
2022-23 STAFF
ELIAS GERSTEIN
President
Elias Gerstein is currently a 3rd-year university student from New York City studying advertising management and music industry studies at the University of Miami. While interested in his major, Gerstein’s primary goal in life is to achieve success and revolutionize the music industry. In high school, Gerstein worked as a digital marketing intern at Q-Prime Artist Management in New York City working with top artists such as Metallica, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Eric Church, and Foals. At QPrime, Gerstein found interest specifically in artist management and used his knowledge which drove him to create Eterna Music Group in 2021, which is a non-traditional entertainment group specializing in artist management, event curation, and content creation. Gerstein is passionate about helping artists develop their careers in all aspects of the music industry and ultimately pushing culture forward. Additionally, Gerstein has also served as an A&R intern at renowned record label UnitedMasters. These experiences have become vital for Gerstein’s career as he has achieved experiences which will help his artists develop in unique methods that can be individualized towards their careers.
DREW KAPLAN
Vice President
Drew Kaplan is a junior from Atlanta studying Music Industry and Jazz Bass with a minor in Political Economics. Drew spent the summer interning at a law firm, and wants to pursue a career in entertainment law. Last year he served as the Director of Business Affairs for Cat5. Outside of Cat5 he is an active member in greek life and Hillel. In his free time he enjoys writing music, skateboarding, and working out.
WILL HYLAND
Executive Director
Will Hyland is currently a third year graduate student and is enrolled in both the University of Miami School of Law and the Frost School of Music under the JD/MA dual degree program, pursuing interests in both law and music business. He is originally from Philadelphia and graduated from Wake Forest University in 2019, and he was a concert pianist through the end of his undergraduate education. In his free time, Will enjoys playing piano and cheering for Philadelphia’s sports teams!
SAM KOPEC
Creative Director
Sam is an sophomore at the University of Miami studying Music Industries with minors in Interactive Media and Business Law. As a classical clarinetist of 10+ years, she loves performing on stage and listening to all genres of music. With her passion for service, Sam founded Feeding the Fosters Inc. Nonprofit and also began an entrepreneurial endeavor as a freelance website designer. As an aspiring music industry professional, her objective is to be a leader, innovator, and advocate at the intersection of cutting-edge technology and entertainment.
ABIGAIL SIDELL
Administration Manager
Abigail Siedell is a second year graduate teaching assistant pursuing a degree in Music Industry. She received her bachelor's degree in music composition from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she performed as a jazz vocalist in the top jazz combo, jazz orchestra, and vocal jazz ensemble, as well as won an Ida M. Vreeland award in composition. Abigail hopes to find work as a music supervisor after graduation and is looking forward to working with the Cat 5 staff and songwriters this year!
CHLOE MCCANDLESS
Director of Business Affairs
Chloe McCandless is a junior at UM studying Music Industry with minors in Communications and Exercise Physiology. Chloe loves all things music and art and hopes to pursue a career in music publishing. She is currently a student ambassador volunteer for the Mechanical Licensing Collective (fall 2022), and is passionate about songwriter royalties and licensing. Chloe is a vocalist and self taught guitarist and in her free time enjoys, fashion, museums, concerts, lifting weights, running, and volunteering at local beach cleanups.
EVA HOCHHAUS
A&R Manager
Eva Hochhaus is a sophomore at UM from Los Angeles studying Music Industry and Jazz Voice. Eva is passionate about helping artists build their creative image, as she managed artists at her high school’s student-run record label. She also loves live entertainment, even working at the iconic Hollywood Bowl amphitheater during her time in LA. Eva loves concerts, movie soundtracks, vintage clothing, and hosting her radio show, and is excited to work with the Cat 5 artists this year!
ISABEL CABALLERO
A&R Manager
Isabel Caballero is a New Orleans native and graduate student at UM studying Music Industry. As an aspiring music industry leader, Isabel's goal is to build meaningful relationships with artists to help them succeed at any endeavor they aspire to achieve, especially when it comes to creating music. In her free time, she studies audio engineering, volunteers at several nonprofits, and plays acoustic live shows.
NICOLE PEREZ
A&R Manager
Nicole Perez is a senior from Miami majoring in Music Production and Composition and minoring in Music Business. Nicole has previously interned with music producers, filmmakers, a radio station and is currently interning with Warner Chappell Music in the Creative Sync department. Passionate about the blending of music and media, she is interested in pursuing a career in music supervision. In her free time, Nicole loves going to concerts and music festivals, long boarding, traveling and curating playlists.
JAMILAH BARCLAY
A&R Manager
Jamilah Barclay is a junior at the University of Miami pursuing a double major in Marketing and Accounting along with a minor in Music Business and Entertainment Industries. Born and raised in Jamaica, she has partaken in multiple aspects of the performing arts where she has received national awards for singing, dancing, acting, and drumming. In her free time, Jamilah enjoys attending concerts, curating playlists, and discovering new musicians.
ALEX BERMAN
Social Media Manager
Alex Berman is a senior majoring in Advertising and minoring in Marketing, Psychology, and Music Business from Westport, CT. Alex is a singer, songwriter, and music producer who wants to pursue a career in marketing/advertising in the music industry. In her free time, Alex loves writing songs, singing, working out, and exploring restaurants in Miami.