International Music Institute, and the Aspen Music Festival in past years. In her orchestral career, she has served the position of concertmaster in major orchestras such as the Juilliard Orchestra and the Verbier Festival Orchestra. She is a former prize winner of the Joseph Joachim Violin Competition, the WDAV’s Young Chamber Musician’s Competition and the New York Concerti Sinfonietta Concerto Competition.
Ariel Seung Hyun Lee, nacido en Seúl, Corea del Sur, es estudiante de Doctorado en Música en la Shepherd School of Music de Rice University. Actualmente se encuentra bajo la tutela de Kathleen Winkler, y también tiene el puesto de Benjamin Armistead Shepherd Teaching Fellow en la universidad. Obtuvo sus títulos de Licenciatura y Maestría en la Julliard School, bajo la tutela de Li Lin, y siendo un ávido músico de cámara, en años pasados Ariel ha participado en el Verbier Music Festival, Music Academy of the West, Heifetz International Music Institute, y el Aspen Music Festival. En su carrera como músico de orquesta, Ariel ha tenido el puesto de concertino en importantes orquestas, tales como Juilliard Orchestra y la Verbier Festival Orchestra. Ariel también ha ganado premios en las competencias Joseph Joachim Violin Competition, WDAV’s Young Chamber Musician’s Competition, y New York Concerti Sinfonietta Concerto Competition.
Weilan Li
Viola
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Weilan Li, from Shenzhen, China, is currently pursuing a graduate degree at the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University where she studies viola with Ivo-Jan van der Werff. She received dual bachelor degrees in Viola Performance and Cultural Anthropology at Bard College in New York. Weilan has enjoyed serving the Houston community, performing educational concerts and leading music workshops across the city with DACAMERA. Weilan has also collaborated with local composers, bringing new music to the Houston community. Her recent collaboration includes performing in the premiere of “Desert Shelter” by local composer J.E. Hernandez at the Wortham Theater in February, 2023. Weilan has participated in well-known music festivals across the world and the United States. Her recent music festivals include the Sarasota Music Festival in 2022 and Norfolk Chamber Music Festival in 2021.
Weilan Li, originaria de Shenzhen, China, actualmente es estudiante de posgrado en la Shepherd School of Music de Rice University, donde estudia viola con Ivo-Jan van de Werff. Recibió su doble titulación de las licenciaturas en Viola y en Antropología Cultural de Bard College en Nueva York. Weilan ha disfrutado de servir a la comunidad de Houston, tocar en conciertos didácticos, y dirigir talleres musicales alrededor de la ciudad con DACAMERA. Weilan además ha colaborado con compositores locales, trayendo música nueva a la comunidad de Houston. Sus colaboraciones recientes incluyen el estreno de “Desert Shelter”, obra del compositor J. E. Hernández, en el Wortham Theatre en febrero de 2023. Weilan ha participado en reconocidos festivales musicales alrededor del mundo y de los Estados Unidos. Sus participaciones recientes incluyen los festivales Sarasota Music Festival en 2022 y Norfolk Chamber Music Festival en 2021.
Yu-Ming Ma
Violin
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Taiwanese violinist and DACAMERA Young Artist Yu-Ming (Andrew) Ma enjoys performing actively as a soloist and a chamber musician. Yu-Ming has performed concerti with a variety of orchestras. Highlights include Chausson’s Poème with the Cleveland Institute of Music Orchestra and Dvorak’s Violin Concerto with the SiungSong Orchestra and Maestro Wen-Pin Chien in Taiwan. In February 2020, Yu-Ming performed at the Tongyeong International Music Festival in Tongyeong, Korea, as a guest artist at the invitation of noted violinist Jinjoo Cho. Yu-Ming holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music and a Master’s Degree from Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree at Rice University, studying under the tutelage of Paul Kantor.
El violinista taiwanés y Joven Artista de DACAMERA Yu-Ming (Andrew) Ma, disfruta de presentarse como solista y como músico de cámara. Yu-Ming ha tocado conciertos al lado de diversas orquestas. Sus actuaciones destacadas incluyen Poème de Chausson con la Cleveland Institute of Music Orchestra, y el concierto para violín de Dvorak con la SiungSong Orchestra y Maestro Wen-Pin Chien en Taiwan. En febrero de 2020 Yu-Ming se presentó en el Tongyeong International Music Festival en Tongyeong, Corea como violinista invitado por el notable violinista Jinjoo Choo. Yu-Ming cuenta con una Licenciatura en Música por el Cleveland Institute of Music y una Maestría en Música por la Shepherd School of Music de Rice University. Actualmente estudia el Doctorado en Música en Rice University bajo la tutela de Paul Kantor.
Jonathan Mak
Piano
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Winner of the 2023 inaugural Bader & Overton Canadian Piano Competition, DACAMERA Young Artist pianist Jonathan Mak made his orchestra debut at the age of 4. Mr. Jonathan’s recent accomplishments include the Grand Prize at the Plowman Chamber Music Competition with Trio Menil, and the third prize in the OSM competition, performing with the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal. He is a recipient of the Canada Council for the Arts-Michael Measures award and the Sylva Gelber Music Foundation Award, along with the 2023 Walter Prystawski Prize. Currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts at Rice University with Jon Kimura Parker, Jonathan also holds degrees from the Yale School of Music and the Cleveland Institute of Music.
Ganador inaugural del Bader & Overton Canadian Piano Competition, el pianista y Joven Artista de DACAMERA Jonathan Mak hizo su debut con orquesta a la edad de cuatro años. Sus distinciones recientes incluyen el Grand Prize en el Plowman Chamber Music Competition con Trio Menil, y el tercer premio en la competencia OSM, donde se presentó con la Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal. Recibió el premio Canada Council for the Arts-Michael Measures, y el premio Sylva Gelber Music Foundation, además del premio Walter Prystawski 2023. Actualmente estudia el Doctorado en Música en Rice University, bajo la tutela de Jon Kimur Parker. Jonathan además cuenta con títulos de Yale School of Music y de Cleveland Institute of Music.
Jimena Montserrat
Soprano
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Jimena Montserrat is a Mexican coloratura soprano and DACAMERA Young Artist. Her repertoire includes the roles of Adina in L’elisir d’amore, Zerlina in Don Giovanni, and Mrs. Fiorentino in Street scene. She has sung as a soloist next to baroque orchestra “La Galatea” and the Texas Medical Center Orchestra. In 2018 she received the “Best opera performance” award in the Maritza Alemán vocal competition, and during her master’s she was a scholar of Mexico’s Ministry of Cultural Affairs. Ms. Montserrat has several years of teaching experience. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Escuela Superior de Música, a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish studies from UNAM, and a Master of Music in Vocal performance from Rice University.
Jimena Montserrat es una soprano de coloratura mexicana, y Joven Artista de DACAMERA. Su repertorio incluye los papeles de Adina en L’elisir d’amore, Zerlina en Don Giovanni, y Mrs. Fiorentino en Street scene. Ha cantado como solista al lado de la orquesta barroca La Galatea y la Texas Medical Center Orchestra. En el 2018 recibió el premio a mejor interpretación de ópera en la competencia de canto Maritza Alemán, y durante sus estudios de maestría fue becaria del Fondo Nacional para la Cultura y las Artes de México. Jimena tiene años de experiencia como maestra. Cuenta con un título de Licenciatura en Canto operístico por la Escuela Superior de Música, uno de Licenciatura en Lengua y literaturas hispánicas por la UNAM, y uno de maestría en Ejecución vocal por Rice University.
Astrid Nakamura
Violin
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Canadian violinist Astrid Nakamura is currently pursuing her master’s degree at Rice University with Kathleen Winkler with support from the Dorothy Richard Starling Foundation. Astrid has been privileged to perform with members of the Doric and Jupiter Quartets, as well as perform in masterclasses for members of the Guarneri Quartet, Quatuor Ébène, Artemis Quartet, Alban Berg Quartett and more. Her chamber ventures additionally include summer fellowships at Yellow Barn, the Music Academy of the West Quartet Intensive, and the McGill International String Quartet Association. Astrid is an alumna of the Phil and Eli Taylor Academy, and completed her undergraduate studies at McGill University in 2022. Astrid performs on the c.1830-1850 ’Eckhardt-Gramatte, Joachim’ Georges Chanot I violin, generously on loan from the Canada Council for the Arts Musical Instrument Bank.
La violinista canadiense Astrid Nakamura actualmente estudia la maestría en la Rice University con Kathleen Winkler, con el apoyo de la Dorothy Richard Starling Foundation. Astrid ha tenido el privilegio de tocar con miembros de Doric and Jupiter Quartets, así como de presentarse en clases magistrales con miembros de las agrupaciones Guarneri Quartet, Quatuor Ébène, Artemis Quartet, Alban Berg Quartett, entre otras. Su trayectoria como músico de cámara además incluye programas de verano como miembro de Yellow Barn, Music Academy of the West Quartet Intensive, y de McGill International String Quartet Association. Astrid es egresada de Phil and Eli Taylor Academy, y se graduó de sus estudios de licenciatura por McGill University en 2022. Astrid toca con el violín Georges Chanot I de c.1830-1850 ’Eckhardt-Gramatte, Joachim’, que le fue prestado generosamente por el Canada Council for the Arts Musical Instrument Bank.
Hunter O’Brien
Flute
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Hunter O’Brien’s passionate musical approach has garnered him top prizes in the MTNA Young Artist, James Pappoutsakis, Friedrich Kuhlau, Yamaha YPA, Byron Hester, Ervin Monroe, and NY Flute Club competitions. He currently engages an array of Houston communities as an educator, DACAMERA Young Artist, and flutist with the Houston-based Kodan Quintet. He is honored to be recognized as a Wm. S. Haynes Young Artist. Hunter began his flute studies with Dr. Joanna Cowan White of Central Michigan University. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the New England Conservatory of Music as a Presidential Scholarship student of Paula Robison and a Master of Music degree from Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music as a student of Leone Buyse.
El apasionado enfoque musical de Hunter O’Brien lo ha llevado a recibir altos premios en las competencias MTNA Young Artist, James Pappoutsakis, Friedrich Kuhlau, Yamaha YPA, Byron Hester, Ervin Monroe, y NY Flute Club. Actualmente está involucrado con un conjunto de comunidades de Houston como educador, como Joven Artista de DACAMERA, y como flautista con el Kodan Quintet, que está basado en Houston. Además, tiene el honor de ser reconocido como Joven Artista de Wm. S. Haynes. Hunter comenzó sus estudios musicales con la Dra. Joanna Crowan White en la Central Michigan University. Obtuvo el título de Licenciatura en Música por el New England Conservatory como estudiante de Paula Robison, siendo beneficiario de la Presidential Scholarship, y el título de Maestría en Música por la Shepherd School of Music de Rice University, como estudiante de Leone Buyse.
Anne Pinkerton
Oboe
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A versatile performer in solo, chamber, and orchestral music, DACAMERA Young Artist Anne Pinkerton is an oboist originally from the Chicago area. Especially interested in new music, she performs regularly with One Found Sound (San Francisco), and spent this past summer as a fellow at the Bang On A Can Festival. She curates and performs interdisciplinary works and frequently collaborates with other artists, often utilizing a background and passion for dance. Anne is also a founding member and oboist in Reeds and Keys, an oboe and organ duo where she performs with her partner, organist Matthew Dion. In Los Angeles, Anne played with community organizations including Urban Voices Project and Street Symphony. Currently studying at Rice University, she previously received her bachelor’s degree at Oberlin Conservatory and master’s degree at Colburn Conservatory.
Una versátil intérprete de música de solo, de cámara y de orquesta, la Joven Artista de DACAMERA Anne Pinkerton es una oboísta originaria del área de Chicago. Se interesa especialmente en música nueva: se presenta con regularidad con One Found Sound (San Francisco), y pasó el verano pasado como miembro del Festival Bang On A Can. Anne cura e interpreta trabajos interdisciplinarios y frecuentemente colabora con otros artistas, muchas veces utilizando su experiencia y pasión por la danza. Es también miembro fundador y oboísta en Reeds and Keys, un dúo de oboe y órgano en el que toca con su pareja, el organista Matthew Dion. En Los Ángeles, Anne tocó con organizaciones comunitarias, incluyendo Urban Voices Project y Street Symphony. Actualmente estudia en la Rice University, y anteriormente se graduó de la licenciatura por el Oberlin Consevartory y la maestría por Colburn Consevatory.
Lauren Ross
Viola
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Violist Lauren Ross, a recent dual degree graduate of Rice University, is a passionate community artist and arts advocate. She enthusiastically engages with the Houston arts scene through a variety of diverse performances and educational initiatives. Recent performance venues include the Wortham Theater Center, Museum of Fine Arts Houston, and Rothko Chapel. Lauren is thrilled to return to DACAMERA for her second year, which features a world premiere at the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern. Beyond her performing engagements, Lauren heads marketing initiatives at GRAMMY®-nominated Baroque music organization Ars Lyrica Houston, currently celebrating its 20th anniversary season. She is also a Faculty coach at AFA’s Chamber Music Academy and maintains a private studio of violin and viola students.
La violista Lauren Ross recientemente se graduó dualmente de la Rice University, y es una apasionada artista comunitaria y promotora de las artes. Laura se ha involucrado con entusiasmo con el ámbito de las artes de Houston a través de diversas actuaciones e iniciativas educativas. Algunos de los recintos donde recientemente se ha presentado incluyen el Wortham Theater Center, el Museum of Fine Arts Houston, y la Rothko Chapel. Lauren está contenta de regresar a DACAMERA por su segundo año, en el que figura un estreno mundial en la Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern. Más allá de sus actuaciones musicales, Laura dirige las iniciativas de marketing en la organización de música barroca Ars Lyrica Houston, que ha sido nominada al GRAMMY®, y que actualmente celebra su temporada de 20º aniversario. Es además Faculty coach en la Chamber Music Academy de AFA, y tiene un estudio privado de estudiantes de violín y de viola.
Brooke Wyatt
Jazz Piano
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Brooke Wyatt is a passionate pianist, vocalist, and songwriter from Houston, Texas. She received her BA in Music at Columbia College Chicago where she performed with artists such as Jonathan McReynolds, Isaiah Sharkey, and Kendrick Scott. She has also had other notable performances at Carnegie Hall and the Caramoor Jazz Festival in New York with artists such as Sean Jones, Dianne Reeves, and Jeff “Tain” Watts. While shifting to online studies during the pandemic, Brooke developed a passion for audio production and decided to pursue her Masters Degree in Audio Engineering at Northwestern University. She recently graduated with her MA in audio and is looking forward to a career that combines her love for music and audio post-production.
Brooke Wyatt es una apasionada pianista, vocalista y compositora de canciones, originaria de Houston, Texas. Obtuvo su Licenciatura en Música por el Columbia College Chicago, donde tocó al lado de artistas como Jonathan McReynolds, Isaiah Sharkey, y Kendrick Scott. Además, ha tenido presentaciones destacadas en Carnegie Hall y el Caramoor Jazz Festival en Nueva York, con artistas como Sean Jones, Dianne Reeves, y Jeff “Tain” Watts. Cuando debido a la pandemia continuó sus estudios en línea, Brooke desarrolló su pasión por la producción de audio, y decidió estudiar la maestría en Ingeniería de Audio en la Northwestern University. Recientemente se graduó con su Maestría en Artes en audio, y espera tener una carrera que combine su amor por la música y la postproducción de audio.
