Seventh Edition Marquis Who’s Who INSIGHT 17 JEFFREY B. SILBERSCHLAG Tenured Professor, St. Mary’s College of Maryland Music Director and Conductor, Chesapeake Orchestra Co-Director and Principal Conductor, Alba Music Festival Leonardtown, MD www.priceattractions.com/jeffrey-silberschlag-conductor What are two key behaviors/personality traits that allow you to be effective in your role? I had the benefits of a very wise grandfather. He wanted me to be in his drapery business, which was the business he brought from Russia at that time. He spent every moment of his waking hour telling me things he thought were important. I think I grew up with that extraordinary motivation; it instilled a tremendous amount of confidence. I also think it's my passion for the field that I chose, which is important. The two ways people can ruin their lives are by not making the career they should have and not taking the right company. I think I'm lucky in both choices. What is the most important issue/challenge you are dealing with in your industry? The history of how things were done in art and classical music – they worked hard in private rehearsals and practiced by themselves. Then, they show up in their fanciest outfits, not telling anybody of the human struggles it took them to get to that stage. I think professional sports are much better at explaining the human experience of the athletes. In my art and administration class, I explain this. The challenge for all arts is to let people know the secret of the process and what people go through – not just the final product. KAREN SCHUMAN Art Director Dancing Krow Studio Oak Park, IL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksflxVqsI_E What are two key behaviors/personality traits that allow you to be effective in your role? Many artists are not organized, but I’m organized and can schedule myself. Also, I’m very flexible with people – people do what they want and don't do what they can't. Therefore, don't expect people to do things that they really don’t want to do. It’s important just to be flexible and organized and keep sight of your own work. What is the most important issue/challenge you are dealing with in your industry? For many, it's trying to find an open shop where people can come in; most artists have other jobs. I think being available to see people look at your artwork is important. I want art to be more meaningful and profound. How do you feel your industry has changed/evolved? I’ve become more easygoing, flexible and pickier about where I would show my art. I guess I'm just slightly choosier about places where I show my work. I pretty much just showcase my artwork in the gallery and around the Oak Park area. What innovations or technologies do you feel will shape the future of your industry? Artificial intelligence (AI) is really coming around, and we're a little afraid of that, as well. The people I associate with know about it, but we're not involved. I think artificial intelligence is beautiful, but it's not profound. What excites you the most about your industry? It’s exciting when I'm working on a piece, and it's starting to come together the way I want it – or even better. It’s also exciting when I suddenly have an idea while working on something else.
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