MUSE: What is your name?
MK: Maria I Kitsinis

MUSE: What do you do with your time outside of MUSE?
MK: I spend most of my time outside of MUSE planning youth programs around diversity and inclusion at Bridges for a Just Community. When I'm not working I am usually reading, making music, painting, or spending time with my friends and family.

MUSE: How long have you been in MUSE?
MK: This is my second fabulous year as a member of MUSE

MUSE: What prompted you to audition?
MK: I have always been passionate about singing. Throughout high school, and college I was in choir and when I moved back to Cincinnati I knew I needed to get involved. When I read the mission of MUSE I was almost in disbelief it was as if someone took the two things I am most passionate about, music and social change, and stuffed them into one organization. So I called and made an appointment to audition.

MUSE: In addition to singing, what role/duties have you performed?
MK: In addition to singing in the Soprano II section, I am the section leader.

MUSE: What has been your favorite MUSE event?
MK: There are so many great MUSE events. Every event is so different and interesting. However my favorite was singing at the Plum Street Temple and then going to the Sweet Honey in the Rock concert. Plum Street Temple is so beautiful, and the Sweet Honey in the Rock concert is something that will continue to inspire me for years. It was quite an amazing evening.

MUSE: What is your best source for your MUSE blue?
MK: My mom. I gave her a swatch of MUSE blue and now whenever she goes shopping she is always on the lookout.

MUSE: Besides music, what are three things you always bring to rehearsal?
MK: I always have a pencil, my organizer and my cell phone (on silent of course).

MUSE: What is your favorite song MUSE has sung?
MK: My favorite MUSE song would have to be Wanting Memories. It's about realizing that when someone dies they still live on within you. Every time we sing it, I think about my grandmother who died when I was 13 and I am reminded that she lives on in me.

MUSE: What do you do before rehearsal?
MK: I usually rush home from work, make some dinner, prepare my music and then walk or ride my bike to St. Johns

MUSE: What do you do after rehearsal?
MK: Usually I go home and pack my lunch. Then I go to bed…the entire time I am usually signing whatever catchy tune we sang that evening.

MUSE: What do you listen to in the car?
MK: Well I don't have a car, but on my iPod I am usually listening to an NPR "All Songs Considered" podcast