Who We Are
Artcinia is powered by a dedicated team of Philadelphia musicians and community leaders who believe live performing arts should be within reach for everyone. By bringing engaging, affordable performances into neighborhood spaces across the city, we make live music accessible, welcoming, and close to home—so the performing arts can be a part of everyday life for everyone.
· The Team ·
Anne Schoemaker
Co-Founder
Anne is a co-founder of Artcinia. A passionate community activist, strategist, musician, and philanthropist, her career was focused on the biotechnology industry. Her expertise includes technology development and licensing, intellectual property management, and new venture formation. She has contributed to diverse projects and organizations in both for-profit and non-profit settings.
Anne received a Bachelor of Music degree in piano from The Juilliard School and an MBA from Drexel University. She is an adviser to whatisbiotechnology.org and a member of the National Advisory Board of Project 440, a classical music engagement group for young musicians. She is herself an active chamber musician.
Anne has served as an officer of The Melmark Charitable Foundation and Community Volunteers in Medicine. She is a previous member of the boards of the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, WHYY, Inc., the Philadelphia Orchestra, and Kimmel Center (POKC), Inc., and is a Trustee Emerita of The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Luigi Mazzocchi
Co-Founder, Artistic Co-Director
Luigi Mazzocchi was born in Venezuela where he studied music in “El Sistema,” the “Sojo” Conservatory, and the Latin American Violin Academy with José F. del Castillo. Mr. Mazzocchi was a founder of several Venezuelan orchestras as well as a member of the “Simón Bolívar” Symphony Orchestra. He has performed as soloist with all the leading Venezuelan symphony orchestras, attended international music festivals in the US, Panama, Spain, France, and Australia, and has been a prizewinner in solo competitions in Latin America, the US, and Puerto Rico.
Since 1996, Mr. Mazzocchi has been living in the United States where he studied violin with Liliana Ciulei and Helen Kwalwasser at Rowan and Temple Universities. He has been a member of many ensembles in the region. Currently, he is the Concertmaster of the Pennsylvania Ballet Orchestra, Concertmaster of the Ocean City Pops, Associate Concertmaster of the Delaware Symphony, and Acting Concertmaster of the Lancaster Symphony and the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia. He regularly plays on instruments kindly loaned by Dr. William Stegeman.
Jake Kelberman
Artistic Co-Director & Director of Operations
Jake Kelberman is a versatile musician, composer, and educator from Philadelphia. He has performed at esteemed venues and festivals across North America, South America, and Europe. Notable accolades include being a finalist in the Wilson Center Jazz Guitar Competition and the “Keep an Eye” Jazz Competition.
Jake has recorded with artists such as Wycliffe Gordon, Ulysses Owens Jr., and Jim Snidero. As a composer, he has been commissioned by the Philadelphia Jazz Project and collaborated with choreographer Peter Chu for acclaimed performances by institutions like the Juilliard School and Giordano Dance Chicago.
Jake is a professor of jazz guitar and small ensemble director at Temple University. Advocating for social change through music, he has partnered with organizations like Concerts in Motion and the National Youth Orchestra and Choir of Belize. Jake holds degrees from Temple University and the Juilliard School, and he remains committed to fostering artistic collaboration and championing the arts’ essential role in society.
Sheena Clay Powell
Community Engagement Coordinator
Sheena is a Philadelphia-based creative and longtime participant in the city’s vibrant arts and music scene. She has been deeply involved in Philadelphia’s independent music community as a performer, organizer, and collaborator.
These experiences shaped Sheena’s belief that strong communities are built through genuine relationships, thoughtful communication, and welcoming spaces where people feel valued. She brings that same approach to her work at Artcinia, focusing on strengthening connections with ambassadors, artists, partners, and the broader community.
Outside of her professional work, Sheena is the founder of her own skin care line, an avid reader, enjoys cooking, and values time with family and friends. She is passionate about supporting others, discovering new possibilities, and finding meaningful ways to bring people together.
Connect with Sheena at our next show or email her at sheena@artcinia.com to become an ambassador or volunteer with us!
Aja Beech
Director, Advancement and Engagement
Aja brings deep expertise in fundraising and communications, along with a lifelong commitment to the arts, to Artcinia. She is an internationally published author, artist, and community organizer who has led complex advocacy campaigns globally, supporting disability rights, pay equity, and arts funding. Her work has been at the forefront of arts based justice work in the Philadelphia area, where she was born and raised, since 2008. In 2012, she was named a Creative Connector in Philadelphia.
In addition to years of experience with non-profit organizations, Aja has an MSL from Fordham Law School in Ethics and Compliance. Her ability to build support, engage communities, and champion the arts is central to her work at Artcinia. Doing good, supporting creative outlets, and engaging communities is central to her life’s work. Aja also has experience in music and has played multiple instruments in bands throughout her life, including electric bass and alto saxophone.
Connect with Aja at our next show or email her at aja@artcinia.com to talk about making donations or partnership opportunities.
Natalie McGarrity
Manager, Administration and Operations
Natalie McGarrity serves as Manager of Administration and Operations at Artcinia, where she oversees administrative and operational processes that support the organization’s mission and daily operations. Originally from Norristown and based in Philadelphia, she is known for her strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to operational excellence.
Natalie earned her Associate of Applied Science in Business Management from Montgomery County Community College and is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Communications with a concentration in Business. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, baking, and crocheting.