OUR STAFF

Maggie PATE, EDITOR IN CHIEF

Maggie Pate is a native North Carolinian with an extensive background in the performing arts. Maggie holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Pedagogy from East Carolina University, attended Berklee College of Music, and obtained a M.S. Ed. from Sunbridge College, New York.

Having been on both the North Carolina and Washington State Visiting Artist rosters, Maggie has performed throughout the United States in both classical and jazz genres and as well in musical theatre and dance. Some of her most noted local performances include the soprano soloist of Stravinsky’s Les Noces and spearheading a concert for Sights and Sounds at the North Carolina Museum of Art. Maggie is a member of the North Carolina Master Chorale.

Maggie has worked for professional organizations within the arts including the Thelonious Monk Institute, WHR-Wilmington, Performance Support Services of Seattle, Long Leaf Opera Company. Maggie has held the position of music and dance editor for CVNC since 2015. She is now honored to be moving into the role of Editor in Chief for the organization as of 2021. Maggie is also currently the business development manager for choral music in North America for Oxford University Press.

ANDREA McKERLIE, Executive Director

Andrea McKerlie Luke earned her BM in Music Performance with a concentration in flute, along with a minor in Professional Writing and Presentation Media, from Meredith College in 2013. She began with CVNC through the college internship program in 2011, continuing to become a reviewer/critic after graduating. After additionally taking on the role of Calendar Editor for several years, she was appointed as the new Executive Director in 2021. Luke is also the Web Coordinator for RAFA (Raleigh Area Flute Association), where she is an active performer and has directed several youth flute choirs. She is a Chapel Hill native and was raised both listening to and performing with various local musical organizations, including the Raleigh Flute Choir, Raleigh Little Theatre, Raleigh Symphony Orchestra, and Triangle Youth Ballet.

Matthew Hager, Theatre Editor and Intern Coordinator

Although a native of Louisville, Kentucky, Matthew Hager has called North Carolina home since 1998. Matthew is a graduate of UNC-School of the Arts (High School, Drama, 2005) and UNC-Chapel Hill (BA Dramatic Arts, 2011). He also has trained at Shakespeare & Co. in Lenox, MA and DePaul University in Chicago. Matthew has acted with local theatre companies including Burning Coal, Manbites Dog, Theatre in the Park, Koka Booth, Urban Garden Performing Arts, and Bare Theatre.

Chelsea Huber, Music and Dance Editor

Chelsea Huber is the choral director at Mount Vernon High School and Walt Whitman Middle School in Alexandria, Virginia. She is a graduate of Meredith College in Raleigh, where she began as an intern at CVNC for three years before becoming a regular contributor. Chelsea enjoys remaining connected to NC through her CVNC work and she is also working on her Master’s degree in Music Education through UNCG.

Sarah Thompson, Calendar Editor

Sarah Thompson is from Winston-Salem, NC. She began her professional career in the Senior Living Industry as an Enrichment Coordinator and currently works as a Family Advisor for a Senior Placement Agency. Her love and passion for the arts began early in life though, and she has studied dance, drama and music for more than 20 years. She frequently performs in community theatre productions in the Triad area. She is also a voice actor, and can be heard bringing life to characters in a variety of podcasts and animated features. Her favorite pastime is attending art and music festivals with her family, and she loves finding out about everything that North Carolina has to offer. She is excited to join the team as the Calendar Editor in January 2023.