PhD (Music). 
Scholar-pianist; contributing writer BBC Proms; BBC Publications.

Archie Chen is a dynamic leader and accomplished musician with a multifaceted career that spans performance, education, and arts administration. As the current Executive Director of Holy Names Music Center (HNMC) in Spokane, Washington, Archie has demonstrated exceptional leadership, creativity, and a commitment to community engagement. Under his guidance, HNMC, a not-for-profit community music school, has flourished, providing high-quality music instruction and related programs to children and adults. Archie's role at HNMC involves fiscal and administrative management, fostering positive relationships both internally and within the Spokane community, and overseeing program development, marketing, and public relations activities.

In his position at HNMC, Archie provides energetic and creative servant leadership to the Board of Trustees, faculty, and staff. He is responsible for developing the annual budget, implementing development and marketing plans to meet fundraising and enrollment goals, and overseeing the Music Center's physical plant. Archie's ability to work with diverse populations and his working knowledge of board relationships and functions have been instrumental in his success. He actively engages the board, staff, and faculty in long-range organizational planning, ensuring the Music Center's mission and vision are achieved.

Archie is committed to building a resilient business model with sustainable financial results. He collaborates closely with the development team, board, and staff to identify donor prospects, cultivate their interest, and increase donor engagement and financial support. His strategic vision includes considering the need for capital and endowment campaigns and leading their implementation as determined by the board. Archie's oversight of the marketing team's pricing, promotion, and packaging opportunities has uplifted the visibility of HNMC, its programs, and its venue.

Community engagement and educational impact are central to Archie's approach. He serves as the public voice for HNMC in Spokane and beyond, creating and maintaining relationships with local and national arts organizations, producers, and presenters. Archie encourages and supports educational partnerships both at the venue and throughout the community, fostering mutual support and collaboration. He is dedicated to enhancing educational offerings that provide performing arts experiences for a diverse range of demographic communities.

Administrative and operational excellence are also hallmarks of Archie's leadership. He continually examines the organizational structure and capitalization needs, creating plans that address gaps and embrace opportunities. Archie fosters a culture of collaboration and teamwork, sharing necessary information in a timely and transparent manner, which builds upon a culture where everyone feels valued and respected. He develops and implements effective policies that ensure the continued smooth operations of the organization, partnering with appropriate staff to oversee the management and upkeep of the Music Center's facilities.

Archie's musical journey is equally impressive. Described by the Irish Times as a pianist with "daring velocity" and a "fiery temperament," he has graced prestigious stages worldwide, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Gewandhaus, Vatican Auditorium, Benaroya Hall, and the National Concert Hall in Dublin. His performances have captivated audiences across the United States, Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. As a chamber musician, he has collaborated with renowned artists and performed with notable orchestras such as the Spokane Symphony and the RTE Concert Orchestra. His recordings on Sony Classical and Carnegie Artists Records have solidified his place among the leading pianists of his generation.

Archie's dedication to music education is evident in his comprehensive online education program, which offers courses in Piano Pedagogy, Piano Literature, Historically Informed Performance, and Entrepreneurship for Musicians. His mentorship has guided students to win top prizes in international piano competitions and gain admission to leading universities and conservatories worldwide. Archie has served on the faculty of the Royal Irish Academy of Music and TU Dublin Conservatory of Music, and he is the Founder & Artistic Director of the Dublin International Piano Festival & Summer Academy.

In his role at HNMC, Archie is deeply committed to strategic vision and board governance. He provides leadership and direction to the board, Artistic Director, and staff to amplify existing artistic programs, diversify program opportunities, and set a vibrant strategic direction for the organization. Archie's engagement with the community focuses on building relationships, long-range goals, and a vision for HNMC that is embraced by multiple stakeholders. He supports the board in identifying, cultivating, and recruiting new board members while leveraging the deeply committed involvement of existing board members and considering long-term succession planning. Archie's support for board committees empowers staff to function in a collaborative and unified work environment, enhancing and building a deep culture of collaboration, communication, and transparency.

Archie Chen's leadership, artistic vision, and dedication to community engagement make him a valuable asset to any organization. His ability to inspire and connect with diverse audiences, combined with his entrepreneurial mindset, positions him to lead with confidence and achieve significant impact. Archie's comprehensive experience in fiscal management, fundraising, and strategic planning ensures the long-term viability and success of the organizations he leads, making a profound difference in the communities they serve.

V B M are an analog/modular electro-pop duo based in San Francisco and Portland.
Fritz: Instruments, Production
Andrew Pierce: Voice

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V B M have a sound that encompasses not only traditional guitar and drums, but also analog and modular synthesizers. Couple that with harmonic vocals, some moments of the duo's music are reminiscent of 80's synth-pop, while other aspects are akin to a style that is completely and uniquely their own. 

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