Violinist David Chan has stepped down as chair of the Manhattan School of Music orchestral program, a role he held since 2022, according to announcements from the conservatory. Metropolitan Opera Orchestra principal trumpet David Krauss succeeds Chan as chair of the orchestral performance program, while New York Philharmonic trumpeter Ethan Bensdorf takes over as chair of brass from Michelle Baker, who remains on the brass faculty.
Leadership Changes at the Manhattan School of Music
The leadership shift involves prominent orchestral musicians stepping into administrative and instructional duties at the New York City conservatory. Krauss, who joined the Met Opera Orchestra trumpet section in 2001 and occupies the Beth W. and Gary A. Glynn endowed chair, steps into the orchestral program leadership role after previously serving on the faculty, as reported by the Manhattan School of Music. According to conservatory officials, his appointment aims to bolster mentorship for young instrumentalists.
Alongside Krauss, Bensdorf takes over the brass chair from Baker, bringing experience from the New York Philharmonic and a background as a graduate of Northwestern University, where he has performed with ensembles like the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and New World Symphony, according to additional reporting by the school. Baker continues her teaching duties within the brass department.
New Faculty Appointments in Orchestral Studies
The conservatory also expanded its faculty roster within the Kanter Family Instrumental Studies and Orchestral Performance Division. Jeremías Sergiani-Velázquez and John Upton joined the orchestral performance program faculty as new instructors, according to institutional announcements. Both musicians hold positions in the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, with Sergiani-Velázquez also maintaining a second violin post in the ensemble.
Additionally, violinist Julia Choi joined the college classical division faculty to teach orchestral repertoire, transitioning from her previous role on the MSM precollege faculty, according to institutional announcements. Choi, a graduate of the Juilliard School and the MSM orchestral program where she studied with Glenn Dicterow, performs as a first violinist with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra.
Program Background and Academic Scope
The orchestral performance program at the Manhattan School of Music was established during the 1991–92 academic year as a graduate curriculum designed to prepare students for professional careers in classical music, according to conservatory background data. Executive Vice President and Provost Joyce Griggs noted that the curriculum provides intensive training in performance, repertoire, and practical career skills. Students participate in ensembles such as the MSM Chamber Sinfonia and the MSM Symphony Orchestra, securing leadership seats through competitive auditions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the new chair of the orchestral performance program at the Manhattan School of Music?
Metropolitan Opera Orchestra principal trumpet David Krauss serves as the chair of the orchestral performance program, succeeding violinist David Chan.
Who was appointed as the new chair of brass?
New York Philharmonic trumpeter Ethan Bensdorf serves as the chair of brass, succeeding Michelle Baker.
When was the MSM orchestral performance program established?
The graduate program was inaugurated during the 1991–92 academic year as an accredited degree curriculum focused on professional orchestral training.
Which new faculty members joined from the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra?
Violinists Jeremías Sergiani-Velázquez and Julia Choi, alongside oboist John Upton, joined the faculty from the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra.
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