Welcome, New Fellows!Each year, CMW welcomes two musicians to its Fellowship Program. The Fellowship program, which began in 2006, is a two-year intensive immersion that gives career-bound musicians the experience of participating in the Community MusicWorks model. Fellows teach, perform and mentor alongside Resident Musicians. Through hands-on experience working within the larger community and with key organizational practices, they are encouraged to imagine careers that combine artistic practice with service. This year we are delighted to be joined by violist Ashley Frith and cellist Zan Berry! Here’s a little bit more about them…
Ashley Frith, from Miami, FL, decided to postpone her time in a Masters Program in Viola Performance in order to participate in the CMW Fellowship Program. “I was brought to this unique opportunity by a mutual friend of Jesse Holstein. I felt that being a part of this organization was the next obvious step in my musical journey, the step I didn’t know was possible – the opportunity to learn and experience the possibilities of combining the endless pursuit of musical excellence with the goal of making a profound impact on our world community. “ Ashley is inspired by CMW’s commitment to “quality in every aspect of their work and treating each task with the same level of respect and attention.” She is most looking forward to broadening her understanding of what it means to truly be of service and continuing to develop the ways in which she can assist others through music. When asked to describe herself as a musician, she responded, “I’m not sure how I would describe myself as a musician yet, but I would describe myself as a thoughtful and passionate person. Maybe it’s the same, not sure; I know they definitely inform each other!” In her spare time Ashley loves singing and playing old gospel hymns and jazz tunes.
Zan Berry moved to Providence from Ann Arbor, MI, where he obtained a MM Cello Performance degree at the University of Michigan in 2014. As both performer and teacher Zan says “I am very interested in breaking out of traditional molds of musical performance and education to make Classical music more relevant to 21st century society. I felt that the CMW mission encompassed this broader perspective of a musician’s role in society and recognized the potential for music to change people’s lives.” Zan is especially looking forward to the diverse musical opportunities that the Fellowship program offers to everyone in the CMW community – “everything from the Bach Around Town pop up concerts to the Ars Subtillior New Music Series to getting to explore a wide variety of musical styles and ideas with the students and faculty in lessons and group classes.” He has a strong inclination towards new and experimental music, free improvisation, and collaborating with other art forms. Also a singer, Zan has even begun composing his own songs for cello and voice! When asked about teaching Zan said, “I like to bring my own creative spirit to teaching, encouraging students to approach the instrument from a creative basis and prioritize the development of their personal voice.” When not playing the cello, singing, or teaching, Zan enjoys many hobbies like hiking, meditation/yoga, playing basketball, and of course listening to new music, trying to discover the latest alternative rock bands! Welcome, Ashley and Zan! –Minna Choi, Fellowship Program Director/Resident Musician |
