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There is much to be grateful for this time of year, including the special partnerships Collington has established with various organizations and programs in the greater community.
One such partnership is the Artist-in-Residence (AIR) program awarded to gifted music students from the University of Maryland School of Music, now in its seventh year.
This year’s AIR students are Madison Hoerbelt and Tatiana Giesler, a vocalist and trumpet player, respectively, whose tenure at Collington runs from August of this year through June of 2025.
In exchange for free room and board, Madison and Tatiana are enhancing Collington’s vibrant music program, working with one another and the resident-led AIR committee to organize additional performances and educational events that benefit the entire community.
A Unique Opportunity
“The AIR program at Collington seemed like a unique opportunity and a way for me to find community, as I was just moving to Maryland,” said Madison, a native New Yorker who earned her undergraduate degree at Ithaca College.
A mezzo soprano pursuing a Master of Music in Opera in the university’s Opera Studio, she added, “Collington’s love of music and appreciation of musicians made me feel welcome right from the very beginning.”
Post-graduation, Madison lived in Ithaca for two years, where she nannied for her voice teacher’s children, sang with various vocal groups and taught music students herself. Introduced to Maryland’s School of Music by her teacher, she “fell in love” with the curriculum, faculty and intimate setting.
While opera is her primary focus of study, Madison has broad experience in several vocal genres, including barbershop, gospel, pop, musical theater and spirituals.
“At Collington, I have hosted one event and hope to plan more in the future to bring residents together to sing all these forms of music,” she said.
Everyone Has a Voice
Madison is not concerned with teaching the “perfect technique,” as there is no such thing as perfection when it comes to singing, she attests. And although she aspires to sing operatic roles in the world’s finest opera houses, more than anything, she loves working with people who simply love to sing.
“The voice is the most vulnerable and authentic instrument; everyone has one!” said Madison, a lifelong singer who comes from an entire family of musicians (her mother is also an opera singer) and music teachers. “The different sounds the body can make is truly remarkable and why I appreciate this art form.”
A Dream Come True
Tatiana’s introduction to Collington was a holiday concert with her brass quintet last year.
“I absolutely loved the campus, the audience and the environment. It was so friendly and welcoming, and there was such a strong sense of community,” said the second-year Doctor of Musical Arts student. “Once I heard applications for the program were open, I immediately applied. It sounded like a dream come true!”
Brass Tacks
Beginning at nine years old, Tatiana heeded her family’s desire to play a brass instrument…but only so far. While they were focused on a horn or trombone, the three valves and shiny exterior of the trumpet (encompassing also the cornet and flugelhorn) caught her eye.
“As a musician, I strive to be well-rounded in both performing styles and musical abilities outside of playing,” said the southern California native, who loves to teach and plan programming, as she does at Collington, as well as write and arrange music. Currently, she is writing a trumpet etude book.
As a performer, Tatiana hopes to play with various orchestras and chamber ensembles and follow her trumpet professor – “an incredible performer and pedagogue” – into university teaching.
It’s no surprise that Tatiana is particularly enthused about the weekly presentations she offers Collington residents about trumpet-related topics as well as other interactive workshops she conducts.
Residents Are Instrumental
Both Madison and Tatiana appreciate not only the hands-on participation of residents in the Collington music program, but also their concerted efforts to acclimate them to the community.
“The AIR committee supports us in our music making and always checks in to make sure we’re doing well,” said Tatiana.
Concurred Madison, “I have thoroughly enjoyed working with members of the AIR committee and getting to know them. Teamwork is one of the many aspects of music that I absolutely love.”
The committee goes beyond planning events and making student musicians feel at home, however. Residents, too, are in on the music making.
Two resident pianists, Peter Basquin and Nadine Hathaway, have accompanied Madison and Tatiana at various rehearsals and recitals, a collaboration for which both young women are pleased and grateful.
Harmony Across the Generations
Indeed, one of the most invaluable aspects of the AIR program is the opportunity for residents and students to spend lengthy, truly quality time together.
“There is nothing like the feeling of bonding and connecting with someone who may be older or younger but has the same human experience,” according to Madison.
Agreed Tatiana, “As humans, we are constantly learning and growing. When we share our experiences with one another, we share a part of ourselves and learn more about the world around us. I tend to be around musicians most of the time, so it has been fascinating hearing about [residents’] different travels, work and studies!”
A Beautiful Combination
Working in concert, Madison and Tatiana find music for monthly performances at Collington that includes both voice and trumpet.
“Trumpet and voice is such a beautiful combination, it’s awesome to have a chance to put together programs and recitals,” remarked Tatiana.
Both artists agree that a holiday sing-along/concert would be a wonderful way to round out the year. We’ll all stay tuned for that!
