Welcome to the Board!

We are thrilled to welcome JOMP alum Max Zeugner to our board, a full-circle moment for a musician whose journey began right here in Worcester.

Max first came to the Joy of Music Program at around age 8 as a guitar student of Kathleen Corcoran. It didn’t take long for something special to emerge. As Kathleen once observed, “I think we have a bass player here,” noticing his natural pull toward the instrument’s lower strings. That instinct proved prophetic. Max soon transitioned to electric bass with Joe D’Angelo and double bass with Deborah Dunham, laying the foundation for what would become an extraordinary career.

During his years at JOMP, through middle school and his senior year at Burncoat High School, Max immersed himself in a wide range of musical experiences. He performed in jazz ensembles under the direction of Jerry Sabatini and Rich Ardizzone, and played in the JOMP Youth Orchestra led by Tim Terranella. These formative experiences, combined with Worcester’s rich musical community, helped shape his versatility and artistic voice.

Max’s path eventually led him from Worcester to the world stage. After further studies at the New England Conservatory Preparatory School, Boston University, and The Juilliard School, he went on to perform with major orchestras, including serving as principal bass of the BBC Philharmonic. Today, he is Associate Principal Double Bass of the New York Philharmonic, where he holds The Herbert M. Citrin Chair.

Despite his global career, Max has remained deeply connected to JOMP. He and his wife, pianist Yi-heng Yang, shared a special performance for our 30th Jompathon, and he continues to inspire our community with his generosity and artistry.

His recent visit to Worcester was a reminder of how meaningful those connections remain. Max spent time at JOMP with founders Wendy and Rich Ardizzone, bringing things beautifully full circle when Rich gave Max’s son a trombone lesson during the visit.

We couldn’t be more proud to welcome Max back to JOMP in this new role. His story is a powerful testament to what’s possible when talent, mentorship, and opportunity come together, and to the lasting impact of music in a young person’s life.