James Backmon (he/him/his), a long-time resident of East Harlem, graduated from local public schools and attended Queens College’s Aaron Copland School of Music. He has worked with a number of choirs in the NYC area including the Boys Choir of Harlem, New York Boys Choir, and Rainbow Voices. In the late 90s, Backmon worked with the legendary folk singer Pete Seeger and other New Yorkers to form the intergenerational choral organization NYC Street Singers.

He is a member of the Unitarian Church of All Souls where he co-chaired the social justice task force for a few years. He currently serves on the board of directors of Project 142 (a concert-presenting organization). He resides in East Harlem with his wife Ana, daughter Jamie-Leigh, and son Liancy.

Amanda Rodriguez (She/Her/Hers) is a dedicated designer and community advocate originally from Brooklyn and raised in Manhattan. She graduated in May 2023 with a BFA in Design from The School of Visual Arts.

Amanda has coordinated special events for youth as well as developed media to inform local neighborhoods about upcoming events and the historical presence of the Henry Street Settlement. Additionally, she has contributed to delivering meals to families through the Meals on Wheels program.

With a steadfast commitment to continuous learning, she actively seeks opportunities to expand her skills and work with more communities.

Taiwanese-born pianist Hong-You (Kevin) Liu, recognized with multiple “Taiwan’s Best Performance” awards from the American Music Teacher Association and featured in American Music Magazine, began his piano career at the age of five. He has since performed extensively as a soloist across Taiwan, Japan, Hong Kong, Italy, Armenia, and North America. His festival appearances include the Perugia Music Fest (Italy), Aragats International Music Festival (Armenia), Philadelphia Young Pianists’ Academy, and Arte-Piano Festival (Italy), through which he has built a wide network of international musicians.

Kevin has been the recipient of numerous competition prizes. Most recently, he won First Prize at the 2023 Servaas International Online Music Competition. He also received Third Prize at the 2019 Armenian International Music Competition, Second Prize at the 2019 Hong Kong International Piano Competition, Gold Award at the 2015 New York International Music Competition, Third Prize at the 18th Hong Kong-Asia Piano Open Competition (2013, all ages group), and First Prize at the 2013 Taiwan National Student Music Competition.

He made his solo recital debut in 2017 at the Kaohsiung City Music Hall and has since performed concerto with the Kaohsiung Teachers Orchestra conducted by Wen-Ru Liu, and with Perugia Orchestra conducted by Elton Globerson. Kevin has studied with distinguished pianists such as Ursula Oppens, Gary Graffman, John Perry, Meng-Chieh Liu, Ching-Yun Hu, Gwhyneth Chen, and many other maestros.

Currently based in New York City, Kevin teaches at several music schools across Manhattan, Flushing, Long Island, and New Jersey, where he prepares students for NYSSMA, ABRSM, and student recital performances. In addition to teaching, he serves as a piano accompanist at Manhattan School of Music as well as various choirs and competitions. He is pursuing his studies at the Manhattan School of Music under Dr. Marc Silverman, continuing to refine his artistry and expand his musical career.

Marissa Corston (she/her/hers) is a classically trained vocalist residing in Queens. A graduate of Albany’s historic College of Saint Rose, she earned her Bachelor of Music in 2020. During that time, she directed the Saint Rose Chamber Choir in County Cork and County Limerick, Ireland, along with a number of other accomplishments. 

Before she relocated permanently, she began performing for the Allied Veterans Memorial Committee of Ridgewood and Glendale in their annual Memorial Day Parade, an event she still commits to to this day. In 2021, she officially moved to New York City to pursue a career in music and arts administration. The past 4 years have led to a number of life changing musical experiences. Since 2023, she has been lending her voice to the choir at Trinity St. John’s Church in Hewlett, NY. 

Marissa has a deep passion for choral singing and the community it builds, and looks forward to sharing her passion with the New Amsterdam Choir.