Executive Director
A recent Alexandria transplant from the Boston area, Jessica Wisser formerly served as General Manager for Cantata Singers, a choral organization dedicated to the performance of works both old and new. A music lover from a young age, Ms. Wisser began her music career as a pianist, later branching out to study voice and music theory. She graduated with a B.A. from Duke University, focusing on a double major in Music and Public Policy. She was very active within the University’s music department, performing with the Duke University Chorale under Rodney Wynkoop, as well as with Duke University’s oldest all-female a cappella group, Duke Out of the Blue.
Marketing and Development Director
Patricia Germann holds a dual master’s degree in Arts Management and Cultural Economics from Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Bologna. As part of her studies, she completed a 10-month practicum with the British Council, where she supported initiatives that connect UK artists with arts presenters and audiences in the US. Prior to graduate school, Patricia worked in fundraising, arts education, and box office management, including 3 years as a Ticketing Services Supervisor at the Portland Center for Performing Arts in Portland, OR. Patricia earned her B.A. in Dance and Anthropology from Washington University in St. Louis.
General Manager
Recently relocated to the Washington D.C area, Ryan has worked in a range of music administrative positions, including three years as stage and equipment manager for the Kent State University band department where he oversaw technical and logistical needs of a several classical and jazz ensembles. In August 2008 Ryan completed his M.M in music composition from Bowling Green State University and has worked as a transcriber and copyist for a variety of musical acts including Egyptian composer Halim El Dabh on his Brass Quintet Beginnings and three arrangements for saxophone and studio orchestra performed by jazz saxophonist Dick Oatts. He currently performs as a freelance musician in a variety of groups encompassing jazz, free improvisation and solo electronics.
Personnel Manager
Ms. Kelly, who also plays cello with the ASO, is in charge of hiring the musicians for the ASO concerts. She works closely with Music Director Kluge and the Musicians’ Union to find the best musicians in the area for the ASO concerts. She received her musical training at the University of California at Santa Barbara, and Fontainbleau, France, encouraged by her musician/conductor father, James Swift. She has been part of the Washington, DC area musical scene since 1975 as a player, contractor, librarian, and teacher. Current responsibilities involving the first three roles find her working at Wolf Trap, Kennedy Center Opera House, Concert Artists of Baltimore, Post-Classical Ensemble and Opera Camerata in addition to the ASO. She teaches cello at the Levine School of Music, Episcopal High School and at her McLean home.
Stage Manager
Craig has served as a stage manager for several Washington & Baltimore orchestras. He has been with the Alexandria Symphony since 1997. Craig has previously served as an Instrumental music teacher for students aged Kindergarten through college. In addition to playing stage manger he is freelance percussionist and is the director of Music Director for Kensington (MD) Baptist Church.