Strathmore Celebrates 20th Anniversary of Artist In Residence (AIR) Program
Meet the 2025 AIR Class at Strathmore's Fresh AIR Concert on
November 13, 2024
[North Bethesda; August 20, 2024] — Strathmore is thrilled to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its Artist in Residence (AIR) program. Featuring six emerging local musicians, the class of 2025 showcases a diverse range of talent that embodies the AIR program’s commitment to fostering a creative and inclusive artistic community.
2025 AIR Cohort:
Gabby Cameron (banjo/songwriter) – Merging bluegrass, old-time jazz, and classical music, Cameron explores how narratives foster human connections. She is a PhD candidate in ethnomusicology at the University of Maryland and a student of Béla Fleck at Blue Ridge Banjo Camp.
Jack Gruber (piano/composer) – A product of DC’s vibrant jazz scene, Gruber blends jazz with pop, video game, and anime music influences. He is working on his debut album while pursuing a master’s at the Manhattan School of Music.
Hasan Imam Hamdani (guitar/composer) – Leading the global music ensemble Imam Collective, Hamdani’s mentors include an Indian classical sarod master, a South African guitarist, and a blues musician. Originally from Pakistan, he holds degrees from Berklee College of Music.
Maximilian Jacobs (violin/composer) – Specializing in jazz, swing, klezmer, and blues, Jacobs holds a master’s degree in violin performance from the University of Maryland and a section violin position with the Great Falls Philharmonic in Virginia.
Marcel Penzes (trombone/teacher) – An alum of Strathmore’s Young Musicians Training Residency, Penzes fuses New Orleans and Pan-American jazz. He is pursuing a master’s in jazz performance at Peabody.
Qi Yu (guzheng/audio engineer) – Trained in traditional and modern Chinese music, Yu holds dual master’s degrees in world music and recording arts. Her repertoire includes blues, rock, Latin jazz, and electronic music.
2025 AIR Mentors
- Cathy Fink (vocals/guitar/banjo)
- Seth Kibel (saxophone/clarinet)
- Dante’ Pope (percussion/vocals)
- Josanne Francis (steelpan)
Fresh AIR: Artist in Residence Class of 2025 Concert
The 2025 AIR program kicks off on Wednesday, November 13, at 8 PM with the Fresh AIR concert at the Music Center at Strathmore. This annual event offers an early glimpse of the new class’s talent and innovation through cross-genres performances. They will be joined onstage by their mentors.
About Strathmore’s AIR Program:
Now in its 20th year, the AIR program is part of Strathmore's Institute for Artistic Development, dedicated to nurturing the next generation of musical talent. Participants receive mentorship, professional training, and opportunities to perform and teach. The program includes community outreach and educational initiatives, culminating in the debut of new compositions commissioned by Strathmore.
About Strathmore:
Since 1983, Strathmore has been dedicated to enriching lives through transformative artistic experiences and meaningful community connections. With a legacy of spotlighting world-class talent and serving as a nurturing platform for rising artists, this leading cultural institution has become a cornerstone of the arts scene in the Washington, DC region and beyond.
As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in the vibrant community of North Bethesda, Maryland, Strathmore is deeply committed to amplifying diverse voices and fostering creativity across all demographics. Our expansive campus, including the Music Center and the Mansion, hosts hundreds of accessible and multidimensional programs each year, inviting audiences to explore the arts from every angle.
Whether through captivating performances, thought-provoking discussions, or innovative educational initiatives, Strathmore remains steadfast in its mission to inspire, engage, and connect individuals through the power of the arts. Join us in experiencing the magic of Strathmore, where art is everywhere.
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For more information about Strathmore’s AIR program, the 20th anniversary class, and purchasing tickets to Fresh AIR, visit strathmore.org/air or call (301) 581-5100.