Young Musicians Unite Spring 2019

G I V I N G

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MISSION

Young Musicians Unite believes that every student in Miami-Dade deserves access to music education regardless of their socio-economic background.

We collaborate with schools to provide free music education, which has been proven to inspire personal development, foster a sense of community and prepare our future leaders.

WHAT WE DO Young Musicians Unite provides turnkey music solutions for schools across Miami-Dade county. YMU equips schools with trained instructors, lesson plans, instruments, and all the necessary resources for a vibrant music education. By providing support and oversight for teachers, YMU ensures smooth communication and consistency within the music program, eliminating teacher turnover and burnout, and creating a school culture that values creative expression.

Young Musicians Unite is actively providing music programing for over 675 students in 2018 and has serviced over 1,100 students since 2013. We engage student musicians through diverse music programs including Jazz Bands, Rock Ensembles, Guitar Ensembles, Horn Ensembles, and Drumlines.

COVER PHOTO SHOT BY JORGE MARTINEZ GUALDRON

F E AT U R I N G Y M U S T U D E N T S B I L LY M C C R A Y, M E T U C H A E L L E B E A U T E L U S , G U E R W E N G U E Spring 2019 | OUR MISSION | 3 YMU_2019SpringMagazine_R.indd 3

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A LETTER FROM OUR CEO As a student, music saved my life. I consider myself very lucky and blessed to have learned from legendary music teachers such as Clark Douglas Burris, Ray Modia, and Monique Medyk. Raised in a single-family home, these mentors gave me the guidance and support I needed to overcome challenges in my life and achieve success. I credit my passion for community outreach and everything I’ve learned to these role models.

At Young Musicians Unite, we are working to guarantee every student in Miami-Dade access to music education by partnering with schools to provide instruments, instruction, resources, and all of the infrastructure needed to ensure strong and successful music programs. When music teachers receive support for their daily needs,

Raised in a single-family home, these mentors gave me the guidance and support I needed to overcome challenges in my life and achieve success. I credit my passion for community outreach and everything I’ve learned to these role models.

they are empowered to focus on teaching and building relationships with their students.

I believe that the arts culture in Miami is going through a powerful transformation.

Innovative arts organizations are on the rise and we have the unique opportunity to work together to create a system for arts education that will serve as a model for schools across the US. Every child has a right to a music education and together we can help make that our reality.

Sammy Gonzalez Sammy Gonzalez

President/CEO/Co-Founder

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ONTENT

TABLE OF CONTENTS STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS TESTIMONIALS

BOARD MEMBERS OUR GROWTH

IN-SCHOOL PROGRAMS AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS ALUMNI

PARTNERED BANDS BOOK OUR BANDS MEET OUR TEAM

OUR SUPPORTERS

FAMILIES AND PARTNERS TEACHERS

06 12 13 16 18 22 24 26 28 32 34 35 36

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS

Bella Cannava

Calhenry Garcia

Age: 16 Grade: 11 School: Miami Beach Senior High Instrument: Voice

Age: 12 Grade: 6th School: Beacon College Prep Instrument: Guitar

I have been playing in the Rock Ensemble for two years and interning for Young Musicians Unite over the last year. Singing and playing instruments give me a creative outlet and a way to express myself when words don’t seem to be enough. I’ve found a deeper connection to people around me through the universal language of music. Not only has YMU given me a place to continue to develop as a musician, but it has also provided me with my best friends and outstanding mentors.

I started play with YMU at beginning of this year.

Learning how to play the guitar has helped me realize that I have a lot of potential. Playing an instrument means a lot to me because I can finally listen to music from the world around me and bring it to life through the guitar. To me, music is more than sound, it’s using a beautiful sound to bring out your emotions.

Thank you YMU and thank you Sammy Gonzalez for pushing me out of my comfort zone and continuously showing me the difference that music can make in both my life and the lives of others.

All my life I have dreamed of being a part of something in school, and now I have found my space in music. I thank Mr. Alan, Mr. Gabriel, and YMU for helping me become the best me I can be through music.

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Cristian Acevedo

Guerwen Gue

Age: 17 Grade: 12th School: Homeschool Instrument: Drums

Age: 13 Grade: 8th School: Young Men’s Preparatory Academy Instrument: Bass

I have been playing drums for 8 years now, and music has become my world. It’s given me a sense of purpose and belonging. My instrument allows me to fully express myself without restriction or fear and I believe it has shaped me into the person I am today.

I picked up an instrument for the first time through YMU when I was in 7th grade. It all began when Sammy asked me to play the bass for the Guitar Ensemble. I knew there was only a spot for one bassist, and I wanted it. I happily said “yes” and practiced really hard to earn the spot.

Two years ago I was invited to join an advanced jazz combo directed by Zach Larmer and have been a part of Young Musicians Unite ever since.

Playing drums for The Jazz Collective has helped me expand my musical horizons as I’ve been introduced to new genres of music. YMU has been a channel through which I have had the chance to engage with so many talented musicians. I’m grateful that they’ve always provided me with the tools and assistance needed to expand my knowledge of music.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Zach Larmer. Not only is he my band director, but I also look up to him as my mentor. Zach has directed multiple bands that I have been a member of and he has always pushed me to reach my fullest potential. I admire his level of musicianship and professionalism and I aspire to possess his great qualities, not only as a teacher, but also as a human.

Once I made it, I slacked off on practicing and told myself that everything would be fine, and that all I would have to do is just catch up in class. That bad habit soon backfired when we were tested in class and I failed miserably, of course.

The agony of failing led me to realize how much potential I had from the start. I changed my attitude and started to work really hard. Within 8 months I excelled and joined the Wynwood Jazz Ensemble, Rock Ensemble, and YMPA Jazz Band. I performed in concerts and gained acknowledgment for my hard work.

Studying music with Young Musicians Unite had made me realize what it takes to be a great musician. Playing bass pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me gain the confidence to speak without running away mid-sentence.

Now that I have played bass for over a year, I feel that music has given me a voice and a platform to share my story.

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MEET THE STARS

Christopher Gonzalez Bryan Mejia Age: 12 Grade: 6th School: Jose De Diego Middle School Instrument: Bass

Age: 18 Grade: 12 School: Coral Gables Senior High Instrument: Tenor Saxophone

I started playing bass at the beginning of this year when I joined Young Musicians Unite. I want to thank Mr. Juan for suggesting that I play the bass. He showed me how to play this instrument, and it has helped me have more confidence in myself. I never liked to play in front of people because I was worried that they would make fun of me, but now I am working to overcome my fears.

I love music more than anything, so I was honored to be chosen to play in the new Young Musicians Unite jazz combo at our school. Playing music is what matters most to me, no matter the instrument. I went from clarinet to guitar, and finally landed on the tenor saxophone.

It’s amazing how much effort I can put into music because I love it unconditionally. I will always see beauty in the world as long as I have music by my side.

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Evans Miclette III

Isabella De Jesus

Age: 11 Grade: 6th Grade School: Beacon College Prep Instrument: Saxophone

Age: 11 Grade: 6th Grade School: Beacon College Prep Instrument: Guitar

I play the saxophone and I LOVE IT! I picked up

I came to Young Musicians Unite in October 2018. Learning to play an instrument has made my life calmer. Playing an instrument is like talking to my family that passed. Thank you YMU, Mr. Allen, and Gabe. Music makes me happier even when I am already happy. I always wanted to play instruments and now I have my chance.

an instrument for the first time in August and it brought out my inner musician. I have always loved music and some of my family members also play an instrument.

I find that I can connect with them on a deeper level now because we get to play music together.

My wish is to one day have my own music class so I can spread the joy of music to others. I would like to thank the crew and Mr. Didier for everything they have done at Beacon and other schools. I hope that one day YMU will be all over the world.

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS

Kyle Tennyson

Metuchaelle Beautelus

Age: 18 Grade:12 School: Young Men’s Preparatory Academy Instrument: Trombone

Age: 14 Grade: 9th School: Miami Northwestern Senior High Instrument: Voice

I began playing trombone with YMU in my freshman year.

Playing with YMU has allowed me to do many things that I otherwise wouldn’t have had the opportunity for, like playing with renowned jazz musicians such as Tal Cohen, Jean Caze, and Alex Weitz. I imagine that other high schoolers dream of these opportunities and I’m thankful that they were provided to me. Now that I play an instrument, I get to do what I love every day.

I started playing with YMU about three years ago when I attended Jose De Diego Middle School. Playing music has made me more open both socially and on stage. Being part of a band has made me focus on school and gave me something to look forward to after school instead of getting in trouble.

Now that I am graduating, I will be attending FSU on a full scholarship in the fall. I want to thank the YMU staff for everything I have been blessed with over this course of these past four years. To name one of many examples, I was recently named the winner of an additional $8,000 scholarship from the D’Addario Foundation.

In my 4 years of YMU, my roles have evolved as my behavior has changed and improved. In the first year, I was a new student just learning how to play. In my sophomore year, I became a student leader and began to be respected by my peers. In my junior year, I became a mentor for my peers and enjoyed sharing my experience with them. This year, I am a student performer, a leader, a mentor, and an intern for YMU. My journey through the program has been long and winding, but the YMU staff has always done everything they could to help me grow as a musician and as an individual. I can wholeheartedly say that when I return from FSU, I am looking forward to becoming an instructor for Young Musicians Unite to help them reach even more students like me.

Playing music has helped me get through many struggles, including battling depression and low self-esteem. YMU has helped me see that the future is always better and brighter, and greater opportunities await.

Singing has given me a voice and freedom to express myself through song and movement and has opened the gates of opportunity for me on my musical journey. Thank you YMU, Sammy Gonzalez, and Mr. Juan for helping me move up and achieve my dreams.

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Linsley Augustin

Milagros Nunez

Age: 16 Grade: 11 School: Booker T. Washington Senior High Instrument: Guitar

Age: 18 Grade: 12 School: Booker T. Washington Senior High Instrument: Bass

I’ve been having fun playing the guitar since I joined Young Musicians Unite in 2017. Playing an instrument means a lot to me. Over the past two years, I have learned to believe in myself and to never say never. One day I want to become a professional at the guitar. Thank you YMU for getting me closer to my goal.

I’ve only been playing bass since the beginning of this year, but I can already see the difference it’s made in my life. Through being part of YMU and playing music, I’ve learned that I need to trust myself no matter what other’s say. Playing bass has taught me to be patient and has shown me how to express myself as I am without fear.

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TESTIMONIALS Since No Child Left Behind, arts, music, and other extracurricular courses have been cut by administrators and school districts in exchange for more math, more reading and more science. But this practice serves adults - not students. At Beacon College Prep, we work to offer a well-rounded educational experience to produce well-rounded students, and I believe that music is a critical component in this effort.

While not all students are naturally gifted with musical abilities, all students can learn from practicing a subject like music. Studying music teaches students to strive for perfection in all they do, to practice with discipline, and to learn from failures.

My students who are part of YMU are learning to be more confident and take risks. They’re also learning how to work hard at something that doesn’t come naturally. I have several students who are academically gifted, yet YMU has genuinely challenged them for the first time. They’ve become more empathetic to their peers who struggle in other subjects, and they’re learning to embrace challenges en route to personal growth. Most importantly, my students are truly enjoying the process of harmonizing with their peers to create songs to perform for their friends and families.

That has been my favorite aspect of YMU: the joy it brings to my students.

Principal Patrick Evans Beacon College Prep

While accompanying our daughter, Bella, to the open house at Miami Beach Senior High, my husband and I were thrilled to find out about Rock Ensemble. Knowing our daughter’s love for music, we encouraged her to sign up.

The impact on our daughter has been tremendous as she has grown musically and personally. Not only has she has been given the opportunity to hone her vocal and arranging skills, she volunteers her time as an intern for Young Musician’s Unite and helps with the production of performances on a regular basis. Bella has witnessed firsthand the positive change that music can have on the lives of young people. This has inspired her to pursue a career in psychology with a focus on the utilization of music as therapeutic tool.

Thank you, Sammy and Young Musicians Unite for believing in our children and for bringing out the best in them every day. Rock on!

Tiffany Cannava, Parent

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Virginia Akar | Executive Director | YMU Attorney at Law & Human Rights Advocate President | Strong Girls, Inc.

Jamie Rosenberg | Chairman of the Board | YMU CEO | ClassWallet

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Cary Zel | Secretary | YMU Executive Vice President | PubWorX

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YMU WAS FOUNDED IN 2013 BY SAMMY GONZALEZ, JEFFREY MILLER, Antoinette Zel CEO & Co-Founder | The Story Room

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OUR GROWTH 2013

2016

2018

8 STUDENTS

186 STUDENTS

675 STUDENTS

1 SCHOOL

4 SCHOOLS

10 SCHOOLS

2015

2017

2019

42 STUDENTS

288 STUDENTS

1200 STUDENTS

2 SCHOOLS

6 SCHOOLS

17 SCHOOLS

College Acceptances (Graduating Seniors) Kyle Tennyson Jaime Fernandez David Lopez Ela Rozas Jarrod Woolfson Karina Canon Claudia Montalvo Cristian Acevedo

Florida State University Florida State University University of Florida Washington State University Miami-Dade Community College Miami-Dade Community College Florida International Univeristy Miami-Dade Community College

Other Accolades (Current Students) Nicolaus Gelin Gabriel Johnson

Merit Winner, National YoungArts Competition Accepted, New World School of the Arts Spring 2019 | OUR GROWTH | 16

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MUSIC ACCESS FELLOWSHIP Young Musicians Unite was selected as a winner of the Music Access Fellowship. As a result, YMU will launch a comprehensive music program in Carol City in Fall of 2019. This project will unite five feeder-pattern schools and provide consistent music education from 1st through 12th grade. In its first year this program will impact over 480 students.

PARTNERED SCHOOLS

Carol City Middle School - Carol City High School - Brentwood Elementary School - Miami Gardens Elementary - Barbara Hawkins Elementary The goal of the music access fellowship is to create a collaborative group of leaders and organizations that come together to ensure all youth have access to the benefits of music education.

In 2019, thanks to the generosity of the music enthusiast and philanthropist Daniel Lewis, $1,000,000 has been invested into Miami’s music-access leaders through a one-year experimental fellowship incubated by Radical Partners which focuses on collective impact.

STEAM+ M-DCPS + City of Miami Beach + Bass Museum In order to greatly expand arts education in Miami Beach, the City of Miami Beach partnered with M-DCPS and launched the STEAM+ Pilot Program in Spring 2019. The program will work with 6 of Miami Beach’s public schools, and 6 of Miami Beach’s cultural institutions including the Bass Museum, Miami City Ballet, New World Symphony, Jewish Museum of Florida, Wolfsonian, and Young Musicians Unite. Over 2,000 children will be impacted at every grade level.

Young Musicians Unite will be providing teaching artists to help students learn the importance of STEAM in the music world through coding, recording, and practice.

THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS

Superintendent Alberto Carvalho, Mayor Dan Gelber, Michele Burger, and Miami Beach City Commissioners

MIDDLE SCHOOL REDESIGN Starting this Fall, 49 middle schools in M-DCPS will kick off Middle School Redesign by adding 150 new electives.

These courses are aligned with student interests and contribute to a school culture that meets the social and emotional needs of their students. YMU will be partnering with JDD to create educational experiences that will grow, empower and engage our students.

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WYNWOOD

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IN-SCHOOL PROGRAMS

The Young Men’s Preparatory Academy est. 2013

PROGRAMS

Jazz Band, Guitar Ensemble, Drumline, Beginning Band 1-3 MENTORS

Mr. Patrick Araujo, Alan Valladares, Christian Rodriguez The Young Men’s Preparatory Academy was the site of our very first program, beginning with only 8 students in a guitar club. Over the past 5 years our enrollment in free music programming at YMPA has grown to 125 students, over half the school’s population. This year we are proud to congratulate the YMPA Jazz Combo on achieving the highest ranking, superiors with distinction, at state competitions.

YMPA currently serves as a home base for YMU’s afterschool Wynwood Community Music Program.

Jose De Diego Middle School est. 2015

PROGRAMS

Guitar Ensemble, Beginning Band, Drumline MENTORS

Mr. Tyrone Hill, Juan Pelaez, Christian Rodriguez, Gabriel Pierre, and Manny Echazabal.

For the last four years, YMU has worked to expand in-school course offerings for music at JDD. YMU currently offers three in-school classes as well as supplemental after-school programming, where we partner with Jaguars Unite and the Overtown Youth Center.

We are excited to be an active partner in the Middle School Redesign initiative taking place at JDD during the 2019-20 school year.

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OVERTOWN

Booker T. Washington High School

CORAL GABLES

Coral Gables Senior High School

LITTLE HAITI

Miami Edison High School

est. 2016

PROGRAMS

Guitar Ensemble MENTORS

Mr. Ahmad Newbold, Juan Pelaez In order to complement the robust horn program at Booker T., YMU created a training program for rhythm section instruments such as drums, bass, piano and guitar. This has created a pipeline of rhythm section players for the Booker T. advanced ensembles such as Jazz Band and Rock Ensemble and is an excellent example of the impact that can be created when the in-school music teacher and an outside organization work in alignment and towards the same goals.

est. 2017

PROGRAMS

Jazz Combo, Jazz Band MENTORS

Mr. Carlos Hernandez, Alex Weitz YMU currently trains a select group of promising young jazz musicians from Coral Gables as part of an advanced jazz combo. These musicians also participate in the Jazz Band, benefiting both programs and creating two performing ensembles. Students focus on developing their understanding of music theory, improvisation, and gain a familiarity of jazz repertoire.

est. 2018

PROGRAMS

Drumline

MENTORS

Mr. Wilfred Barry, Christian Rodriguez YMU provides classroom support and assistance at Miami Edison to the in-school music teacher, Mr. Barry.

We also facilitate a drumline training program that equips drummers with the skills they need to join the Miami Edison Marching Band.

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O PA - L O C K A

Beacon College Prep

MIAMI BEACH

21

IN-SCHOOL PROGRAMS

Miami Beach Senior High School

est. 2018

PROGRAMS

Beginning Band, Guitar Ensemble MENTORS

Alan Valladares, Gabriel Pierre, David Cardona, Didier Labossiere, Corey Jones YMU expanded into Opa-Locka through our partnership with Beacon College Prep. The school’s leadership and vision are exemplary, and we were excited to help design their music program from the ground up. YMU currently facilitates two in-school music classes with about 45 students. We anticipate reaching over 100 students with free music programming at Beacon College Prep in Fall of 2019.

est. 1972

PROGRAMS

The Rock Ensemble, Stage Crew, Sound Engineering & Music Technology MENTORS

Sammy Gonzalez, Michael McNamee, Mr. Daniel Shearouse, Brennan Jasso, Derek Garcia, Antonio Gonzalez Rockin’ the Planet Since 1972, The Rock Ensemble was founded by the late Doug Burris at Miami Beach Senior High School. The Rock Ensemble was the first in-school ensemble of its kind in our nation’s history, lending vocational experience to its students through engaging them in professional environments at a young age.

The Rock Ensemble focuses on classic and modern rock, and is a culmination of musicians, stage crew, and a sound engineering team. Many professional musicians and technicians have passed through the ranks of The Rock Ensemble over its 50-year run.

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MIAMI BEACH

Nautilus Middle School est. 2018

PROGRAMS

Guitar Ensemble, Beginning Band MENTORS

Mr. Ray Modia, Max Trullenque, Christian Rodriguez, Alex Weitz, Dr. Russ Macklem This year’s STEAM Pilot Plus program provided YMU the opportunity to partner with three schools in Miami Beach, where Nautilus Middle School was the site of one of our first pilot programs. YMU instructors facilitated instrumentspecific workshops to provide the beginning band students of Nautilus with individualized instruction on their instruments.

Feinberg Fisher K-8 est. 2018

PROGRAMS

Guitar Ensemble 1-2, Music Technology MENTORS

Mr. Arnold Paseiro, Max Trullenque, and Andrew Gonzalez Through the STEAM Pilot Plus program, YMU was given the opportunity to partner with Feinberg Fisher K-8 to offer classroom assistance in the form of two guitar programs, which impacted approximately 60 students. YMU instructors also created a new in-school music technology course to satisfy the technology requirements for Feinberg’s students allowing them to participate in a practical and creative technology course.

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WYNWOOD

6

AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS

Open Community Wynwood Jazz Band est. 2017 MENTORS

Jean Caze, Harvel Nakundi, Alex Weitz, Max Trullenque, and Tal Cohen SITE

The Young Men’s Preparatory Hosted at Young Men’s Preparatory Academy, students from the community in grades 6-12 have the opportunity to receive instruction two times per week. Students learn to read music, improvise and perform jazz repertoire as an ensemble. The program is led by local acclaimed jazz musician Alex Weitz and features workshops with many world-class jazz musicians such as Tal Cohen, Jean Caze, and Harvel Nakundi.

Students have opportunity to perform monthly at our Youth Jazz Series hosted by the Wynwood Yard.

Wynwood Rock Ensemble (Beginner) Partnered with Jaguars Unite and The Overtown Youth Center est. 2016 MENTORS

Juan Pelaez, Gabriel Pierre SITE

Jose De Diego Middle School This beginner Rock Ensemble enables students from all over Wynwood and the neighboring Overtown area to pick up an instrument for the first time and play popular music in a group setting. Students also have a chance to join programs through Jaguars Unite and The Overtown Youth Center which provide students with tutoring, food, and transportation.

Wynwood Rock Ensemble (Advanced) est. 2017 MENTORS

Juan Pelaez, Gabriel Pierre SITE

The Young Men’s Preparatory Academy The Wynwood Rock Ensemble provides advanced students from the community an opportunity to join a performing Rock Ensemble. Students focus on modern and classic rock repertoire, improving the skills on their instruments, and stage presence as they perform around the city 10-15 times per year.

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WYNWOOD

WANT TO J OIN AN EN SEMBLE? VISIT: ymu .life/enro ll Wynwood Jazz Combo est. 2014 MENTORS

Jean Caze, Caleb Alcime, Alex Weitz, and Tal Cohen The Wynwood Jazz Combo was formed in 2014 at The Young Men’s Preparatory Academy. This ensemble gives the school’s top musicians a unique opportunity to participate in advanced jazz programming with Haitian-based repertoire. Several students from this program have successfully earned full scholarships to prestigious music programs including Berklee School of Music & New World School of the Arts. Others have earned opportunities to study with New World Symphony fellows.

CAROL CITY

Our jazz combo has performed in numerous prestigious venues such as The New World Symphony Hall, Arsht Center, Wynwood Yard, and the North Beach Bandshell. The group was recently honored to perform The National Anthem for the Miami Heat.

Carol City Pep Band est. 2019 MENTORS

Corey Jones, Brandon Beasley SITE

Carol City Middle School In Fall of 2019, YMU will launch our full offering of music programs at Carol City Middle School, Carol City High School, Miami Gardens Elementary, Brentwood Elementary, and Barbara Hawkins Elementary. However, due to the excitement of the students, we recently began an after-school Pep Band to begin training up our most ambitious middle school students.

The Jazz Collective est. 2017 MENTORS

Zach Larmer This invitation-only ensemble features students from a variety of backgrounds, each of whom is the top jazz player on their instrument from 6 different schools across Miami. These students form a tight-knit group that stays together until they graduate, challenging each other through advanced jazz repertoire and a rigorous performance schedule.

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M

ALUMNI

Caleb Alcime Caleb Alcime Drums

Young Men’s Preparatory Academy Class of 2017 Miami-Dade Community College

My musical experience really began in 10th grade when I was introduced to Young Musicians Unite. After our school’s band teacher left, $10,000 worth of equipment had been stolen, and I didn’t even have a drum to practice on. Fortunately, YMU was able to provide not only instruments but also lessons and workshops. I began to learn to read music and play jazz with a variety of YMU ensembles. I picked things up quickly and by 11th grade I was performing on the weekly basis.

From then on I pursued my music career relentlessly, volunteering in any YMU performance there was. These early performance experiences and rehearsals helped push me to begin to perform professionally all across Miami. With time it became clear to me that music is my calling from God. It’s literally a part of my heart.

One of the biggest challenges I faced was believing in myself to be great. After a gig I would never want to hear any recordings of myself playing, I was just too embarrassed. Sometimes I thought I just didn’t have it in me, but Sammy kept encouraging me to solo and express myself. As I began to play from the heart, it became easier.

I’m proud to say that I now work with YMU as a full time mentor, teaching students who attend the very same high school I attended only 2 years ago.

Spring 2019 | ALUMNI | 24

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Marcelo Araujo-Cox Marcelo Araujo-Cox Guitar

Miami Beach Senior High Class of 2018 Los Angeles College of Music

Young Musicians Unite definitely enabled me to peek into the real world of music. Through the

leading and instruction of virtuosic Miami jazz musicians like Jean Caze, Zach Larmer, and Harvel Nakundi, I gained a foothold of what I wanted to achieve in music. I had to learn to play jazz; it was something that The Rock Ensemble could not fully teach me (regardless, Rock Ensemble taught me the fundamentals and helped me facilitate a solid stage presence and love for performing).

Alas, an aspiring jazz cat will continue scratching their head throughout their entire career, but these YMU mentors showed me the significance of form, discipline, and overall attention to the quality of sound in its simplest form.

My biggest takeaways from the experience have been the jazz ensemble/combo settings I was a part of every week. It expanded my value on communication and the necessity of form. It truly set my playing up for secondary education and allowed me to start working on my jazz theory early on. As time progressed, YMU gave me the community of committed, inspiring peers that want the same thing I do: a chance in music. I went from mentoring and helping out for the sole purpose of community hours, to going to 2-3 rehearsals a week after school, knowing that I was always going to learn something fresh and new. YMU instructors never fail to remind you of what needs to be done, and of course, what you’re doing wrong! With criticisms needing to be said, it doesn’t make it sound so bad when you know these instructions are from musicians at an exceptional level, and they only want you to understand music the way they do.

YMU introduced me to jazz standards and concepts that have set me ahead of my fellow musicians in college. Any musician who wants the true experience of professional musicianship should consider joining. I wear my YMU shirt with pride, and would recommend any musical Miami resident to become involved! In my experience with YMU, I was given multiple ensembles to play with, countless community service hours from gigs, and their staff fueled my mind each day. I now attend LA College of Music in Pasadena, CA to study Guitar Performance. I can confidently share that YMU inspired me to choose the jazzy songs I used to gain entry and scholarships from LACM. Sammy Gonzalez deserves so much praise for teleporting to dozens of schools across Miami-Dade to help provide the opportunities that strong musicians are always looking for. I’m always wishing the best for Sammy and the YMU faculty as I know they’re always doing great things.

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PARTNERED BANDS Our partnered band members play side by side shows with our students, raise funds through performances, and help with peer to peer mentoring in our afterschool programs. We are thankful for the dedication and support of these young mentors and families.

The Lotus Jazz Quartet blends live instruments and electronic looping to create a unique musical experience that sounds like a cross between Esperanza Spalding and Tuneyards.

Arrowhead, Avalanche, and Ripcord perform popular repertoire from bands such as Guns N’ Roses, Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, and The Killers.

BOOK OUR BANDS

YMU.Life/BookOurBands

THE LOTUS JAZZ QUARTET Sydney Greenwald Tali Bajaroff Cecilia Leon Brianna Acevedo

Spring 2019 | PARTNERED BANDS | 26 YMU_2019SpringMagazine_R.indd 26

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Levi Gans Harry Schwartz Sydney Greenwald Arya Chatani Adam Chopp

Samson Bienstock Sofi Schlesinger James Gerrard Danny Sauceda Maia Mora Trent Steinberg Noah Billante

Harrison Matlick Ivy Rosenberg Sierra Hudson Jake Aleman Lily Kaplan

Spring 2019 | PARTNERED BANDS | 27 YMU_2019SpringMagazine_R.indd 27

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BOOK OUR BANDS YMU.Life/BookOurBands

The Rock Ensemble (MBSH) Est. 1972 GENRES

Rock, Pop, RnB SIZE

12 Members

The Jazz Collective Est. 2017 GENRES

Classic Jazz, Modern Jazz, Swing, Funk SIZE

6 Members

The Rock Ensemble was the first inschool ensemble of its kind. Founded by the late Clark Douglas Burris almost 50 years ago, this ensemble focuses on high-energy music ranging from “Time” by Pink Floyd to “Rumor Has It” by Adele and delivers an unforgettable live show. The Rock Ensemble has performed at venues all over the country, including prestigious institutions such as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

This invitation-only ensemble features the top jazz players from 6 different schools across Miami who perform with a level of sophistication well beyond their years.

Repertoire ranges from grooving modern jazz such as “The Watcher” by Marquis Hill to classic jazz club standards like “Four On Six” by Wes Montgomery. The Jazz Collective has performed in numerous prestigious venues such as the Adrienne Arsht Center and North Beach Bandshell.

Spring 2019 | BOOK OUR BANDS | 28 YMU_2019SpringMagazine_R.indd 28

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Wynwood Jazz Combo Est. 2014 GENRES

This medium-size jazz ensemble is comprised of Wynwood’s top student jazz musicians with a focus on Haitian-based repertoire. This group has performed in numerous prestigious venues such as The New World Symphony Hall and American Airlines Arena.

Classic Jazz, Haitian Jazz SIZE

8 Members

Wynwood Community Jazz Band Est. 2016 GENRES

Classic Jazz, Vocal Jazz

This large-format ensemble focuses on classic jazz stylings of the 1940’s to 1960’s with repertoire ranging from “Fly Me To The Moon” by Frank Sinatra to “Caravan”

by Duke Ellington. The Wynwood Jazz Band performs frequently throughout the community, including at our monthly Youth Jazz Series.

SIZE

12 Members

Wynwood Rock Ensemble Est. 2016

This fun and youthful ensemble performs popular repertoire ranging from “Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers to “Superstition”

by Stevie Wonder. They have performed at venues such as the Wynwood Yard, Miami Marathon, and the Fillmore.

GENRES

Rock, Pop SIZE

10 Members

Spring 2019 | BOOK OUR BANDS | 29 YMU_2019SpringMagazine_R.indd 29

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“I NEVER IMAGINED MYSELF BEING A MUSICIAN BUT THANKS TO YOUNG MUSICIANS UNITE I’M PLAYING GUITAR AND PERFORMING.” -RONEY COOPER, 16 YEARS OLD

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“I AM THANKFUL FOR MY AWESOME SKILLS.” -JAMQREIS WILLIAMS, 14 YEARS OLD

EXPERIENCE FOR ME.” -DONNOVAN DESMARETS, 17 YEARS OLD

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“THE TROMBONE IS SO FUN! THE INSTRUMENT HAS

“I REALLY LIKE THIS CLASS BECAUSE OF THE MANY THINGS THAT I HAVE LEARNED

OVER THE PAST YEAR. THANK MR. DIDIER FOR -SAINA ALCANTARA, 12 YEARS OLD

“BEING A PART OF YMU HAS BEEN A GREAT

“I’VE BEEN HERE FOR 3 YEARS AND I SINCERELY THANK YOUNG MUSICIANS

UNITE. I’VE BECOME BETTER AND BETTER EACH YEAR.” -MATHEW MCKNIGHT, 14 YEARS OLD A VERY UNIQUE SOUND.” -JOSEPH MARCHAL, 11 YEARS OLD

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ENCOURAGING ME TO DO BETTER EVERY DAY.”

“THANK

YOU FOR ALL YOU DO FOR OUR SCHOOL, IT

IS THE BEST. I HOPE YOU CAN BRING MUSIC

BACK TO LIFE AND SHARE IT WITH THE WORLD.

P.S. MR. DAVID AND MR. DIDIER ARE THE

BEST COUNSELORS. I HAVE A GOOD TIME AND

AM GROWING ON THE SAXOPHONE.” -EVANS

MILCETTE III, 11 YEARS OLD

ME TO TRUST MYSELF NO MATTER WHAT

OTHERS SAY. BASS IS LIBERATION; IT ALLOWS

ME TO EXPRESS WHO I AM WITHOUT FEAR

AND GIVES ME PATIENCE.” -MILAGROS NUNEZ,

18 YEARS OLD

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“YMU TAUGHT

“PLAYING AN INSTRUMENT

MEANS A LOT TO ME AND CAN CREATE A LOT

OF OPPORTUNITIES. I THANK MR. RODRIGUEZ

FOR BEING A GREAT INSTRUCTOR AND YMU

FOR THIS CHANCE TO LEARN MUSIC.” -DIEGO MARADIAGA, 13 YEARS OLD

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“THANK YOU MR. JUAN FOR BEING REALLY PATIENT HOW TO EVEN TOUCH THE KEYS.” -BRYAN VELASQUEZ, 17

WITH ME. WHEN I CAME HERE I DIDN’T KNOW ANYTHING, NOT EVEN YEARS OLD

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THANKS MR. RODRIGUEZ FOR HELPING ME BE A GOOD

BASS DRUMMER, AND FOR MAKING MY EXPERIENCE IN THIS CLASS

AMAZING. I LOVE WHEN WE PLAY CADENCES.” -STEVEN TAVERAS, 13 YEARS OLD

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“I LIKE THIS CLASS A LOT AND I LIKE MY INSTRUCTOR. MR.

RODRIGUEZ IS A GREAT TEACHER AND A GOOD PERSON IN GENERAL.” -AIDAN ANDINO, 13 YEARS OLD

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“THANKS TO MY INSTRUCTOR I HAVE

LEARNED HOW TO PLAY THE DRUMS. I LIKE TO COME TO CLASS AND BEAT THE DRUM TO RELEASE MY STRESS.” -GERRY, 13 YEARS OLD

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“I’VE

HAD A GOOD EXPERIENCE WORKING WITH YOUNG MUSICIANS UNITE AND A FUN TIME. I FEEL LIKE I HAVE IMPROVED A LOT AND I PRETTY MUCH JUST STARTED.” -JOSE GONZALEZ, 15 YEARS OLD

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“YOUNG MUSICIANS UNITE HAS REALLY EXPANDED MY LOVE AND KNOWLEDGE FOR JAZZ

MUSIC. I’VE ALWAYS LOVED JAZZ, AND THANKS TO YMU, I HAVE THE ABILITY TO PLAY IT.” -EMILY BENCOMO, 18 YEARS OLD PLAY THE FLUTE. THANK YOU MR. HILL AND MR. MANNY.” -JOHNNY P. LOUIS, 14 YEARS OLD

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“I LEARNED HOW TO

“YOUNG MUSICIANS UNITE HELPED ME LEARN HOW

TO HEAR MUSIC AND PLAY DRUMS. I’VE ALSO LEARNED HOW TO WORK TOGETHER WITH OTHERS.” -DESTINY SANTOS, 13 YEARS OLD

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GIVEN ME THE OPPORTUNITY TO PERFORM AT PLACES I’VE NEVER DREAMED OF.” -PATRICK JOHNSON, 16 YEARS OLD SKILLS AND ABILITIES I NEVER KNEW I HAD.” -BILLY MCCRAY, 16 YEARS OLD

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“YMU HAS

“YMU HAS BROUGHT OUT

“YMU HAS MADE ME A BETTER STUDENT IN SCHOOL AND INSPIRES

ME TO DO BETTER IN MUSIC. BEING A PART OF YMU HAS HELPED ME UNDERSTAND HOW TO BE MORE OPEN AND BECOME A BETTER MUSICIAN.” -METUCHAELLE BEATELUS, 14 YEARS OLD

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“I HAVE ALWAYS WANTED TO LEARN HOW TO PLAY GUITAR AND WITH YOUNG MUSICIANS UNITE I HAVE

ACCOMPLISHED THAT DREAM. THANK YOU FOR HELPING ME TO BE BLESSED WITH THIS UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE.” -TIFFANY ORTIZ, 18 YEARS OLD

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“YOUNG MUSICIANS UNITE HAS HELPED ME MAKE A COUPLE OF NEW FRIENDS.

ALSO, I AM PROUD OF MY OWN SKILLS THAT I DIDN’T

KNOW THAT I HAD. MY FAMILY IS HAPPY THAT I AM DOING SOMETHING OTHER THAN GAMING.” -JONATHAN HERNANDEZ, 16 YEARS OLD MUSICIANS UNITE IS THE GREATEST THING EVER. IT HELPED ME RELAX AND FOCUS.” -LOUIS SEAN, 14 YEARS OLD

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“YOUNG

“YOUNG MUSICIANS UNITE

IS AN AWESOME CLUB. IT’S AMAZING HOW MUCH IT HELPED ME LEARN SOMETHING NEW.” -ISAAC DAVILA, 12 YEARS OLD

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“THANK YOU YOUNG

MUSICIANS UNITE. THIS PROGRAM TAUGHT ME A LOT OF THINGS, LIKE NEW SONGS AND THE NAME OF EACH STRING.” -ANDREW MINNIS, 13 YEARS OLD YMU_2019SpringMagazine_R.indd 30

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M

MEET OUR TEAM Young Musicians Unite was founded by Sammy Gonzalez, a Miami-born, internationally acclaimed musician and mentor. Sammy recognized the staggering lack of music education in many of Miami’s underserved communities and created YMU as a response to this deficiency. Sammy has played nearly 1000+ concerts, gone on 15 US tours, and landed spots at SXSW music festival and Van’s Warped Tour. As First Chair in the Miami Beach Classical Guitar Quintet, he toured the US and Japan, winning awards at both regional and national levels.

Sammy has over 16 years of experience working in music education and has taken YMU from 8 to 680+ students in 6 short years.

r, COO e rm

a

Zach is an internationally acclaimed jazz musician and educator. As a performer and composer, Zach has received three GRAMMY awards and embarked on numerous world tours. He has had the chance to work alongside artists such as Pat Metheny, John Scofield, and the Steve Miller Band. Zach is also the guitarist on American Dreamers: Voices of Hope and Freedom, an album that gained bi-partisan support in the house and senate for its advocacy of citizenship for DACA recipients.

Z ach L

Sammy Go

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e z, C E O l a z

As a music educator over the last 11 years, Zach has focused on creating an infrastructure for musicians to support their growth as they transform into fully capable artists.

lanie G e M r

wald, CFO n ee “Working for YMU has afforded me the perfect opportunity to combine my professional skills, my family’s love for music and my desire to make the community we live in a better place.”

Alex Ort

a

,

ant Writer r G

ria Zdr a al M

“Being part of the YMU team is extremely inspiring and exciting because every single person on our team has experienced first-hand the transformative power of music education and the impact it can have on students, families and communities. We have all found in YMU a way to manifest a common dream, a dream of passing on the passion for music and handing down that impact to the new generation.”

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e

Program , a D

“As a percussionist who started in middle school, YMU’s vision is important to me because I believe a child’s passion for music should be cultivated to its full potential.”

Spring 2019 | MEET OUR TEAM | 32 YMU_2019SpringMagazine_R.indd 32

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Mayor Dan Gelber Patricio Saurez Mayor Dan Gelber

Patricio Saurez

“YMU has transformed the dynamic of several of our Miami Beach schools by providing enriching, in-school music education.”

“YMU is making an incredible impact on Miami’s young musicians by working side by side with our schools. It is breathtaking to watch the caliber of musicians nourishing within their programs.”

Patricio Saurez District Supervisor of Performing Arts, Miami-Dade County Public Schools

n a va n a

Bella

SCHOOL:

Miami Beach Senior High School

I chose to be an intern because I strongly believe in the importance of music education and the impact it can have on a student. Through YMU I have worked with the most inspiring group of people and met some of my closest friends.

Ela R o

s za

SCHOOL:

Miami Beach Senior High School

I chose to be an intern because of YMU’s connection to the Rock Ensemble and the positive impact they are making in the Miami music scene. I’ve loved encountering new people who have an interest in music and our community.

My favorite moment this year was when I was blessed to perform as at the Adrienne Arsht Center as a featured artist with the Miami Symphony. I’ve been going to the Arsht center for years, and I thought it would be many more years before I performed there myself. I want to thank YMU for this amazing experience.

Tali B a

off r ja

SCHOOL:

Te

yson n n

Kyle

Young Men’s Preparatory Academy

SCHOOL:

evedo

a

YMU has given me the opportunity to begin giving back and sharing my passion for music with others. I aspire be like many of my own teachers, so it is an honor to be given the opportunity to help these students expand upon their talents.

Crist i

Homeschool

SCHOOL:

n

Ac

INTERNS

C

Dan Gelber Mayor, City of Miami Beach

iPreparatory Academy

My favorite moments of the year have been at the Youth Jazz Series because that’s where the YMU students and staff get to display all the hard work they do. The interns have grown really close because of how much time we get to spend together working towards something that we truly care about.

Spring 2019 | MEET OUR TEAM | 33

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Thank You For Your Support $100,000+

Daniel R. Lewis, Music Access Fellowship

$50,000-$99,999

Miami Dade Cultural Affairs

$25,000-$49,999

STEAM+ Pilot Program Funded by the City of Miami Beach The Batchelor Foundation

$10,000-$24,999

Ali and Erik Matlick American Engineering and Development Corp.

Boucher Brothers Citizens Interested in the Arts Greenspoon Marder LLP Jeffrey Miller Krillion Ventures Max Ida Fred Marji Strauss FDN Melanie and Eric Greenwald Michael Schwartz Catering Racket Renee Gans Silvia Coltrane/RETI Stephen Gans Stephen Larmer The Dunspaugh-Dalton Foundation Inc. The Miami Design District (DACRA) The Miami Heat Virginia and Joe Akar

$5,000-$9,999

Amicon Management Breakthru Beverage Chelsea Aviation D’Addario Foundation Goldstein and Company Ines Rivero and Ernesto Estrada Kahunah Properties Karen Fyrd Lourdes and Charles Humble Marilyn Milian and John Schlesinger Neelam and Bharat Chatani Reverb Gives Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits The Related Group The Story Room

$1,000-4,999

Angel Febres Antoinette and Cary Zel Appelrouth, Farah & Co., P.A. Chariff Realty Group Chuck Gans City Construction Group, Inc. Classwallet Damian & Valori LLP Deborah and Neil Bienstock Eric & Victoria, Sophia and Rose Elliott Fabio Alexander Halpern Rodriguez LLP IGT Media Holdings Inktel Jennifer and Justin Elegant Jessica and Jay Kaplan John and J.B. Aleman John and Mary Hammel Kenneth O’Keefe Larry & Millie Magid Family Foundation Leslie and Marty Steinberg Leslie Miller Lina Eusse Lisa and Jamie Rosenberg LSN Partners Memo and Cynthia Sauceda Menu Men Michael Scheitelman Nancy and Stephen Bernstein Paragon Development Phil Hudson Plastridge Insurance Agency Plaza Construction Sandy Kauffman Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr LLP Schwebke-Shiskin & Associates, Inc. SMS Lodging Stacey and Jon Chopp Stuart Miller Susan Billante Susan Miller Tera and Isaac Kodsi Terra Group The CDL School The Gerrard Family The Schwartz Family

Spring 2019 | OUR SUPPORTERS | 34 YMU_2019SpringMagazine_R.indd 34

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Families and Partners The Aleman Family The Fryd Family The Gans Family The Greenwald Family The Hudson Family The Lewis Family The Matlick Family The Miller Family The Schwartz Family The Strauss Family Allegro Music Barbara Hawkins Elementary Beacon College Prep Booker T. Washington Senior High School Brentwood Elementary Carol City High School Carol City Middle School Citizens Interested in the Arts

City of Miami Beach Coral Gables High School Donna E. Shalala MusicReach Program Miami Design District D’Addario Foundation Gibson Brands, Inc Greenspoon Marder Foundation Guitars Over Guns Jaguars United JECC Jose De Diego Middle School Miami Edison High School Miami Gardens Elementary Miami Heat Charitable Fund Miami Music Project Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs

Miami-Dade County Public Schools Michael Schwartz Catering and Events Music for Memories New World Symphony Overtown Youth Center Radical Partners Reverb Gives Rácket STEAM+ The Bass The Batchelor Foundation The Carnival Foundation The Children’s Trust The Frost School of Music The Rhythm Foundation The Wynwood Yard UP Music!

Young Men’s Preparatory Academy

Spring 2019 | FAMILIES & PARTNERS | 35 YMU_2019SpringMagazine_R.indd 35

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TEACHERS

Brandon Beasley

Alex Weitz

Caleb Alcime

INSTRUMENT

INSTRUMENT

| Saxophone START DATE | 2018 PROGRAMS | Jazz Combo, Jazz Band

INSTRUMENT

“As a career educator and perfomer, the students and staff at YMU are some of the most passionate and driven individuals I’ve ever met. I teach because I believe that music education means cultivating an environment that both stimulates growth and serves as a safe place for selfexpression.”

Alex Weitz is a saxophonist and composer currently based in Miami, FL. Alex studied at the University of Miami Frost School of Music where he received a Bachelor’s in Jazz Saxophone Performance and Master’s in Studio Jazz Writing. Alex has appeared at prestigious venues including the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage, the Monterey Jazz Festival, the Banff Center, and the New Orleans Jazz Festival.

“Though music is a combination of rhythm and melodies, YMU has expanded its definition and made it into a token that is passed from generation to generation.”

Alan Valladares

Brennan Jasso

Andrew Gonzalez

INSTRUMENT

INSTRUMENT

INSTRUMENT

“I am proud to see how this organization is developing, growing and reaching the lives of so many students. It’s extremely rewarding to help my students develop important life skills, leadership tools, and habits that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.”

“Being able to teach someone how to do something they love is an incredibly gratifying experience.”

| Trombone START DATE | 2019 PROGRAMS | Beginning Band, Jazz Combo

| Guitar START DATE | 2013 PROGRAMS | Guitar Ensemble

| Voice START DATE | 2019 PROGRAMS | Rock Ensemble

| Drums START DATE | 2018 PROGRAMS | J azz Combo, Drumline

| Guitar, Production START DATE | 2019 PROGRAMS | G uitar Ensemble, Music Technology “Music is creative. Creativity thrives in the unknown. YMU provides a place to share these unknown experiences and knowledge with the next generation so they can take us to places we never imagined.”

Spring 2019 | TEACHERS | 36 YMU_2019SpringMagazine_R.indd 36

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Christian Rodriguez

Derek Garcia

| Drums START DATE | 2017 PROGRAMS | Drumline

Corey Jones

INSTRUMENT

INSTRUMENT

INSTRUMENT

“Young Musicians Unite has been a growing organization that I have heard much about through the grapevine here in Miami. My favorite point so far is the beautiful and dominant notion that YMU enters a school’s music program and just makes it better. The betterment of the music program translates into a better school, thus creating better students. All of that sounds pretty dang good to me.”

“Experience is the best teacher and I love sharing knowledge through mine.”

“Music has changed my life and made me into the person I am today.”

David Cardona

Tal Cohen

| Trombone START DATE | 2018 PROGRAMS | Beginning Band

Didier Labossiere

INSTRUMENT

INSTRUMENT

INSTRUMENT

“Every child deserves access to quality music education.”

“For me, music is all I know. I have worked hard to create something that I believe in and that people enjoy. I hope I can share my experience with the younger generation so that doors can be opened for them through music.”

“It is very important to me that young Haitian-American children see someone from their community that has succeeded, so that I can help inspire them to succeed in their own way.”

| Production START DATE | 2019 PROGRAMS | Music Technology

| Piano START DATE | 2018 PROGRAMS | Jazz Combo, Jazz Band

| Saxophone START DATE | 2019 PROGRAMS | B eginning Band, Pep Band

| Saxophone START DATE | 2018 PROGRAMS | J azz Combo, Jazz Band

Spring 2019 | TEACHERS | 37 YMU_2019SpringMagazine_R.indd 37

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TEACHERS

Gabriel Pierre

Harvel Nakundi

Jean Caze

INSTRUMENT

INSTRUMENT

INSTRUMENT

“Getting the chance to teach and provide students with the same opportunity that I received is all I could ever ask for!”

As an educator and humanitarian, Harvel teaches K-12 at schools statewide, assisting in instructional college music courses and has been devoted to bringing awareness to the arts in the Caribbean.

“I teach at YMU so that I can positively affect these young men, and get them prepared for real life, no matter what path they choose.”

Juan Pelaez

Michael Macnamee

Manny Echazabal

INSTRUMENT

INSTRUMENT

INSTRUMENT

| Bass START DATE | 2018 PROGRAMS | G uitar Ensemble, Rock Ensemble

| Guitar START DATE | 2016 PROGRAMS | Rock Ensemble “I teach because I believe that music and arts education is fundamental for the construction of a better society.”

| Drums START DATE | 2017 PROGRAMS | Jazz Combo, Jazz Band

| Guitar, Production START DATE | 2018 PROGRAMS | R ock Ensemble, Music Technology “If it wasn’t for my high school music teacher, Mr. Doug Burris, I would not have pursued a career as a musician and sound engineer. This inspired to give back and share my knowledge to help empower students to pursue their dreams.”

| Trumpet START DATE | 2017 PROGRAMS | J azz Combo, Jazz Band

| Saxophone START DATE | 2018 PROGRAMS | B eginning Band “I believe music education is important because it is a vehicle to learn to deal with the world around you and appreciate one most beautiful art forms that has ever been created.”

J a

F e a

E Spring 2019 | TEACHERS | 38 YMU_2019SpringMagazine_R.indd 38

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Max Trullenque

Patrick Araujo

Russ Macklem

INSTRUMENT

INSTRUMENT

INSTRUMENT

“Teaching music is teaching the language of expression.”

“Music has the divine power to save lives, provide refuge and give a higher understanding of life, love and everything in between.”

| Bass START DATE | 2019 PROGRAMS | Guitar Ensemble

| Trumpet START DATE | 2018 PROGRAMS | Beginning Band, Jazz Band

| Trumpet START DATE | 2019 PROGRAMS | J azz Combo, Jazz Band, Beginning Band Russ Macklem is a Toronto and Miamibased trumpeter, composer, and educator.

Currently, he is pursuing a DMA in Jazz and Studio Music at the University of Miami Frost School of Music where he is a Henry Mancini Institute Fellow and Teaching Assistant to GRAMMY-winning trumpeter Brian Lynch.

Spring 2019 | TEACHERS | 39

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