Michael Kropf is a Michigan-based composer whose work deals with hidden emotions and evocative places. He has collaborated with Marin Alsop, the Telegraph Quartet, the San Francisco Conservatory Orchestra, and the Aspen Contemporary Ensemble. Michael completed his Masters degree in Composition at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music in 2016, where he won First Prize in the Highsmith Orchestral Composition Competition. Born in Danbury, Connecticut, Michael received his Bachelor of Music degree from New York University. His teachers and mentors have included David Conte, John Adams, Justin Dello Joio, Luboš Mrkvička, and Youngmi Ha. He is currently pursuing a Doctoral degree in composition at the University of Michigan.

Learn more about Michael Kropf and listen to his work here: http://www.michaelkropfmusic.com

Listen to Michael discuss his musical influences, favorite instrumentation, and the remote recording and production of his 2020 piece "Distant Sea" with Del on Episode Twelve of Open Parameter | Podcast.

Vanguard Reed Quintet is a reed quintet based in Ann Arbor, Michigan that is committed to breaking new musical ground, increasing the depth and diversity of the reed quintet’s core repertoire, and engaging audiences with innovative, adventurous, and inspiring musical experiences. 

In 2020, Vanguard released its debut album, Red Leaf Collection, featuring world premiere recordings of six works commissioned by the ensemble.  Vanguard’s members are Sagar Anupindi (oboe), Mickayla Chapman (clarinet), Sean Meyers (saxophone), Nico Chona (bass clarinet), and Jaquain Sloan (bassoon). 

Learn more about Vanguard Reed Quintet here: https://www.vanguardrq.com

Listen to Mickayla and Sagar discuss the reed quintet genre, the process for planning and recording Red Leaf Collection, and Vanguard's upcoming plans with Abby and Del on Episode Eleven of Open Parameter | Podcast. 

Haley Nelson is a playwright and dramaturg based in Dallas, Texas. A graduate from Southern Methodist University with a BFA in Theatre, Nelson is a 2019-2021 NNPN Producer-in-Residence with Kitchen Dog Theater. She is also currently involved in Cry Havoc Theater Company’s 2020-2021 season. Her other accolades include time as Mark Bly’s assistant at the Kennedy Center MFA Playwrights Workshop, a Production Assistant at the Pittsburgh CLO’s New Musical Weekend, an intern at the Ko Festival, and as the Fall Literary Fellow at Geva Theatre Center. 

Learn more about Haley Nelson and her "innovative work with words" here: https://www.haleynelson.me

Listen to Haley discuss her variety of work, upcoming projects, and what it means to be a dramaturg with Del on Episode Ten of Open Parameter | Podcast.