2024 I M P A C T R E P O R T
Dear Friends,
We are excited to present the 2024 Impact Report for the Music Institute of Chicago (MIC). Each year since our founding in 1931, MIC’s faculty, staff, and trustees have fulfilled our mission to lead people toward a lifelong engagement with music.
We do this through high-quality music teaching, great performances, and service activities in our community. Learning music builds strong minds and noble hearts. We are proud to nurture the next generation of musicians, creative thinkers, music lovers, and community leaders!
Within this report you will find key metrics on enrollment, programs, and finances. In addition, you will be reminded that music has the power to transform students and their families. Music the MIC way means excellent individual teaching, a comprehensive menu of classes and ensembles, a supportive community, and exciting performance opportunities at Nichols Concert Hall.
In whatever way you participate at MIC, we want to say a massive thank you; we could not be a community music school without our community. We hope you find this report both a celebration of what we can accomplish together and an invitation to deepen your relationship with music and MIC.
Scott Verschoor
Mark George Chair, Board of Trustees President and CEO
MIC Board of Trustees at the 2024 Gala Benefit
2024 FINANCIAL YEAR REPORT
MUSIC INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO
MAKING THE BEST STUDENT-TEACHER MATCH
Personalized Student Placement Process
The Music Institute believes that some of its most important work is finding the teacher best-suited for each student. Finding that music teacher can seem like a daunting prospect for parents looking to ensure a positive start for their child or for empty nesters returning to music lessons after a long time away. Luckily, our amazing team of Campus Directors is there to help.
Music lessons provide the foundation for a lifelong engagement with music, and the Music Institute is invested in meeting new students where they are and taking them where they want to go. Whether that means mastering a favorite song to play in their living room for friends or taking the stage at Carnegie Hall, MIC is there every step of the way.
Let's start at the very beginning, a very good place to start.
Prospective students meet with a Campus Director, either in person at their preferred campus or virtually. At this placement meeting, Campus Directors answer questions and assess the student's learning style, goals, musical interests, personality, and teacher preferences.
Open Houses and Instrument Petting Zoos
Each year, MIC welcomes the community for campus open houses. A favorite feature at these events are instrument petting zoos where students may try various instruments under the guidance of faculty members. Learning more about the instruments and having the opportunity to hear a professional musician demonstrate helps prospective students discover which instrument excites them most and gets them started on their own musical journey.
The right teacher makes all the difference
Winnetka Campus Director Clem Leek with a prospective adult student
Prospective students try the guitar at an Evanston Open House
GREAT MUSIC TEACHERS MAKE A DIFFERENCE
One of the most important components of taking music lessons is identifying the right teacher.
MIC faculty are highly qualified, experienced professionals. As dedicated educators and performers, they hold degrees and have received specialized training from the world’s finest music schools.
The Music Institute's rigorous faculty hiring process ensures that its faculty are among the best-trained and most experienced in the Chicago area.
Suzuki violin/viola faculty Vannia Phillips works with a young open house visitor in Evanston's Nichols Concert Hall lobby
NEW BEGINNINGS IN LAKE BLUFF
In partnership with Grace United Methodist Church, MIC extended its northern reach in fall 2023 with a new campus location in Lake Bluff. The new teaching space is a seven-minute walk from the Lake Bluff Metra station and is easily accessible from nearby communities including Libertyville, Gurnee, and North Chicago.
MEET TIMOTHY COOK, CAMPUS DIRECTOR
LAKE FOREST/LAKE BLUFF
MIC also welcomed Timothy Cook as the new Campus Director of both Lake Forest and Lake Bluff campuses at the start of the 2023–2024 school year. Before completing his master of music degree in instrumental conducting at Northwestern Univeristy, he taught high school for nearly a decade. He commented, "My classroom experience deeply informs my decisions regarding our privatelesson students."
In addition to his Campus Director duties, Cook is the new conductor of the re-envisioned MIC Concert Band and new Chamber Winds ensemble.
BAND MEMBER RICH BLOOM "TOOTS" HIS HORN FOR NEW CONDUCTOR
TIMOTHY COOK
I don’t envy Timothy’s job as director of the MIC Concert Band. Some of us have not played our instruments for 50 years.
But he handles us well and treats us with respect.
We learn so much about music theory and music appreciation, and we walk away from every rehearsal with at least one new pearl. His optimism and passion for music and people gives us confidence that we will eventually get it right. Oops, I forgot to mention, it’s pure fun."
MIC Concert Band French horn section
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION...
From the Music Institute's humble Winnetka farmhouse beginnings in 1931, the school has expanded to provide lessons and classes to nearly 2,000 students annually across eight campus locations.
While every MIC campus offers private instruction, classes and ensembles vary by location and capitalize on each unique space. All MIC students have the opportunity to perform at MIC's premier concert venue, Nichols Concert Hall, in downtown Evanston.
"Listening to Music," an online music appreciation class taught by Fred Simon, means students from across the country can benefit from instruction at MIC, no matter their location, and students studying in downtown Chicago enjoy varied performance opportunities at places like St. James Cathedral, Buchanan Chapel at Fourth Presbyterian Church, the Driehaus Museum, Zoolights, and more.
Lake Forest Campus
MIC Concert Band rehearsal at Winnetka's Thoresen Performance Center
A C A D E M Y
Master Classes Take Student Performances to the Next Level
Academy master classes offer invaluable opportunities for students, providing access to expert instruction from internationally and nationally respected pedagogues.
Performing artists and faculty members from the finest conservatories in the country regularly visit the Academy to provide tailored direction on technique, style, and interpretation, while offering fresh insights that deepen musical understanding.
Performing in front of peers and for a master teacher also builds confidence and stage presence. Most importantly, master classes connect students with professionals, creating networking opportunities for mentorship and future collaboration.
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(l to r) Academy master class students Tristan Zhu, Lily Sullivan, and Elle Cho with violinist Midori, Curtis School of Music
2023–2024 Academy Master Classes
STEPHEN BALDERSON, cello
DePaul University School of Music
BENJAMIN BEILMAN, violin
The Curtis School of Music
NATASHA BROFSKY, cello
The Juilliard School
ALAN CHOW, piano
The Eastman School of Music
INNA FALIKS, piano
UCLA, Herb Alpert School of Music
FORMOSA STRING QUARTET
Chamber Music Class
MIRIAM FRIED, violin
The New England Conservatory
CLIVE GREENSMITH, cello
The Colburn School
GRIGORY KALINOVSKY, violin
The Jacobs School at Indiana University
JENNIFER KOH, violin
Soloist and recording artist
MIDORI, violin
The Curtis School of Music
(l to r) Master class with cellist Clive Greensmith, the Colburn School, and students Jan Vargas Nedvetsky, Katarina Kenney, and Lucy Wu
Flossmoor Mayor Michelle Nelson with Academy students and village of Flossmoor leadership
Academy Students Champion Community Service
Each year, Academy students share their talent beyond the concert hall, despite a rigorous schedule that includes rehearsals, master class and competition preparation, music theory assignments, schoolwork, and family obligations. Nevertheless, Academy students find time to give back through community engagement performances at senior residences, libraries, community centers, schools, churches, and synagogues across Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.
For three consecutive years, Tristan Zhu, violin student of Almita Vamos, has performed a classical music concert at the Flossmoor Community Church, hosted by Mayor Michelle Nelson, whose daughter Kate is an Academy alumna. This year Tristan's concert inspired donations to Open Access, which aims to address food insecurity for families. He was joined by violinist Sasha Varchenko and MIC piano faculty Sung Hoon Mo.
A COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE PAYS OFF
Music competitions foster musical and personal growth, and artistic excellence. Academy students rehearse rigorously September through May to participate in the most respected competitions in the United States. Students work with artist level coaches to refine their interpretation and technique, and the guidance of a coach will provide insight into subtle cues like eye contact and body language. While they build connections in the music community, successful ensembles earn scholarships, recording opportunities, and public recognition. (l to r) Quartet Meraviglia and Elysian String Quartet at the 2024 St. Paul String Quartet Competition
SERAPHIM QUARTET
Twelfth Annual A.N. and Pearl G. Barnett Chamber Music Competition – First Place and Grand Prize
Clark Snavely, Sasha Varchenko, Serge Kalinovsky, and Tristan Zhu
Coached by Sang Mee Lee
ELYSIAN STRING QUARTET
2024 St. Paul String Quartet Competition Gold Medal, Audience Prize, and BIPOC/Female Composer Prize
Kai Isoke, Ali-Landing, Vivian
Van de Sype-Cucu, Katarina Kenney, and Nolan Chang
Coached by Claudia Lasareff-Mironoff
9 SENIORS MATRICULATED TO…
The Bienen School of Music, Northwestern University
Colburn Conservatory
• Eastman School of Music
• Harvard University
The Juilliard School • New England Conservatory
Stanford University
QUARTET MERAVIGLIA
2024 St. Paul String Quartet Competition - Silver Medal
MYA Chicago Chamber Music Competition - Winner Open
Division and Winner of Strings and Piano Category
51st Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition
Junior Strings Division Bronze Medal
Elle Cho, Lauren Kim, Emily Chen, and Lucy Wu
Coached by Rodolfo Vieira
FAMILIES IN CONCERT
On November 5, 2023, 61 MIC students of all ages filled Nichols Concert Hall with music as part of the fourth annual Families in Concert.
Each year we showcase students from near beginners to polished, preconservatory performers in a celebration of lifelong learning and engagement with music.
Host Committee
Kathy Nordmeyer
Renée Parquette *
Zalman Usiskin *
2023 Teachers of Note Award Recipients
Christina Tio, piano
Bianca d'Avila do Prado, cello
MIC student performers gathered on stage following the performance. Students from MIC's Third Coast Suzuki Strings, Duo Piano, MIC Chorale, and Academy programs performed, in addition to Community Music School soloists of all ages.
INAUGURAL TEACHERS OF NOTE AWARDS
MIC celebrated its world-class faculty with the inaugural "Teachers of Note" awards. Created to bring our community together to honor and express appreciation for our internationally-acclaimed, award-winning faculty, the recipients represent the excellence of the entire MIC faculty and demonstrate dedication, enthusiasm, and inspiration in their teaching.
$30,911
Raised to support faculty development, community programming, diversity initiatives, scholarships, and financial aid
* MIC Trustee
ONE COMPOSER, ONE COMMUNITY
First launched in 2021, One Composer, One Community (OCOC) focuses on the life and work of a single, underrepresented composer of color throughout the course of an academic year. This composer's work is featured in the "Nichols Concert Hall Presents" series as well as in student recitals, master classes, and other special events.
REENA ESMAIL , composer
During the 2023–2024 season, MIC featured Indian-American composer Reena Esmail. Based in Los Angeles, Esmail's compositions navigate between the worlds of Indian and Western classical music and aim to bring communities together through the creation of equitable musical spaces. Esmail divides her attention between orchestral, chamber, and choral music and has written commissions for the Los Angeles Master Chorale, Seattle Symphony, Kronos Quartet, and many more.
Reena Esmail Weekend: April 19–21, 2024
The special weekend included a variety of interactive instrumental and chamber music workshops as well as an open rehearsal with the Academy. A culminating faculty-student showcase concert featured Esmail's music. The 2024 OCOC activities were made possible in part by a matching grant from MIC Trustee Barbara Sereda and Peter Sereda.
This was the first time most of our students had ever met a living composer. Reena shared her insights about the creative process, her journey as a composer, and her unique style of weaving together Western classical music with Hindustani classical music. Most importantly, Reena asked students and faculty, in an entirely authentic way, about their experiences of learning and performing her music.”
~ Mark George, MIC President and CEO
Student-faculty
Workshop participant Anika Jerath, piano faculty Marie Alatalo, and Reena Esmail
Workshop participant Edie Park and Reena Esmail
showcase concert participants with composer Reena Esmail
(l to r) President Mark George and Board of Trustee members Paul Brourman, Tim Patenode, Barbara Sereda, Zalman Usiskin, and Ross Updegraf with Reena Esmail (center)
NICHOLS CONCERT HALL
CELEBRATING 20 YEARS
Built in 1912 by renowned architect Solon S. Beman and meticulously restored in 2003, Nichols Concert Hall celebrated 20 years as a state-of-the-art, 550-seat performance space and music education center during the 2023–2024 season.
On any given day, the Nichols Concert Hall building is filled with music. Walk in and you might hear Community Music School students young and old coming for a weekly lesson, or perhaps you hear the singing of an MIC Chorale rehearsal wafting down the hallway. A virtuosic Academy violinist records their college conservatory audition on the Nichols Concert Hall stage before a joyful juggling act ensues—student rehesarsals, a public master class, and evening guest ensemble concert.
This "jewel box" of a concert hall, as the Chicago Tribune describes it, is a bustling place where music comes alive in hundreds of awe-inspiring ways each year. Situated in the heart of downtown Evanston, Nichols Concert Hall also sits at the intersection of Chicago and the North Shore, acting as a key community resource that brings a multitude of musical opportunities to our students and the larger community.
NICHOLS CONCERT HALL PRESENTS
The dazzling power of music was on display throughout the 2023–2024 "Nichols Concert Hall Presents" 20th anniversary season. The series included an exciting and diverse array of performing artists, most of whom are celebrated Grammy Award winners.
Mezzo-soprano CECELIA DUARTE kicked off the season with "My Latino Heart" a program that included Mexican boleros and the music of Manuel de Falla and Alberto Ginastera. Celebrated violinists and MIC alumni JENNIFER KOH and BENJAMIN BEILMAN (with Curtis on Tour) returned home to MIC.
The Grammy Award-winning, genre-bending TIME FOR THREE entertained a delighted audience, while Nashville Symphony principal oboist, TITUS UNDERWOOD, (with MIC President Mark George) and groundbreaking, Grammy Award-winning ensemble, IMANI WINDS, brought new music to the stage. MIC faculty pianist, MATTHEW HAGLE presented an introspective program around the idea of flow, and MIC's annual MLK CELEBRATION CONCERT and family-friendly "DUKE IT OUT!" NUTCRACKER rounded out a season of memorable musical performances.
Gala Benefit ~ May 20, 2024
The Music Institute of Chicago welcomed nearly 270 guests to the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago for its annual Gala Benefit, which raised more than $900,000 from a combination of ticket sales, contributions, and sponsorships.
GALA CO-CHAIRS
Carlos R. Cardenas
Tao Zhu and Weihua Ye
Courtney Holohan and Wesley Mueller
David and Eileen Zampa
DUSHKIN AWARD
Marcus Roberts
CULTURAL VISIONARY AWARD FOR CHICAGO
John and Fran Edwardson
RICHARD D. COLBURN AWARD FOR TEACHING EXCELLENCE
Erica Anderson
PATRON OF THE ARTS
Edwardson Family Foundation GRAND BENEFACTOR
John and Pauline Fife
John D. and Alexandra C. Nichols
Family Foundation
BENEFACTOR
CDW
Karen Z. Gray-Krehbiel and John H. Krehbiel Jr.
Courtney Holohan and Wesley Mueller
ITW
Northern Trust
Mr. and Mrs. Patrick G. Ryan
Barbara Speer and Christopher Noon
Scott and Areta Verschoor and KPMG
David and Eileen Zampa and Sidley Austin, LLP
(l to r) Gala Co-Chairs David Zampa, Courtney
Carlos
(l to r) MIC Board Chair Emerita Alexandra Nichols, Colburn Award recipient Erica Anderson, Cultural Visionary Award recipients John and Fran Edwardson, Dushkin Award recipient Marcus Roberts, and MIC President and CEO Mark George
Holohan,
Cardenas, and Weihua Ye and Tao Zhu
(l to r) CDW guests Luke Sznajder, Lexi Smolic, Laurie Agnant, Jessicalynn Spencer-Ramirez, Dani Stecyna, Qiana Nelson, and Zachary Lawhorn
Dushkin honoree, Marcus Roberts Quartet Meraviglia, 2024 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition bronze medalists
DONORS LIKE YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE!
The following list recognizes friends of the Music Institute of Chicago who contributed $250 or more cumulatively between September 1, 2023 and August 31, 2024. We are grateful to all the individuals, foundations, and companies that made gifts of all sizes to support our mission.
$100,000 and more
Edwardson Family Foundation
Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity
The Julian Family Foundation
The Negaunee Foundation
Alexandra C.* and John D. Nichols †
$50,000 to $99,999
John and Pauline Fife
ITW
$25,000 to $49,999
Paul M. Angell Family Foundation
CDW LLC
Courtney Holohan* and Wesley Mueller
Illinois Arts Council Agency
KPMG and Scott* and Areta Verschoor
Mr. John H. Krehbiel Jr. and Mrs. Karen Z. Gray-Krehbiel
Northern Trust Corporation
Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan
Mrs. Barbara Ann Speer
Jim Stone*
David* and Eileen Zampa
$10,000 to $24,999
Anonymous gifts
Rita and John Canning,
The Canning Foundation
Dr. Tanya L. Carey
Cook County Arts
The Crown Family
Flying Food Group, Inc.
Mary and Paul Finnegan
Linda and Bill Gantz
GCM Grosvenor
Hans* and Denitta Germann
Mrs. Mona Golub
Mr. and Mrs. Dietrich† and Erika Gross
Guidehouse
Dan* and Yoo Mi Hahn
Caryn and King Harris
Harris Family Foundation
Horejsi Charitable Foundation
J. Thomas Hurvis and Ann Andersen
Jackson National Life Insurance
Ethelle Katz
Mindy and Walter Kelly
Susan Kiphart
LEARN Charter School Network
Molex Incorporated
Yana Nedvetsky* and Axel Vargas
Cathy and Bill Osborn
Renée Parquette*
Timothy Patenode* and Judy Royal
John and Kathy Piepgras
Vikram K. Raghavan* and Shruthi Atmaram
Ravinia Festival Association
Scott and Nancy Santi
Barbara* and Peter Sereda
Sidley Austin LLP
Jane Arries Solomon
Liz Stiffel
Lee Anne* and Rich Stoddart
The John Taylor Family
Charles A. Tribbett III and Lisa Tribbett and Russell
Reynolds Associates
Zalman* and Karen Usiskin
The Wallace Foundation
Mr. Miles D. White
Wintrust Commercial Banking and Carlos R. Cardenas*
$5,000 to $9,999
Anonymous gifts
Paul* and Katie Brourman
Lawrence Corry
Thomas L. and Patricia S. Gahlon
Norman and Cynthia Goldring
John R. Halligan Charitable Fund
Irving Harris Foundation
Mrs. Paul Klimstra
Karen and Mark Koulogeorge
Richard H. Lenny
Jim † and Kay* Mabie Family
Mr. Ernest Mahaffey
Bob Moriarty
Sylvia M. Neil and Dan Fischel
Ms. Elizabeth O'Connor and Mr. Christopher Thomas
Sargent Family Foundation
Dr. Scholl Foundation
Jennifer Steans and Jim Kastenholz
Pam and Russ Strobel
Ross* and Emily Parker
Updegraff
Catherine M. and Frederick H. Waddell
Audrey Weaver
Audra Wilson*
Florian Zettelmeyer* and Meghan Busse
$1,000 to $4,999
Anonymous gifts
5 Purple Oranges
Dr. Paul M. Aebersold
Carey and Brett August
Mrs. Gail E. Belytschko
Jill Billhorn
Mr. and Mrs. Norman Bobins, The Robert Thomas Bobins Foundation
Carolyn Bucksbaum
Walt and Julie Busse
The Chicago Community Foundation
The Chicago Community Trust
City of Evanston
Winnie and Bob Crawford
The Nick Curry and Cara Tasher Family Fund
Jon and Jayne Daniel
Mr. James H. Davis
Mr. and Mrs. Mark Deangelis
The Howard and Ursula
Dubin Foundation
Evanston Arts Council
Tiffany Farriss and George DeMet
Elaine Felder
Daniel and Sharona Feller
Nancy and Michael Feller
Samuel Fifer
Joe Fisher and Eyal Wallenberg
Mr. and Mrs. John N. Fix
Alex & Lesia Forowycz and Family
James Franczek
Mr. and Mrs. Cyrus F. Freidheim, Jr.
James Ginsburg and Patrice Michaels
Louise and Jim Glasser
Joe Glossberg
Linda Goldstein
David Goroff and Jay M. Behel
Eleanor Grumman
David and Marion Hanold
David and Beth Hart
James Hayes
Highland Park Community Foundation
Renee Hoff
Brian and Janet Hoffman
Irene Jakimcius
J.P. Morgan Private Bank
The Karahalios Family
KHS America & Meret Bitticks
Suzanne Laplante
MacLean-Fogg Company
Make It Better Foundation
Thekla and John Metz
Judy Monroe
Diana and David Moore
Jeffrey and Christine Morse
Clare Muñana
Christopher Noon
Katherine L. Olson
Ms. Sheila Penrose
Mr. Robert Perlmutter
Charlie and Jackie Pick
Rachel Barton Pine and Gregory Pine
PJH & Associates, Inc.
Leann Pope
Marcia and Jeff Rubin
Segal Family Foundation
Beth Sennett
Dr. Farid and Dr. Houri Shafaie
Suzanne T. Smart
Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Stone
Miriam Van De Sype and Flavius Cucu
Liam and Mara Walsh
Matt and Kelly Weisz
$500 to $999
Anonymous gifts
Accenture LLP
Charles and Kate Arnold
Edith Bayran
Bernstein Lou Firm
Jennifer McCarthy Bienemann and Robin Bienemann
John M. Christian
Mr. and Mrs. Roger Christoph
Barry and Muriel Crawford
Mr. and Mrs. Dan L. Drexler and The Joy of Life Fund
Mr. Paul Earle and Ms. Ellen Rudnick
Mr. Avi Feller
Jonathan Feller
Mark and Ruthie Friefeld
Dr. Mark George and Dr. Elizabeth Calihan
Jeffrey Haydon
Cynthia and Andrew Hopkins
Hu Family
James and Kathryn Jacobson
Steven and Elaine Jaharis
Heather and Stuart Katz
Dolores Kohl Education Fund
Maria and Aaron Lauve
Dona Le Blanc
Dr. Soo Young Lee
Maurice Lemon and Catherine Kallal
Jan McCarron
Kathy Nordmeyer
Radhika Papandreou
Mr. and Mrs. David Rotholz
Jason Rubinstein and Amy Francetic
Mary Kathleen Rundell Fund
Debbie Sandock
Sam and Honey Skinner
Mary Ellen Snyder
Catherine Starks
Susan Steinmeyer
Dennis and Ailee Wen and Family
$250 to $499
Jeff and Keiko Alexander
Anne and Dennis Arouca
Christine and Peter Aznavoorian
Terrence and Cindy Brady
Riva Branch
Mr. and Mrs. Howard L. Brenner
Zi Chen
Madelon Clymo
Laurie and Bruce Davidson
Maren W. Deaver
Anne & Larry Donoghue
Dana Drummond
Louis and Ellen Fusco
Vic Goldberg and Pat Waldeck
Libby and Bill Graham
Kathryn M. Green
Renwei Guo and Weifang Wang
Jennifer Hanson
Robin and Edrene Heiss
Marijana Ivanovic and Josip Sprajcer
Jazz Artist Resource
Grigory and Anna Kalinovsky
Jennifer Ko
Theresa Kuritza
David and Darlene Landsittel
Suzanne and Sean Lavin
Candice and Sean Lawler
Joan H. Lefkow
Carol and David Liner
Livingston Family Fund at The Chicago Community Foundation
Ms. Jeanne Lockridge
Margaret Macdonald
Jean Ann & Barry McCarthy
Amy and Mark Mycyk
Linda Nolan
Sheila O'Grady
Judy Perlman
Clare Pierce
Harvey Plonsker
Sue and Tim Polutnik
Joel Sharon Robbins
Aaron Roberts
D A. Roberts
Yumi, Camryn, and Douglas Ross
Kathleen Rundell
Diane Saper
Joseph Schneider
Kathryn Schoenbrod
Deborah and Laurence Segil
Marcia Slomowitz
Lydia and Joel Splan
Mark and Terri Sullivan
Sarah Tepper
David and Bonita Turner
Cecile Zhang and Arnaud Adant
In-Kind Gifts
Elaine Felder
William Harris Lee & Co
Robert Hohf
Scott and Lidia Sorenson
Gifts Received in Memory of
Gilda Barston
William A. Brandt
Ruby Brenner
Susan Charles
Anna K. Esterl
Carol Grimm
Remi Laplante
John D. Nichols
Edward F. Scott
Abraham Stokman
George M. Williams
Gifts Received in Honor of
The Abraham Family
Claire Aebersold and Ralph Neiweem
Dr. Marie Alatalo
Erica Anderson
Marta Aznavoorian
Dr. Daniel Baer
Noralyn Baroja
Jeremiah J. Benham
Courtney Ciciora
Horacio Contreras
Timothy Cook
Doris Currier
Bianca D'Avila do Prado
Barbara Drapcho
John and Fran Edwardson
Lena Esterl
Elaine Felder
David Fivecoate
Avi Friedlander
Erin Fusco
Barbara Ann Martin Green
Matthew Hagle
Dr. Ching-yun Huang
Ethelle Katz
Shelley Kiefer
Quetzalan Kitchel
Norris C. Larson
The Last Repair Shop Technicians:
Steve, Duane, Paty, and Dana
Philip Lee
Dr. Soo Young Lee
Dr. Dorothy Jean Lloyd
Stanley R. Mehaffey
Sarah Montzka
Claire Aebersold Neiweem
Patrick O'Malley
Devvora Papatheodorou Schreier
Milana Pavchinskaya
Steve Ramsdell
Barbara Sereda*
Lee Anne Stoddart*
Dr. Christina Tio
Scott Verschoor*
Danny Wallenberg
Nina Wallenberg
Julia Wen
Audra Wilson*
Lisa Zilberman
Trustee
SCHOLARSHIPS
Access to Excellence
Artists of Tomorrow Gifted Scholars
Gilda Barston Suzuki Cello Scholarship
Roger M. Basrak Scholarship
Emma C. Buccheri Memorial Endowment
Richard D. Colburn Scholarship
Dr. Tanya L. Carey Cello Scholarship
Avi Friedlander Scholarship / The Curry
Award of Excellence
Elliot and Mona Golub Family Violin Scholarship
Diane Schroeder Harris Memorial Scholarship
Ilan Hurtado Suzuki Cello Scholarship
Mindy and Walter Kelly Scholarship
Klimstra Family Piano Scholarship
Frank E. Little Music Scholarship Fund
Negaunee Foundation Academy Scholarship
Jean Beaverson Pettibone Scholarship Fund
John Piepgras Adult Piano Camp Scholarship
Rachel Barton Pine Violin Chair
Mildred Robbins Piano Scholarship
Suzuki Workshop Scholarship Fund
Almita Vamos Violin and Viola Scholarship
The Wallace Foundation Suzuki Piano Program Scholarship
William Warfield Scholarship
Academy violist Neena Agrawal performs for the 2024 Gala Benefit
THANK YOU TO OUR ANNUAL I
NSTITUTIONAL SUPPORTERS
paul m. angell family foundation • edwardson family foundation • john and pauline fife
john r. halligan charitable fund • horejsi
charitable foundation • illinois department of commerce & economic opportunity • itw
the julian family foundation • the kiphart family foundation • william harris lee & co the negaunee foundation
alexandra c. and john d. nichols family foundation
northern trust • sargent family foundation
shure • the wallace foundation W
THE MUSIC INSTITUTE ALSO ACKNOWLEDGES THE FOLLOWING GENEROUS SUPPORTERS
cook county arts
evanston arts council, a city agency supported by the city of evanston
highland park community foundation
illinois arts council, a state agency
national endowment for the arts, a federal agency
IN REMEMBRANCE
Susan Charles
Susan served on the MIC faculty for 45 years. During that time, she touched not only the lives of her students, but also the lives of her colleagues. Susan’s life freely demonstrated her profound commitment to her family, her genuine friendship, her spry sense of humor, her deep devotion to her students, and her enthusiastic passion for music.
Tony Porter
Tony Porter served on the Music Institute of Chicago faculty for more than 20 years, teaching cello at both the Highland Park and Lake Forest campuses, and conducting the Reading Ensemble at the Lake Forest campus.
Tony was an extremely gentle and kind person, always treating his students and colleagues with deep respect. His profound artistry and passion for music was evident in his teaching, cello performance, and conducting.
During her tenure, she spent time as chair of the voice faculty and as a Faculty Committee member. Susan was the vocal soloist with the distinguished New Art Ensemble, a chamber music group in residence at MIC. She taught students of all ages in classical voice and music theater, and some of her students went on to sing leading roles across the United States at prominent concert venues including Carnegie Hall. In 2019, Susan received the Richard D. Colburn Award for Teaching Excellence.
In addition to teaching, Susan performed programs of contemporary music and art song throughout the United States and Europe at venues including the International Master Classes in Zurich, Switzerland; the Aspen Music Festival; the Guest Artist Series at the University of Texas; Preston Bradley Hall in Chicago; Northwestern's Pick Staiger Hall; and the University of Chicago.
In addition to his work at MIC, Tony served 29 years as cello faculty at Harper College, and more recently as music director and conductor of the Harper Symphony Orchestra.
He was a cellist with the Chicago Sinfonietta and the Chicago Modern Orchestra Project and performed regularly with a variety of Chicago professional ensembles.
"Tony taught me everything I know about ... becoming a musician and appreciating great works of music. He was soft-spoken, kind, talented, and the best friend and mentor I could’ve ever had."
~ Seventh g rade student of Tony Porter
Abraham Stokman
Abe Stokman served on the MIC faculty for 33 years teaching piano, chamber music, and piano improvisation. Known for his improvisational mastery, skillful playing, and love of new music, Abe was also a prolific visual artist, avid cook, gardener, and cherished friend.
Betsey Puth
The Chicago Reader called Stokman, “one of the city’s best-kept musical secrets” commenting on his commitment to zealously championing new music, particularly those of local composers." Abe helped to start the Mostly Music series, was a member of the Contemporary Chamber Players with Ralph Shapey, and played with the new music consortium CUBE.
His passion for contemporary music was celebrated across Chicago and the suburbs, as he championed new works and made that work accessible to audiences through the creation of the MIC's Music for a While series, the Four Score Festival, and the Generation Next Young Composers Competition.
In 2020, MIC presented its Richard D. Colburn Award for Teaching Excellence to Abe and his wife, fellow piano faculty, Arlene Stokman.
Betsey Puth became an MIC Life Trustee in 2016 after serving 15 years on the Music Institute's Board. Shortly after beginning her tenure, Betsey co-founded the Patron Society, a cornerstone group of individuals and family foundations committed to supporting MIC's Annual Fund at a leadership level. In addition, Betsey was a valued Development Committee member and served on the 2010, 2012, and 2013 Gala Committees.
Aside from her MIC work, Betsey was a dedicated volunteer with several organizations including the Garden Guild; the Hadley School for the Blind, where she served as president of the Board of Trustees and the Women's Board; Town and Country Arts Club; the Fortnightly Club of Chicago; and the Art Institute of Chicago.
Betsey's warmth, energy, and generosity of spirit will be sorely missed. She imparted her enthusiasm for the arts to all who knew her. Together with husband John, the Puths' significant contributions to the Music Institute have enriched the lives of many aspiring musicians and ensure their lasting legacy.
2024-2025 BOARD
OF TRUSTEES
Scott Verschoor, Chair
Alexandra C. Nichols, Chair Emerita
Timothy J. Patenode, Treasurer
Barbara Sereda, Secretary
Carlos R. Cardenas, Vice Chair
Lee Anne Stoddart, Vice Chair
Paul Brourman
Hans Germann
Daniel Hahn
Courtney Holohan
Shiraz Kotte
Kay Mabie
Yana Nedvetsky
Renée Parquette
Vikram Raghavan
Jim Stone
Ross Updegraff
Zalman Usiskin
Audra Wilson
Florian Zettelmeyer
Tao Zhu
LIFE TRUSTEES
John J. Berwanger
Mitzi Freidheim
Brooks Morgan
Rachel Barton Pine
Priscilla F. Richman
William N. Topaz
HONORARY BOARD
Robert Chen
Peter Dushkin
John and Fran Edwardson
James Ginsberg
Jennifer Koh
Nina Kraus
Deborah F. Rutter
Scott and Nancy Santi
Rick Waddell
EX-OFFICIO TRUSTEES
Mark George
Christopher Rintz
ON THE FRONT COVER: A special comissioned painting by renowned visual artist and MIC Trustee Paul Brourman, who provided an original painting of a child at the start of their musical journey, inspired by MIC students, for the 2024 Gala Silent Auction.
MIC staff were joined by Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss and community members for a ribbon cutting and open house to celebrate their new central administrative office location at 622 Davis Street in downtown Evanston.