the wisdom to follow. the courage to lead.
Programs

Musicians-in-Residence

Visiting Artists Bring Us Together

We make it a priority to teach our students about the value of the arts in society. We want every student to have an appreciation for the talent, dedication and purposeful practice necessary to be a successful performing artist. These visiting performers broaden our understanding of different genres of music and performance styles while exploring opportunities available for students. The musician-in-residence workshops and performances bring our community together to learn, practice and share in the joy of great music.

Dillon Moran Musician-in-Residence

Dillon Moran was the embodiment of a Severn student – a serious scholar, athlete and musician who truly exhibited a passion for life and the Severn community. A friend to all, Dillon will be remembered for many things including his enthusiasm for music. He loved music of all kinds and this resident musician program is designed to inspire all Severn students to appreciate great music the way that Dillon did. — Head of School Doug Lagarde

2022: Super City

For our 2021-2022 Dillon Moran Musician in Residence program, local Baltimore band Super City joined us for two days of performances and workshops for our Middle and Upper School students with a final show open to Severn families and friends on Friday evening. From jam band sessions to rehearsing vocals with our Severn vocal ensembles, Super City gave our students a peek into band life, offering practical advice to let their creativity shine.

Melodic and guitar driven, Super City is known for their hooky pop sound that blends heavy rock elements and danceability, all with coordinated band choreography that results in killer live performances. This Baltimore band expertly crafts guitar and synth earworms that thrive on the creative tension between bombastic rock and roll and stylized movements. Their structures and melodies leave no room for a dull track. At times soothing and inviting, at times posturing and timeless, Dan Ryan and Greg Wellham vocally guide this pop band into a new, heavy, and beguiling territory that is both memorable and brash.
 
Super City is Dan Ryan (lead vocals, guitar), Greg Wellham (lead vocals, guitar), Brian Brunsman (bass, vocals), Jon Birkholz (guitar, keys, vocals), and Ian Viera (drums & vocals).

About the Program

Dillon Moran '13
The Dillon Moran Musician in Residence program was created in the Fall of 2012 to commemorate the passion, exuberance and solid musicianship exemplified by Dillon Moran, Severn School Class of 2013. Dillon’s life was tragically cut short in the fall of 2011 as the result of an accident at his home in Davidsonville, Maryland.

The purpose of the program is to invite outside musicians to spend a defined period of time at Severn working with students, faculty, and the entire community to inspire, create and perform great music. The visiting musician will share his/her talent with Severn students and hopefully provide a fresh approach and new ways of bringing music to life in the Severn community.

Resident Musicians

  • 2012-13 Matt Scannell
  • 2013-14 The Onus Trio with special guest Helen Sung
  • 2014-15 Eric Hutchinson
  • 2015-16 Charles Yang & Peter Dugan
  • 2016-17 Marissa McGowan & Will Reynolds
  • 2017-18 Ball in the House
  • 2018-19 Creative Connections
  • 2019-2020 Mackenzie Shivers
  • 2020-2021 Dr. Marques Garrett, John Dierker, Zack Branch, Ball In the House
  • 2021-2022 Super City

Elizabeth Wegner Memorial Musician-in-Residence

2019: Kevin Martin of Rockcreek Steel Drums

Our Lower School hosted Kevin Martin of Rockcreek Steel Drums for our 3rd Elizabeth Wegner Musician in Residence program. Mr. Martin gave a presentation on the history and musical traditions of Trinidad followed by a week-long workshop for students to practice and perform steel drum music for our community. Chesapeake Campus buzzed with melodic, percussive energy for a week of learning, performing and fun!

About the Program

The Elizabeth Wegner Memorial Fund was created to continue Mrs. Wegner’s legacy by providing unique musical opportunities for our Lower School students. Mrs. Wegner taught music in our community for 14 years before her passing in 2014. She sought to provide a nurturing setting in which children of any age can joyfully develop their own talents in making, composing and performing music.

Resident Musicians

  • 2014-15 Kevin Martin of Rockcreek Steel Drums
  • 2018-19 Unified Jazz Ensemble
  • 2019-20 Kevin Martin of Rockcreek Steel Drums

Lower School

Preschool-Grade 5
Chesapeake Campus
1185 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd
Arnold, MD 21012
410-647-7700

Middle/Upper School

Grade 6-12
Teel Campus
Severna Park, MD 21146
410-647-7700