Letter from the Department
Welcome to this concert presentation by the Music Program in the Department of Performing Arts. We are delighted to have the wonderful support of great families and friends. A very special welcome goes out to our visitors from the community who may not have any affiliation to our students, and simply come to hear spectacular musical performances by these talented student musicians. We hope everyone in our audience is pleased with the musical selections; and proud of the achievement of the students involved.
The students you will hear at this performance are not music majors. They do this for their love of music and dedicate their time and energy to cultivating their passion for this art form. They are as dedicated to their studies and career pursuits as they are to this intrinsic passion they have within them. The program is fortunate to have a bounty of students with this yearning. We would not exist without them!
The Music Program and Department of Performing Arts is dedicated to providing robust opportunities in the performing arts while students are at Drexel. Our goal is to provide a positive and supportive environment for our students. It is our hope that students and audiences alike feel they are represented in the selections being performed. The human connection is most important to us all.
Thank you for attending this performance. Being here is the greatest show of support for the students, the Music Program, and the Department of Performing Arts. Thanks to the dedicated leadership of the faculty ensemble directors and staff, we are pleased to present you with the following program.
Sincerely,
Luke Abruzzo, Music Program Director Miriam Giguere, PhD, Department Head, Performing Arts
I would like to thank the diligence and persistence of all DUSO members as each term they perform mighty repertoire from the great lexicon of Western orchestral music. In addition, thank yous are extended to Performing Arts Department Head, Dr. Miriam Giguere, Music Program Director, Luke Abruzzo, Performing Arts Ensemble Associate, Lauren Tracy, Performing Arts Department Assistant, Ellie Ebby, Department Administrator, Hannah Burke, and Performing Arts Department Graduate Assistant, Cece Hill for their valuable support.
Drexel Performing Arts would like to thank Senior Vice President for Student Success, Dr. Subir Sahu, for his continued support of Performing Arts at Drexel.
About the Ensemble
The Drexel University Symphony Orchestra is comprised of undergraduate and graduate students from all colleges within the University. Majors represented include but are not limited to engineering, nursing, fashion design, music industry, physics, architecture and TV production. Admission is by audition and Performing Arts Scholarships are available to qualified undergraduate students. Interested in auditioning for DUSO? Contact Conductor and Music Director Rosalind Erwin: rme49@drexel.edu
About the Concert
Drexel University Symphony Orchestra ends the 2024/2025 academic year with a performance of movie music derived from or influenced by great orchestral composers. Also featured are the winners of the 2025 DUSO Solo Competition, performing one movement from Antonio Vivaldi’s Concerto for Two Violoncellos in G minor.
Program
The Drexel University Symphony Orchestra
Rosalind Erwin, Conductor and Music Director
Richard STRAUSS
Gioachino ROSSINI
John WILLIAMS
Antonio VIVALDI
Opening from Zarathustra (2001: A Space Odyssey)
Overture to William Tell (Lone Ranger)
Theme from Jurassic Park
***Intermission***
Concerto in G minor for two Violoncelli and continuo
I Allegro
Ryan Rose and Kari Hunte, violoncello
Dane Gentle, Continuo
Winners, 2025 DUSO Solo Competition
John WILLIAMS/ Paul Lavender
A Tribute to John Williams (from the Kennedy Center Honors)
Camille SAINT SAENS
Symphony No. 2 (Babe)
Mvt. II Maestoso - Allegro
Matt Rakowski, organ
Ensemble Members
Rosalind Erwin Conductor and Music Director
Violin I
(^ Rotating Concertmaster)
Hailey Mak ˄
Leeia Stroh ˄
Daniel Oh ˄
Sofia Arastu
Donovan Dolan
Maria Dierkes #
Tifanny Lin
Ana Namur
Anna Lu
Violin II
Grace Fazzolari, Principal #
George Cao #
Maya Gonzales #
Kenzi Neighbors #
Jeremy Ashley
Billy Drgon
Sarah Carnila #
Eva Kraus #
Samantha Waldman
Designations
Guest
Graduating Members
Drexel Graduate
Conductors Assistant
Ensemble Members
Viola
Frances Ebner, Principal
Anne Marie Strader #
Sophia Roscoe
Gia Angelo ++
Adam Brotnitsky +
Violoncello
Gwendolyn Tom, Principal
Raina Brooks
Akari Hunte
Caleb Kang
Esther Lee
Lorenzo Stringfellow
Ava Scholl
Double Bass
Ryan Rose, Principal
Jerome Kim
Seamus Vereline
Andre Charpentier
Flute/Piccolo
Viviane Ho #
Dane Gentles
Emma Cintron
Jane Brylewski
Oboe/English horn
Nicole Lam
David Schneider **
Ensemble Members
Clarinet/Bass Clarinet
Kieran Van Sant +
Devin Casas
Thomas Cope
Bassoon
Julienne Cormier + Horn
Evan Thalheimer #
Cruz Maria Carreira #
Kent Masten
Harley Givler**
Evan Bretz**
Trumpet
Jacob Stratton
Mason Vetter
Brandon Stern Trombone
Clayton Falciani +
Oliver Jakacki
Bass Trombone
Micah Miles
Tuba
Jordan Finamore #
Ensemble Members
Piano
Blaze Fogle
Kent Masten
Organ
Matt Rakowski
Harp
Rebecca Simpson**
Timpani/Percussion
Ezra Smith-Pohl
Jason Adams
Alexis Reichardt
Adam Rudisill **
Designations ** Guest
# Graduating Members + Drexel Graduate
Conductors Assistant
DUSO Graduating Members
My sincerest Thank You to all graduating members of DUSO. Your participation has meant so very much to me. Wherever you go, Keep On Playing!
- Rosalind Erwin
George Cao, violin (Business Administration)
I never imagined I’d keep playing violin in college, but DUSO made it possible. It reminded me that I didn’t have to give up what I loved just because I chose a different career path.
Sarah Carnila, violin (Biology)
I have participated in DUSO since I was a freshman in 2020. From our virtual recording project to our quarterly in-person performances, DUSO has been a way to connect with other musicians and keep music in my life.
Cruz Maria Carreira, horn (Entertainment and Arts Management)
I’m so grateful for having had orchestra through my time at Drexel, especially as someone new to Philly. Being able to create music with new friends helped me adjust and challenged me to grow as a musician and person!
DUSO Graduating Members
Maria Dierkes, violin (Graphic Design)
Being a part of DUSO these past four years not only allowed me to learn some magnificent and beautiful pieces but also enabled me spend time playing music during my chaotic class schedule. I've enjoyed my time in this orchestra and will miss playing with such a talented group of musicians!
Grace Fazzolari, violin (Nursing)
Throughout the past four years, Wednesday-night DUSO rehearsals have been a consistent source of respite from the commotion of life as a Drexel student. I will always be grateful to this group for the chance to hold onto my connection with the arts, for the friendships I have made, and for the incredible musical performances we've shared.
Jordan Finamore – Graphic Design
DUSO has been, by far, the most meaningful class I've been able to take at Drexel; not only has it helped merefine my instrumental skill to a degree I've never experienced before, but it's inspired me to pursue classical performance as a hobby despite how distant from my career path that is. I'm grateful beyond words for the opportunity to practice and perform in this ensemble.
DUSO Graduating Members
Maya Gonzales, violin (Fashion Design)
Playing in DUSO over the past four years has reignited my passion for violin. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to play alongside my fellow classmates!
Viviane Ho, flute (Product Design)
The chance to continue playing in a symphony orchestra setting in college has been a wonderful opportunity. It's allowed me to keep up with a lifelong activity in a highlevel, but low stress way.
Eva Kraus, violin (Biomedical Engineering)
DUSO has been a great place to satisfy my desire for musical community and to grow my music skills while in college. It’s also where I’ve found those rare moments of full presence without distractions while in college, as it forces me to step away from the intensity of my studies and simply make music.
Kenzi Neighbors, violin (Chemistry)
Over the past four years, Wednesday night rehearsals with the amazing musicians of DUSO have kept my love for music alive. With the craziness accompanying life at Drexel, I am so grateful to DUSO for not letting me lose the ability to express myself through the violin.
DUSO Graduating Members
Anne Marie Strader, viola/violin (Entertainement and Arts Management)
My time in DUSO has been nothing but a joy. It has given me a home away from home.
Evan Thalheimer, horn (Architecture)
The Drexel University Symphony Orchestra was the cornerstone of my Drexel experience, offering a safe and joyful escape from the demands of academics. Over my six years at Drexel, the consistent presence of music performance not only enriched my work but also contributed significantly to my personal growth.
Rosalind Erwin DUSO Conductor and Music Director
A flexible, creative and highly accomplished conductor, Rosalind Erwin is welcome on podiums both in the USA and abroad. Erwin received her Bachelor's Degree in Performance from the New School of Music in Philadelphia and her Masters in Performance from Esther Boyer College of Music at Temple University where she studied with Anthony Gigliotti, Principal Clarinet of the Philadelphia Orchestra and was also appointed Resident Conductor of the Composition Department.
Conducting mentors have included Ricardo Muti, David Zinnman, Joseph Barone and William Smith. Professional guest conducting engagements have included orchestras in Europe as well as throughout the United States.
Erwin has conducted numerous MEA All-State, Regional and District Festival Orchestras in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. In 2013 Erwin was hired by Drexel University to create what is now the Drexel University Symphony Orchestra, and in 2014, Erwin was named Director and Conductor/ Artistic Staff of the Philadelphia Young Artists Orchestra, one of three orchestra supported by the PYO Music Institute.
Erwin has taught Advanced Conducting at Temple University and currently offers a highly acclaimed Introduction to Conducting course for the PYO Music Institute. Last August, Erwin conducted the OrvietoFestival of Strings Chamber Orchestra, Orvieto, Italy, in a performance of Antonio Vivaldi'sLe QuatroStagioni(Four Seasons)with Rumanian violinist Lenuta Ciulei.
2025 DUSO Solo Competition Winners
Akari Hunte | Dane Gentles | Ryan Rose
My name is Akari Hunte and I am studying to get my Bachelor of Science in Music Industry. I have been playing cello for 17 years. I also have experience as a rapper, songwriter, and producer. I love music in all its forms and draw a lot of inspiration from classical, jazz, fusion, hip hop, RnB music.
My name is Dane Gentles, and I'm a Music Industry sophomore at Drexel University. In my spare time, I enjoy creating content, developing marketing strategies for social media, playing basketball, and reading. I am also Co-principal Flute with Drexel University Symphony Orchestra.
My name is Ryan Rose, and I am from West Palm Beach, Florida. I am an Architecture major at Drexel University’s Westphal School of Media Arts and Design. I have been playing the cello since I was eight years old. Besides playing the cello, I also enjoy playing both classical and jazz double bass. I am currently Principal Double bass with Drexel University Symphony Orchestra.
Drexel Pipe Organ Restoration Project
Matt Rakowski
Drexel student Matt Rakowski is leading a student-driven initiative to restore the University’s original 1928 pipe organ—one of the few tonally intact instruments of its kind. What began as a personal passion has become a campus-wide effort to bring this magnificent instrument back to life. Thanks to Matt’s collaborative work with Drexel Music Program Director Luke Abruzzo, the organ is now 60% functional, but it needs continued support to reach full restoration. Your donation will help preserve a unique piece of Drexel’s musical heritage and bring its powerful voice back to campus.
Contact Professor Luke Abruzzo at laa24@drexel.edu to arrange for your donation to the Al Blatter Organ Refurbishment Fund.
Drexel offers four different music minors:
Music: requires 26 credits, including work in Music Theory, History, private lessons, ensemble performance, and 9 credits of music electives.
Music Theory and Composition: aimed at people who are writing their own music or who would like to begin doing so. You will take courses in Music Theory, Arranging, Composition, and Digital Composition, and end with a portfolio of several completed pieces.
Music Performance: requires two years of private lesson studies with our artist faculty culminating in a recital. The Music Program will provide support for the recital venue and accompanist.
Jazz & African-American Music: includes course work in Jazz History, African-American Music, Jazz Theory, private study in Jazz performance, and ensemble work in several ensembles devoted to jazz.
Support Great Performance
Dance, Music, and Theatre are a vital, central part of the Drexel academia and student life. Donations support performing arts ensembles and programs, as well as the operation of our performing arts venues, including the Mandell Theater and URBN Annex Black Box Theater.
Drexel University Department of Performing Arts Staff
Department Head
Dr. Miriam Giguere
Program Directors Luke Abruzzo
Music
Nick Anselmo Theatre
Jennifer Morley Dance
Administrative Staff
Ellie Ebby Department Assistant
Hannah Burke Department Administrator
Caroline Leipf
Mandell Theater Managing Director
Cece Hill
Performing Arts Graduate Assistant
Liv Shoup
Audience Services Coordinator
Lauren Tracy
Ensemble Production Associate
Production Staff
Paul Jerue
Theatre Production Manager/Black Box Theater Technical Director
Asaki Kuruma
Costume Shop Manager
Chris Totora
Mandell Theater Technical Director
Upcoming Performing Arts Events
END-OF-TERM THEATRE SHOWCASE - SPRING
June 7, 2025 | 1:00 PM | URBN Annex Black Box Theater
June 7, 2025 | 7:00 PM | URBN Annex Black Box Theater
June 7, 2025 | 8:30 PM | URBN Annex Black Box Theater
DREXEL UNIVERSITY GOSPEL CHOIR
June 7, 2025 | 7:00 PM | Mandell Theater
ALL-COLLEGE CHOIR AND CHAMBER BRASS AND WINDS
June 7, 2025 | 7:30 PM | Main Auditorium
UNIVERSITY CHORUS AND CHAMBER SINGERS
June 8, 2025 | 3:00 PM | Great Court in Main Building
CONCERT BAND
June 8, 2025 | 7:00 PM | Mandell Theater
