This month, we are introducing you to Angela Hamilton, who many of our families know well as the Program Manager for the Washington Musical Pathways Initiative and DCYOP’s Talent Development Program. Read on to learn more about Angela’s favorite things about working with our students and her many interests outside of work.
Where did you grow up?
Cincinnati, Ohio.
Did you study an instrument growing up? How did you get started?
I studied voice growing up. I started singing in my elementary school choir and studied classical voice at the performance arts school in Cincinnati.
What was your path to your career in arts administration (did you play in youth orchestra growing up, study music in college, have you pursued other careers, etc.)?
I was a stage manager in high school for the various productions, which lead me to learning more about arts administration. I took an arts admin class my senior year of high school and majored in it in college. I’ve worked in theatre, opera, and orchestra!
How long have you been with Pathways and what is one of your favorite memories?
I joined Pathways in May of 2022, a few months after the pilot program began. One of my favorite memories was seeing all the WMPI students perform in our first spring juries. Seeing the talent of the cohort and the progress they made in the first year of the program solidified how special the program is.
What do you like most about working with Pathways and DCYOP?
The young musicians! It’s been great getting to know the students and families and to see how much the students grow over the years.
Are you involved in the arts outside of your work?
I am the Managing Director of Hearing in Color, a Chicago-based organization dedicated to sharing music, stories, and composers, that have been historically excluded from musical spaces.
Who is one of your favorite performers? Why?
Leontyne Price is one of the best opera singers in the world. The beauty and power in her voice, and the control that she has over her voice is unmatched. If I could time travel, I would go back to see her farewell performance of Aida at The Met!
What is one of your favorite pieces of music? Why?
AMEN! By Carlos Simon. It’s a newer piece, but I listen to it at least twice a week. It’s such a fun piece!
What are your interests outside of music?
I love to knit, crochet, and read.
Where is your favorite place to go for fun/what is your favorite thing to do in DC?
I love going to museums, and DC has so many! My favorites to revisit are the Rubell Museum and the Hirshhorn Museum.
