Music That Inspires

Jason Max Ferdinand, Professor, Conductor, Composer, Speaker Is Inspired By The Greats

By Tiffany Young // PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMIR STOUDAMIRE

Inspiration can be challenging to understand and describe because what inspires one person may not have any relevance for another. If you are like Jason Max Ferdinand, then your inspiration would come from a mentor. Your inspiration would come from the passion to teach others. Your inspiration will be felt through music.

Recently, Jason Max Ferdinand, who grew to be a globally recognized musical conductor, announced he was selected to be the Director of Choral Activities at the University of Maryland in College Park.

Professionally, he will assume those responsibilities this Fall and will still pursue his personal desires of creating brilliant music that will touch the world.

As part of the celebration of his coming to the area, two classical concert events were held in the DMV. First, a community based event at the CAAPA Cultural Center in Fort Washington followed up and punctuated with “From Solace to...”  held at the National City Christian Church on August 13 at 5 Thomas Circle, NW in Washington D.C.

Arts Journalist Patrick D. McCoy served as host. Click above and below to view the performances, including https://youtu.be/BtFTYTht9F0

  Known as a professor, conductor, composer, and speaker, he wears many hats. He is also the founding artistic director of The Jason Max Ferdinand Singers: An Ensemble of Exceptional Talents. He is a published author and composer with GIA Publications, featuring the book: “Teaching with Heart: Tools for Addressing Societal Challenges Through Music,” and The Jason Max Ferdinand Choral Series (Walton Music). He maintains an active schedule as a guest conductor and lecturer at schools, universities, churches, choral festivals and conferences, both domestic and international.

When Ferdinand first pulled together the group, The Jason Max Ferdinand Singers, he only had the sound of the ensemble in his head. Like many artists, Covid-19, put dreams on hold as many were forced into hiatus. Now, it’s a new day and he is ready to get back into creating music and being an inspiration along the way.

“I truly feel that I am back to bring life and build upon all the great things all I wanted to do. Being asked to come teach at the University and assist the program is a great opportunity,” Ferdinand said.

Ferdinand was welcomed to the county and region by the Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts (CAAPA) with a special presentation on August 12. Supported in part by the Prince George's Arts and Humanities Council (PGAHC), CAAPA which is located in Fort Washington, MD has a vision to help promote opportunities for black classical musicians and others in the performing arts through arts performances, education and outreach.

A man that has built a career in taking deep dives into projects, he has been following his dreams for some time now. One thing that is on his ‘to-do’ list is helping other artists connect and share music with others.

“I want up and coming artists to know that they have to keep listening and keep sharing with others, that is how we keep it going,” he said. “What drives me is having great mentors and perseverance.”