Student Community

Keep up with McNally Smith alums!
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Featured Graduates

Adam Ruehmer, Music Business, 2007

My story starts in the spring of 2006 when I decided to spend my summer doing an internship in California. After sending out a few resumes I landed an internship at a record label in Orange County, CA called The Militia Group. That summer was one of the best of my life and as I headed back to McNally to finish up my Bachelors degree, I knew I had to go back to California after graduation.
 
Fast forward a year and a half. Two weeks after taking and PASSING my Theory 4 final (Jay Fuchs is the best) and walking at graduation, I hit the road once again for California. This time was much different than the first time though. For one thing, I had no idea what I was going to be doing there. I got an apartment with a friend who already lived in LA, but I had no job and stomach full of anxiety. I had been saving all of my money since I got back from California the first time because I knew I’d have to survive jobless for a bit when I went back. My first month in California was spent sending out 30-40 resumes a week. After the third week, it started to get a little frustrating. My mom would have to call me and remind me that I just have to be patient and that the right job will come along eventually.
 
As usual, mom was right and soon I got a call from Machine Shop Marketing in Beverly Hills. This was a company that caught my eye when I sent my resume to them and I was really hoping they’d call. After a short phone interview, I went in for an in-person interview. It went well, and they asked me back for a second. A week later, I landed the job and even ended up turning down a different job (which actually paid more) so I could take this one. This company seemed to be a perfect fit for me and exactly what I was looking for. Machine Shop Marketing is an innovative grassroots music marketing company and record label started by the band Linkin Park. We run just about everything that has to do with Linkin Park (fan club, street team, myspace, promotions, etc), as well as create and implement promotional campaigns for other clients such as MTV, Warner Brothers, and other major artists. So far I’m loving my job and all the people I work with. Brad from Linkin Park even said I was doing a great job! Not a bad pat on the back if you ask me!
 
To all the current and future McNally students, I STRONGLY recommend doing an internship in Los Angeles or New York if you’re serious about working in the music industry. I know it’s intimidating to think about moving across the country to work for someone for free, but as I sit here writing this in an office covered in platinum and gold records in the heart of Beverly Hills, the payoff was totally worth it!

Carnival Cruise Students & Alumni

Angie Ista, Brass & Woodwinds
Angie found working for Carnival Cruise Lines a great experience. She was on the Carnival Miracle on a four-month contract from January to May 2008. Angie is working on achieving her Bachelor of Music Performance degree from the Brass and Woodwinds program.  Read below as Angie recounts her experience at Carnival:

“Working for Carnival Cruise Lines was a great experience. I was on the Carnival Miracle for a four-month contract from January to May. It was a fun and laidback work environment and the people I worked with were talented professionals. I have to say that the experience I had working for Carnival is one that I will never forget.
I was a part of the Showband as the bari saxophone player. We would play for the production shows and also for acts called ‘fly ons’ that would fly in to one of the ports, perform their show, and leave the next day. We also performed for activities such as captain’s cocktail parties and repeaters parties, which are held for guests that have cruised with Carnival more than once.
It was great to be able to play music and travel at the same time. I was able to see many places around the Caribbean and Central America which included St. Kitts, St. Lucia, Belize, and Costa Rica, just to name a few. The music was fun to play and challenging at times as well. We also stood in as the jazz group in one of the lounges so the Showband would rotate doing the jazz sets.  Those were also very fun and a good chance to improve on playing in a small group setting. Overall, my time working for Carnival Cruise Lines was a fantastic experience and I plan on going back in the near future.”
 

David Hirsch, Brass & Woodwinds
David Hirsch worked with current student Angie Ista at Carnival. David is working on achieving his Bachelor of Music Performance degree from the Brass and Woodwinds program.  Read below as David Hirsch describes his experience working with Carnival Cruise Lines:

“Life on a ship is much like life on land, except you wake up in new locations every day.  Working for Carnival as the lead alto player in the Showband was great because I did not have to worry about paying for food or rent, as well as airfare to get to the ship’s homeport.  There was only the weekly duty of ‘boat drill’ that disinterested me. Carnival does their best to accommodate its employees, especially the entertainment department, and the pay is decent.  
The working environment aboard the Miracle was very relaxed and easy-going.  Rehearsals were few and far between because both Angie and I had the luxury of playing with a great band that did not need to practice much.  Fellow crewmembers were from all nationalities and luckily English was the common language.  The general attitude on board was that ‘we’re all in this thing together’, so even though there was the occasional language barrier, everyone got along.  I would highly recommend sailing the seas to anyone with the desire to get away from the real world for a while.”

Joshua Johnson, Live Sound Alumni
Joshua Johnson graduated with a Live Sound diploma.  Read Joshua’s letter below as he describes his experience working with Carnival Cruise Lines:

“How are things in St. Paul? Ship life is different. It's a big ship but it gets pretty small when it becomes your home. The cabins are pretty small; you share a room with someone else; the food gets old after a bit. And, there is a lot of drama when you get 1200 people living and working together. There really aren’t any days off. My ship rotates 6 days one week and 8 days the next. When we get to our homeport in Ft. Lauderdale to drop the guests off, we leave the same day with new guests. It's a pretty busy schedule with the main production shows, rehearsals, and maintenance. There are also nine smaller lounges to maintain as well as assisting private group functions with audio for seminars, performances, or even some worship services.  All that said, I'm really having am blast out here! I get to hang out with some really talented people from all over the world. Of the 1200 person crew only about 33 are US citizens.
The weather is great most of the time.  A couple times a week you can usually find a few hours to get off the ship and check out some of the beautiful ports of call. Antigua is my favorite so far. My ship goes to San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas U.S.V.I.; Tortola Nassau, Bahamas; Grand Cayman; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Limon, Panama; Key West, FL; Cozumel, Mexico; and Colon, Costa Rica.
The work is pretty fun and is a lot of maintenance, load ins and load outs, and assisting the musicians and performers with the use of the gear. I'm working my way into the main lounge audio position so I can get more board time on the console.  That was my main reason for taking the gig…it will come with time. Speaking of time, it flies when you are out here! I only have a couple of weeks left here on the Liberty and I'll be transferring to the Destiny for the second half of this contract. I'll be there until June of 2008 and I've already requested a second contract for the Spirit starting in August, which goes to Alaska and Hawaii.
If you know of any gigs coming up this summer while I'm on vacation let me know. I've only heard from John Steitz once since I got out here, he is on the Paradise out of Long Beach, CA. He is on a smaller ship, but they don't have the Back Lounge Tech position like we do so he was tossed right into doing everything Main Lounge audio and all the back lounges too. Our Piano Man "Vince" in the Piano Bar is a Music Tech Alumni. Enjoy the pictures, and stay in touch.”

John Steitz, Recording Technology Alumni
John Steitz graduated with an Associates Degree in Recording Technology. His education in Live Sound through the program is what brought him to Carnival.  Read as John describes his experience working with Carnival Cruise Lines:

“My name is John Steitz and I've just recently returned back to Minnesota after having been given the opportunity to work as a sound technician on board the Carnival Paradise. Living and working aboard a cruise ship certainly is different from nearly any other gig you can imagine, however, it provided me the opportunity to not only travel and work alongside people from all walks of life, but also to gain valuable experience relating to live sound reinforcement and technique. Upon my arrival to the ship, I quickly noticed that I would be the sole technician on board, no easy task considering the sheer scale and quantity of the entertainment found on board cruise ships such as this. In my time onboard, I engineered a variety of shows and events, everything from full-scale production shows with a live orchestra, to stand-up comedy and anything in between.
I was given the distinct opportunity to work in a variety of different lounges, on different systems, and with different styles on a daily basis. Aside from engineering the shows, I was also responsible for ship wide systems maintenance, and equipment procurement. While working with the other techs onboard, I was also given the opportunity to obtain experience and training in basic lighting, pyrotechnics, and backstage management techniques.
For all the professional experience I gathered, perhaps the most rewarding aspect of my time on board the Carnival Paradise was the people and friends I met along the way. I would often find myself in the company of very diverse and interesting people. I now have many fond memories of playing guitar with Indonesians at ship front, playing foosball with Croatians, and drinking vodka with a Russian or two in the crew bar.  So, perhaps if you are in the market for a buck or two and feel like maybe traveling the world in the process, why not explore the resources provided by Debbie Sandridge and Sarah Peterson in the Career Center and see?what they can do for you!?Thanks Debbie and Sarah!”
 

Alumni News

2005
Zack Carroll (Performance-Guitar) performs in the band, This World Fair. This World Fair has been a Twin Cities rock/alternative band for 3 years. They signed to Rethink/EMI Records in 05'. Their album was recorded in El Paso at Sonic Ranch Studios with Producer Al Clay and Engineer Alex "Medi" Clark, and is due out in June of 07'. The band also recently recorded a title track for a new Dreamworks picture, also to be out in 07'. This World Fair on WCCO.

Brian Nagan (Music Business) Victory Records debut with his band Four Letter Lie was released Oct 31. Recently featured in Alternative Press magazine, Four Letter Lie is on tour nationally.

Adam Bilsing (Performance-Percussion) plays drums in Brokenheart Jones, whose third CD, Sunday Best, is out now. Pulse of the Twin Cities recently noted, "Rhett Miller and the Old 97's should probably start keeping an eye out, because Brokenheart Jones are about to steal some of their thunder."

Ari Herstand (Music Business) hosts "Happy Hour Happenings" at Minneapolis' Varsity Theater. Every Friday Herstrand showcases new artists and finishes with a 45 minute solo acoustic performance. Ari's debut CD, Baby Eyes, was recently released independently.

Shannon Frid (Music Business) was music supervisor for the film Arnolds Park. She was formerly with Undertone Music.

Can Azizoglu (Music Business) was selected from over 800 applicants for an apprenticeship with EMI Germany.

Tony Ruccolo (Music Business) was actively involved with founding McNally Smith's student record label Glass Wall. Upon graduation he took a full-time position with the Studio Bridge artist services company. He is also a proficient bassist, and performs with his own group M.O.


2004
George Hadfield (Performance-Bass) perform in the band, This World Fair. This World Fair has been a Twin Cities rock/alternative band for 3 years. They signed to Rethink/EMI Records in 05'. Their album was recorded in El Paso at Sonic Ranch Studios with Producer Al Clay and Engineer Alex "Medi" Clark, and is due out in June of 07'. The band also recently recorded a title track for a new Dreamworks picture, also to be out in 07'.

Brandy Runyan (Performance-Vocal) is teaching voice/songwriting at Schmitt Music in Edina and is a member of The Mirabelles. The Mirabelles were recently featured in an interactive gallery at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. One of their songs, 'Every Time' can be heard on the compilation CD, Shade Grown: The Best of Coffee Grounds Volume 1.

Mandi Dickhut (Recording Technology) is working as a video editor in Quincy, IL. She was formerly with WSS TV in Minneapolis.

Nathan Griner (Performance-Guitar) Nathan is an active guitar instructor and musical director, and plays in several bands. His debut self-produced CD Where Are You was released this year.

Travis Huisman (Recording Technology) is an engineer at Catamount Recording.

Teresa Peterson (Performance-Vocal) moved to Nashville and is furthering her singing career.


2003
Justin Bonhiver (Recording Technology) plays guitar in Quietdrive. Their new full-length album on Sony/Epic, When All That's Left Is You was released May 30, 2007. Quietdrive are touring nationwide and was recently a featured artist on myspace.com. The CD was produced and engineered by McNally Smith alumni Matt Kirkwold and James Harley, with additional production by Butch Walker .

Alyssa Carlson (Music Business) is currently working on production of the television show "Nashville Star" and is editor at Country Music Weekly. She has worked with several production companies in Nashville, Florida, LA, and New York; worked with the historic Ryman Auditorium and the Grand Ole Opry, and has been co-writing with top Nashville songwriters.

Omar Palacios (Music Business) is a Technical Support Specialist at Telex, working with the EV, Midas, Klark Teknik, Dynacord, Blue, and Telex product lines. He has been traveling a lot for conferences and training, including trips to Westlake, CA, Anaheim, CA (for the NAMM show), Mexico City D.F., Mexico (for the Soundcheck Expo), and Kansas City, MO for a Latino trade show.

Mark Maki (Recording Technology) reports: “Since graduating I've been working on my own music a lot and working various jobs. I recently moved to Seattle and have been working at a project studio called Project Won Studios in Mukilteo, WA. I've also started my own roaming studio out here and have been helping a synth player learn Propellerheads Reason as my first project.”

Nick Fournier (Recording Technology) About a year after graduation Nick started a company called Modular Acoustics. In the past 18 months Modular Acoustics has sold nearly 600 of their unique acoustic panels to many satisfied customers all over the United States and Canada. He is now living in Hawaii building custom studios and recording with acts like Willie Nelson.

Jill Diem (Performance-Vocal) sang backup for Clay Aiken at Northrop Auditorium in the Twin Cities.

Tim Kartes (Live Sound) is the touring sound engineer for the Commodores.

Grant Kluempke (Recording Technology) is house engineer at Rockhouse Studios in St. Joesph, MN. Rockhouse is owned by the sons of 60's pop star Bobby Vee, who perform as The Vees.

Lauren Redpath (Performance-Vocal) released her debut CD, and is performing constantly in the Upper Midwest.

Justin Kristal (Music Business) is in the Twin Cities-based band Smilin Liar.

Nate Dykstra (Recording Technology) works at THQ Wireless in Chaska making video games for wireless platforms.

Brian Hallerman (Recording Technology) is Studio Manager for Augsburg College.

John Lukas (Recording Technology) is an engineer at Babble-On Recording Studios in downtown Minneapolis.

Mitch Rohner (Music Business) is working for The Screen Actor's Guild in Los Angeles.

Larry Lucio (Music Business) After interning for both Island Def Jam Music Group and Universal Motown Records, Larry was offered a paid position as College & Lifestyle Marketing Representative at Universal. A founder of the Annual Twin Cities Celebration of Hip Hop, he went full time with his Amplified Life artist management firm in early 2005. He is also an active member of Palabristas, the Latino Writers Collective.


2002

Jeffrey Crandall (Recording Technology, Performance-Vocal) He is the lead singer in the original band vandelay and also sings in an acoustic trio called The Pasty Playas. Other recent projects include vocal work with Prince protégé and former NPG member Kip Blackshire.

Arcady Yushin (Performance-Guitar) His resume includes performances with Anthony Cox, Ruth Mackenzie, and Peter Ostroushko, session credits at Flyte Tyme Studios (Janet Jackson, Utada, Chicago soundtrack). His arrangements and compositions have been heard on Minnesota Public Radio and performed at Minneapolis' Orchestra Hall. His new recording will soon appear on New Folk Records.

Kevin Holvig (Performance-Percussion) is touring internationally with the Rebecca St. James band.

Mary Dvorsky (Music Business) is the Assistant to the General Manager at Fontana Records in Los Angeles. She was formerly Regional Marketing Coordinator at Universal Music Group in Minneapolis.

Alicia Wiley (Performance-Vocal) is a double Minnesota Music Award winner (2004) and released her second CD/EP In Your Sight .

Oren Raab (Recording Technology) is a member of an organization that supports and promotes English singing bands in Israel.  He helped to coordinate a 12 band, 7-1/2 hour concert that received media attention throughout Israel.  Oren also continues to compose, perform, record, and promote his band, The Marching Band. Oren has recorded 5 albums.


2001
Nicole Naumann (Music Business) is National Accounts Coordinator at Universal Music & Video Distribution. She was formerly at Warner/Elektra/Atlantic in Minneapolis.

Robin Ferguson (Music Business) is a Sales Analyst with Electronic Arts in New York City. Toys R Us is her primary account. She was formerly with Universal. Robin reports, "I am thrilled to stay within the entertainment industry and expand my knowledge and experience with the market leader for video games."

Ben Melby (Recording Technology) is house engineer at Club 3 Degrees in Minneapolis.

Josh Siegel (Music Business) is in the marketing department at Universal Music & Video Distribution, and plays in the band 13th Step.

Mitchell Williams (Recording Techonology) is Production Manager at KMOJ FM in Minneapolis.

Charles Gehr (Performance-Percussion) plays drums with the band Ouija Radio. His drumming has been nominated for a Minnesota Music Award.

Duane Burda (Recording Technology) is a technician for LA-based Tour Supply. He started working for the company in Minnesota.

John Hicks (Performance-Percussion) is a free-lance drummer based in the Twin Cities. He teaches drum lessons at Schmitt Music with a focus on snare drums and drum set studies.

Colin McArdell (Recording Technology) is an Engineering and Production instructor at IPR.

Matt Koehne (Recording Technology) is an Assistant Lab Supervisor at IPR


2000
Heather Newman (Performance-Vocal) lives in San Antonio where she performs in the all-female mariachi group Las Altenas. She writes: "This past June we performed in the Hollywood bowl (so far we are the only all-female mariachi group to do so).  It was really exciting!"

Brian Jacoby (Recording Technology) is a Digital Recording, Engineering, Production and Pro Tools instructor at IPR.


1999
Nate Brown (Performance-Guitar) plays in North County Mile, their CD is available on iTunes and from natebrown.org. Nate writes: "these last few years have had a lot of neat opportunities in them for me, most of them stemming from my years at McNally Smith." Nate logged 500 tour dates in 2005 with the musical Chicago, including three weeks at the Taipei National Theatre. He's been gigging frequently in NYC clubs, and did over two months in the pit with the Broadway version of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Nielsen Custom Guitars has just issued a Nate Brown signature model.

Andrew Crow (Recording Technology) was monitor engineer for the Ozzfest tour 2005. In the past year he has managed front-of-house sound for The Black Dahlia Murder, It Dies Today, Bloodsimple, and Dry Kill Logic. He also tour managed and engineered for American Headcharge.

James Harley (Recording Technology) co-owns World Record Productions in Minneapolis. Their client list includes: Soul Asylum, Quietdrive, Like Hell, Shannon Curfman, Mudvayne, and Jonny Lang.

Michael Suhr (Recording Technology) is the Operations Director for 4 radio stations in Iowa. He's in charge of all promotions, programming, and production.

Tanya Lano (Music Business) is an Admissions Representative at IPR


1998
Mark Dahlen (Recording Technology) is touring with hit Nashville artist Eric Church. He recently tour engineered for Richard Ashcroft (of Verve fame).

David Heuer (Recording Technology). Dave's internship at New River Studios in Ft. Lauderdale led to a three-year staff position that included sessions with Rod Stewart, Nine Days and Jessica Simpson. He moved to one of the nation's most powerful studios, The Hit Factory in Miami, and worked on a long list of sessions for artists such as Celine Dion, Ricky Martin, Ziggy Marley and Carlos Vives (for which he earned a GRAMMY), Lionel Richie, Missy Elliott, Tweet, Busta, and Timbaland.

Mitch Bentley (Performance-Percussion) was profiled in the August 2005 issue of Drum magazine. He lives in Tennessee and tours with an AC/DC tribute band as well as his own original rock band, Mystery Tramp. Prior to that he performed with Kenny Nightengale, a reggae/pop rock act from Nigeria.  In September 2003 he performed with the band Crayfish (featuring former members of Grand Funk Railroad). Mitch has performed all over the world with N'Sync, Britney Spears, Creed, Kiss, and others.

Tom Zlabinger (Performance-Bass) is teaching music at York College (CUNY) and playing professionally in New York City.

Eric Barthalamew (Performance-Percussion) is gigging on weekends with SMOKIN MOJO KINGS and ROCK STEADY, as well as managing a temp agency in Iowa. He says "I'm still on call with ProShip Entertainment to do cruise gigs with Holland America when I get sick of the office gig!"