Harmony Program Welcomes New Staff Members
Emmalie Tello, Program Manager
Emmalie is a clarinetist and educator committed to encouraging imaginative and conversational experiences within and around music. Her teaching experience spans work with the New York Public Library, Manhattan School of Music’s Community Partnerships program, Harlem Dowling-West Side Center for Children & Family Services, and the Youth Orchestra of St. Luke’s. Emmalie is also co-founder of Art Beyond the Ink, an organization that uses interdisciplinary performance to engage young audiences and support emerging artists. An active performer, she has performed and recorded with contemporary groups including International Contemporary Ensemble, Talea Ensemble, and ETHEL, among others. Emmalie holds degrees in entrepreneurship and clarinet from The New School College of Performing Arts, and in contemporary clarinet from the Manhattan School of Music.
Polly Ellman, Development Associate
A musician, writer, and art historian, Polly is passionate about improving access and diversity in the arts across disciplines. She graduated from Williams College in 2022 where she double majored in art history and women’s, gender, & sexuality studies. She spent much of her time playing violin and viola in orchestra and chamber groups and serving as Music Director for an indie music a cappella group. Previously, she worked in various roles at the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute, the Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center, and the Foundation for Contemporary Arts, always putting her research and writing skills to work to support community-centered arts education and accessibility. Most recently, Polly’s own artistic practice consists of beginner banjo playing, coffee shop poetry writing, and adding to her ever-growing repertoire of fiddle tunes.
