There are many faculty members at Schoolcraft College, but none are as remarkable as Dr. Fredrick Moss. Despite being visually impaired, Moss showcases incredible concerts. He grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, where his musical journey began in childhood. He has always been drawn to everything related to music. Even in high school, he worked as a music specialist at camps. He pursued a career in music education in college because it was where he felt most passionate. A job opened at Schoolcraft for a part-time teaching position, and he thought “yes, this is my big chance.”
There was a significant turnover when his predecessor retired, leading to a search for a replacement. After looking for a while, he ended up getting the position to work as a full-time faculty rep for the department. “I wound up lucky enough to be in the position I am in now, it’s exactly a job I wanted for many many years,” said Moss.
Moss organizes the classical and jazz music concerts on select Wednesdays to display local talent. Musicians interested in performing can send in YouTube clips to Moss. Moss has received inquiries for the 25/26 year from performers out of state. However,the focus is on celebrating artists in the Detroit area. Every year, as part of the Sherman Fund’s dedication to promoting cultural exchange, they invite a well-known performer from a different country to come and showcase their talent. This initiative aims to bring diverse and internationally acclaimed artists to the event, enriching the experience for everyone involved. Moss is dedicated to his goal of further diversifying the performers in the program.
He aims to ensure that more performers of color are represented, as he believes it is important for the program to reflect and celebrate diversty.
“There are more performers with disabilities out there as well, and they’re often overlooked,” said Moss.
Moss is fully committed to diversifying the performers and is eager to see more people stepping forward. He is excited to invite everyone to enjoy the performances by the talented artists.
Fall 2024 Wednesday Noon Classical Concerts Schedule
Andre Mehmari, piano
November 13
Coming from Brazil, the remarkable Andre Mehmari will treat us to a captivating blend of his compositions, classical pieces, and jazzy tunes. His performance transcends traditional genres, promising an unforgettable musical journey that is bound to leave you in awe. Get ready for an electrifying performance by Mehmari.
Grosse Ile Quintet
December 4
The next performance will be the first ever to perform at Schoolcraft, a wind quintet group known as “Grosse Ile Quintet.” The majority of the performers int his group are graduates of Eastern Michigan and even a master’s in performance at Eastern Michigan. Manyplay in the orchestras in the Livonia Symphony or the Michigan Philharmonic and the Dearborn Symphony; their performance will be a holiday performance. See the Grosse Ile quintet on December 4.
Winter 2025 Wednesday Noon and Classical Concerts Schedule
Hannah Hammel Maser, flute
February 26
The next performer to debut in Winter 2025 is Hannah Hammel Maser. Maser is the principal flutist with the Detroit Symphony, and she will be a wonder to listen to. With the promise of an elegant show. puts on a promised and elegant show.
Schoolcraft Music Faculty
March 19
This performance will be composed of the musical faculty at Schoolcraft consisting of Professor Riccardo Selva (saxophone), Professor Soonghee Ha (piano), Professor Gerardo Ascher (piano) and Professor Leslie Mason on vocals.
Bayberry String Quartet
April 2
The last performance of the classical series is the Bayberry String Quartet. Members of the quartet are Gabe Bolkosky (violin), Steffani Kitayama (violin), Nuri Pacht (violin) and Laura Ussikin (cello). Pacht was a top prize winner violinist in international competitions. Kitayama is a violinist and shares her time performing, teaching and dancing with a small ballet company in Michigan. Bolkosky has performed and taught in the United States and abroad. He has spent 6 years as a Guest Artist at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor teaching 18 violin and chamber music and as Executive director of the Phoenix Ensemble. Laura Usiskin has performed throughout North America and Europe in such venues as the Kennedy Center, Alice Tully Hall, Palazzo Chigi Saracini (Italy), Weill Hall and Barge Music. Be ready for the Bayburry String Quartet to bring an amazing performance.
Get ready for an unforgettable experience! All concerts take place at noon in the Kehrl Auditorium in Room 550 in the Vistatech Center and will come alive with the enchanting melodies of classical music.
You won’t want to miss these extraordinary concerts that will captivate your senses and leave you wanting more. Stay tuned for the continuation of coverage for the upcoming Jazz concerts.
For more information, contact the Music Department at 734-462-4403 or email [email protected].
