ArtSmart

Transforming lives through music mentorship; pathways to academic, economic, & emotional stability.

06/03/2026

✨ 🎶 Maria Manetti Shrem Mentor Spotlight, Andrew Monath! ✨ 🎶

Andrew W. Monath earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Westminster Choir College and a Master’s Degree in Integrated Arts Education from Arcadia University with a concentration in Musical Theater. He has spent over 30 years as both a Music Educator and a Church/Synagogue Musician in and around the Philadelphia area. He is currently a Choral Music Teaching Artist and Division Lead with Play on Philly where he directs a Choral Program of 235 students in grades 1-12. He is currently serving as the Baritone Section leader in the Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus, sings Bass with Singing City and the Philadelphia Symphonic Choir which performs regularly with the Philadelphia Orchestra.

Andrew believes that we teach humans. Music is just a vessel. Everyone has an instrument within them that can be nurtured.

Thank you for all that you do, Andrew!

06/01/2026

✨ Bringing classical music to the next generation! ✨

Watch how Maria Manetti Shrem Mentor, Megan McFadden, guides student Simiyah through Lascia ch’io pianga by Handel! Just a slight adjustment makes the performance even stronger!

Based on our 2-year longitudinal study, ArtSmart students experienced a 100% increase in their belief that they are talented. Simiyah, you are most DEFINITELY talented!

05/29/2026

✨ AMAZING VOICE! ✨

ArtSmart student Samuel S, mentee of Maria Manetti Shrem Mentor A.J. Wester, delivered a beautiful rendition of Encantadora María with artistry, warmth, and heartfelt expression. 🎶

Through mentorship, dedication, and passion for music, Samuel continues to grow as both a performer and artist. We are so proud to celebrate his hard work and talent!

Bravo, Samuel! ✨

05/28/2026

✨ 🎶 Maria Manetti Shrem Mentor Spotlight, Dr. Stephen Whimple! ✨ 🎶

Dr. Stephen Whimple is a freelance trombonist, educator, and administrator based in New York’s Hudson Valley. He earned degrees in trombone performance from The Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam and the Juilliard School, and holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Trombone Performance and Pedagogy from The University of Alabama.

Stephen is an alumnus of programs such as the Arthur Frackenpohl Honors Brass Quintet, the Third Coast Trombone Retreat, the Winter Trombone Workshop, the Texas Music Festival, the Hot Springs Music Festival, the Chautauqua Institution, and the New York String Orchestra Seminar. He has been recognized in competitions sponsored by the University of Alabama Huxford Symphony Concerto Competition, the International Trombone Association, the American Trombone Workshop, the Big 12 Trombone Conference competition, and the Crane School of Music Concerto and Chamber music competitions. This will be Dr. Whimple’s first year with ArtSmart.

Stephen’s believes that a good mentor seeks to share what they have gained and learn with those asking for help. Taking the time to actively listen to students and adapt material to values and needs is imperative to my teaching.

Thank you for all that you do, Stephen! ✨🎶

05/26/2026

✨ Through mentorship, encouragement, and artistic guidance, young performers are given the support they need to grow in confidence, artistry, and performance. ✨

Maria Manetti Shrem Mentor Andrew Wannigman and his student Ethan T continue to embody the power of mentorship through their dedication, collaboration, and shared passion for music. 🎶

ArtSmart is proud to foster meaningful mentor relationships that inspire students to develop their artistic voices both on and off the stage. ✨ 🎶

05/22/2026

ArtSmart student Steve Garcia took the stage at the ArtSmart 10th Anniversary Gala with a beautiful performance during a truly momentous night honoring Maria Manetti Shrem and celebrating a decade of empowering young artists through mentorship, education, and the transformative power of the arts. 🎶

Steve’s performance also reflected his artistic growth and the incredible impact that mentorship can have on a young artist’s confidence, creativity, and voice. Watching students flourish through guidance, encouragement, and opportunity is at the heart of what ArtSmart is all about. 👏🌟

05/20/2026

Maria Manetti Shrem Mentor Spotlight, Megan McFadden✨🎶

Megan McFadden (she/her) just began mentoring with ArtSmart this fall (2025). She’s from Gettysburg, PA and earned dual bachelor’s degrees in Music Education and Music Therapy at Mansfield University and a master’s degree in Vocal Performance and Literature at The Eastman School of Music. She has performed with the Rochester Chamber Orchestra, Finger Lakes Choral Festival, The Eastman Rochester Chorus and currently performs with Opera Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Symphonic Choir. Megan has taught public school music as well as individual lessons in voice, piano, guitar, and violin. When she’s not teaching or making music, she’s spending time with her two children, baking, collecting antique books, or watching Philly sports.

Megan believes that a good mentor meets a student where they are and they travel together from there. They work collaboratively to set goals and achieve growth and skills. A good mentor is flexible and open to different people and circumstances.

Thank you for all that you do, Megan! ✨🎶

05/18/2026

Student Charles J., mentee of Maria Manetti Shrem Mentor Andrew Wannigman, delivers a stunning rendition of Benjamin Britten’s The Salley Gardens with artistry, warmth, and beautiful storytelling.

Through mentorship, dedication, and music making, young artists continue to deepen their craft and bring timeless works to life. Bravo, Charles! ✨

05/16/2026

Every child deserves the opportunity to discover the power of their own voice. ✨🎶

ArtSmart helps young artists build confidence, creativity, and self-expression that reach far beyond the classroom.

05/14/2026

Mentorship is more than learning music, it’s about building confidence, finding your voice, and carrying that encouragement forward into every part of life. ✨🎶

At Artsmart, we believe the impact of mentorship extends far beyond the classroom, inspiring the next generation to lead with artistry, kindness, and confidence.

Address

1315 Walnut Street Ste 300
Philadelphia, PA
19107

Website

http://www.ArtSmart.org/

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