�����鶹Ӱ����Ƶ

Since launching in 2005, Strathmore’s Artist in Residence (AIR) program has evolved into a leading cultural institute of North Bethesda, Maryland, serving as a catalyst for emerging musicians to establish business acumen and excel in virtuosity. 

With the introduction of its 2025 cohort, and commemorative annual “Fresh AIR” concert on Nov. 13, the education program celebrates 20 years of cultivating artistry and forging innovation in the DMV region.

“To the best of our knowledge, this program is the only one in the country of such depth that is sponsored by a performing arts center,” explained Betty Scott, now AIR program director. “Strathmore takes great pride in this 20th anniversary celebration that has afforded innumerable resources to propel the careers of well over 100 gifted musicians in the DMV.”

Every year, as part of Strathmore’s Institute for Artistic Development, the Artist in Residence education program supplies six musicians with the tools and supportive environment to develop their craft and break new ground, promoting professional development, mentorship and extensive exposure throughout a 10-month residency. 

Over the last two decades, the intensive program has had tremendous growth and impact, from enhanced communal engagement to powerful alumni success stories, including two Grammy nominations, multiple Washington Area Music Awards wins, and even international recognition. 

Scott, who was initially appointed as the initiative’s education coordinator in 2005, told The Informer that the mission behind Strathmore AIR has always been rooted in supporting prosperity, but the outcome has exceeded even her own expectations. 

“We knew what the goal was, but I think it was kind of hard to envision Grammy nominations and selling out concerts.” 

The competitive excellence of the program was evident through Class of 2025’s preview Fresh AIR concert, held for the first time at Strathmore’s 1,800-seat Music Center–which is also celebrating its 20th anniversary. The 2025 class features Gabby Cameron (banjo), Jack Gruber (piano), Hasan Imam Hamdani (guitar), Maximilian Jacobs (violin), Marcel Penzes (trombone), and Qi Yu (guzheng). 

From folkloric and jazz, to swing and bluesy music, the unique blends of the   previewed an array of talents and diverse artistry in this year’s class, and attested to the peculiarities of exploring cross-genre infusion. 

Yu, who specializes in traditional and modern Chinese music, commends the well-rounded support and lack of imposed limitations from the AIR program directors. She noted how the program’s approach allows her to thrive in multi-genre collaborations and deepens her appreciation for her craft. 

“To be able to learn different cultures through music…and then be able to collaborate to different or even multiple musics, it really helps me open my mind and eyes to what the world really is and how the culture influenced the music,” she said. “I feel like [at Strathmore AIR] the sky’s the limit.”

Strathmore AIR: Bridging Genre and Generation

In an inspiring introduction video prior to the cohort’s performances, several AIR alumni expressed gratitude for the career development program, with some describing it as a “springboard,” “cultivation,” and “a priceless experience.”

This year, alumni like Josanne Francis (steelpan) and Danté Pope (vocals and percussion) return to the cultural institute to serve as mentors for the class of 2025, reinforcing the program’s enduring commitment to bridging genre and generation. 

AIR’s history of serving as an accessory to connectivity has been essential in its success, but even more so pivotal to the once-mentees who aim to bestow the same wisdom and dedication to current students. 

“I recall how instrumental the AIR program was in shaping my development as both an artist and an educator, and the roles my mentors played and continue to play,” said Francis, of AIR’s 2018 class, in an August press release. “This year’s class is incredibly talented, and it is a true honor to serve as a mentor and be part of their journey.”

As the 2025 cohort prepares for a transformative journey in musicianship, the year-long residency continues to uplift its students by not only supporting their career growth, but also allowing them to explore artistic freedom in a way that truly sets Strathmore AIR apart, said Jacobs. 

“Most of the other opportunities I’d applied for in the past were purely classical music, and with [Strathmore AIR], I have a chance to really be myself and be creative,” Jacobs told The Informer. “I feel like I have an artistic freedom here that I haven’t had in other programs. I really appreciate that.”