Alpenglow Leadership Team
JJ Sechan, Executive Director & Artistic Director
jsechan@alpenglowmusicprogram.org
Born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago, JJ Sechan began playing the bassoon in high school, and went on to receive a Bachelor of Music from The Juilliard School and an Artist Diploma from Oberlin Conservatory. He moved to Colorado in 2016 to perform with the Colorado Springs Philharmonic, Boulder Philharmonic, and Opera Colorado orchestras. In addition to performing, JJ dedicates himself to improving access to quality music education. He co-created and directs the Alpenglow Music Program, and hosts public radio at Jazz 93.5 and 88.7 KCME. In 2020 JJ wrote and produced programming for all major Jewish holidays, and currently works on “In Case You Missed It”, a new show airing Wednesdays at 6:00pm on 88.7 and kcme.org, which explores hidden gems of the classical music world.
JJ is immensely grateful to his teachers, Judith LeClair, George Sakakeeny, Ann Dufek, and Francisco Ybarra.
Mary Malizia Evans, General Manager
mevans@alpenglowmusicprogram.org
Mary Malizia Evans has a deep love of collaboration, especially making music in groups, large and small. In addition to her love of orchestral playing, she also enjoys chamber music of all kinds. Ms. Evans holds a Master’s Degree from the University of Colorado Boulder, where she studied with Harumi Rhodes. She is a member of the Colorado Springs Philharmonic, Fort Collins Symphony, and plays as a substitute with other orchestras along the Front Range. Through each and every performance, rehearsal, lesson, and masterclass, Ms. Evans values connection above all else. It is her strong belief that music cannot exist in a vacuum. Connection must exist between teacher and student and from composer to performer to audience. That is what makes music, art and life worthwhile.
Jenna Hinkle, Assistant Director of Development
jhinkle@alpenglowmusicprogram.org
A Colorado Springs native, Jenna began playing the cello at the age of 10. She holds a Bachelor of Innovation from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, graduating Summa Cum Laude and with Highest Distinction. She was an active member of the UCCS Arts Community, participating in TheatreWorks’ Lysistrata, the UCCS String Quartet, Professor Jon Forshee’s Telequartet, the UCCS Honors Ensemble, and several student recitals. She has performed original compositions by several of her fellow students, including works by Conor Bourgal, Noel Armendariz, Amanda Dillon, and Kitty Robinson. She performed in “Romancing the Strings” at Broadmoor Community Church in February 2020. Her primary mentors both musically and academically are Paul Rule, Jane Chan, Leah Hansen, and Colleen Stiles.