The University of Maryland School of Music (SOM) and Collington Continuing Care Retirement Community has partnered to create a student artist residency program that brings together two different generations through music. This year, SOM graduate students Samantha Flores and Matthew Rynes will receive room and board at Collington in exchange for performing regularly and organizing additional concerts and educational programs for residents.

“The artist residency at Collington affords students the chance to connect in meaningful ways with a distinct segment of our community and compels them to think about how we use music to engage with specific audiences,” says SOM Director Jason Geary. “It’s important that students understand fully the role that music can play in enriching the lives of those around them.”

A committee of residents at Collington currently organizes on-site music performances and collaborative opportunities for residents, including a community choir, jazz band and Sunday afternoon concerts that feature resident musicians. As a reciprocal living-and-learning experience, Flores and Rynes will enhance these existing activities by performing for residents, curating a new concert series and teaching courses on music appreciation and music theory.

Collington Executive Director Marvell Adams says that residents look forward to the new energy and knowledge that Flores and Rynes will bring not only to their music programs, but also to their community as a whole. In fact, the idea for the artist residency came from a Collington resident.

As one of several community engagement programs at both the SOM and Collington, the artist residency is an extension of both institutions’ commitment to fostering a spirit of inclusion and engagement with diverse communities.

“Our residents want enriched lives that include student experiences,” says Adams. “Many of our residents are retired professors and teachers who long to interact with students.”

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Upcoming Events

All Events take place at the Collington Auditorium unless otherwise noted

March 4th, 7:00 pm 

Rita Sloan and Friends

March 7th, 3:00 pm

 Lecture  by UMD Musicology Student Awodi Drumming on Yoruba Traditional Bata Music

March 9th, 6:30pm

University of Maryland Symphony Orchestra pre-concert Lecture and reception

 Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center

March 10th, 4:00pm

Women's Day Concert

March 12th, 7:30pm -

Silent Films + Music - UMD Faculty, Student performers and composers 

March 18th, 3:00pm

Beethoven Recital

Matt Rynes, Samantha Flores and Ying-Shan Su

March 24th, 3:00pm 

Samantha Flores, Cello Recital

April 4th

Lecture- "Alexander Technique for the Aging"

April 5th, 7:30pm 

UMD Faculty Recital - Irina Muresanu, violin

April 20th and 21st

The Collington Singers

April 28th, 3:00pm 

Kathryn Lowman, Viola Recital 

May 2nd, 7:30pm

Lecture - UMD Musicology Student, Elizabeth Massey 

May 6th, 1:00 pm

Clarinet Choir

Collington Patio 

May 11th, 4:00pm

Maryland Opera Studio Scene Performances

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June 1st, 3:00 pm

Young Strings Children’s Recital 

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