Our CMD staff members are committed to the community music school philosophy and are available to assist you on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Staff members and contact information are listed below.
Susanne Baker, Director
Phone: 773-325-4390Email: sbaker@depaul.edu
Susanne Baker is the founder and director of the DePaul Community Music Division. She teaches both traditional and Suzuki piano students as well as group classes in the pre-college program. She is a frequent adjudicator in the Chicago area, teaches on the summer faculty of the Chicago Suzuki Institute, serves on the Committee of School Directors of the National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts, and is the 2009-10 Convener for the Chicago Consortium of Community Music Schools.
Dr. Baker is also an adjunct faculty member in the DePaul School of Music where she teaches piano pedagogy and coordinates the group piano program. She holds a Doctor of Music in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from Northwestern University, a Masters in Piano Performance from American University, a Master of Arts in Education and Music from the University of Wisconsin and a Bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Bucknell University.
James DelFosse, Accounts Manager
Phone: 773-325-7262
Email: jdelfoss@depaul.edu
Jim DelFosse received a Bachelor of Arts in Music Composition from Columbia College Chicago. He was awarded a commission from the Chicago Composers Forum to write a three-movement work for the Noble Street Charter High School concert band. He has composed works for chamber ensemble, various instrumental combos, solo piano, as well as music for several short films. In 2005 he founded the rock-based group Cruciforms who perform regularly around the city.
Zoe Nelson, Educational Programs Coordinator
Phone: 773-325-7262
Email: znelson2@depaul.edu
Zoe Nelson serves as the Educational Program Coordinator in the Community Music Division, overseeing the on-site group programs and the off-site programs. She received a Master of Fine Arts in Visual Art from Columbia University, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Art History/Visual Art from Barnard College, Columbia University. Zoe's love for music runs deep, as she grew up playing the violin and viola, and participated in many youth music programs and youth ensembles, including the New York City Youth Symphony. In addition to working as the Educational Programs Coordinator, Zoe maintains a rigorous studio art practice, and is looking forward to exhibiting her paintings this coming year in New York City and Chicago.
Ben Rusch, Marketing Coordinator
Phone: 773-325-7262
Email: brusch@depaul.edu
Ben Rusch holds a Bachelor of Music in Performing Arts Management from DePaul University. Ben plans and executes marketing initiatives and events for the Community Music Division. In addition, he is the Web & Social Media Administrator for Oistrach Symphony Orchestra. Previously, he has worked throughout the Chicago music and education community, including Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras, Kaplan Higher Education, and DePaul University School of Music. Ben is a bassoon player with an interest in music composition.
Henriët Fourie, Performance Coordinator
Phone: 773-325-7262
Email: hfourie@depaul.edu
South African native Henriët Fourie is an active performer, both as a soloist and as collaborator with chamber musicians and composers. Some of her most notable solo appearances include Gloria (Vivaldi), Oratorio de Noël (Saint-Saëns), Coronation Mass (Mozart), Carmina Burana (Orff), George Crumb’s Ancient Voices of Children as well as Monica (The Medium) and Adele (Die Fledermaus). Henriët holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in Vocal and Piano Performance, as well as an Artist Certificate in Vocal Performance from the College of Charleston (SC). She earned a Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance with distinction from DePaul University (IL), where she studied with Julia Bentley.
Rebecca Rudy, Office Assistant
Phone: 773-325-7262
Email: rrudy@depaul.edu
As an assistant in the CMD office, Rebecca Rudy facilitates classes, special events, and general office matters on Saturdays. She is a senior at DePaul University currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in music education, and will be completing her student teaching in the suburbs of Chicago during the fall of 2011. As a violist, she enjoys performing many different genres of music, and plays with the DePaul Symphony orchestra, Kankakee Valley Symphony Orchestra, and various chamber ensembles. In addition to her work at CMD and studies as a musician, Rebecca also teaches private lessons and works as a nanny.