Yi-Ping Chen

Dr. Yi-Ping Chen

chenyc@jmu.edu

540-568-6654

Instructor, Conducting

Dr. Yi-Ping Chen wishes to make classical music relevant to all of the communities she connects with. Chen is the Music Director of Rockbridge Symphony in Lexington, VA. Her influences in Harrisonburg include teaching conducting at James Madison University, serving as executive director of JMU's Spring String Thing camp, and conducting the Shenandoah Valley Youth Orchestra. 

Passionate about providing equal access to classical music, Chen co-founded Caravanserai Music, a flexible chamber group that promotes compassion and community through performances. During the Covid-19 pandemic, she produced the Classical Connections video series to engage young audiences in classical music through interactive activites. She co-hosted online performances and dialogue with Shenandoah LGBTQ Center, on the topic of rejection and accceptance found in Schoenberg's Transfigured Night and the LGBTQ+ community. 

Chen holds a DMA degree in conducting from University of Minnesota and a Master's Degree in Orchestral Conducting from Northwestern University. When she is not making music, she enjoys going on long hikes in the Shenandoah Valley and traveling the world with her daughter, Amelia, and her husband, Foster. 

Ensemble Directors

Stephen Bolstad

Stephen P. Bolstad
Professor
Director of Bands
Ensemble Area Coordinator
bolstasp@jmu.edu

Foster Beyers

Foster Beyers
Assistant Professor
Director of Orchestras
beyersfj@jmu.edu

Chris DeVona

Chris DeVona
Assistant Director of Athletic Bands
Director of Pep Band
devonaca@jmu.edu

Chuck Dotas

Chuck Dotas
Professor
Director of Jazz Studies
dotascj@jmu.edu

Bryce Hayes

W. Bryce Hayes
Associate Professor
Associate Director of Choral Activities
hayeswb@jmu.edu

Scott Rikkers

Scott Rikkers
Lecturer
Director of the Marching Royal Dukes
Assistant Director of Bands
rikkersd@jmu.edu

Kevin Stees

Kevin J. Stees
Professor
JMU Brass Band
steeskj@jmu.edu

Jo-Anne van der Vat-Chromy

Jo-Anne van der Vat-Chromy
Professor
Director of Choral Activities
vanderjx@jmu.edu

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