TH E
TEMPO
Times
Greater Miami Youth Symphony
Volume 1, Issue 8, April 2016
Miami Senior High School Auditorium after the $55 million renovation
GMYS Celebrates Spring Finale Concerts at
National Historic - Newly Restored Auditorium
On May 1st, 2016, Greater Miami Youth Symphony will be hosting
its Season Finale Gala Concert at one of South Florida’s most elegant
and historically significant landmarks, Miami Senior High School.
Established in 1902 in what is now Little
Havana, Miami Senior High was Miami-Dade
County’s very first high school. Completed
in 1928, Miami High’s current building was
designed in a Spanish Mediterranean style
with Moorish and Byzantine details by
Richard Kehnel, one of Miami’s great early
architects. Kehnel is responsible for Miami
High’s trademark arched portal entrance off
Flagler Street, described as “befitting a Gothic
cathedral” by the American Institute of
Architects. The architectural splendor of this
building has gained national recognition,
and is listed in the U.S. National Register of
Historic Places.
In April 2014, Miami Senior High completed
a four-year renovation project that cost
approximately $55 million. The project
restored the original high ceilings and
decorative cast-stone vent screens in the
halls. It also reopened the original second story arcade and restored
the 14-foot arched windows and steel-trussed cathedral ceiling in the
school’s original library.
Movies that have been filmed at Miami Senior
High School include Porky’s, The Substitute and
Gloria Estefan’s music video with NSync Music of
My Heart. Miami High also boasts an impressive
alumni body, which includes public figures
such as actress Veronica Lake, I Love Lucy’s Desi
Arnaz, former US Senator and Florida Governor
Bob Graham, former mayor of Hialeah Raul
Martinez, four time All Star baseball player Al
Rosen, NFL player Andre Johnson, and NBA
player Udonis Haslem. A notable local alumna
is Ms. Barbara Duffy, owner of Duffy Rare
Violins, who has made numerous donations to
GMYS and is a past board member.
As the second oldest music non-profit in Miami,
it is certainly fitting and quite an honor for
Greater Miami Youth Symphony to partner
with such a landmark establishment as Miami
Senior High School. We look forward to seeing
all our talented musicians shine at GMYS’s 2016
Season Finale Gala Concert!
“
Carlos Avila
Trombonist and
owner of Kendall Conservatory of Music
Finale Fridays: Workshop
and Free Pizza a Winning
Combination
The latest addition to GMYS offerings has been Finale Fridays. Held
at the Pinecrest Community Center, students have the opportunity
to work on their improvisational skills and technique in a fun and
non-competitive environment. These classes are presented by both
classical and jazz musicians from our community and are provided
once a month. Students participate in a 60 minute class followed
by a 30 minute pizza dinner. We have found that these classes help
“Improvisation based on functional harmony used to be
common practice amongst classical musicians. It’s only in the
last century that it has become something mainly found in
the jazz world...ANYONE can improvise...provided
you try...”
students booster their confidence as well as create new friendships.
GMYS students participating in Finale Fridays are welcome to invite
their instrument-playing friends to participate in these workshops as
well; students do not have to be members of GMYS to participate.
Special thanks to Carlos Avila and Stephanie Jaimes for conducting
our first two Finale Friday events!
Here’s what the musicians had to say:
“I thought Finale Friday was a fun experience. And it taught me
many new things. Like that there are many ways to improve my
improv. And we have free pizza!!!!!”
- Itati Calderon, violinist String Orchestra
“The workshop was very educational in a fun and unique
way.”
- Sophia Reyes, violinist String Orchestra
“
Stephanie Jaimes
Cello/bass prep instructor
“For a lot of the students it was their first time attempting to
improvise, and they entered the class with enthusiasm and a
lot of great ideas.”
GMYS Annual Concerto
Competition
On March 12, twenty-six GMYS students performed their prepared
concertos at our annual concerto competition, held at Steinway &
Sons Piano Gallery. The judges at the competition were Dr. Leo Walz,
Karen Lord-Powell, and Chad A. Norton, all professional musicians
and music-educators.
We would like to congratulate our winner from Concert Orchestra,
Ashley Gomez, and our winner from Symphony Orchestra, Patrick
Barham! Ashley will be performing Kreisler’s Sicilienne and Rigaudon
and Patrick will be performing Lalo’s Cello Concerto in D minor,
Movement I at the GMYS Season Finale Gala concert on May 1st at
Miami Senior High School.
“
Dr. Leo Walz
concerto competition adjudicator
“Thank you GMYS for giving me the opportunity
to judge the annual GMYS Concerto Competition. It
was a delight to hear so many fine, talented young
musicians who are part of your organization.
Bravo!”
“
Thais Salazar
Parent of Christian – cellist, Concert Orchestra,
Michelle – violinist, Concert Orchestra and
Valentina – violinist, Symphony Orchestra
“Thank you all for the great event, GMYS’s
Concerto Competition! My family and I really
enjoyed this beautiful opportunity, not only as a
competition, but also as a very appropriate place
to appreciate the talent and virtuosity of the
students from our GMYS family. Thank
you to all the staff for making it
possible!”
SofistyKat Strings
Perform for the Melissa
Institute Event
On Thursday, March 24, 2016, members of the duo SofistyKat
performed on behalf of GMYS at the Melissa Institute’s annual Peace,
Harmony, and Moonlight Dinner & Silent Auction event. SofistyKat
is a violin duo featuring Katerina Rancano and Sofia Causa-Dumay.
Katerina and Sofia have both been members of the Greater Miami
Youth Symphony for the past six years. Sofia Causa-Dumay attends
Archbishop Coleman Carroll High School where she is a member of
the Tri-M Music Honor Society. She has played piano for 10 years
and violin for 7 years. Katerina Rancano attends Coral Reef Senior
High School where she is a member of the chamber orchestra. She
has played violin for seven years and piano for eight years.
The Melissa Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to the
study and prevention of violence through education, community
service, research support and consultation. The Institute’s mission
is to prevent violence and promote safer communities through
education and application of research-based knowledge. We are
so grateful that GMYS was able to take part in their annual event.
Thank you to Alyse Messinger, parent of Symphony Orchestra
violinist Sabrina Messinger, for inviting us. For more information
regarding the Melissa Institute please visit www.melissainstitute.
org.
“It was fun and for a great cause. I love it when music makes a
positive impact.” Katerina Rancano - Violin, Symphony Orchestra
“I enjoyed bringing our melodies to this event and wonderful cause,
thank you to GMYS for thinking of our SofistyKat strings”. Sofia
Causa-Dumay - Violin, Symphony Orchestra
Thank You for
All That You Do!
Thank you to the following Symphony
Parent Members who lent us a hand in the
month of March: Oscar Balderama, Wendy
Wu, Linda Liu, Mayra Busse. Helen Zhang,
Julio Salazar and Patricia Molina.
GMYS Musicians Receive One
on One Lessons from Donna E.
Shalala Music Reach Program
Reminders:
April 3
Ana Celia Melendez
Martha and Jose Guarin
Francisca Ramirez
Mayra Busse
April 10
Ana Gonzalez-Abreu
April 17
Ariel Vargas
We are still in need of a few volunteers
specifically 10 and 17. Remember every
parent is required to volunteer and if you
have not taken a turn being a Snack Team
member, please contact Mrs Liu at rehearsal
or by email at [email protected].
GMYS Loves
Our Chaperones
Not only did they chaperone backstage, but
were called upon to help as Stage hands
during the concert and even moved the
grand piano!
Christie and Nathan Vuong
Elibeth Ulloa
Brunella Barnett
Gabriella Tarnay
Do you have good
news to share with
us?
Email us at [email protected] so that we may
feature your GMYS musician on our next
issue of Tempo Times!
On February 28, 2016, the Donna E. Shalala MusicReach program held a strings masterclass
at the University Of Miami Frost School Of Music. On Sunday mornings, before GMYS
rehearsal, many of our students participate in a mentoring program (MusicReach) that pairs
university music students with youth orchestra members to meet in weekly instructional
sessions. We are so thankful to Melissa Lesniak, Director of Outreach at the Donna E. Shalala
MusicReach, for providing this opportunity to our GMYS students and families. The teaching
mentors did an amazing job preparing the students! Thank you to the parents and to Donna
E. Shalala MusicReach for their continued support, and congratulations to the students who
performed in MusicReach’s string masterclasses!
“Being part of The MusicReach program is a great opportunity for my kids to
have one on one lessons. It is also a motivation for them
to practice more and be independent. The MusicReach
program has not only helped us develop our
music skills but has also taught us how to
Renee Myrthil
be disciplined, and dedicated.” -Letis
Parent of Relyn - GMYS alumna,
Gomez, parent of Ashley & Frank Gomez
Jyasi, Kiera, Yosef, Tayib and Chaim
(members of GMYS)
- violinists, Concert Orchestra.
“There is no doubt that I value the opportunity
“The Donna E. Shalala Music
that my children have in learning how to play an
Reach 2-1 Mentoring Program
instrument, however, I am very impressed with the
conducted
a
midyear
assessment recital, providing academic and professional level of exposure they receive
an excellent opportunity,
through GMYS Orchestra and UM Mentoring Program!
showcasing musicianship, and
Director Dr. Lesniak and Mentor Molly Page opened with
repertoire, with the young
“Can, Can” to get the mood going with proper etiquette for
Mentors and their Mentees.
preparedness in performing and musicianship. My children
The UM Frost School of
Music Mentors engaged loved that! This was followed by each string student playing a
the Mentees with hands on piece and then receiving compliments as well as constructive
music instruction and year
criticism on how to improve! GMYS Concerto winner Ashley
long guidance, on a variety
of musical instruments, Gomez had a remarkable performance! My children learned
which help to develop strong
so much from observing others as well as from their own
bonds between Mentor and
experience. The UM Mentoring Program Master Class was
Mentee. The performances
certainly a step for the students to realize they can
were excellent, showcasing each
musicians growth and talent”. achieve so much musically when they are given this
-Chandra Gonzalez, parent of
type of individual attention, as opposed to in a
Eva and Jack Gonzalez - Concert
group setting that may be very intimidating;
Orchestra, and Concert Chamber.
but I can see the lessons that have been
gained from the experience.”
“
Congratulations to GMYS Musicians Selected to
Particpate in New World’s Side by Side Concert
Some of the GMYS participants of the 2016 NWS Side By Side on the New World Center stage. (L-R) Sarah Busse -violin, Ryan Tie-Shue -oboe, Grace Sievert -cello, Patrick Barham
-cello, Laura Liu -viola, Cameron Zhen -trumpet, Esther Chae -cello, Zaria Graves -viola, Jacob Tie-Shue -bassoon, kneeling: Liana Hoffman -horn and Grecia Melendez -clarinet.
An Evening with
The Cleveland Orchestra
On Thursday, March 17, 2016, over 80 members of the Greater Miami
Youth Symphony, including students, parents and teachers, attended
the Cleveland Orchestra’s final concert of the season at the Knight
Concert Hall, Arsht Center. This performance included the World
Premiere of Siklon by Dorman, Liszt’s Piano Concerto No.2, and
Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 “Titan”. The Greater Miami Youth Symphony
is so thankful to the Cleveland Orchestra for providing our families
tickets to such an amazing event. We believe it part of their musical
education to be able to attend a professional orchestra concert at the
Knight Concert Hall. All of our families truly enjoyed the opportunity
and experience.
“My Son and 5 other members of the Greater Miami Youth Symphony
were lucky enough to receive tickets to see the Cleveland Orchestra
last week. What an amazing experience for them!! These are students
that have a dream of one day being able to perform in a Symphony,
so being able to watch this performance was a joy! Thanks so much
Cleveland Orchestra for this kind offer!” -Lisa Teger-Zhen, parent of
Cameron Zhen - Trumpet, Symphony Orchestra
“The highlight of our evening was a pre-show presentation given by
Dr. Milton Laufer. After the presentation, my youngest son sneaked off
and asked if he could play a song for Dr. Laufer. Denis was so excited
to play on a beautiful Steinway piano. The music that the Cleveland
Orchestra played was modern and very captivating. The conductor
was mesmerizing. It felt like he danced as he directed the beautiful
music. Thank you Cleveland Orchestra for the tickets! My kids and I
had a wonderful time.” -Denisse Hebbert, parent of Anthony Pena Viola, String Orchestra.
Homestead Community Concert
“An Afternoon at the Pops”
SAVE THE DATE
May 1, 2016
3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Miami Senior High School
2450 SW 1st St, Miami, FL 33135
Ticket cost – $10 students/seniors
$20 general admission
(both concerts– $10 additional)
Click here for tickets
On March 13th, Symphony Orchestra students along with guest artists Giselle Elgarrasta Rios,
Lisanne Lyons, Angelo Marchese, and piano soloist Jacob Mason delighted the crowd at South
Dade Senior High School. Under the direction of Maestra Huifang Chen, the symphony played a
varied program that ranged from Disney’s “Let It Go” to George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue”
and ended with “Salute to the Armed Forces,” performed in honor of our country’s military
personnel. The audience showed its approval with a standing ovation. This is the second time
GMYS’s Symphony Orchestra has been invited to participate in the Homestead Community
Concert series, and we consider it an honor and great pleasure!
“Congratulations to GMYS Symphony
for a FANTASTIC concert last Sunday at
Homestead! BRAVO, Tutti! Congratulations
to our vocal soloists: Giselle Elgarresta
Rios, Lisanne Lyons, Angelo Marchese
and our piano soloist, Jacob Mason for
your amazing performances! Thank you
to GMYS staff especially Maria Centeno
Yescas for all your hard work and to Tony
Seepersad for your extraordinary ideas.”
- Huifang Chen, Music Director and GMYS
Symphony Orchestra Conductor
2016 Summer Camp
Regitration is NOW OPEN
BEGINNER CAMP July 18 - August 12, 2016
INTERMEDIATE CAMP
June 13- July 22, 2016
STRING INTENSIVE
June 13 – June 24, 2016
From (l-r) Tony Seepersad, Cerise Sutton, Huifang Chen, with
soloist Giselle Elgarresta Rios and Angelo Marchese.
Alumnus and 2015 Smiddy Scholarship winner Relyn Myrthil
stopped backstage for a selfie with Symphony players (L-R)
Laura Liu, Grace Sievert, Relyn, and Gabriella Martinez
before attending Afternoon at the Pops!
WOODWIND AND BRASS INTENSIVE
June 20-July 1, 2016
Click for more and to download an
application
Board of Directors
Laurie Hill
Walter Busse
Linda Collins
Dinora Casanova
Jill Sharon White
Terry Bonelli
Helen Hauser
Bogdan Chruszcz
Velia Yedra
Paul Strassburg
Scherazade King
Michael Marquez
Symphony Duet
Performs at Betsy Hotel
(L-R) Jonathan Plutzik, Chairman of
the Betsy Hotel-South Beach, Laura
Liu, Cerise Sutton, Sarah Busse.
Ms. Sutton spoke about GMYS and Laura and Sarah
members of the Symphony Duet, performed movements of
Drei Duette by Shostakovich.
5275 Sunset Dr, Miami, FL 33143
Phone: 305.667.4069
www.gmys.org