Dear Parents,
It has been an exciting year for the Greater Miami Youth Symphony, and
next season looks to be even more unique with a July 4th concert on
Miami Beach sponsored by Classical SouthFlorida as well as the GMYS
Symphony Orchestra and Alhambra Orchestra Collaboration “A Spooky
Symphony” Concert being moved to the Olympia Theatre at the Gusman
Center in Downtown Miami with sponsorship from The Childrens Trust!
If you have not done so already, now is the time to get your summer
camp applications in. The GMYS Summer Camp is now in its fourth year,
and has made significant impact on our students. Just a few days ago,
Lee Morrison brought to my attention that 75% of the clarinets in his
summer camp all-state audition preparation class made the All-State
Festival this year, and each year, numerous school music teachers
comment on the progress their students have made over the summer.
Many GMYS students are able to audition for the next level orchestra
in GMYS because of the progress they made during the summer camp.
This year, financial scholarships are available for the Advanced and
Beginners Camp, first come first serve, so get those application in.
We have already reached capacity for our beginner’s camp at the
Deering Estate. Advanced camp students will be eligible to
participate in the July 4th concert celebration!
The Intermediate Camp for 2010 has a very generous tuition scale that
makes the summer camp affordable for all families. In order to
qualify for full or partially reduced tuition fees, just turn in your
most recent tax return with the application. The Intermediate Camp
this year will be six weeks long. Intermediate Camp was chosen for
six week funding because this is the most crucial level of development
for young musicians and the technical and musical strides they will
make in six weeks are going to astound you! In addition, Intermediate
students will have physical education and literacy classes taught by
experts in the field. FitKids will be running our physical education
class and Arts for Learning will be teaching our literacy classes
through an incredibly creative curriculum based around theatre and
visual art activities. Intermediate Camp will also have one hour a
week of social skills and the GMYS staff will offer workshops after
camp for parents on how to help your children practice at home. And
as always, all camps will have exciting and inspiring concerts
throughout the sessions!
–
Melissa Lesniak, PhD
Greater Miami Youth Symphony
Executive Director
Very nice words, Dr. Lesniak. Orchestra and band directors alike should push summer opportunities for their students. GMYS summer camp is local, relatively inexpensive, positive, uplifting, and has first-rate artistic programming. I think it’s a no-brainer.
The totality of what GMYS has done for our community is astonishing. From the “endangered instrument” classes to preparatory divisions, building a solid base of student musicians is one of GMYS’ biggest successes. The upper-level programming is also excellent, from chamber music to the symphony orchestra. Incorporating college music majors as mentors is the icing on the cake– these future teachers learn to teach the best way possible: by actually doing it! Their students benefit as well; it is a symbiotic relationship.
In an era of budgetary cutbacks, excuses, and pessimism, GMYS has refused to take no for an answer and has stood up to provide solid leadership in music education. Thank you Dr. Lesniak and the entire GMYS organization for all you have done and continue to do.
In searching for my former music teacher Mr. Eugene Timmons, it was SO wonderful to find that he is working with and organization that changed my LIFE as much as he did while I attended middle school!! As an elementary school student I was a member of the Greater Miami Youth Symphony and have missed playing music for more years that I can think of. I know Mr. Timmons will be able to inspire every students life he comes in touch with just as he did for me. I miss you Mr. Timmons!!
Debra (Perkins) Pena