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EXCEL 2020 Celebrating Five Years of Excellence

Fifty Stories of Impact

Over the course of EXCEL’s first five years, the Lab has grown to offer some of the most comprehensive arts leadership programming available anywhere. Across this website, 50 students share their insights about EXCEL and how utilizing its programs has enriched their educational experience at SMTD. These stories highlight EXCEL’s core offerings which include Funding, Internships, Coaching, Events, Courses, and Immersions.

Explore Their Stories

Hannah Baiardi | Tyler Berns | Joe Broom | César CañónHailey Cohen | Teagan FaranKatrina Fasulo | Noah Fishman | Gala Flagello | Front PorchCarlos Funn | Cassidy Goldblatt | Jean Carlo Urena Gonzalez | Stephanie Guralnick | Martha Guth | Cecilia Hiros | Forrest Howell | Taylor Isberg | Zion Jackson | Annie Jeng | Aviva Klein | BethAnne Kunert | Emma Lambert | Latin American Music InitiativeThomas Laub | Shuying Li | Sherry LinLarissa Marten | Gwendolyn Matias-Ryan | Madison Montambault | Westley Montgomery | Catherine MooreMaxwell Moore | David Newman | Isabel Olson | Amy Petrongelli | Dana Pierangeli | Mohan Ritsema | Hanna Rumora | Marina Sakellakis | Zachary Siegel | Adrianna Lynn Tam | Third Place [MusicFest] | Conner Singh Vanderbeek | Virago | Amy Wensley | Kamyron Williams | Cameron Wilson | Kristina Zlatareva

Funding

Whatever their dream, EXCEL helps students put their ideas into action. We provide $100,000 in annual funding support annually to current U-M students as they launch projects, ventures, and internships. All of our funding programs prioritize social impact as part of the award criteria, and we have supported dozens of projects that advance DEI and other social justice-centered goals.

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Gwendolyn Matias-Ryan

SM '19, viola

Gwendolyn Matias-Ryan recently obtained a post-graduate degree in viola performance at the University of Michigan. Alongside the Amatista Quartet, she launched and directed SA’OAXACA, the Oaxaca Strings International Music Festival that had its inaugural year June of 2019. She also established a Suzuki string program and is working on launching a chamber music season in Oaxaca Mexico where she resides.

KEY ENGAGEMENTS WITH EXCEL

The mentorship we received during our EXCELerator Grant preparation was nothing short of awe-inspiring and extremely motivating. In a few short months we saw our project go from something on the page to something living and breathing, and it could not have happened without all of the guidance, mentorships, coachings, discussions, and organization that was provided to us. It helped us lay out all of goals, create a very concrete and feasible plan, examine what worked and what didn't, and re-assess when the need arose. It truly was a remarkable experience, and the Festival is proof that not only does this work for long term projects, it works for projects with a very short time frame. I cannot thank everyone at EXCEL enough for this opportunity. It truly was life-changing.

EXCEL'S IMPACT ON MY CAREER

Hearing from the guest-artists and mentors was probably one of the most impactful aspects of my experience with the EXCEL lab. Hearing firsthand from artists who actually made their projects come to fruition and who currently have reached success with those projects was really enlightening. Learning what worked for them, what didn't, what they wish they had known and how they handled the unexpected challenges thrown their way helped me understand how I can handle current and future projects. I honestly think that these encounters with these artists will impact every aspect of my career, especially considering I am having to create my own work here in Oaxaca Mexico. I learned that I need to be creative, have a plan, lay out a time-frame, and get it done. My strong belief in the power of great administration was also reinforced through these mentorships, and securing excellent administration will continue to guide my organization for its life-time.

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

"Nothing is set in stone. It's okay if you are unsure how it will come about. As long as you know what you are called do to and you are willing to be flexible and creative, it CAN be done. The dreamwork is in the teamwork. Even if your dream is to become a solo musician, you still need a team and a plan. Don't be afraid to ask for help and guidance. The EXCEL lab is there for you and they are amazing. Listen to what calls and tugs at your heart, ask for guidance, be creative, and get it done."

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Thomas Laub

BFA '19, musical theatre

Thomas Laub is a producer based in New York City and the founder of live entertainment company Runyonland Productions, which exists to assist and help fund storytellers from communities nationwide to bring their work to larger audiences. He is represented this season in NYC by David Byrne's American Utopia, Slave Play, and Plaza Suite. Upcoming: Lauryn Hobbs' Rhapsody in Blue, Selina Fillinger's POTUS, Douglas Carter Beane's Fairycakes, Christopher Washington's race-ist, and the Palestinian Theatre Festival, and has other collaborations with Disney Theatrical Group, Standing Room Theatrical Solutions, and Seaview Productions.

EXCEL'S IMPACT ON MY CAREER

I would not be where I am today without the empowering support of EXCEL, period. The EXCELerator helped me turn my late-night musing about a production company into a full-fledged live entertainment company that has produced two Broadway shows within a year and a half of inception, and has four more on the docket for when the current crisis recedes. I owe a great deal to the wonderful, dedicated team at EXCEL, each of them provided invaluable advice, insight and opportunities and never stopped believing in us, even when I wasn't sure they should. They are the future of SMTD, full stop.

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

"Walk into the EXCEL office and bother them at least once a week! You will learn something every time! Also call or email everyone you want to meet and chat with, everyone loves talking about themselves. Also email me. thomas@runyonlandprods.com."

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Gala Flagello

MM '19, composition | DMA '22, composition

The music of composer Gala Flagello “is both flesh and spirit, intensely psychological without sacrificing concrete musical enjoyment” (I Care If You Listen). She is the Festival Director and co-founder of the nonprofit music festival Connecticut Summerfest and is pursuing a DMA in Composition at the University of Michigan.

KEY ENGAGEMENTS WITH EXCEL

Nonprofit Fundraising course; coachings with Jonathan and Caitlin re: Enterprise Fund proposals (Educational New Music for Developing Voices and The Contemporary Solo Horn); Julia Wolfe EXCEL talk (!!!); Connecticut Summerfest's internship partnership with EXCEL for our yearly Arts Management Intern (Catherine Moore, Connecticut Summerfest 2019; Maya Johnson, Connecticut Summerfest 2020, postponed to 2021); inaugural Impact Award for Connecticut Summerfest 2020.

EXCEL'S IMPACT ON MY CAREER

From funding for collaborative projects ("Educational New Music for Developing Voices," 2018; "The Contemporary Solo Horn," 2019) to catalyzing crucial relationships with arts leaders, EXCEL resources have furthered my professional growth as both a composer and arts administrator in myriad ways. EXCEL's work with students also goes beyond the individual— the nonprofit contemporary music festival I co-founded and co-direct, Connecticut Summerfest, is one of EXCEL's internship partners, and we are proud to have been awarded one of the inaugural Impact Awards in 2020.

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

"No dream is too big, no combination of interests is too odd, and we can all benefit from one person's "crazy" idea. In your professional efforts, as in all things, be kind. Forget networking—build your community. They're out there, and you'll find them."

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Conner Singh VanderBeek

PhD '22, ethnomusicology

Conner Singh VanderBeek is a composer, pianist, and multimedia artist working on his PhD in ethnomusicology. His research focuses on Punjabi artists in Canada and how they draw from hip-hop and celebrity cultures in crafting their community-wide and public-facing identities. He also sews stuffed animals and makes noise music.

EXCEL'S IMPACT ON MY CAREER

EXCEL allowed me to raise the bar on projects that I was already planning on doing. The video filming and editing work I have done thanks to the boost EXCEL gave me has more than paid off, both in professional, paid contexts, and in my artistic work.

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

"To be an artist in this day and age is to be proficient in several modes of artistic and media production. You need to be a performer in multiple styles, a programmer, an arranger, producer, recording artist, editor, and everything you can possibly do. And we all do a bit of that already on our phones, for our portfolios, for social media. All you need to do is to take some time out to turn it into something."

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Catherine Moore

BM '22, music education (choral)

Catherine Moore is studying Choral Music Education as a Piano Principal and Performing Arts Management & Entrepreneurship. She studies classical piano with Dr. Matthew Bengtson, and has sung in the Chamber Choir under the direction of Dr. Eugene Rogers. She is the Media Manager for Connecticut Summerfest Contemporary Music Festival, and is an Education and Community Engagement Intern at UMS.

EXCEL'S IMPACT ON MY CAREER

After my original summer internship fell through due to the COVID-19 pandemic, EXCEL helped me find a remote opportunity and granted me a stipend to support my work. This funding allowed me to stay in my field and continue growing my skills in the arts. Even amidst a pandemic where the arts world has been placed on hold, EXCEL gave me the opportunity to continue to make new connections working with people globally, and grow my writing and research skills. EXCEL has been an incredibly supportive resource for everything from proofreading resumes, to career mentorship, to pre-interview fashion advice. They have given me the entrepreneurial skills and confidence to follow my own path and wear jeans with a blazer.

I am incredibly grateful to EXCEL for supporting my internship with Connecticut Summerfest, a summer music festival dedicated to the composition and performance of new music, co-founded by fellow SMTD student Gala Flagello. Interning with Connecticut Summerfest introduced me to members of leading chamber music ensembles and award-winning composers, and broadened my idea of what a career in music could look like for me. I was able to hone my skills in photography, graphic design, and publicity to help an organization aligned with my own musical interests succeed. My EXCEL sponsored internship with CTSF led to a position on staff as Media Manager, and has been one of the most rewarding roles I have ever held.

KEY ENGAGEMENTS WITH EXCEL

EXCEL has been an incredible resource to me as a Michigan student, and has helped me envision what a life after school could possibly look like. Their career mentorship and resume building help has helped me secure internships at organizations like the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, University Musical Society, and Arts Alliance of Washtenaw County. Some of the most memorable classes I have taken so far at Michigan were sponsored by EXCEL, and connections I made through them have directly led to shadowing and internship opportunities.

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

In shadowing and learning from professors and professionals in the arts administration and music performance fields, my greatest takeaway has been that there is no one set path to your own dream career, as it may be yours to create. Say yes to opportunities that excite you, and surround yourself with people that inspire you. Don’t let anything box you in, whether that be a person, or the degree listed on your diploma. If something interests you, don’t say no only because it may not be what someone else imagined for you.

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Sherry Lin

MFA ' 20, dance

Sherry Lin is a registered dietitian and a hip hop dance educator. She graduated from the University of Michigan with a Master of Fine Arts in Dance in 2020. Lin founded Rhythm and Nutrition, Inc. to promote holistic wellness and to provide nutrition counseling for performing artists.

EXCEL'S IMPACT ON MY CAREER

With the support of the EXCEL Enterprise Fund, I partnered with 2XS Dance Company, a student-run organization on campus, to better understand the challenges hip hop dancers have in developing healthy eating habits. Some of the challenges reported by the dancers included transportation and limited access to grocery stores, time management, and financial difficulties. Through EXCEL funding, we provided healthy snacks for the dancers during their intensive training week. At the end of the week, a survey was taken to record results of the impact of healthy snacks on the dancers. The dancers reported increased energy, concentration, and mood improvement as a result of the healthy snacks provided. This project has encouraged me to continue developing my skills as a registered dietitian and dance educator. I hope to implement my research into practice through my nutrition consulting company, Rhythm and Nutrition, Inc (www.rhythmandnutrition.com).

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

Don’t be afraid to dream big. We often limit our imagination due to having a deficit mentality. If you have an idea, you can find the resources and network within U of M to refine, articulate, and implement the idea into a product or reality.

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Noah Fishman

MA '20, composition

Noah Fishman is a multidisciplinary performer and composer. Raised in Maine, he has studied at Princeton, IRCAM, and Conservatorium van Amsterdam, and performed in concert halls and festivals around the globe. In 2020 Fishman received a degree in composition from University of Michigan.

KEY ENGAGEMENTS WITH EXCEL

The U-M EXCEL Lab puts forward some phenomenal events, courses, and funding opportunities, and I was lucky to be able to participate in many of these offerings. First, I received an Enterprise Fund award that funded a performance residency in Michigan with my longtime collaborator, Baron Collins-Hill. We performed at the Kerrytown Concert House and gave a concert and workshop at Elderly Instruments in Lansing. Michigan, as well as filming some videos in Hankinson Hall in the Moore Building.. EXCEL provided funding for travel, food, and lodging for Baron during his visit, and it kicked off our duo album and energized us as performers and artists. In fall 2020, I participated in an EXCEL Teaching Artistry mini-course, an intense action-packed weekend that changed my outlook on teaching. Following that weekend, which I raved about to anyone who would listen, I applied for the opportunity to work with UMS through EXCEL. For the winter/spring semester I enjoyed assembling teaching artistry and educational materials for the Chineke! ensemble, a residency which unfortunately came to a quick end with the onset of the pandemic. At the end of my time at U-M, I received an additional EXCEL Grant for to fund a project commissioning short pieces for electric bass. This opportunity, which came at the time of the COVID pandemic, has given me a new lease on the instrument, and allows me to pass funds to colleagues in need during this challenging time. Additionally, EXCEL hosts great events with visiting ensembles and artists, which I would attend without fail. So much wisdom and expertise was shared in these sessions, and I am grateful for the whole EXCEL team for putting them together.

EXCEL'S IMPACT ON MY CAREER

EXCEL blurred the line between conservatory life and a career in music. Leaving undergrad, my sense of how to translate my artistic/academic experience into a viable career was a complete mystery. Now, through events, sessions, classes, and online resources, EXCEL has showed me new ways of valuing my role as an artist.

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

"Have an open mind, and don't take for granted your connections and prior opportunities! Everything you've done until now is now a part of your creative life and career."

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Adrianna Lynn Tam

DMA '19, choral conducting

Dr. Adrianna L. Tam is Director of Choral Activities and Assistant Professor of Music at Randolph-Macon College (Ashland, VA) and cantor at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart (Richmond, VA). She believes in choral singing as a platform for compassionate artistry. Tam will co-present on the mission of “Out of the Blue” at Podium 2020 (Montréal).

EXCEL'S IMPACT ON MY CAREER

Applying for the EXCEL Enterprise Fund was my very first foray into grant writing. With the help of SMTD alumna and "Out of the Blue" co-founder, Rikki Morrow-Spitzer, I got my first taste of professional and collaborative entrepreneurial writing. Successfully receiving the grant opened a door I'd once thought unapproachable. And my invaluable time with "Out of the Blue" affirmed my own mission as a community-minded musician, a mission that continues to this day.

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

"Ask yourself why you do what it is you do. As Professor Emeritus Dr. Jerry Blackstone would say, "What's your dream?" Take risks, especially when that dream is at stake. A dream can become a mission that can grow beyond yourself. Share your dreams!"

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David Newman

BFA '18, theatre & drama performance, acting

David Newman is a Production Associate for The Late Late Show with James Corden and a part-time copywriter for Armed Mind Inc. At Michigan, David majored in acting, but also produced MUSKET Shows for three years and worked in fundraising for the LEAD Scholars Program at the Alumni Association. Newman is working towards being a writer and producer for television.

KEY ENGAGEMENTS WITH EXCEL

I was lucky enough to engage with EXCEL in a variety of programs, from a class on website building and video editing for artists, to some of those morning talks over coffee and bagels with industry professionals and organizations, to recieving an Enterprise Award for a short film I was producing, and so much more. EXCEL was exceedingly helpful to me during college, seeming to find positive ways into my experience at every turn.

EXCEL'S IMPACT ON MY CAREER

I would have to say mainly the Enterprise Award. I received a $1,000 grant from EXCEL along with two classmates, Ryan Rosenheim and Peter Donahue, to fund a short film that Ryan and Peter had written and I would produce call Scott for Now. Using EXCEL's funding and the rest of our college resources, we created 30 minutes of professional-grade content that we were immensely proud of. Furthermore, once we moved out to Los Angeles together, we showed the film to managers and producers. One of them loved it so much that he signed Peter as a client and gave us additional funding to film more of the project so that we could pitch it as a TV show. The award we received two years ago is still helping us today and driving a lot of our work.

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

"Don't feel forced define yourself entirely by what you've chosen to major in. Yes, I was an acting major, and I loved every minute of it and wouldn't trade my four years for everything. But it wasn't my whole world, and because of the other opportunities that Michigan offered, like EXCEL, I was able to explore the full depths of what drew me to acting, theater, and television in the first place. Now, I still love to act, but I also know that I love to write, and I know that I want to produce more than anything. As I was studying to learn how to tell a story, it became clear to me that I loved helping other people tell their stories just as much. This is why I've made a transition in my professional life into more behind the scenes work. I haven't abandoned my acting—I've endeavored to take those lessons with me, and I believe they make me a better writer and producer. I never would have figured this out if I hadn't taken advantage of Michigan's wide range of opportunities."

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Carlos Funn

MFA '18, dance

Carlos Funn is a Movement Protagonist & Provocateur that creates happenings that are considered socially conscious cabarets. He is Co-Founder of www.moving24fps.com along with fellow alum Marcus White. You can see his work at www.funnfoto.com

EXCEL'S IMPACT ON MY CAREER

I was able to build relationships and gather more information on running a for-profit arts event, and execute a proof of concept to pitch to other organizations. EXCEL assisted in that development through funding, and providing and encouraging networking with others in the field.

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

"I would encourage students to be bold and look at how their practice can be interdisciplinary. The new future lies in collaborative practices taking the forefront. If you learn how to navigate these spaces it will build value in their respective disciplines. You have to build brand awareness and identity to establish yourself as value to the field."

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Front Porch

Front Porch is a mixed quartet that invites audiences to engage personally with the voices of their close friends, reimagining the classical concert experience with warmth and love at its foundation. Their uncommon instrumentation—violin, bassoon, piano, and percussion—makes them equally at home with composers, folk artists, opera singers, and everyone in between.

KEY ENGAGEMENTS WITH EXCEL

The EXCELerator was huge for us. The funding was of course a powerful tool, and the incubator experience forced us to hone our professional strategy. We practiced very valuable real-world skills such as grant-writing, networking, marketing and promotion, booking etc. Performing at National Sawdust was also huge opportunity for us. We're really eternally indebted to the EXCEL program.

EXCEL'S IMPACT ON OUR CAREER

The music industry can sometimes feel unknowable. EXCEL resources experience helped us demystify some of that. We were able to learn from a variety of professionals about the industry and how they navigate it. Most importantly we learned, and are continuing to learn, that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. EXCEL maintains a diverse lineup of industry experts who each bring a new perspective to the table. Many of the relationships that started in the EXCEL Lab continue to grow and benefit us as we enter the professional space (members of Decoda, ICEnsemble, Akropolis Quintet, and others.)

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

Everyone you encounter is a teacher. Some people will inspire you, showing you a lifestyle that you never thought possible. Others may be just the opposite, a wake-up call that a certain lifestyle isn't for you. Both are equally valuable as you continue to learn about yourself and the professional life you want to live.

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Third Place [MusicFest]

Third Place [MusicFest] is an annual festival in Ann Arbor, MI that brings together artists and businesses from the region to celebrate the power of the "third place"—a place that is not your home or place of employment, but rather a neutral, community-centered environment. Through eight concerts over the course of four days, and partnering with six local businesses, Third Place [MusicFest] fosters a thriving and accessible community between performing artists, local businesses, and Ann Arbor residents.

EXCEL'S IMPACT ON OUR CAREER

This past year, EXCEL helped us ask ourselves the important questions we need to face as a young organization and guided us through uncharted waters as new administrators. They helped us pull off our first Third Place [MusicFest], restructure our organizational infrastructure, and build a web presence that authentically shows the world who we are and what we care about. They have also helped us individually develop our professional skills that we can carry with us throughout the rest of our careers.

WORDS OF ENCOURAGMEMENT

"We would encourage young professionals to figure out what gets you out of bed in the morning—what kind of work energizes you? Then, find other folks who share the love for that work and go make something great happen!"

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Madison Montambault

BM '17, voice | MM '19 voice

Mezzo-Soprano, Madison Montambault prides herself in her versatile performance ability across the operatic repertoire. Her repertoire includes the Old Lady (Candide), Bradamante (Alcina), Carmen (Carmen), Madame de Croissy (Les Dialogues des Carmélites), and Dorabella (Così fan tutte). She made her professional debut with Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings in David Lang’s The Difficulty of Crossing a Field where she sang the role of Mrs. Williamson. Recently she was seen in the role of Muley’s Wife in Ricky Ian Gordon’s The Grapes of Wrath with Michigan Opera Theatre. Montambault made her debut with Sarasota Opera as a member of the 2020 Apprentice Program, and is excited to join Indianapolis Opera as Resident Artist covering Suzuki in Madama Butterfly. Equally at home with art song repertoire, she sang with The National Music Festival where she performed as a soloist in Mahler’s Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen. Montambault holds a Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance, a Master of Music in Voice Performance, both from the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance. She is a longtime student of internationally acclaimed bass-baritone, Stephen West. Additionally, she an active practicer of the artistic recovery and discovery process established in Julia Cameron’s bestseller, The Artist’s Way, a seminal book on the subject of creativity. www.madisonmontambault.com

KEY ENGAGEMENTS WITH EXCEL

Receiving the 2017 EXCEL Enterprise Fund Grant. My dear friend and colleague, Westley Montgomery, and I applied for the grant so we, with faculty help from Robert Swedberg and Kathy Kelly, would be able to produce an all undergraduate-student -run modern opera. We had noticed that there was not only a lack performances of modern opera, but also performance opportunities for undergrad voice performance majors. In addition, a lack of presented material that is impactful and to be frank, necessary. With help from Prof. Kelly and Prof. Swedberg, we chose David Lang's the difficulty of crossing a field, a chamber opera for singers and string quartet. We had a fabulous student director, Colter Schoenfish, a wonderful student tech designer, Caroline Uy, and students from the Department of Chamber Music join us in the pit with Prof. Kelly conducting. Additionally, in examining the pertinence of the operatic art form to people in an ever-changing society, it was important that we created an opportunity to explore and address a variety of issues and societal experiences. Such issues as establishing identity through race, religious beliefs, and socioeconomic status sometimes are briefly addressed in older repertoire. However, these issues and topics as they relate to our current societal experiences are not adequately portrayed. By incorporating modern materials that addressed the current positioning of societal issues into the already established operatic repertoire, opera as a musical genre, and as an educational tool, continues to properly serve as a direct reflection of the progression of society, and the dialogues and actions that need to be taken as a result. This will not only allow opera to remain present and relevant, but will continue to expand it, and will allow for a direct look at what life was like when the opera was being composed and/or performed.

EXCEL'S IMPACT ON MY CAREER

After we did our initial performances at SMTD, we had the opportunity, arranged through Prof. Kathy Kelly, to do another run of the opera in collaboration with Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings, with performances in Detroit and at Kerrytown Concert House in Ann Arbor. We were thrilled for these opportunities so we could share this story with more audiences and create more opportunities for opera to be accessible and experienced in a unique and unconventional way, allowing for the performance to very impactful and thought provoking for both performers and audience members. This is a work that forces all involved, including audience members, to really think about who they are and what is their place in our society... what actions do they do in order to make life better, and how they can do their part in making a difference.

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

"Always be your unapologetic authentic self, take on the projects, repertoire, roles etc. that ignite something in you... that speak to you and your artistry and that are things that you are passionate about sharing with the world. Art is impactful and your voice is meant to tell stories, share stories and to help make people really think and make a difference."

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Virago

Virago is a new voice in classical music. Marked by intense chemistry and resistance to creative norms, Virago melds free improvisation and contemporary chamber music into a contagious headspace of out-of-the box expression. This unusually-instrumented quintet improvises through collaborations with composers, audience members, visual artists, and musicians across genres, marking the path for the future of chamber music. Virago has performed at festivals, concert halls, local businesses and public spaces across Michigan. Passionate about the impact of free improvisation on personal and creative growth, Virago facilitates free improvisation workshops for k-12 students. Virago was founded at the University of Michigan in 2018 and is comprised of Sofia Carbonara (percussion), Wesley Hornpetrie (cello), BethAnne Kunert (alto/soprano saxophones), and Megan Rohrer (violin/viola).

KEY ENGAGEMENTS WITH EXCEL

EXCELerator mentorship, Dean's Liaison role, EXCEL talks, EXCELerator and enterprise grants.

EXCEL'S IMPACT ON OUR CAREER

EXCEL helped both of my two main projects, Virago and Converge, to expand and grow in many ways—especially with Virago, the enterprise fund allowed us to start a year+ -long commissioning project and relationship with composer Harriet Steinke that has blossomed into our multi-faceted Listening for Bells project which will be continued and presented when it's safe. EXCELerator helped us immensely with specific mentorship sessions that guided us to reflect on everything from our core mission to details of marketing. I learned a lot personally about website design, online presence and social media from mentors. Also my work as Dean's Liaison was a hugely helpful experience in getting administration experience.

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

"You can make things happen!"

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Jean Carlo Urena Gonzalez

MM '20, percussion | MM '20, chamber music | DMA '23, percussion

Native of the Dominican Republic, Jean Carlo Urena Gonzalez studied percussion at the Music Academy of the Congregation Mita Inc and the National Conservatory of Music in the D.R. He has a BM from The Hartt School, an MM music performance, an MM in chamber music from U-M, and is currently pursuing his DMA at U-M.

KEY ENGAGEMENTS WITH EXCEL

"Ken Fischer's Arts Leadership class! My last semester as a Master student I joined the “Arts Leadership” mini-course, which was without doubt, one of those classes that are life changing. It helped me change my mindset and pushed me to develop my first professional projects taking my ideas into action. Prof. Fischer was such an inspiring teacher that it is impossible to leave the class without wanting to develop your art and understand the value of just making the call. EXCEL staff also helped me during several meetings to develop my project, resume and just lead me into successfully developing my “Connecting to the Roots” project.

EXCEL'S IMPACT ON MY CAREER

EXCEL was a big support into the creation of “Connecting with the Roots”, a project commissioning works for percussion solo by composers from my home country, the Dominican Republic. This will be a big step in my professional career since this will be my first album as a professional musician in which I worked with the composers in the developing of the music, and which will further help me boost my professional career by having high quality content for presentations and masterclasses. The support of EXCEL also helps me continue my role as an ambassador of Dominican music overseas. The resources they provided not just to me, but to all SMTD students, is a big reason why so many projects happen during students' time at U-M.

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

"“Make the call” were the words guest speaker Rich Homberg (President & CEO of Detroit Public Television) said to the “Arts Leadership”class. That motto and mind set of just realizing that without making the call you would not know what it would have been, was one of the reasons why I contacted composers and EXCEL for the creation of this project. Therefore, since those words resonated with me I share them with you."

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Larissa Marten

BFA '17, theatre & drama performance, acting

Larissa Marten is an actor, writer, and sustainable entertainment maker. She is a 2020 Sokoloff Arts Creative Fellowship recipient. She is a 2020 SPACE on Ryder Farm Creative Residency finalist. She has 20/20 vision. She is the Co-founder of Herd, a female-driven, environmentally sustainable theatre company. larissamarten.com @larissamarten

KEY ENGAGEMENTS WITH EXCEL

It's hard to imagine what my life would be like now had I not received funding to perform my thesis while at Michigan. The Acting program at Michigan does not require its seniors to create a thesis. I wanted to create my own work. I wanted to write my own words. For my thesis, I created a play, called I KILLED THE COW, which I still perform to this day.

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

"Savor your time at Michigan. Know that you will learn what you need to learn about the "real world" when you get there. Your time in college is irreplaceable. In this sense, getting ahead of the game will only set you back. So be a college student, fully and unabashedly. And trust that when professional life comes knocking you'll be prepared, because you took the time to close Michigan's chapter."

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Isabel Olson

BTA '20 theatre arts | BA '20 history

Isabel K. Olson is theatre director and writer focused primarily on new work development and arts activism. Olson recently graduated from U-M with degrees in Theatre Arts (SMTD) and History Honors (LSA). Directing credits include And We Look On (Duderstadt Video Studio) and Cabaret (U-M MUSKET). Olson has also served artistic and administrative roles at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, UMS, O’Neill Theater Center, and New York Musical Festival.

KEY ENGAGEMENTS WITH EXCEL

On multiple occasions, EXCEL helped to make internships possible that otherwise would have been inaccessible summer opportunities for me. With EXCEL support, I was a Literary Intern at the O'Neill Theatre Center the summer of 2018. In 2019, EXCEL and the UMS 21st Century Artist Internship enabled me to travel to Edinburgh, Scotland to assist U.K. artist Javaad Alipoor's production of Rich Kids at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Over my senior year at Michigan, EXCEL supported And We Look On, a production I directed and devised for the Duderstadt which tackles the climate crisis using various artistic mediums including dance, puppetry, projection, and music.

EXCEL'S IMPACT ON MY CAREER

Without EXCEL my Michigan experience would not have been so comprehensive or exploratory. Over my summers, EXCEL granted me funding for internships that revealed new career opportunities and new artistic goals. In particular, the ability to work at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe revitalized my love of live art and made me increasingly curious to explore devised and experimental work that blends artistic mediums outside of theatre. Over the course of my school years, EXCEL provided grants for me and my peers to develop shows independently of student organizations which creates more space for students to practice their artistic skills on their own terms. More than just a source of funding, EXCEL offered me constant mentorship as I sought out my career path, updated my resume, and applied to jobs. EXCEL is a vital piece of the SMTD fabric that stands as an independent organization designed to assist students beyond just career aspirations but also in life success.

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

"College is four years to make mistakes and try again, venture into unknown territory, and continually edit the path you are on. Study every subject matter you can get your hands on. Learn about the world around you and perspectives unlike your own. Embrace new art forms, collaborating with other artists, and creating and viewing art that takes you out of your comfort zone. Most of all, accept that to determine your own path as an artist, you're going to have to fail sometimes, and that's a good thing."

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Latin American Music Initiative

In 2018, Régulo Stabilito and Maria Castillo launched the Latin American Music Initiative (LAMI), a project aimed at fostering a community of musicians interested in the study, understanding, and promotion of Latin American music around the globe. They have utilized EXCEL’s offerings to grow LAMI, attending a number of the lab’s courses and participating in workshops. Over the last three years, the pair earned an EXCEL Enterprise Award to support their initial LAMI project, they were awarded a 2019 EXCELerator Fellowship which offered extensive mentorship and seed funding, and they received the $10,000 EXCEL Prize in 2020. They will use this most recent funding to launch LAMI’s first festival, I LAMI Festival: From Latin America to the World.

Maria Castillo is Assistant Professor of Flute at University of Tennessee, Knoxville and co-founder of the Latin American Music Initiative (LAMI), advocating for Latin American repertoire. Castillo has developed an active solo, orchestral and teaching career in Latin America and the US. She earned a DMA in flute at the University of Michigan.

Régulo Stabilito is a young conductor who grew up musically in the world-renowned project “El Sistema” in Venezuela, his career took him as guest conductor in different Latin America and European countries, maintaining a close relationship Venezuelan principal orchestras such as the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra, the Venezuela Symphony Orchestra, and the Caracas Municipal Symphony Orchestra. Stabilito is also a lawyer. He holds an MM from USB Caracas, and a Master of Music in Orchestral Conducting (2019) from University of Michigan. Currently, he is pursuing his DMA in Orchestral Conducting at SMTD.

EXCEL'S IMPACT ON MY CAREER

Maria: I am graduating a year early from my DMA with certificates in Musicology, Arts Administration and DEI, because I won a tenure-track position as Assistant Professor of Flute at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Because of funding, the EXCELerator fellowship, and all the guidance received through EXCEL, my partner and I were able to found LAMI, and all of our ideas just came together to build this incredible organization. At the audition, I was sure of my preparedness as a teacher and performer due the guidance I have received at U-M from my teachers and mentors. But it was LAMI and my knowledge and experience with entrepreneurship that many of my now-colleagues tell me made me stand out as a unique applicant. I strongly believe that the certificate in Arts Entrepreneurship should be part of the requirements to graduate from any program at SMTD. It is a survival guide to become a successful XXI century musician. I am just so thankful for all the classes, for non-curricular events, and for the funding EXCEL gives all of us.

Régulo: In my personal experience EXCEL has been an enormous stimulus in the growth of my professional career as conductor/entrepreneur; from offering me academic tools in Arts Administration for the benefit of my own artistic goals, to the funding to make them possible!

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

Régulo: “Define your goals, create a strategic plan to achieve them, be passionate about who you are as an artist and what is unique in your offering, be humble when you have success and courageous when you don't. And forever GO BLUE!!!”

Maria: "Running your own music career is a must nowadays. We can be incredible performers and teachers, but we will be much more successful if we expand our musical knowledge from our field to include arts entrepreneurship experience. EXCEL is a unique program that not many other universities offer, so I strongly encourage students to include classes from the Arts Administration catalog in their schedules and ideally pursue the Arts Entrepreneurship Certificate. All of the knowledge learned here will definitely help you become more prepared for a musical life nowadays, especially in a post-COVID world. I am so proud and thankful to EXCEL for all they gave me. As I'm graduating from U-M I just know I want to give my students at UT-Knoxville the same experience I had here at U-M, which allowed me to dream without limitations and make these dreams come true."

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Shuying Li

MM '15, composition | DMA '15, composition '15

A believer that music has the innate power to promote cultural diversity by connecting people through universally human passions and values, Shuying Li’s compositions have been performed by Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, Seattle Symphony Orchestra, New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, American Lyric Theater, Argus Quartet, Four Corners Ensemble, Hartford Opera Theater, Composers Conference Ensemble, Donald Sinta Quartet, Orkest de ereprijs (Netherlands), Norfolk Contemporary Ensemble, Avanti! Chamber Orchestra (Finland), ICon Arts Ensemble (Romania), Cecilia Quartet (Canada), 15.19. Ensemble (Italy), Ascanio Quartet (Italy), Atlas Ensemble (Netherlands), and others. Originally from China, Li holds degrees from the University of Michigan and The Hartt School at the University of Hartford and serves as a research fellow at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music in China. She will joined the faculty at Gonzaga University as Assistant Professor of Composition and Music Theory in 2020. She is Founder and Artistic Director of the contemporary ensemble and non-profit organization Four Corners Ensemble. Her upcoming projects include performances by Shanghai Philharmonic Orchestra (China), Moscow Contemporary Ensemble (Russia), Alarm Will Sound, Boston Modern Orchestra Project, and Aspen Contemporary Ensemble; an opera commissioned by the Shanghai Conservatory of Music with librettist Julian Crouch; and a band consortium commission by 20 universities including The Hartt School, New England Conservatory, University of Michigan, Cornell University, University of Illinois, and others. Learn more by visiting http://www.shuyingli.com.

KEY ENGAGEMENTS WITH EXCEL

With support from EXCEL's programs such as EXCELerator, coaching, and workshops, Four Corners Ensemble (501c3 organization) was founded and launched successfully and smoothly. We were also able to host the first Operation Opera Festival, where over 50 musicians from the U.S. and China collaborated together on premiering eight new contemporary operas. During the festival, three concerts were hosted and we engaged over 300 audience members in the greater Detroit area.

EXCEL'S IMPACT ON MY CAREER

The financial sponsorship is always a big help. But we found that the skills we acquired from EXCEL in program development, evaluation, and networking were far more valuable and sustainable.

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

"Possibilities in Music are endless. If you have a dream, don’t hold back because EXCEL will be there to help you."

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Emma Lambert

BFA '20, dance

Emma Lambert, from Dearborn Heights, MI, is a recent graduate from the University of Michigan. She completed a dual degree, receiving a BS in Movement Science and a BFA in Dance. This year she will be attending the Master of Management program at the Ross School of Business with the hopes to work in the arts administration field post-graduation.

KEY ENGAGEMENTS WITH EXCEL

I was an intern for DanceWorks Chicago and was able to get a behind the scenes look of how a dance company works. In addition, I was able to gain more experience and skills in marketing and advertising for dance performances. Overall, I had the opportunity to be immersed in the Chicago dance community while helping DanceWorks Chicago and Thodos Dance Chicago gear up for their annual New Dances performance.

EXCEL'S IMPACT ON MY CAREER

EXCEL gave me the opportunity to have my first internship and allowed me to see what an arts administration role looks like within a dance company. Before I was chosen as the summer intern for DanceWorks Chicago, I had just been admitted to the Master of Management program at Ross. I knew I would soon be studying business with the hopes of working in arts administration. However, I wasn't really sure exactly what I wanted to do within this field. While working as an intern for DWC over the summer, I was able to work on a variety of marketing and advertising related projects and realized that's where I found the most joy. This internship helped me gain not only clarity for what I want to focus on in my master's degree, but also gave me invaluable experience working for a dance company.

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

"Be willing to take risks and put yourself out there! Over the course of my internship I realized just how important it is to make meaningful connections with those in your community. The first step to making those lasting connections is to be open. Once you are able to make these lasting connections you have people to guide and mentor you along your professional development journey!"

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Westley Montgomery

BMA '17, voice | MM '19, voice

Westley Montgomery is a singer, interdisciplinary artist, and academic whose work focuses on the intersections of identity, race, gender, and musical performance. Montgomery has performed roles in the difficulty of crossing a field, Prince Igor, and The Turn of the Screw, among others. Montgomery is currently pursuing a PhD in Theater and Performance Studies at Stanford University.

KEY ENGAGEMENTS WITH EXCEL

In 2017, grant support from EXCEL allowed my friend and colleague Madison Montambault and myself to organize, produce, and perform in a production of David Lang’s chamber opera the difficulty of crossing a field. With faculty support from Kathleen Kelly and Robert Swedberg, we were able to mount a fully staged production of the opera, with director Colter Schoenfish, designer Caroline Uy, and student musicians from the Chamber Music department. This project allowed us to create opportunities for undergraduate voice majors to learn and sing full roles, an opportunity that we felt many undergraduates lacked access to. It also allowed us to learn the skills necessary to produce and perform a modern opera, another opportunity that is often in short supply. The specific choice of this work also allowed us to start community dialogue around representation, casting, and race in opera.

EXCEL'S IMPACT ON MY CAREER

Our production of the difficulty of crossing a field directly led to one of my first professional opportunities when I was able to reprise my role in the work with the Detroit Chamber Winds and Strings. The project also helped me to expand my idea of what opera—and performance more generally—is, and what it can accomplish. Subsequent to this project, I have produced several other collaborative pieces of music-theatre, including Afrika Singt, an exploration of the musical depiction of the African diaspora in Germany, and a reimagining of Barber’s Knoxville Summer of 1915 for voice, piano, and dancers, with choreographer Alexandria Davis. I have also written about the intersections of performance, race, and gender, and plan on continuing both my artistic practice and writing as I pursue my PhD in Performance Studies at Stanford University.

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

"A career in the performing arts does not look like any one thing. When one chooses to pursue a career in the arts, one often hears versions of, “If there's anything else you'd rather be doing, quit and do that.” But being an artist is not a zero-sum game. Opportunities to explore our interests, skills, and talents outside of the practice room, like those offered by EXCEL, are not only important in the process of becoming a thoughtful and interesting artist, but are necessary to being fulfilled by one's art—to becoming who you are."

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Amy Petrongelli

DMA '16, voice

Lauded in the New York Times for her “admirable fluidity,” Amy Petrongelli has cultivated a diverse solo performance career built on collaboration and musical exploration. In 2020, Petrongelli was honored with an Emerging Artist Award from the University of Michigan for her significant contributions to the field of music performance.

KEY ENGAGEMENTS WITH EXCEL

Funding! I was able to receive two EXCEL grants for work with Sparks & Wiry Cries as well as Khemia Ensemble. After graduation, EXCEL even helped Khemia Ensemble secure a performance at National Sawdust. Through both grants, these projects received invaluable connections & coaching/advice with career professionals in the surrounding Ann Arbor area.

EXCEL'S IMPACT ON MY CAREER

Because of EXCEL, I find myself making time in voice lessons to talk about the broader career picture with my own students at my current institution. I pursue opportunities that I may not have thought I would have had the skill set to do without the lessons learned via my interactions with EXCEL. In fact, I founded a chamber music festival in 2018 with a colleague up in Indiana and we are going strong with great plans for the future. Our strategic plan is solid, and many decisions have been based from knowledge gleaned either directly from EXCEL or through a connected resource. EXCEL was by far one of the best things about my time at Michigan.

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

"Stay curious and keep asking questions—just because no one has done what you have in mind before—doesn't mean it can't happen. Also, don't be afraid to fail. The lessons learned from failing are just as important as the ones you learn through succeeding (if not even more so!)"

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Internships

With partners from the University Musical Society to The Metropolitan Opera, there are countless ways students can develop essential hands-on arts leadership experience during their time at Michigan. All of EXCEL’s internship programs include funding support.

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Hailey Cohen

MM '21, voice

Hailey Cohen received her Bachelor of Music in voice performance from the University of Michigan. For the past year she has continued her studies at University of Michigan as a candidate for a Master's of Music in voice performance, studying with Dr. Caroline Helton. Along with operatic repertoire, Cohen has a love for contemporary music. During the summer of 2019, she interned as a production assistant for the innovative Resonant Bodies Festival and aided its mission to support the growth and evolution of contemporary vocal music. Cohen works with Opera MODO as a part of its marketing and development team where she continues to support making opera accessible in the greater Detroit area. She has previously worked for LoftOpera in Brooklyn, and is excited to be back in Brooklyn (virtually) this summer working with the development team at National Sawdust.

KEY ENGAGEMENTS WITH EXCEL

Through the EXCEL Internship Grants program I have received funding for my internship opportunities the past two summers. I met the CEO of one of the companies I interned for (Lucy Dhegrae, Resonant Bodies Festival) at an EXCEL activity. I also was able to participate in the NYC immersion which helped inspire me to apply for the National Sawdust internship.

EXCEL'S IMPACT ON MY CAREER

Without EXCEL I would have never met Lucy Dhegrae and therefore would have never gotten my summer 2019 internship with the Resonant Bodies Festival. The EXCEL activity that Lucy hosted featured one-to-one interactions and allowed me to create a real connection. Because I had met her through EXCEL, I felt comfortable reaching out to her for coffee in NYC and then apply for an internship with her festival. Following my internship at Resonant Bodies, I was so inspired by how much I had learned about the industry and new music, I then applied to National Sawdust for an internship with their development department. Through the guidance of EXCEL I was able to prep my resume, clean up my interview skills, and get the National Sawdust internship. I have loved my time at National Sawdust and have gained crucial skills and knowledge about development at an arts organization. I would have never gotten this opportunity without EXCEL. As I start to think about my future post MM at Michigan—I feel excited to put myself out there to get a job in Arts Administration because of how much support EXCEL has provided me during my time at Michigan.

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

"Go to EXCEL events!!! You will not regret it. Every event is so helpful and catered to what music students want and need to enhance their professional development journey. Do not be afraid to ask for help or guidance along the way and always proof read."

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Cecilia Hiros

BM '21, harp | BM '21, music theory

Cecilia Hiros will be graduating with a Bachelor of Music in harp performance and music theory in 2021. She plans on becoming a music theory professor studying Music and Linguistics as well as World Musics. In addition to her studies, she worked in the SMTD Admissions office for three, going on four years, and served as a Dean’s Liaison.

KEY ENGAGEMENTS WITH EXCEL

With the Trinity Laban CoLab Immersion I had my first ever experience overseas. While in London I collaborated on intensely creative projects that pushed every boundary of what I thought a performance should look like. I had the chance to experiment performing a completely different style of art and work on some new improvisation skills. My time as a Deans’ Liaison has also been very rewarding. My mentor and colleagues were very supportive and challenged me to expand my skills set with more difficult tasks as the year went on. I learned a great deal about delegation and organization on large scale and more effective communication in professional settings.

EXCEL'S IMPACT ON MY CAREER

The Dean’s Liaison program is a life-changing opportunity for students that have any interest in the academic and management careers in music. I had several projects this year where I was either a co-organizer or the head of the project. Co-organizing the Michigan Performing Arts College Fair showed me the importance of delegation. For something on such a large scale it is impossible for one person to do everything, so it is crucial to have a trusted team and the ability to communicate where you need help from others. I was then placed in charge of the second annual Student Ambassador Program. This was the first time I’ve ever lead a project with the Admissions Office, and through this experience I learned the importance of being able to efficiently and succinctly communicate to others in a professional manner.

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

"My biggest take away from this part year is that it's okay to not stick to every letter of your original plan. Your interests and career goals may change and there is nothing wrong with that. Also, never be afraid to ask for help. Many people have been through similar struggles and can have invaluable advice when faced with a difficult struggle."

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Zion Jackson

BMA '20, voice

Zion Jackson is a singer, actor, and arts administrator from Lansing, MI. He recently graduated from the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre and Dance in 2020 with a degree in voice performance and a minor in performing arts management & entrepreneurship. He is committed to advocating for artists of color and creating accessible art that educates, enables, and cultivates change.

KEY ENGAGEMENTS WITH EXCEL

A key highlight from EXCEL- supported activities during my time at SMTD was the opportunity to be a 21st Century Artist Intern, part of a collaboration between UMS and EXCEL. This opportunity granted me hands-on experience in arts management/arts administration while also providing a stipend, allowing me to have the experience of living in NYC for the summer. I worked with Stew, a renowned performance artist whose work centers around all of my artistic passions—music, theatre, and film. In my time of working with Stew, I was able to learn the ins and outs of being a true entrepreneurial artist that handles all of your own booking, finances, creative development, etc. I was also able to build upon my networking skills and learned the importance of building and maintaining relationships at every stage.

EXCEL'S IMPACT ON MY CAREER

EXCEL Resources have impacted my professional growth in tremendous ways. From learning the basics of producing a Broadway show, to gaining knowledge of how the music industry works and all of the nuts and bolts that go into being a recording artist or working with a record label. Because of the EXCEL resources including the Arts Leadership Forum, and Arts Entrepreneurship essentials, I have been able to network with many arts leaders all over the country and have even been able to form opportunities in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, solely due to meeting artists and leaders through courses that EXCEL offers. The resources that EXCEL offered me gave me a chance to become a multi-dimensional artist, and gave me what I see as the skills to be successful as a leader in any field. I am currently still working with the artist that I interned with as a 21st Century Artist intern which has allowed me to be a part of projects that involve Broadway and major film projects.

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

"Don't be afraid to try something new because someone else told you no! It is completely fine to want to pursue multiple disciplines."

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Aviva Klein

BM '20, bassoon

Aviva Klein spent her time at U-M premiering works by her fellow students, striving to make the school better, and, of course, learning. She worked with DEI, EXCEL, friends, and her bassoon to realize projects and recitals as well as important conversations. She leaves U-M heading to farm and find her way.

KEY ENGAGEMENTS WITH EXCEL

One of the EXCEL events that I co-curated was a panel with three SMTD faculty on how to make art when the sky is falling. The sky fell the day before the event was scheduled to take place, and we quickly rescheduled for a virtual version, as it was more relevant than ever. The discussion from the three faculty members on socially engaged artwork was intriguing, inspiring, and engaging.

EXCEL'S IMPACT ON MY CAREER

Working for EXCEL and taking part in planning events, piloting initiatives, and brainstorming all manner of things helped me strengthen many tools that will serve me no matter the path I follow. I gained skills and confidence in communicating with various types of people (students, staff, faculty, administration); graphic design and social media coverage; and moving an idea through the phases of deconstruction, reconstruction, and refinement to a full-fledged plan.

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

"You know yourself better than anyone, but you don’t know everything. Consider what people have to say even if you eventually discard it. Everyone has something to teach you, and even things you don't think you can learn can become natural with practice."

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Zachary Siegel

BM '20, trumpet | BA '20, economics

Zachary Siegel is a consulting analyst for Huron Consulting Group, and is a freelance performer and teacher based out of Chicago, IL.

KEY ENGAGEMENTS WITH EXCEL

EXCEL supported my internships as a student both during the school year and over the summer through its Dean's Liaisons Program and Internship Fund. This provided unparalleled learning experiences with high-level professionals in my fields of interest, and undoubtedly paved the way for my career today. A key highlight from my EXCEL-sponsored summer internship with Opera Philadelphia was learning the ins and outs of nonprofit finance via mentorship from the company's Chief Financial Officer and Financial Controller.

EXCEL'S IMPACT ON MY CAREER

EXCEL directly impacted my professional growth by creating an internship position for me with SMTD's Development Office, and by sponsoring a summer internship with Opera Philadelphia.

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

"I strongly encourage future students embarking on their professional development journeys to leverage EXCEL's networks to connect with professionals in their fields of interest. A quick 15-20 minute phone call with someone working in a job or at a company they are interested in can make all the difference in guiding a student on their career path. Do not be afraid to put yourself out there and ask!"

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COACHING

EXCEL offers unlimited access to career coaching from a seasoned team of staff and peer mentors who provide hundreds of free one-on-one sessions each year. Coaching topics include navigating the job search, preparing professional materials for application, development of artistic projects, and more.

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César Cañón

MM '15, collaborative piano '15 | DMA '18, collaborative piano

César Cañón was recently appointed as full time répétiteur and assistant chorus master with the Norwegian National Opera in Oslo. He is also part of the music staff of the San Francisco Opera, where he completed the prestigious Adler Fellowship in 2019. In addition to his activities as pianist and conductor, he has been a guest instructor in universities and theaters in the US, Colombia and Italy.

EXCEL'S IMPACT ON MY CAREER

Had it not been for EXCEL's financial and mentoring support, I wouldn't had been daring and able to complete a project like En Español, which has been a staple of my career as performer, curator and educator. Through what we accomplished in 2017, I am still building part of my career on the niche of promoting, premiering and teaching music and musicians from the "Hispanosphere".

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

"Don't think any idea is too big or too ambitious. There's always a way and a supporter."

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Annie Jeng

DMA '19, piano performance and pedagogy

Dr. Annie Jeng is a pianist, educator, and go-getter who believes in making communities richer and more meaningful through the arts. Her research includes using contemporary music as a pedagogical tool and promoting inclusion in the piano repertoire through her recent project, A Seat at the Piano. Jeng is currently Assistant Professor of Piano and Piano Pedagogy at University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

KEY ENGAGEMENTS WITH EXCEL

In the first year of my DMA and coincidentally the first year of EXCEL's existence at SMTD, I took "Your Career in the Arts: Strengths, Strategies, and Solutions" with Jonathan Kuuskoski and attended several EXCEL events. I was hooked not only on the pizza, bagels, tacos, and powerful metaphors of purple squirrels, but the contagious creative energy from the EXCEL faculty, staff, and team. I supposed you could have called me an "EXCEL groupie." The following year, I received an EXCEL Enterprise Grant to kick-start a piano and percussion duo and was later a recipient of a Performing Arts EXCELerator Fellowship to further develop the duo with the creation of The Empathy Project: a multidisciplinary, interactive performance of newly commissioned works that highlighted the value of empathy in our lives. The mentorship and the opportunities that my duo received during this time was invaluable and opened up many doors for important partnerships. In my final two years at University of Michigan, I took an administrative role in the EXCEL program, first as a Dean's Liaison and then as a Program Assistant. My biggest projects were planning and coordinating the 2018 and 2019 EXCEL Career Expos. I remember initially feeling terrified when I was told that I was spearheading the organization of the events. I am grateful that I had the support of the EXCEL staff to guide me through the process and that they trusted my abilities to plan successful events. (Especially when I had the crazy idea of turning the orchestra rehearsal room into a nightclub for the 2018 Expo!) I am particularly proud of the 2019 Expo that was co-hosted with SMTD's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Office since it brought relevant topics of social entrepreneurship to the forefront of building careers as artists.

EXCEL'S IMPACT ON MY CAREER

The resources from EXCEL and my time working as a staff member allowed me to gain a fresh perspective on my career. It encouraged me to think outside of the box, to realistically dream big, and it gave me the confidence to present myself as a valuable artist with purpose. Purpose is what keeps me going and EXCEL resources helped me discover my deep need to do more than play the piano well. I admit that before EXCEL, I belonged to the group of people who associated entrepreneurship with vain self promotion. I now associate entrepreneurship less with myself and more with the audiences and communities that I can potentially have a positive impact on through my creative use of skills and strengths. Looking back, I'm amazed at the number of events that EXCEL hosted throughout the year. I learned so much from EXCEL talks and loved hearing from artists at various stages in their careers. There was a humanizing element to those talks that made careers more approachable and open for conversation. I also learned the magic of teamwork and how shared knowledge from people with a wide range of experiences can foster the most innovative ideas and solutions. There are numerous ways EXCEL resources positively impacted me, but the mentorship is what really shaped my professional growth and development. The EXCEL staff and team consistently lifted me up and provided me with helpful guidance, especially when I was applying for University positions. I was extremely fortunate to secure a tenure-track job during the final year of my doctorate and I truly owe a lot of that success to EXCEL.

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

"As an artist, it can often be difficult to find your niche and to feel unique. It's easy to fall into the toxic thoughts of imposter's syndrome, comparing yourself with others, and never feeling good enough. It's important to work on your weaknesses, but it's even more important to kindle your strengths and discover your super powers that you can use to bring your individual mission as an artist and member of society to life. Your experiences and your stories are yours to tell. They can set you apart from others, and they can also bring people together through unexpected connections. Be kind. Always send thank you notes. "I don't know" is a valid answer."

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Katrina Fasulo

BMA '17, voice

Katrina Fasulo received her BMA in Vocal Performance with a minor in Performing Arts Management (SMTD) and Program in Entrepreneurship (CFE) in 2017. Since then, she has gone on to graduate with an MFA in Arts Leadership from Seattle University. Fasulo has worked with organizations including Seattle Opera, Seattle Symphony, Bremerton Symphony, UMS, Opera America, the Glimmerglass Festival, and Loft Opera. She is a member of the Association of Performing Arts Professionals and avidly volunteers in nonprofit management, sings, and has begun independent artistic consulting and mentorship while eagerly waiting to return to theater (once safe to do so).

KEY ENGAGEMENTS WITH EXCEL

EXCEL supported me in exploring multiple career pathways in the arts administration field. In the inaugural year of offering internship funding, I was the recipient of funds that made it possible for me to intern as both a Production and Development assistant with Loft Opera, and intern with the Glimmerglass Festival. Caitlin and Jonathan served as great career counseling resources in helping review my resume and prepare compelling cover letters. The guests brought in to have conversations were incredible, as a 20 year old getting to have conversations and distill knowledge from artist managers from Askonas Holt, or Chris Koelsch president of LA Opera, and Rika Iino of Sozo Artists, was an immensely rewarding and informational experience with great learning and networking opportunities. The EXCEL conference day was so well structured and provided an opportunity to learn about and celebrate the achievements of colleague recipients of EXCELerator grants, and also network with Michigan-based arts leaders via round table discussions. Every facet of the EXCEL program played a part in setting me up for success in pursuing a career in arts leadership and broadening my lens of what an entrepreneurial arts career could look like.

EXCEL'S IMPACT ON MY CAREER

EXCEL and PAME courses set me up with a great baseline of arts administration skills—from understanding non-profit fundraising, to grant writing, to organizational structure and even understanding legal issues that currently exist within the sector. I attended a two year Masters program in Arts Leadership immediately following my time at Michigan and felt very strongly primed for success because of my prior experiences within the EXCEL program. The field of arts management in academia is very new, and I feel so privileged to have had a head start including tangible, real world experiences before even leaving my undergrad coursework.

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

"When I first attending University of Michigan I knew I had a strong urgency to work in the performing arts sector, but wasn’t sure if performance alone was my precise fit. I felt stuck because I thought it was an either/or situation. Even if you are set on a career as a performer alone, be open to the experiences that excite you and be willing to explore what a portfolio career might look like for you because having robust entrepreneurial offerings will only strengthen your positionality within our ever-changing field in the 21st century. Artists are being expected to be entrepreneurial. In regards to EXCEL: take a mini-course! If you have room for an additional credit in your schedule, do it. The opportunity to learn firsthand from true industry experts such as Ken Fischer, Aaron Dworkin, Carrie Throm, etc is invaluable."

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Hanna Rumora

BM '18, cello | MM '20, cello | MM '20, chamber music

Hanna Rumora’s love for the cello began at the age of 5, and has only grown as she's followed music to all corners of the world. She is a member of Converge Quartet, an Ann Arbor-based string quartet dedicated to studying and performing works by University of Michigan student composers. Some of her pivotal musical experiences include performing with members of the Silk Road Ensemble, premiering pieces with her new music ensembles, busking in town squares, and touring with a Beatles tribute band.

KEY ENGAGEMENTS WITH EXCEL

I have enjoyed attending several EXCEL events where I have been able to talk with professional performers. I've also enjoyed working one-on-one with EXCEL advisors on grant writing.

EXCEL'S IMPACT ON MY CAREER

With EXCEL's support, I have been able to delve into new music in ways that would've otherwise been impossible. Through working with EXCEL, Converge Quartet was able to pinpoint specific goals and areas for improvement related to new music at SMTD. Over time, EXCEL has continued to support us as those goals have evolved. We've been able to put on countless performances bringing together performers and composers and our community; we've traveled to places across the country to share our works; we've created an ensemble that will continue to be an integral part of SMTD's new music community even when all of our current members have left the school. The connections that we've made while playing in the Converge Quartet will continue to help us as we move on in our careers.

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

"Don't be afraid to venture down new paths!"

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Cassidy Goldblatt

BM '16, voila and musicology

A violinist and artistic visionary, Cassidy Goldblatt has spearheaded ventures such as the YInMn Project, Converge, and multiple cross-disciplinary recitals involving improvisation, story-telling, and dance. Having a passion for contemporary classical, medieval-Renaissance, and non-Western traditional music, She enjoys writing story-songs with Muqi Li in addition to crafting high-energy performances for 21st-century audiences with Room 1078.

EXCEL'S IMPACT ON MY CAREER

EXCEL provided the impetus to take a newly formed idea and actively expand it for long-term impact. Just before EXCEL was launched, we formed an experimental quartet to answer the query, "What would happen if we treated new music like we treated Beethoven?" Those first months were entirely self-sustained—weekly rehearsals, a few requested coachings, and performances when we could find the opportunity. But applying for EXCEL funding pushed us to expand the idea, increasing the project's scope, mission, and vision. While Converge underwent several stages of restructuring over the following years, it settled into a sustainable, grassroots form that's become a fixed and active part of the U-M new-music community. Not only have Converge's collaborations expanded significantly in scope, but its membership has seen almost a full life-cycle—a signal that the concept of a sustainable, localized, fully adaptable ensemble has indeed been a success! On a personal level, Converge (the 2017 membership) turned into my current string quartet, Room 1078, closely coinciding with our first recorded album with composer Nathan Thatcher and spilling into many recording projects thereafter. Room 1078's existence and our annual tours coincidentally led to my founding of an Atlanta-based new-music festival, the YInMn Project, in 2018. At that point, the experience we'd had curating multi-ensemble performances through Converge and EXCEL proved to be crucial in designing the YInMn Project. I can't thank EXCEL enough for providing a launching pad for me to explore artistic entrepreneurship—a concept new to me in undergrad, but one which would come to dominate nearly all the work I've since done in the music world.

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

"Start small, build sustainably, and grow organically. Don't expect for a project to have its full form when you make your initial plan. Assess results and adapt often. Often it's the "five years down the road and it's so different than I expected" iteration that is most real AND most rewarding. Establish working relationships with people you trust, and define your roles and responsibilities early on. Hold each other accountable to those responsibilities! There's little better than working with a solid team who all carry their weight. Set personal boundaries and communicate these clearly to your colleagues. Communication is crucial for helping everyone to collaborate at their best. Don't ever be afraid to take a stint in the corporate world and then apply your lessons to the arts. You'll learn SO much about structure, communication, and leadership from experts, and you'll learn it much faster than starting from scratch. You can't beat close chamber relationships that work. If you find them, keep them!"

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Events

From Q&As featuring arts professionals to virtual symposia and career expos, EXCEL offers dozens of co-curricular opportunities each year where students can learn directly from experts, connect with new peers, and unlock social impact best practices.

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BethAnne Kunert

MM '19 saxophone | MM '19 chamber music | Grad Certificate '19, Arts Entrepreneurship & Leadership

BethAnne Kunert is a saxophonist, improviser, music educator, and arts administrator. She currently serves as Development Officer for Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings and the Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival. BethAnne frequently performs across the state of Michigan with Virago, a Detroit-based contemporary music ensemble which melds improvisation with composition. Kunert also maintains a private studio of elementary through high school age saxophone students.

KEY ENGAGEMENTS WITH EXCEL

I was grateful to be an EXCELerator Fellow with my contemporary music ensemble, Virago and receive outstanding coaching from HUB New Music, Akropolis Reed Quintet, and other incredible artists.

EXCEL'S IMPACT ON MY CAREER

I attended Career Day in 2018 where I met a representative from Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival. I interned for the Festival that summer with support from the EXCEL Internship Fund, and was later offered a full-time position in Fund Development for the organization. Career Day works!

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Cameron Wilson

BM '22, percussion

Cameron Wilson seeks to understand very different worldly perspectives and tell stories of shared human understanding through performance. He aspires to this goal through his work as a percussionist, improviser, and composer. Wilson is a founding member of slapslap, America’s favorite post-war bassoon rock band comprised of two electric bassoonists and two drummers.

KEY ENGAGEMENTS WITH EXCEL

During the pandemic, EXCEL launched an in-depth virtual series called Virtual Visionaries, in which many different conversations were had with very well-established artists. I learned so much from these sessions about the deeper purposes of making music, how to create my own path in music, and more. My favorite session was Gabriela Lena Frank’s ‘Art for Social Change,’ in which I gained a lot of insight about how to tell stories through music that the world needs to hear most. EXCEL also graciously supported the creation of my band slapslap’s first EP, slapslEP, our first tour to NYC, and our first educational outreach performance. The folks at EXCEL have always been willing to chat and offer extra advice, and have greatly helped slapslap directly with questions like how to have a social media presence and how to market our album while on our tour.

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

"Be wary of comparing yourself to others and continually question why you are doing what you are doing. Making money and supporting yourself will always be important and necessary, but keep in mind the beautiful power that the arts have for creating community and for furthering our understanding of what it means to be human. If you can find a way to make the overall intention of your art-making to share it with the world and to bring people together instead of just to ‘be the best,’ you will find deep fulfillment, you will be able to define your own ‘success’, and the world will be a more joyful place. Work very hard and be yourself!"

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Courses

EXCEL offers more than 20 courses that traverse a variety of arts management, leadership, and entrepreneurship topics. The Performing Arts Management and Entrepreneurship minor and the Graduate Certificate in Arts Entrepreneurship and Leadership provide opportunities for students to formalize and deepen their EXCEL-related studies while expanding their career options.

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Tyler Berns

BM '21, percussion

Tyler Berns is an American arts leader, collaborator and aspiring music industry professional, currently working for Primo Artists, a boutique music agency in New York. Striving towards a comprehensive knowledge of the music industry, he has worked from the perspectives of an international touring ensemble, a leading University-presenting organization and a Washington D.C.-based national cultural center.

KEY ENGAGEMENTS WITH EXCEL

All of the key highlights from EXCEL-supported activities I’ve engaged in at Michigan involve one similarity: access to high level leaders in their respective fields. One of my most valuable EXCEL highlights was the Arts Leadership mini-course with Ken Fischer. Taking this course as a freshman introduced me to the world of arts leadership and changed the trajectory of my life and career. He, along with everyone I’ve met through the EXCEL program, has remained an invaluable advocate and mentor.

EXCEL'S IMPACT ON MY CAREER

Before writing this answer, I failed to connect just how many professional opportunities were provided and impacted by EXCEL resources. I was introduced to the world of arts management through Ken Fischer’s EXCEL mini-course. I met my first boss at an EXCEL Talk in November 2017 (The Knights). Two of my strongest advocates and recommenders for my 2019 Kennedy Center internship are EXCEL faculty (Aaron Dworkin and Ken Fischer). I met my current boss in May 2020 on Zoom for Aaron Dworkin’s Arts Leadership Forum EXCEL Class (Charlotte Lee, Primo Artists). All of my summer internships have been graciously supported by EXCEL grants. I’ve made invaluable connections and learned an abundance of information, in countless EXCEL classes and presentations, from a wide-array of industry leaders from organizations such as the NY Philharmonic, Lincoln Center, Askonas Holt and Detroit Public Television. Based on my experience, this is exactly what EXCEL is all about—providing direct, personalized and meaningful resources for all students to succeed in achieving their career goals.

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

"There is an abundance of people and resources willing to help you fulfill your professional goals—take advantage and put yourself out there!"

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Martha Guth

DMA '16, voice

Grammy and Juno Nominated soprano Martha Guth is demand internationally as a recitalist and concert singer. She is co-founder and co-director of Sparks & Wiry Cries, a non profit dedicated to art song, is Assistant Professor of Voice at Ithaca College, and on faculty and the administrative team at SongFest at the Colburn School in Los Angeles.

KEY ENGAGEMENTS WITH EXCEL

I LOVED the EXCEL classes that were offered, some of which were about legal issues/copyright/and recording. I have used this information countless times when working in both my gig-life, teaching life and for Sparks & wiry Cries—especially now!

EXCEL'S IMPACT ON MY CAREER

EXCEL offered us the seed money right when we were getting our non-profit status. From that, we were able to purchase quality recording equipment that we use to this day. EXCEL also partnered us with key mentors. The information that was passed on to us through mentorship with the incredible UMS administrative staff we also use to this day. Essentially, EXCEL got us going, gave us the tools we needed when we needed them, offered us mentorship and our first resources in order to make sure that we were getting things going in the right way. Now four years into this venture, our non-profit has premiered more than 200 songs our regional songSLAMS, many different song cycles in NYC through our yearly festival, championed scholars and artists on our online magazine, and we reach song audiences with partnerships in 13 cities and four countries—and growing! When talking nuts and bolts, our budget—which has held steady around the modest $40,000 yearly will, over the next few years more than quadruple in size given the new projects that we are creating and exploring.

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

"If you have an idea or a vision, commit to your long term goals and do not limit the scope of what you want to do. Starting out small doesn't mean you have to end small. Work with EXCEL to develop a plan and get your house in order so that in a few years you will feel ready to expand and take on the world with your idea."

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Kristina Zlatareva

BM '17, violin | MM '20, violin

A native of Bulgaria and a graduate student at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, violinist Kristina Zlatareva is building a multifaceted career as a performer, educator and arts administrator. She has appeared on the international stage alongside artists such as Sarah Chang, Ray Chen, James Ehnes and Rohan de Silva, and her performances have been broadcast on NPR and Los Angeles’ KUSC. She has given recitals across the United States and Europe, including a 2016 performance at the Supreme Court of the United States, honoring 2016 Sphinx Medal of Excellence recipient, Danielle Belen. Currently, Zlatareva manages a full studio of young violinists at the University of Michigan and works alongside esteemed violin pedagogue Danielle Belen. In September 2017, Zlatareva joined the violin faculty at the Sphinx Overture Program in Detroit and Flint, where she works with underrepresented students ages 7-10 and is dedicated to inspire and lead a new generation of extraordinary classical musicians of color. In the summer of 2018, Zlatareva had the privilege to serve on the violin faculty at the Luzerne Music Center in New York. In addition to performing and teaching, she enjoys a career as an arts administrator. Her current positions include Assistant to the Director at Center Stage Strings in Ann Arbor, MI and Concert Manager at the Anchorage Chmber Music Festival in Anchorage, AK. In 2019, Zlatareva held an intern position at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and at Primo Artists – a leading New York agency. In December 2019, she joined legendary violinist and UN Messenger of Peace, Midori, on a music outreach tour of Cambodia. Together, they visited 20 non-profit organizations across the country, working with marginalized communities with the mission of impacting people’s lives through music.

KEY ENGAGEMENTS WITH EXCEL

Completing the Graduate Certificate in Arts Entrepreneurship & Leadership ; Internship with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra ; New York City Immersion

EXCEL'S IMPACT ON MY CAREER

EXCEL has propelled my career as a young professional to new levels. The opportunities provided for me have allowed me to expand my network and to meet some of the top executives in the area of the performing arts. I have learned so much more than what is just required of me to be a performer in the traditional sense. I have acquired skills that would allow me to promote myself an artist, and to work in larger organizations that promote the arts on a larger level.

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

"Be brave and explore opportunities beyond your comfort zone and to be open to building skills you haven't before. For string performers like myself, I would definitely encourage seeking opportunities to perfect their administrative and entrepreneurial skills, because the most successful artists of today are the most well-rounded in their knowledge and experience."

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Taylor Isberg

BM '17, clarinet | MM '19, clarinet

Taylor Isberg is a classically-trained clarinetist from Libertyville, Illinois. She made her professional orchestral debut with the London Symphony Orchestra in January 2019, as one of twelve Music Academy Festival musicians selected by audition to participate in the inaugural Keston MAX Fellow program, where she performed with the LSO under the baton of Sir Simon Rattle. Isberg is a graduate of the University of Michigan, with a Bachelor of Music and Master's of Music in Clarinet Performance, and a minor in Business Administration. She is currently pursuing graduate studies at Rice University.

KEY ENGAGEMENTS WITH EXCEL

While at U-M, I took many EXCEL mini-courses & classes, including the Business of Chamber Music, Writing About Your Art, Grants and Fundraising, and the Business of Music. I also participated in the Dean’s Liaison program, acting as the liaison for the SMTD Admissions Department during the 2018-2019 school year. Through this program, I had the opportunity to work with Dean Hoffman and other administrators in the admissions department on several projects, including the Michigan Performing Arts College Fair. I was even given the opportunity to create and oversee my own projects!

EXCEL'S IMPACT ON MY CAREER

I began my education at Michigan back in 2013, which was several years before EXCEL officially became a part of SMTD. My freshman year, I joined an organization called Arts Enterprise (similar to EXCEL, but run by students!) and developed an interest in arts administration, which ultimately led me to pursue a minor in business administration from Ross. While I loved my business classes, it was sometimes difficult to connect what I was learning with my passion for classical music. Fast-forward a few years, and EXCEL began offering mini-courses (and eventually, semester-long classes)—these classes helped bridge the gap between my interests in music performance and business. The EXCEL courses not only provided the opportunity to learn from music professionals who know how to find success in our current industry, but they also offered some of the most practical/applicable knowledge I gained while at UM. For example, I learned how to write a grant and develop a business plan for a chamber ensemble, things which I had absolutely NO idea how to do prior to taking those classes. I have yet to venture completely into the professional world, as I am now pursuing an additional music performance degree at Rice University. I am currently hoping to build a career as an orchestral musician; however, with all of the uncertainty surrounding the classical music industry, especially given the current situation surrounding public health and COVID, it is comforting to know that I have the knowledge and tools to be successful in the music industry, no matter what path I ultimately take.

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

"Michigan is a very unique place. Not only does SMTD offer a world-class performance program, but it now also offers an equally incredible education in arts entrepreneurship. EXCEL fosters student creativity and enables students to bring their musical ideas to life by providing professional guidance, support, and funding. Take advantage of all the school has to offer, and use this opportunity to learn from and grow with your peers."

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Joe Broom

BM '19, euphonium

Joe Broom believes every artists’ work can engage communities beyond the stage, page, or gallery. This vision was supported with his selection as a 2016 and 2017 EXCEL Fellow as founder of the collaborative arts organization Chamber Unique. He graduated, highest honors, with a Bachelor of Music in euphonium performance from the University of Michigan in 2019. He is a Jacobs Fellow at the University of Indiana Jacobs School of Music pursuing a master's degree in performance.

KEY ENGAGEMENTS WITH EXCEL

Every EXCEL course expanded my view of what my reach can be as an artist—on stage and in the community. And, more than expanding my view, the courses added skills to help me execute that larger vision of my artistic place and purpose. The finance course and the course led by NY Phil performers were two among many that provided real world skills and professional contacts. The EXCEL Funding allowed Chamber Unique to create a partnership with Crescendo Detroit serving Detroit youth. That partnership still exists and is expanding to include distance learning through individual lessons and master classes in the challenging environment created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Through two cycles of EXCEL funding, the Chamber Unique/ Crescendo Detroit Partnership provided community engagement events to students from 10 different Detroit elementary, middle and high schools during the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons. Chamber Unique presented workshops from our flagship education program, Full STEAM AHEAD, which illustrates the interplay between music, the sciences, and math. The second season proved an important continuation of the organizational, community, and personal relationships. Engagement events were personalized to include classical music workshops co-led by ChU Associate Artist and award-winning University of Michigan student composer, Karalyn Schubring, (“Hacking Mozart”). Chamber Unique also provided a dance workshop consistent with the focus of Crescendo Detroit’s existing programs. The dance workshop, co-led by a ChU associate artist and University of Michigan dance student, Kandis Terry, was multidisciplinary, including music, and participating students created their own dance as a finale to the event.

EXCEL'S IMPACT ON MY CAREER

My professional growth definitely included opportunities that developed directly from EXCEL-sponsored activities. I met and worked with Edward Quick who teaches music for Detroit Public Schools and works as a band director and as faculty of Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp. Through my work with Mr. Quick, I and Chamber Unique Associate Artists presented music clinics at middle and high schools throughout Michigan—both voice and instrumental clinics. I was also able to perform a solo for the Ferndale Community Concert Band which was an incredible performance opportunity that simultaneously allowed me to create new connections with a larger community of musicians in Michigan and to serve the Ferndale community.

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

"There are certainly many paths to professional development. At the University of Michigan, students have the tremendous advantage of the EXCEL program which contains the combined resources of brilliant faculty, professional artists, financial support, mentorship programming and critical evaluation of your ideas from gifted and dedicated professionals in the arts and in business. From inception to creation to execution, EXCEL can guide the development of a single artistic idea or your entire career."

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Teagan Faran

BM '18, violin

A native of Buffalo, NY, Teagan Faran is a multidisciplinary musician focused on enacting social change through the arts. ​As a soloist, Faran has performed internationally, including appearances with the Buffalo Philharmonic and the University of Vermont Symphony. In December 2019, she released her solo album, Little Things. Faran was a 2019 Fulbright fellow in Buenos Aires as well as a Turn The Spotlight Fellow. She is currently attending the Manhattan School of Music, pursuing a master's in contemporary performance.

KEY ENGAGEMENTS WITH EXCEL

EXCEL really shaped my undergrad experience entirely. I was fortunate to be funded by an Enterprise grant and receive mentoring through the EXCELerator Fellowship. I also attended the NYC Broadway Intensive, got to try my hand at advertising as an EXCEL Ambassador at the start of EXCEL's life, enrolled in multiple classes, and went to as many talks and events as I could. Through the lens of EXCEL's existence at SMTD, I was able to shape and re-shape my career goals based on real world information. EXCEL helped to grow my network to make these opportunities possible, too! One of the experiences that really stuck with me was the NYC Broadway Intensive which happened directly after my graduation. I had often toyed with the idea of trying to do the "New York freelance artist thing" and being able to shadow and talk with these performances was incredible enticing. I will say that the weekend actually turned me off of this work, but I don't mean that in a negative way. Thanks to EXCEL I was able to experience first-hand a career path that I had entertained in a fantasy and realize before I dove into the pool that it wasn't ultimately what I wanted. After that weekend, I reshaped my career focus—and thankfully from all that EXCEL had previously given me—I know what I now need to do to better pursue this path.

EXCEL'S IMPACT ON MY CAREER

The two resources that I still feel resonating in my life are the EXCELerator Fellowship and the NY Phil teaching artist intensive. The intensive sparked a creative pedagogical light in me that led me to pursue more teaching artist training and has become the largest source of my income—and my happiness—during COVID times! The EXCELerator Fellowship gave me a whole tool box of strategies to approach professional life. Through the counsel from the EXCEL team, I was able to elevate Red Shoe Company to the level of national attention and continue my mentoring with a Turn the Spotlight Fellowship. I feel like the EXCELerator was an important reminder to be of how to be a good person as I worked in the arts - it made me focus on communication and organization skills in a way my curriculum didn't and it helped me reshape my value system to put people first. EXCEL as a whole gave me an edge in the way they let us continuously retry. Even before EXCELerator, I applied three or four times for a small grant to fund a concert. Jonathan patiently talked me through all of the holes in my vision and arranged for me to meet with numerous visiting artists until the original concert had morphed into a community gathering event far beyond my original imagination. That concert was what sparked the idea for Red Shoe Company, and it would not have existed without the support and, more importantly, the guidance from EXCEL. Through the EXCELerator, Jonathan talked me through a wide variety of skills that I now use for all of my applications and projects. I am sure I would not have received a Fulbright had I not had Jonathan explain the "5 Why's" to me and I would certainly not be the artist or educator I am now without EXCEL's encouragement to look beyond myself, recognize my own limitations, and become a team player in the music world. I refer to the resources from EXCELerator daily in my work - truly its influence cannot be overstated.

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

"'Being a musician' means something different to everyone. Find inspiration from your peers, but don't worry about measuring yourself by someone else's meter for success. Use your art form as a tool to be the human being you want to be. Be patient with people as you would want them to be with you—and when you have a morning meeting, set a few extra alarms just in case."

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Hannah Baiardi

BFA '18, jazz studies

Michigan-born jazz pianist, vocalist, composer and arranger, Hannah Baiardi is committed to “moving jazz forward.” Since graduating from the University of Michigan in 2018, Hannah has made it her mission to break barriers between genres and debunk musical stereotypes. She believes, now more than ever, artists should honor their authentic sound regardless of genre. Baiardi positions herself firmly in the contemporary jazz space with her soulful and evocative approach. She is currently working on releasing her upcoming album, Straight From the Soul. In addition to her music endeavors, she works in marketing for a startup, teaches piano lessons, and podcast freelances.

KEY ENGAGEMENTS WITH EXCEL

I enjoyed the wide-ranging talent the EXCEL team brought in to speak with students. The speakers had illustrious careers, rich in entrepreneurship and experience trying and failing, which is important to share with students. The accessibility of these speakers was also notable, as many peers went on to stay in touch with speakers and were able to leverage networking opportunities from these mentorship sessions. Additionally, I enjoyed the open-door approach. Caitlyn and Jonathan were always readily available to book time to review a resume, a cover letter, or prepare students for post-graduation professional endeavors.

EXCEL'S IMPACT ON MY CAREER

Through EXCEL and the mentorship of the former Dean Aaron Dworkin, I was able to develop a SMTD-wide system, ArtsConnect, that facilitated inter-departmental collaboration between students, faculty and staff. EXCEL played a large role in spreading the word about this new resource, often sharing upcoming EXCEL events on the new platform, so that students could more easily engage and stay in-the-know. The skills I gleaned from EXCEL certainly translate into my professional work life and work-life balance. Several EXCEL-sponsored classes highlighted the import of balancing your artistic life with other work. The skills taught in various EXCEL entrepreneurship courses have empowered me to live out my portfolio-career every day. The resume that landed me my first job, to the networking that I still rely on today, and becoming a self-employed artist—all were shaped by the excellent coursework and tailored content sponsored by EXCEL.

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

"Never let fear, awkwardness or feeling 'not ready' get in the way of introducing yourself to someone successful, whom you admire. In a time where we are expected to do so much, remember it's ok to wear several hats, and be more of a generalist; you don't have to master everything to be successful. Embrace a diverse friend-group with wide-ranging skillsets, so you always know who to call if and when you need them. Keep your Michigan family close. Oh, and put about half the pressure on yourself than you already do. Most of us pave our own way, so trust your gut and do your thing."

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Immersions

From New York to Detroit, Chicago to London, EXCEL takes students on annual immersions beyond campus to explore leading performing arts organizations. Trips are heavily subsidized to minimize student costs , and they provide exclusive access behind the scenes of leading institutions. By visiting companies and organizations such as the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Disney Theatrical, Martha Graham Dance, various Broadway theatres, and more, students cultivate a rich network of arts professionals who will become integral to their post-graduation careers.

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Mohan Ritsema

BFA '20, jazz studies

Mohan Ritsema is a bass player currently based in South-East Michigan. He is a recent graduate of the University of Michigan, where he pursued a BFA in Jazz Studies, studying under Robert Hurst. His areas of interest range from jazz to funk to Hip Hop to musical theater and everything in between.

KEY ENGAGEMENTS WITH EXCEL

My most memorable experience with EXCEL was the Broadway immersion trip in May of 2018. My personal highlights from that trip were getting to watch a Broadway performance, both from the audience and from the pit, as well as getting to talk with seasoned pit musicians about their experiences in the industry.

EXCEL'S IMPACT ON MY CAREER

Getting to experience a Broadway pit orchestra firsthand made me realize that I really want that kind of work to be a part of my career. I have since performed in 15ish musical theater productions, and I look forward to that number continuing to rise. I have also kept in contact with the bass player I shadowed, and I hope to continue that professional relationship once I move to New York.

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

"Be open to everything. Say yes to everything. Through engaging with every opportunity presented to you, you will grow as an artist and as a human being, and you will discover things that you would never have found if you didn't take advantage of what was in front of you. The world of the arts is full of amazing things waiting to be explored."

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Amy Wensley

BFA '18, dance

Amy Wensley is a graduate from the University of Michigan with a BFA in Dance and Performing Arts Management & Entrepreneurship. She is an experienced marketer with a demonstrated history of working in the arts, culture, and fitness industries. Wensley is interested in creative problem solving, sharing the power of wellness and the arts with communities, and developing engaging content for platforms.

KEY ENGAGEMENTS WITH EXCEL

Inaugural EXCEL NYC Immersion: Our visit to Carnegie Hall led me to pursuing and acquiring a part-time marketing position with Carnegie one year later when I moved to the city! Meta Weiser EXCEL grant: Created and managed a digital media project researching the well-being of U-M SMTD alumni and other professional artists (including Martha Graham Dance Company artistic director Janet Eilber and American Ballet Theatre soloist Katherine Williams), recounting their experiences living and persevering as young artists in New York City. This led to my interning/working with the American Ballet Theatre, under Artistic Director Cynthia Harvey. EXCEL summer intern fund: Made it possible for me to live in Chicago while having the experience to complete an unpaid internship at the Joffrey Ballet.

EXCEL'S IMPACT ON MY CAREER

Meeting SMTD alum Sam Livingston and listening to him speak about his positive experiences working at Carnegie Hall on the EXCEL NYC Immersion influenced me to want to work at the Hall! Upon graduating one year later, I moved to NYC to pursue my dream of dancing, alongside working in arts administration, and I was searching for part-time work to pair with auditioning. Through the networking connections that EXCEL provided me with, I was able to attain an interview, and was overjoyed when I got the job! It's been a pleasure working at Carnegie Hall, and though I'm currently furloughed, I look forward to the day when music once again fills the renowned Hall. I also had the chance to connect with another panelist from the NYC Immersion, Caroline Kagan, who works for the Metropolitan Opera as a rehearsal assistant. Through our initial EXCEL connection (and a cup of coffee!), she connected me with Joe Fritz, the MET Director of Dance, whereupon I had the opportunity to take classes with the ballet company!

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

"Don't be afraid to write the email or make the call! You never know where it might lead you!"

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Kamyron Williams

MM '18, cello | SM '20, cello

Kamyron Williams, cellist, is a performer and teaching artist driven by diverse repertoire, inclusive representation in classical performance, and sharing music beyond the concert hall. He looks forward to continuing his passion for music performance and education at Community MusicWorks as a Quartet Fellow this Fall. kamyronwilliams.com

EXCEL'S IMPACT ON YOUR CAREER

EXCEL has been an invaluable resource during my time at SMTD. Over time I knew I wanted to broaden and enhance my skills as an artist that went beyond just playing notes and "trying to fit" into the narrow lane of classical music. The EXCEL office has always been a space where I knew I could get honest help with ANYTHING. Dropping in to review resumes, cover letters, grant writing help, book/resources materials, Even if I didn't make an appointment (my bad lol). Though most art admin classes are 1-2 credit classes, I found them to be the most important and RELEVANT to the work I was interested in. These courses have allowed me to engage with a variety of topics across the spectrum of arts entrepreneurship and leadership studies, while also enhancing my practical skills and knowledge to strengthen my artistry as a musician in today’s society. Beyond the set curriculum of the particular course, I very much enjoyed the intersection of disciplines that EXCEL classes tended to have. Getting to learn alongside and collaborate with people outside of SMTD has evolved into a diverse network of like-minded creatives. EXCEL Talks, I attendED as many as possible even I could only make part of it. They were direct insight into the various possibilities within the arts and again RELEVANT. NYC Immersion 2019, allowed for a personal side-by-side experience with a contracted professional musician in NYC. In addition to receiving mentorship from Broadway pit musicians, coachings on Broadway excerpts, and receiving the opportunity to attend a live Broadway show, I gained more direct insight and guidance working with contractors, navigating a successful freelance musician lifestyle in a major city, how to stand out among the other freelance musicians, getting hired again for regular work, and how to continue building a growing network and integrate myself into a new community. The EXCEL office is where I learned how to put together this idea of a "360 musician" and to cultivate additional skills and developing a true purpose behind the work that motivates me. I thankfully feel prepared to take on the next step of my professional career without hesitation and with complete confidence.

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

"Remain open to new ideas, listen and experiment. Explore ways to enhance various interest and skills and don't be afraid to ask for help. We're all on the same playing field, why compete against each other when we can collaborate, create and learn."

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Forrest Howell

DMA '22, piano performance and pedagogy

Forrest Howell is a doctoral student in the piano performance and pedagogy program.

KEY ENGAGEMENTS WITH EXCEL

The CoLab Immersion hosted by Trinity Laban was a tremendous opportunity for artistic and cultural exchange. Because of the support from EXCEL, the students had incredible opportunities to engage in interdisciplinary performance projects. We learned what it takes to start with a concept, moderate discussion, organize rehearsal, and refine all of that into a workable performance. Personally, the experience was more than mere inspiration, because it also gave me hands-on experience in bringing creative thought into a modern medium. In response to what I learned through EXCEL's participation in the CoLab Immersion, I have already begun several interdisciplinary performance projects. I am hopeful that these projects will expand the scope of topics that can be addressed effectively through performing arts. Now, I have more confidence to develop these projects, having had opportunities to learn and experiment with supportive peers and mentors during CoLab -- and it's all thanks to the initiative and support from SMTD's EXCEL.

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

"If I can be as broad as possible... try to do investigate many things that interest you. Then make sure to take time to reflect on the experiences you have."

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Stephanie Guralnick

BA '21, theatre arts | BA '21, English

Stephanie Guralnick is graduating as a double major with a Bachelor of Theatre Arts and a Bachelor of Arts in English. Her concentration is in directing (particularly Shakespeare and devised theatre!) she uses her English studies to inspire her theatre work.

KEY ENGAGEMENTS WITH EXCEL

I was lucky enough to participate in an EXCEL-funded trip to Chicago where I was able to meet and learn from a variety of theatre makers in the industry, see some shows, and experience the city from a professional standpoint. Even though I grew up near Chicago, I never really had the funds or mobility to experience the theatre in that city; it was wonderful to rediscover that place from the perspective of what I love to do.

EXCEL'S IMPACT ON MY CAREER

So, aside from the Chicago trip, EXCEL helped me fund an internship my sophomore year working as an Assistant Director and Assistant Artistic Director at a Shakespeare not-for-profit! It was a really intimate internship and I was able to gain a lot of hands-on, direct experience and was not only able to make connections with the professionals working there, but made friends with the other brilliant interns (all of whom I hope to work with in some capacity some day).

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

"If you want to do something (be it an internship, or a project that's a little off-beat, or a new class or focus) there is someone here who will be able to help you. EXCEL has helped me fund internships, given me resume and portfolio advice, and pointed me in the way of grants for passion projects I wanted to pursue! Even beyond EXCEL, people are generally very kind and very willing to share information. Don't be afraid to send that text or email asking for help! You'd be surprised what can happen."

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Maxwell Moore

BM '21, viola

Maxwell Moore graduated with a degree in viola performance and a minor in performing arts management & entrepreneurship. He plans to pursue a career both on the stage as a performer and behind the scenes as an arts administrator.

KEY ENGAGEMENTS WITH EXCEL

One of my favorite EXCEL experiences is the NYC immersion I participated in my sophomore year! Working with the Broadway musicians and getting to see the inner workings of the production back stage and in the pit was an absolutely unparalleled experience!

EXCEL'S IMPACT ON MY CAREER

Everything I know about arts administration I learned from EXCEL. From the opportunity to act as the Wellness Initiative Dean’s Liaison, to the NYC immersion, and even my internship with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, I owe it all to the incredible resources EXCEL has to offer. It’s because of these opportunities that I have a clear vision of what I want my career to be. If I hadn’t worked with Caitlin and Jonathan at EXCEL throughout my time here at SMTD, I would be significantly less prepared to embark on a fulfilling career path after I graduate.

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

"To future SMTD students: 1. Treat every experience as a lesson and try to leave each experience having learned at least one thing! 2. Go to EXCEL! Offer them all of your questions! They are excellent at what they do and they will help guide you to become your best professional self!"

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Marina Sakellakis

BM '20, saxophone

Marina Sakellakis is a multifaceted artist and educator. She recently completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Michigan. She studied classical saxophone, and is moving on to the University of Texas at Austin to complete her master's degree. She also studies oboe, flute, and clarinet, and regularly plays in professional pit orchestras. She also completed a minor in performing arts management and entrepreneurship. Sakellakis plans to move to Austin, Texas and continue teaching and working within the music industry.

EXCEL'S IMPACT ON MY CAREER

When I came to U-M, I thought the only way to be a musician was by putting all my time and energy into my practice. Through EXCEL classes I realized that being a musician is much more than what I accomplish in the practice room. I have learned to be aware and interested in the things going on within the music industry, and one day I hope to work both in the music industry and as a performer.

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

"Take advantage of everything EXCEL has to offer! It will help you become a well-rounded musician, and provide you with skills that you can use in any professional field."

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Dana Pierangeli

BTA '22

Dana Pierangeli is a junior studying theatre arts in the School of Music, Theatre & Dance and English in LSA. Through her studies, she is exploring the multifaceted world of theatre production, especially playwriting, producing, and performing. She works with many student organizations; Outreach Director for Blank Space Workshop, Associate Producer for Rude Mechanicals and the Wall-to-Wall Theatre Festival, performer with MUSKET and Basement Arts, and Community Culture Beat Editor for The Michigan Daily.

KEY ENGAGEMENTS WITH EXCEL

At the beginning of my sophomore year, EXCEL sponsored a trip to Chicago BTAs. We spent a weekend attending shows, meeting with theatre professionals (some of whom were BTA alumni), and bonding together. We were introduced to playwrights, dramaturgs, stage managers, and producers. We saw experimental theatre, comedy, activist theatre. All of these professionals and types of theatre broadened our horizons on what the future of theatre could look like and what our part in it could be. As a cross-campus transfer student, it was one of my first chances to get to know the other BTAs and make friends in my major.

EXCEL'S IMPACT ON MY CAREER

The BTA Immersion to Chicago introduced us to many different career paths this degree offers, which opened up exciting new possibilities. I learned about the theatre industry and what it takes to make strides in the theatre production field specifically. A huge part of being a BTA is outside training and education through internships and student org work. This was one of the few events put on that was specifically for BTAs and tailored to what we need. It also gave us contacts and ideas for future internships. It was exciting to be given an opportunity with such practical applications.

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

"The University of Michigan is a phenomenal school with wonderful resources for professional development. Take advantage of those resources, like EXCEL and your professors, and know that most people here are happy to help you if you ask for it."

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