It’s hard to believe that Strathmore’s Artist in Residence (AIR) program—guiding emerging artists as they develop from talented amateurs to seasoned professionals—is entering its 17th year. These young musicians blossom through mentor match-ups, professional development seminars, and many opportunities to create, rehearse, and perform.
We caught up with the Artist in Residence Class of 2022 to ask them questions about their backgrounds, interests, and aspirations. Read on to learn more!
Program sponsored by Cathy Bernard/Bernard Family Foundation♪
JAMES FERNANDO, Jazz Pianist
Sponsored by Belinda M. Kane in memory of Mamie C. Kane♪
& Ava Kaufman
What do you consider to be your biggest career highlight?
My biggest career highlight would have to be the release of my albums. The reason why I’m in music is to create, and with every release of mine I get the opportunity to put forth a finished product. These are huge projects and it’s always so rewarding to complete something beautiful and share it with others.
Where do you live now?
I live in Baltimore, in the Fells Point neighborhood. It’s dope!
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in the Boston area.
Are you currently attending college or university? If so, where? If you graduated, from where?
I graduated from Berklee College of Music in 2017. I currently teach at Levine Music.
What other interests or passions do you have outside of music?
I love to exercise and spend time outside. Some of my favorites are tennis, basketball, riding my bicycle, and hiking.
If you weren't an artist, what would you be?
Shoot. Beats me!
Who is your artistic inspiration and why?
Me, 10 years from now! I do unique things, and I do so with the mindset that I am my own prototype. I don’t know if I’ll ever feel like a “finished product,” but chasing the artist I know I can become is what motivates me.
What aspect of the AIR program are you most looking forward to?
I’m excited about working with all of the other artists and seeing what interesting things we can come up with together.
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LANGSTON HUGHES II, JAZZ SAXOPHONIST
Sponsored by Daniel and Sarah Gallagher♪, Richard and Melba Reichard♪, & Helen Louise Pettis
What do you consider to be your biggest career highlight?
In 2018, I competed in a national competition hosted by the NAACP called ACT-SO. At the time, I wasn’t planning on going to school for music or pursuing it as a career. However, I competed and won. ACT-SO was a pivotal point in my life because it confirmed that I could do this... although it may have just seemed like an ordinary music competition, it meant much more than that to me—it changed the path of my life.
Where do you live now?
I currently live in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. However, I spend most of my time in DC and Baltimore.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Capitol Heights, Maryland.
Are you currently attending college or university? If so, where? If you graduated, from where?
Yes, I attend Howard University in Washington, DC. (Studying jazz saxophone and flute.)
What other interests or passions do you have outside of music?
A lot of folks don’t know but I spend most of my free time keeping fish and landscaping/gardening outdoors!
If you weren't an artist, what would you be?
If I weren’t in music, I’d likely either be an interior designer or architect.
Who is your artistic inspiration and why?
One of my artistic inspirations is Joshua Redman. Redman has a way of capturing the life of whatever music he plays. I also admire how he doesn’t put his abilities on the instrument before the music... instead, he uses his abilities on the instrument to enhance the music.
What aspect of the AIR program are you most looking forward to?
I’m most looking forward to the new experiences! I’m often asked what’s my ideal career path in music and it’s hard to answer because I enjoy taking part in a variety of different musical styles and situations. This Strathmore residency will give me the opportunity to reflect on an array of different cultures, artists, and musical experiences.
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TITILAYO AYANGADE, CELLIST
Sponsored by Tina and Arthur Lazerow & Bayo and Funke Oyewole
What do you consider to be your biggest career highlight?
My biggest career highlight is tied between performing with my quartet at Carnegie Weill Hall or being a top prize winner at the 2018 Fischoff Competition.
Where do you live now?
I live in College Park, Maryland in a cute apartment decorated with vintage furniture and many plants.
Where did you grow up?
Cincinnati, Ohio.
Are you currently attending college or university? If so, where? If you graduated, from where?
Yes! I’m currently in year two of my Doctor of Musical Arts degree at University of Maryland. I also hold two other performance degrees: a Masters from University of Texas at Austin and a Bachelors degree from University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music.
What other interests or passions do you have outside of music?
I am also a professional photographer. You can check out my work here: www.titilayoandco.com. In my little free time I also enjoy reading sci-fi books and interior decorating.
If you weren't an artist, what would you be?
I would be a psychologist. I’m fascinated by the workings of the human mind.
Who is your artistic inspiration and why?
I’m inspired by anyone who seems free. Free from outside censorship and standing strong and tall in their own persona.
What aspect of the AIR program are you most looking forward to?
I’m looking forward to all of the Monday evening talks about different components of a music career.
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ALEX HAMBURGER, JAZZ FLUTIST & VOCALIST
Sponsored by Ellen and Michael Gold♪
What do you consider to be your biggest career highlight?
Making my first record And She Spoke in one day after playing a weekend at The Birdseye (Basel Switzerland). And She Spoke is a collection of music by female composers that I've arranged and music I've written based on poetry by female poets, inspired by my grandmother (educator, activist, and writer).
Where do you live now?
Hyattsville, MD.
Where did you grow up?
Silver Spring, MD.
Are you currently attending college or university? If so, where? If you graduated, from where?
I graduated from SUNY Purchase in 2017.
What other interests or passions do you have outside of music?
As a very general term, social activism. Fighting for the rights of those who are constantly being pushed down by society and reading/watching/listening/learning about the activists who started it all. I also love doing yoga, learning about the body especially in relation to music, hiking, and being outdoors.
If you weren't an artist, what would you be?
I think if I wasn’t an artist I would probably do something in activism, either working with a grassroots organization or being on the front lines working directly with people on the ground level.
Who is your artistic inspiration and why?
I have many diverse artistic inspirations as I believe all of us as artists are a culmination of our own experiences in life, the art that we’ve taken in and the art and artistic communities that we’ve been around.
A handful of mine are:
Joni Mitchell, Meshell Ndegeocello, Questlove, John Coltrane, Eric Dolphy, Ingrid Jensen, and Geri Allen.
My grandmother who was an educator, activist, and writer in the face of a dictatorship in Paraguay.
My parents (father drummer, mother dancer) and the artist communities I was raised around in the DC area, including my godfather Al Williams who inspired me to want to play jazz flute from a very young age.
What aspect of the AIR program are you most looking forward to?
I’m really looking forward to getting the opportunity to create without limits and within a community of musicians I might not otherwise have contact with.
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TAISHA ESTRADA, SINGER-SONGWRITER
Sponsored by Hope Eastman and Allen Childs♪, Margaret McDowell, & Victoria J. Perkins
What do you consider to be your biggest career highlight?
I recently had the pleasure of performing for Blues Alley at the National Press Club with pianist Jose Andre and bassist Michael Bowie. I had been dreaming of playing Blues Alley since I saw my first show there, and our set was really special because I got to play several originals that Jose had beautifully arranged.
Where do you live now?
I live in Arlington, VA.
Where did you grow up?
I was born in Puerto Rico, and my father joined the military soon after I was born, so we have been stationed all over the US.
Are you currently attending college or university? If so, where? If you graduated, from where?
I graduated from George Mason University in May of 2020. I had the pleasure of studying music there, specifically jazz voice under the direction of Darden Purcell.
What other interests or passions do you have outside of music?
The only other thing that I am really passionate about is teaching kids.
If you weren't an artist, what would you be?
I would be teaching, which I am actually doing anyways in various settings!
Who is your artistic inspiration and why?
I’ve always loved singers like Etta James, Omara Portuondo, and Elis Regina. They are all incredible vocalists but also very natural, energetic performers who captivate audiences. In terms of modern inspirations, Natalia LaFourcade and iLe. Those women are who I hope to be in 10 years. With Natalia, I love the way she has re-interpreted Central and South American folklore in her series of albums entitled Musas. She has also written songs emulating these styles. Natalia’s music is organic and warm. In contrast, iLe’s sound and image are surreal and somewhat cold. Like Natalia, she has taken influences from many Latin American genres, but her creations are much more modern sounding, and the production is really cutting-edge.
What aspect of the AIR program are you most looking forward to?
I’m looking forward to collaborating with these incredible artists!
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GERSON LANZA, TAP DANCER
Sponsored by Dale Rosenthal and Michael Cutler♪ & Linda and Van Hubbard
What do you consider to be your biggest career highlight?
My biggest career highlight has been to participate on a bubble residency at Jacobs Pillow for ten days with six musicians, six dancers, and no interruption from the outside world.
Where do you live now?
I live in University Park, Maryland.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in La ceiba, Honduras until I was 11 years old. In 2001, I moved to NYC.
Are you currently attending college or university? If so, where? If you graduated, from where?
I am attending the University of Maryland seeking to obtain a Masters in Fine Arts (MFA) with a focus in Dance.
What other interests or passions do you have outside of music?
I love riding motorcycles, water activities, and social dancing.
If you weren't an artist, what would you be?
I want to say a lawyer or in hospitality.
Who is your artistic inspiration and why?
Miles Davis has a huge impact on me as well as Common, and the talent that surrounds me.
What aspect of the AIR program are you most looking forward to?
I am looking forward to meeting other amazing artists and sharing the stage with them.
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