Full Circle
From the stage to the office, two alumni come home to Strathmore as arts professionals
By Marilyn Millstone
Since 2005, Strathmore has come alive with the music of Maryland Classic Youth Orchestras (MCYO), featuring talented young instrumentalists from around the region.
Now celebrating its 80th anniversary, MCYO is the most established youth orchestra in the area. Each season, more than 600 talented musicians in grades 2–12 participate in four symphonic orchestras, five string orchestras, small ensembles, and chamber music programs.
These students typically go on to attend college and carve out careers in various fields, their time as Strathmore musicians a fond memory. But for the first time in MCYO’s history, two alumni, Jane Vourlekis and Briana Lim, have returned to Strathmore as full-time staff members.
FINDING HER WAY BACK HOME
“I’m so grateful to be back,” says Vourlekis, who now serves as MCYO’s operations and production coordinator.
Her nine-year MCYO journey began in fourth grade (the youngest eligible age at the time) with Chamber Strings. When she joined, there were only five orchestras in the entire program. Nervous at first, her mother promised to take her to any concert she wanted “just for walking across the bridge from the WMATA garage.” That same bridge is now part of Vourlekis’s daily commute as an employee.
While pursuing degrees in viola performance and environmental studies at Oberlin College & Conservatory, Vourlekis felt uncertain about her future career options. After earning a master’s in music performance and arts leadership certificate from Eastman School of Music, the MCYO position felt like destiny, especially since her interviewer, Managing Director John Park, had known her since she joined as an elementary student.
“I was overjoyed,” she recalls, when Park called with the job offer.
A STORYTELLER’S JOURNEY
Briana Lim, an oboist who earned degrees in music and film from Northwestern University, now serves as Strathmore’s social media manager. Being hired validates her belief that “with consistency and dedication, you can find a career for your passions.”
Lim’s MCYO years were intensely busy, with late rehearsal nights with multiple youth orchestras. A self-described competitive person, she pressured herself to overachieve but remains grateful for the incredible musical education she gained.
Particularly influential was conductor Kristofer Sanz, whose innovative approach left a lasting impact on Lim. “Whereas many youth orchestras get stuck playing the same repertoire, Mr. Sanz was always committed to expanding our music taste, collaborating with international artists of different genres, and innovating unique concert experiences,” she explains.
Though she knew before college that she wouldn’t become a professional musician, Lim values her musical foundation. “I think I will always be a musician in my heart,” she says. “However, I love telling stories, which led me to [studying] writing and film directing. Now I get to tell the story of Strathmore and the many artists who walk through.”
THE MCYO INFLUENCE
Both alumni say their MCYO experience directly influences their current work.
Vourlekis credits MCYO with teaching her the importance of diligence and attention to detail. She arrived early to rehearsals in high school to help set up, gaining experience she now uses overseeing orchestra logistics. Her role involves coordinating with conductors, managers, and staff for various events. “I love that each day is not the same type of work,” she says.
For Lim, MCYO developed crucial professional skills. “I learned how to be a team player and leader,” she explains. “As a musician, you have to know how to blend in, but when it comes time for a solo, you have to have the courage to lead.”
In her social media role, Lim highlights Strathmore’s commitment to artistic development. She emphasizes how “a large percentage of Strathmore’s energy is focused on nurturing emerging artists,” from MCYO’s work with children as young as six to programs that give emerging artists platforms to share their work.
Another perk of working in arts administration is its flexibility. As Vourlekis notes, it’s “not one or the other” between being an arts professional and a professional musician. Lim appreciates being “exposed to so many mediums and people with diverse interests” while maintaining the ability to pursue music alongside other interests.
As MCYO’s managing director, Park is elated by this full-circle homecoming. “It is incredibly fulfilling to see alumni staying close to the music industry and joining the profession.”