This week's episode will feature host, Carol Jantsch, moderating a panel of five brass musicians-all of whom are brilliant, incredibly talented, and most importantly, amazing mothers. The topics of discussion will include parenthood and the fourth trimester of pregnancy.  We welcome Jennifer Marotta, Dr. Katy Ambrose, Nicole Abissi, Dr.  Amy Schumaker Bliss, and Velvet Brown to the Rising Stars Podcast for the conclusion of our two-part series, Brass Moms. Jen's website Follow Jen on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube   Katy's website Follow Katy on Facebook and Instagram The Hor ..read more

Based in Philadelphia, Hailey Brinnel has been a superstar since performing at the age of 12 with her father. This phenomenal jazz vocalist, trombonist, and educator will share her journey throughout the years; Hailey also provides insight on working with others and how she developed her versatile craft, which continues to inspire others who listen to her music and angelic voice. Links: Hailey's website Follow Hailey on Spotify Follow Hailey on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube Selected Videos: You Go To My Head - Hailey Brinnel Orange Colored Sky - Hailey Brinnel Hailey Brinnel Quartet- Wayf ..read more

Known affectionately as "Doc Nix,"  Dr. Michael W. Nickens has made an enormous impact at George Mason University and throughout this country's collegiate sports landscape as a director, composer, arranger, university professor, professional tubist,  and social justice advocate. He shares with our host, Carol Jantsch, his memories of their time at the University of Michigan, his thoughts on supporting one's fellow peers in the tuba-euphonium studio environment, and his perspective on life as a multi-talented individual who wears many hats. *LINKS* Mike’s GMU faculty page Follow Mike ..read more

This week's episode will feature host, Carol Jantsch, moderating a panel of four brass musicians-all of whom are brilliant, incredibly talented, and most importantly, amazing mothers. They will discuss how they have been able to navigate the beauty and challenges of being a brass player while pregnant.  We welcome U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Adrienne Doctor, Alana Vegter Gartrell, Vanessa Fralick, and Dr. Joanna Ross Hersey, to the Rising Stars Podcast for the debut of our two-part series, Brass Moms. *LINKS* Adrienne's bio Adrienne's interview The U.S. Army Ceremonial Band Alana's bio Geng ..read more

All of our guests on RSP are good people, but this title is a nod to Lessie’s sage advice on how to be a successful freelance musician: Be a good person! Lessie discusses all the various activities that keep her busy, from composing, teaching, and copyist work to performing with top tier acts like Beyoncé, The Carters, Lizzo, Kathy Sledge, and the BET Black Girls Rock All Star Band. *LINKS* Lessie's website Follow Lessie on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram Her article on Brass Chicks Selected Videos: Art Is Live feature Beyoncé: "All Night Long" Festival of New Trumpet Music: “Emerging Voices ..read more

Known throughout the tuba community for years as a great tubist in Chicago, IL,  Micky Wrobleski took his musical gifts to China after a chance opportunity landed his way. Becoming the principal tubist of the Beijing Symphony Orchestra has not only provided Micky amazing opportunities as a recording artist, chamber musician, university professor, composer, and arranger, it has also given him the lens to see life as a gay married man living on a different continent. *LINKS* Micky’s bio International Mock Audition Competition Videos Micky' s performance videos Follow us on Instagram and ..read more

Rising Stars Podcast is excited and proud to showcase Jessie Montgomery, the highly acclaimed composer, violinist, and educator; this brilliant woman was appointed by Riccardo Muti, Zell Music Director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, as the ensemble’s Mead Composer-in-Residence this past July. Jessie shares her thoughts with our host, Carol Jantsch,  on many topics of conversation including social activism, exercises to address "composer's block," and how she has shaped her artistic voice in her stunningly vivid compositions. *LINKS* Jessie’s website Follow Jessie on Facebook, SoundCl ..read more

This week's episode will feature host, Carol Jantsch, moderating a panel of four brass musicians-all of whom are brilliant, incredibly talented, and most importantly, amazing mothers. They will discuss how they have been able to navigate the beauty and challenges of being a brass player while pregnant.  We welcome U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Adrienne Doctor, Alana Vegter Gartrell, Vanessa Fralick, and Dr. Joanna Ross Hersey, to the Rising Stars Podcast for the debut of our two-part series, Brass Moms. *LINKS* Adrienne's bio Adrienne's interview The U.S. Army Ceremonial Band Alana's bio Geng ..read more

Coming from a family of outstanding musicians, Giancarlo Castro has been characterized as a representative figure within the music scene in Venezuela. This multi-talented composer, conductor, and trumpeter shares how "El Sistema" and his family's musical background played major roles in shaping his expressive gifts. *LINKS* Gian’s website Follow Gian on Instagram, Soundcloud,  and YouTube Gian’s catalog of brass compositions on Editions-BIM Listen to his Sonatina for Tuba on Carol Jantsch’s album Powerhouse Selected Videos: Grand Fanfare for orchestra Concerto for Tuba with Carol Jantsc ..read more

After rehabilitating from a playing injury in college, Amelia dedicated herself to paying forward everything she learned that can help keep her fellow musicians healthy and happy. She shares these wellness insights with her students (both trombone and yoga), and via Yoga for All Musicians, an online yoga studio and community she co-founded last year. *LINKS* Amelia's website and Edwards artist profile Yoga for All Musicians website, Instagram, and Facebook Follow Amelia on Facebook and Instagram Selected Videos: Neck Stretches for Musicians Intro to Meditation for Musicians Core Yoga for Mus ..read more