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‘Ville Senior Takes Charge for LAUNCH Music Festival

Ashley Macharelli, a senior music industry major with a concentration in management, is the student liaison for LAUNCH.

The LAUNCH music conference and festival is coming to Lancaster, and for one Millersville student, the event has provided a lot of hands-on experience in her field of interest.

Ashley Macharelli from Beacon Falls, Connecticut, is a senior music industry major with a concentration in management. She is also the student liaison for the LAUNCH event, a position with many responsibilities.

Ashley Macharelli (in the very back) with LAUNCH interns and volunteers last year.

This is the 15th year for LAUNCH, a three-day event beginning April 13 that serves as a music festival and a networking opportunity for its musicians. LAUNCH is an annual event that allows up-and-coming musicians to perform and meet new peers.

“LAUNCH is a combination of two events over three days,” explains Macharelli. “Friday and Saturday Morning, LAUNCH Music Conference provides musicians and music industry professionals the ability to meet and network. Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening, LAUNCH turns Lancaster into a music festival – where over 130 attending artists will be performing!”

As a student liaison, Macharelli’s primary duty includes helping other students get involved with the conference, working with them to ensure she finds a position that fits each student.

“I work closely with one of the music industry professors (Dr. Jennifer Jester) getting her live audio students to experience working a live sound event,” Macharelli says. “I communicate with students and try to find them roles that best suit their skill sets, all while they are surrounded by people who are currently working in the industry. This gives them real-life experience for jobs that they can get post-college.”

Not only has this position taught Macharelli how to organize and manage staff, but she also has the opportunity to work with industry professionals.

“This position has taught me how to work with artist and production teams, set up conferences and work with student organizations to help get volunteers,” she says.

“The most rewarding part would definitely be seeing how much I have learned and grown,” Macharelli continues. “I started out as an intern at LAUNCH last year, and now I am a working member of the staff! It’s really cool to see how an event like this comes together, and meeting people who are already in the industry is a really amazing experience.”

Full weekend passes to the festival are offered at the LAUNCH website. Each headlining performance will have its own admission costs for those who are interested in one or two shows.

“I am really excited to see Houses in the Sky,” Macharelli says. “They are an amazing band who are also students at Millersville.”

“Come to LAUNCH Music Conference and Festival to see amazing panels and hear amazing music!” she concludes.

Interested in studying Music Industry at the ‘Ville? Click here for more information.

 

 

 

 

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