Mackenzie Vitolo
Towson,MD
Summary
My name is Mackenzie Vitolo and I am a sophomore at Towson University, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in music education with plans for a master’s degree in wind conducting. As a clarinetist, my lesson teachers have included Cody Leavel, Dr. Erik Franklin, Dr. Lynda Dembowski, and currently Dr. Natalie Groom.
Overview
1
1
year of professional experience
Work History
Towson University Symphony Orchestra
Towson University
01.2023 - Current
- The Symphony Orchestra recently premiered a transcription of David Maslanka's Symphony 8 at their spring concert in 2023. The transcription was written by TU director of bands and orchestras, Dr. Christopher Cicconi, who programs very challenging but exciting works for the wind ensemble and symphony orchestra.
- The orchestra, in the last year, has performed many significant orchestral works, such as Beethoven's 5th Symphony, Tchaikovsky's 5th Symphony, Danzon No. 2 by Arturo Marquez, Russian Easter Overture by Rimsky-Korsakov, and works by under-represented composers like Samuel Coleridge-Taylor.
- The Symphony Orchestra is comprised of music majors and non-majors, giving everyone of all levels the amazing experience of being in a collegiate orchestra. While the music is challenging, it is a fantastic learning opportunity and group effort for everyone involved.
Towson University Wind Ensemble
Towson University
09.2022 - Current
- Performed a wide variety of wind ensemble rep, including the collegiate premiere of Towson faculty member Jonathan Leshnoff's "Symphony for Winds."
- Performed at multiple MMEA (Maryland Music Educators Association) in-service days, premiering many new grade 0.5-2 works for young bands.
- The wind ensemble will be welcoming the U.S Army Band "Pershing's Own" to perform in a side-by-side concert with us. It is going to be a fantastic opportunity to learn from those seasoned musicians.
- The Towson University Wind Ensemble is led by the renowned wind and orchestra director, Dr. Christopher Cicconi.
Towson University Symphonic Band
Towson University
09.2022 - Current
- In my first semester at Towson, I became the first female concertmaster of the Towson University Symphonic Band.
- The Towson University Symphonic Band is comprised of mostly non-music majors. Many members are also members of the TUMB (Towson University Marching Band). The symphonic band is a great opportunity for these students to continue growing on their instrument during their college experience.
- The Symphonic Band often performs diverse repertoire from popular composers for band such as Frank Ticheli, David Maslanka, John Mackey, Julie Giroux, Ryan George, Satoshi Yagisawa, Katahj Copley, and Eric Whitacre.
- The Symphonic Band is directed by one of Maryland's finest music educators, Mr. Joseph Fischer, who is currently finishing his DMA in Wind Conducting from Shenandoah University.
Towson University Marching Band
Towson University
09.2022 - Current
- I have been a member of the TUMB (Towson University Marching Band) for two seasons, and plan to audition for more leadership roles in the TUMB, such as section leader, woodwinds captain, and drum major.
- This past season I had the honor of serving as the TUMB Woodwind Captain, leading the woodwinds in stretching and wind warmups before every rehearsal and game.
- During that season, I also got to lead my clarinet section as their music section leader and TUMB music coordinator, working closely with the directors, drum majors, and my rest of the band's music section leaders to plan how we use our time in sectionals, warmups, etc.
- From being a freshman in the band to working into these leadership roles has given the real-life experiences in teaching and teamwork that I'll need in my career of music education. I can't wait for the next two seasons with the TUMB, and I hope I can keep having these leadership experiences for this amazing ensemble.
- As a freshman, I got to perform with the TUMB in the New York City Veterans Day Parade along with many other bands across the Northeast region.
- The TUMB is led by John Miliauskas, who has experience as a DCI (Drum Corps International) drill designer and drum major along with his many years in the public schools during his music education career. He also teaches the Marching Band Techniques class here at Towson, a required class for music education students to gain knowledge about the marching arts.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Music Education
Towson University
Baltimore, MD06.2026
High School Diploma -
Cape Henlopen High School
Lewes, DE06.2022
Skills
- Organized
- Strong work ethic
- Driven to do my very best for others
- Teachable
- Oral and written communication
- Leadership
- Time management
- Collaboration/Teamwork
- Attention to detail
Accomplishments
-Future Music Educator Scholarship Award, Delaware Music Education Association (DMEA), 2022
-St. Cecilia Music Guild Scholarship Award, 2022
-Coastal Concerts Scholarship Award, 2022
- Academic Award in Music: Band, Cape Henlopen High School, 2021
-Governor’s School for Excellence Award, University of Delaware, Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Music (Woodwind), 2020
Timeline
Towson University Symphony Orchestra
Towson University
01.2023 - Current
Towson University Wind Ensemble
Towson University
09.2022 - Current
Towson University Symphonic Band
Towson University
09.2022 - Current
Towson University Marching Band
Towson University
09.2022 - Current
Bachelor of Arts - Music Education
Towson University
High School Diploma -
Cape Henlopen High School