Life & Work with Megan Yankee of Downtown Kalamazoo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan Yankee

Hi Megan, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I had a passion for music from a very young age. I began piano lessons in 3rd grade and violin in 6th grade. I immediately had a passion for not only classical music but folk and traditional Irish music. My father is a Scottish bagpiper which sparked a love of traditional music for me. I continued studying both classical violin and Irish music throughout my youth.

I eventually entered Western Michigan University as a violin performance major. Part way through my education, I changed course and began studying nonprofit management, with the goal to someday work in arts management. After graduation, I continued to perform professionally both in area symphony orchestras and in folk music bands.

I began my professional career in the arts at Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings. I eventually moved to Philadelphia Pennsylvania to work for the Philadelphia Orchestra, which was truly a highlight of my career. I loved working with the amazing artists and living in the city. I returned to Michigan a few years later to raise my family and decided to try my hand at working in other nonprofit industries. I worked for health and human service nonprofits with incredible missions that truly gave me a purpose and I felt I was able to really make a difference in my community.

In 2019, the Executive Director position opened at the Stulberg International String Competition and I jumped at the opportunity to return to my roots in the classical string world. In January 2020, I began my tenure as the Executive Director of the Stulberg. It’s been an amazing 5-year journey that has been both challenging and inspiring.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
When I assumed the role of Executive Director of the Stulberg International String Competition in January 2020, it was right before the Covid-19 pandemic. About 3 months into my new position, everything shut down. Our annual Stulberg International String Competition happens in May every year. Like everyone else, our organization thought the shut down would be temporary. It became apparent pretty quickly that would not be the case. Many organizations, understandably, cancelled their events. I had the idea that instead of cancelling, we make a shift to a virtual competition. At this point in the pandemic, no one was doing this so there was no reference for how to make this happen!

With the dedication of a few ambitious board members, and a lot of creative work, we successfully transitioned to a virtual competition and were one of the first organizations to try this format. It’s amazing now to look back at how we managed to put all the pieces together under such pressure. Incredible really!

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am the Executive Director of the Stulberg International String Competition. The Stulberg is a classical string competition for incredibly gifted youth under 20 years old. My job is to advocate for our organization, organize the annual competition, facilitate the year-round events and continue to support the next generation of artists.

I am known as a strategic, innovative professional. During my time at Stulberg, I have substantially grown the organization and successfully brought it to its 50th anniversary season. Below is a list of some of my achievements:

1. Raised the prize money amounts for our medalists that win the annual Stulberg International String Competition. The Gold Medal Prize is $10,000 (was originally $6,000), Silver Medal Prize is $7,000 (was originally $5,000) and the Bronze Medal Prize is $5,000 (was $4,000).

2. Increase applications to the Competition, bringing increased interest in Kalamazoo. We had a record breaking 237 applications for our 2024 Competition. Applicants were from across the globe.

3. Had over 63,000 people from China livestream the 2024 Stulberg Competition!

4. Commissioned a new piece of music by composer Lucas Richman for the Stulberg’s 50th anniversary year.

I believe what sets me apart as a professional is my ability to incrementally and sustainably bring the organization up to the next level. I am able to visualize ways to make positive change and then set in motion the plans that will lift the organization. It’s been truly a pleasure to be able to grow and strengthen the Stulberg International String Competition during my time.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Kalamazoo is an incredible city bursting with artists and support for the arts. It’s vibrant and such a great place to live and work. Kalamazoo has so many treasures that cities of similar sizes don’t have. The Stulberg is a great example! It’s an international competition that is more well known outside of Kalamazoo than we are here. We like to joke that we’re Kalamazoo’s best kept secret. 🙂

But we also boast things like the Gilmore Piano Festival and the Kalamazoo Symphony, and the KIA, and Wellspring Dance. I could go on and on about the incredible amount of quality art we have in our town. We’re so lucky!

The thing I like least about our city is that there is so many amazing things to do and see, that you’re forced to have to choose!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.stulberg.org
• Instagram: @stulbergcomp
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StulbergComp
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganyankee
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@stulbergcomp