YMU2023 3 Over the past 10 years, I have witnessed and experienced the transformative power of arts education. I have personally mentored bullies into leaders, motivated a shy student to have the confidence to belt her heart out on stage, and challenged thousands of students to achieve greatness through an understanding that grit, hard work, and a strong reputation can be your most valued assets. When I founded Young Musicians Unite in 2013, I answered a personal calling for a higher purpose in my own life. Over the past decade, I’ve watched our programs grow from supporting eight students to supporting over 3,500 per year, while impacting neighborhoods across the city like Miami Gardens, Brownsville, and Homestead. I’ve approached communities that I had no familiarity with, and have immersed myself by listening, understanding, and supporting the needs of their children. Every child deserves mentorship and the ability to discover who they are. Time and time again, I can recount how fortunate I was to access and benefit from a free music education while growing up on Miami Beach. As a young child, teachers told me that I had learning disabilities, but it was in the music classroom that they eventually realized that I was gifted. The music room became my safe space and the music teachers became my heroes. It makes me think about how many of our children could be misdiagnosed and would thrive if they were given an opportunity to express themselves. Here at Young Musicians Unite, we work so hard to be there for our students, ensuring that every child has a place where they can develop friendships, self-confidence, and work through personal difficulties. I consider myself blessed and thankful to lead such an innovative, transformational, and caring organization. We appreciate your support in our mission and journey throughout the past decade. I am eagerly looking forward to what the next 10 years have in store for us! Sammy Gonzalez Zeira Founder/CEO LETTER FROM OUR CEO T H E M U S I C R O O M B E C A M E M Y S A F E S P A C E A N D T H E M U S I C T E A C H E R S B E C A M E MY HEROES." YMU2023 3
4 YMU2023 04 Mission 20 After-School Programs 26 Parent Spotlight 32 Interview with Guerwen Gue 08 Student Spotlights 22 YMU Studio 27 Educator Spotlight 36 Alumni Spotlights 16 In-School Programs 24 YMU Classroom 28 A Decade of Change 40 Our Teachers 46 Community Leaders 50 Impact Report 47 Student Accolades 52 Partner Bands 48 Hot Off The Press 56 Execitive Board 4 YMU2023
COVER PHOTO Guerwen Gue Senior, Young Men’s Preparatory Academy PHOTO BY Jorge Martínez Gualdrón MAGAZINE EDITOR Isabella Marie Garcia Young Musicians Unite @youngmusiciansunite @youngmusiciansunite Young Musicians Unite
MISSION Young Musicians Unite believes that every student in Miami-Dade deserves access to music education regardless of their socioeconomic background. We collaborate with schools to provide free music education, which has proven to inspire personal development, foster a sense of community, and prepare our future leaders.
YMU2023 7 To empower youth, YMU provides turnkey music education solutions for Title I schools across Miami-Dade County. YMU equips schools with trained instructors, lesson plans, instruments, and all the necessary resources for vibrant music classes. Students, teachers, and schools all benefit from YMU’s nine years of experience in building successful music programs. YMU’s support and training of teachers reduces turnover and creates a school culture that prioritizes student expression, resulting in smooth communication and consistency within the department. This holistic approach helps schools maximize students’ talents, interest, and engagement. WHAT WE DO HOW WE DO IT Young Musicians Unite collaborates with schools and communities to ensure that when a student picks up an instrument, they can continue on a consistent path of learning from grades 5-12. We invest strategically in bridging gaps in a student's music education by working within school feeder patterns across whole communities. Using a collaborative approach, our model has proven to create student demand that attracts, retains, and grows student enrollment in neighborhood schools that would otherwise suffer from attrition to magnet schools and similar programs. By boosting the appeal of local neighborhood schools through flourishing arts programs, we are making it possible for any school to host an accessible and thriving music program at a time when funding cuts for arts education, not investments, are the norm. YMU2023 7
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ADs We are proud to support Thank you YMU for providing much needed music education opportunities to students in our community. 10th Annual Gala melandbudwick.com
1 0 YMU2023 STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS As band captain, I feel proud to be the leader of my class. Being a captain means I get to help everyone in the band and to make sure they're okay, not just musically but also emotionally. Whenever someone needs to talk, they know they can come to me. I like that I can be a role model for others. When I make a mistake, it reminds everyone that making mistakes is a part of learning and growing. You shouldn't let these moments make you feel like you're any less of a musician. Even when it gets overwhelming, I’m happy to help others improve because I know how great it feels to be supported. Sometimes, my dad will come to practice and say, "Look at my baby!" By showing how proud he is of me and knowing that my dad is watching me do what I love, I’m motivated to be an even better musician and captain. Music means everything to me. Whenever I feel bad, I get to take it out on the drums. Playing the drums feels like a gift and it’s exactly what I am meant to do. ALEXEAH BURNES School: Myrtle Grove K-8 Grade: 8 Instrument: Percussion 1 0 YMU2023
YMU2023 1 1 After two years of playing the tenor sax with YMU, my band class is still the highlight of my school day. For me, playing the saxophone is a combination of creating music and having fun. Our small class size makes that experience more personal. Our teacher Mr. Martinez is fantastic, and he always brings a sense of humor to the class. In the future, I hope to master playing songs by Imagine Dragons on my saxophone. As someone who has faced difficulties stepping outside my comfort zone, the trombone has become a means for me to express myself and showcase my abilities. It's a unique experience that has allowed me to break free from my inhibitions and find a new way to be creative. The atmosphere in the Jazz Collective is incredibly collaborative; everyone is open and willing to work together to create something amazing. In fact, I already admired a lot of the band members before I joined. The professionalism within the band has made it a truly special experience. I’m fortunate to have peers with whom I’m comfortable presenting even my own compositions. Together, we strive to make the best music that we can as a team. BRUCE MILEY A N D R E PERLMAN School: New World School of the Arts Grade: 12 Instrument: Trombone School: Carol City Middle School Grade: 7 Instrument: Tenor Saxophone YMU2023 1 1
1 2 YMU2023 Singing is my way of communicating, it’s the way I express myself. Through my vocal performances, I try to connect with others by sharing my emotions. Being in the Miami Beach Rock Ensemble has given me a consistent platform to develop this skill. It has also provided a space to work on my vocal balance, harmonize in intricate arrangements, and have the opportunity to lead. It always feels like a family: all the members learn and bond with each other, while our instructors, AJ and Sammy, are patient with us and show us what to expect from the real world. To me, Rock Ensemble is much more than just a high school band. It’s opened doors to professional opportunities and made me a lot more social, disciplined, and brave. E S T H E R GONZALEZ Playing drums with YMU has made a big impact on my life. I got more involved with my band class after my dad passed away, and I began to push myself on drums while forming new bonds with my bandmates. It got a lot of negativity off my mind. Now, I’m motivated to always work hard and have a positive mindset. I’ve become a better student since I joined because I don’t want to risk losing my spot in the band. My dream is to perform in a band and inspire other kids to do their best too. SILK GRIFFIN School: Carol City Middle School Grade: 7 Instrument: Quad Drums School: Miami Beach Senior High School Grade: 12 Instrument: Voice 1 2 YMU2023
YMU2023 1 3 At first, I was hesitant to join YMU because I felt like I was not at the same musical level as my peers. After receiving guidance and support from my teachers, Mr. Pedro and Mr. Eddie, I have improved and developed a love for my music class. Now, I’m excited for the days I get to go to drumline. I would even bring my drums home with me if I had the chance. People often think that drumming is meant to be a hobby for boys, but I want to prove them wrong. I want to show that girls can be good at it too, and inspire other girls to pursue their passion for music! IESHA BATTLE Participating in the Miami Beach Rock Ensemble has been hard but rewarding work. Though it was a challenge at first to balance my academic responsibilities, musical pursuits, and personal life, I’ve become much more confident and comfortable in my guitar skills through the process. Now, whether I'm practicing or performing, I enjoy every moment that I’m playing my guitar. Guitar playing has become an extension of myself and I take great pride in my growth and mastery of the instrument. L U C C A L O B A T O School: Miami Beach Senior High School Grade: 12 Instrument: Guitar School: Carol City Middle School Grade: 8 Instrument: Snare Drum & Bass Drum YMU2023 1 3
1 4 YMU2023 Being a part of YMU and the music industry has been a transformative experience, allowing me to escape from personal struggles and connect with a deeper sense of self-love. As a drum major, I have learned the importance of being a leader who listens and provides feedback on mistakes rather than becoming arrogant and dismissive of others. My first band director, Dr. Richardson, provided a safe and supportive environment for us to grow and develop our musical skills. Unfortunately, he has since passed away. Dr. Richardson instilled in us a love and passion for music that many of us may not have found otherwise. Our current band director, Dr. White, has taken on a fatherly role in our lives. Dr. White has opened new avenues of opportunity and exposure for us, guiding us towards a deeper understanding of the world of music and what it has to offer. JERRELL SANDERS School: Carol City High School Grade: 12 Instrument: Trombone, Percussion & Drum Major 1 4 YMU2023
YMU2023 1 5 As a high school student, I don't always feel motivated to attend school. However, my YMU band class always gives me something new to look forward to during the school day. I love how YMU offers so many opportunities to make music—you can sing, rap, even make beats. My percussion instructor, Mr. Coachman, is the best! He often invites different people in the music industry to our classes, making every day a chance for personal growth and advancement. When I play drums, I put my problems into the sticks. I’ve become a more conscious individual and learned the importance of considering the impact of my actions on others, and of being selfless. It’s allowed me to become a better person. Tuesdays are my favorite day of the week because of my YMU music class where each time I attend, I get to learn something new on the clarinet. I even convinced a close friend to join the band on trumpet, so now I have two close friends in music. It’s been amazing to play together. At home I get to practice with my dad—I picked up the instrument because he plays, so he’s been helping me out. I try to practice as much as I can after-school so I don’t forget what I learned. My music teacher, Mr. Jose, tells me that I have exceeded his expectations and he can see my passion for music. I'm so glad I have the opportunity to play and I hope to continue doing so for the rest of my life. A L O N Z O W I L L I A M S G A L A H LORIENT School: Carol City High School Grade: 12 Instrument: Percussion School: North County K-8 Grade: 8 Instrument: Clarinet & Snare Drum YMU2023 1 5
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1 8 YMU2023 Our programs provide access to music education where it otherwise would not exist. Young Musicians Unite offers students of all levels a choice between five diverse in-school music courses. Classes are open to students from grades 5-12, where participants learn in a collaborative setting as they build friendships, develop musical skills and gain real-world experience through group performances. All YMU courses are 100% free to students. IN-SCHOOL PROGRAMS 3,500+ Students Served this Year 35 Partner Schools 456,750 Lesson Hours Taught this Year 1 8 YMU2023
Beginning Band • This brass and woodwind-focused course is geared towards firsttime band students. Repertoire ranges from popular hits to marching band songs and jazz standards. • Instrumentation: Trumpet, Trombone, Saxophone, Tuba, Baritone Horn, Clarinet, Flute, Percussion • Grades: 6-12 • *Available on YMUClassroom.org Drumline • This 100% percussion-based course is one of our most rigorous and disciplined programs. Students work together as a unit and learn rudiments, reading music and cadences for performances. These ensembles are featured in extracurricular sports games, award ceremonies, and public performances. • Instrumentation: Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Cymbals, Tenor Drums • Grades: 6-12 • *Available on YMUClassroom.org Modern Band • In this guitar-driven ensemble course, students master the basic techniques, develop their knowledge of chords, and learn to read music. Students play Spanish-influenced instrumental music as well as popular songs. • Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Bass, Keyboard, Percussion, Voice • Grades: 6-12 • *Available on YMUClassroom.org Music Production • This non-genre-specific course requires no previous musical training and offers students the opportunity to compose, arrange, and mix their own music. Students create their own beats and original songs through GarageBand software on iPads. • Equipment: iPads, Microphones, Garageband, Recording Station • Grades: 5-12 • *Available on YMUClassroom.org
2 0 YMU2023 YMU continues its support for individuals with intellectual disabilities through the Autism Program at South Dade Middle School in Homestead. The goal of the program is to promote acceptance of neurodivergent individuals and introduce students to music performed by professionals. The program offers Fun Friday activities led by instructors, allowing students to develop self-expression skills on their preferred musical instruments and collaborate with their peers to create music. We are excited to witness the progress of both our students and faculty at South Dade Middle through this program. AUTISM PROGRAM Pitch + Rhythm • This fun and interactive course focuses on developing a basic understanding of music through the use of percussion instruments and vocal training. This experience provides students with the musical foundation necessary for a successful transition into middle school. • Instrumentation: Voice, Orff Instruments, Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Percussion • Grades: 4-5 • *Available on YMUClassroom.org Orchestral Strings • This course familiarizes students with string instruments and orchestral percussion. Students focus on instrumental technique, intonation, reading music, and learning both classical and popular repertoire. • Instrumentation: Violin, Viola, Cello, Contrabass, Percussion • Grades: 6-12 2 0 YMU2023
YMU2023 2 1 OUR MUSIC FOOTPRINT HOMESTEAD Leisure City K-8 South Dade Middle MIAMI BEACH Fienberg Fisher K-8 Miami Beach Senior High Nautilus Middle North Beach Elementary CENTRAL MIAMI Booker T. Washington Senior High Brownsville Middle Citrus Grove Middle Coral Gables Senior High Dr. Henry W. Mack/West Little River K-8 Earlington Heights Elementary Jose De Diego Middle Kelsey L Pharr Elementary Madison Middle MAST Academy Miami Central Senior High Miami Edison Senior High Miami Northwestern Senior High Olinda Elementary YMU STUDIO Young Men's Preparatory Academy MIAMI GARDENS Barbara Hawkins Elementary Beacon College Preparatory Brentwood Elementary Carol City Elementary Carol City Middle Lake Stevens Elementary Lake Stevens Middle Miami Carol City Senior High Miami Gardens Elementary Myrtle Grove K-8 North County K-8 North Glade Elementary Skyway Elementary The SEED School of Miami
Career Readiness Programs Our after-school programs increase career readiness by focusing on vocational experiences for our students in order to prepare them for employment and college scholarship eligibility. Subjects: Audio/Recording, Video, Photography, Live Rehearsals, Music Business, Music Production, Songwriting, Mixing, Mastering, Sound and Video Editing, Graphic Design, Website Development, Social Media, Copywriting, Podcast Production Academic Internships YMU’s internship program is an opportunity for students to gain valuable real-world experience, knowledge, and skills in diverse fields such as Video Production, Photography, Audio Recording, Marketing, Operations, Pedagogy and Development. Through these internships, YMU provides lifelong knowledge and relationships between students, professionals, and the community to ensure our youth are prepared for the future workforce and have a thorough understanding of the music industry. AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS
YMU2023 2 3 THE JAZZ COLLECTIVE This invitation-only ensemble features students from a variety of backgrounds and schools across Miami, each of whom is the top jazz player on their instrument. These students form a tight-knit group that stay together until they graduate, challenging each other through advanced jazz repertoire and a rigorous performance schedule. The 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 including the Adrienne Arsht Center and Miami Beach Bandshell. YMU’s after-school performing ensemble programs are open to the community and focus on students who want to study music on a deeper level. Students can participate in Rock Ensembles, Jazz Combos, or Stage Production teams. Classes are kept small, ranging from five to twelve students, to ensure a more personal mentor-to-student experience. Our performing ensembles participate in over 100 shows during our annual concert season. MIAMI BEACH ROCK ENSEMBLE The Miami Beach Rock Ensemble from Miami Beach Senior High School was founded by the late Doug Burris in 1972. The group is the first high school rock ensemble in our nation's history. The student-led musical group is a culmination of musicians, stage crew, and a sound engineering team. The Rock Ensemble comes together to play classic and modern rock, and lends vocational experience to its students by engaging them in professional environments at a young age. Many professional musicians and sound engineers have passed through the ranks of the Rock Ensemble over its 50-year run. Members include Ann Curless from Exposé, Grammy-nominated singersongwriter and producer Amber Mark, guitarist Fernando Perdomo—who has collaborated with Jakob Dylan, Fiona Apple, and Tego Calderon— and Elton John's rehearsal pianist Adam Chester. Performing Ensembles YMU2023 2 3
2 4 YMU2023 The YMU Studio is a professional-level multimedia studio that provides young creatives in our community with free resources and opportunities to take their education and careers to the next level. Our studio offers the following programs: audio recording, songwriting & beat-making, video production, live-streaming & performances, photography, and podcast production. Studio Recording Sessions Students can schedule free studio sessions to record audition material, music videos, songs, podcasts, live streams, and performances. With guidance from our videographer and sound engineer, students learn the intricacies of working within a professional recording environment. Songwriting & Beat Making Class Classes take place every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon giving students, ranging from 5th to 12th grade, the opportunity and resources to learn how to design musical and lyrical compositions. Students can work individually or collaborate on projects. The music created is then distributed through the YMU label on ONErpm. Students maintain full rights and royalties over their songs. YMU.LIFE/studio Our FREE Youth Recording Studio 2 4 YMU2023
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2 6 YMU2023 YMU Classroom provides students with the opportunity to study music no matter their location or skill level. Students in grades 4-12 can choose between courses in Music Technology, Drumline, Pitch and Rhythm, Modern Band, and or Beginning Band. These courses are used in the classroom by our teachers as well as at home by students who want to keep developing their musical skills. Courses include interactive video lessons, PDF lessons, assignments, and play-along tracks. YMU CLASSROOM Video lessons, downloadable sheet music, practice tracks Lesson plans created in collaboration with the MDCPS for their implementation and access to STEAM programs in any classroom. Custom arrangements for collaborative performances across all classes Curriculum Popular Songs STEAM 5.0 2 6 YMU2023
2 8 YMU2023 P A R E N T SPOTLIGHT When my daughter Estelle had the chance to audition for the Miami Beach Rock Ensemble during her freshman year, she panicked. She had been the lead singer of Feinberg Fisher K-8's Junior Rock Ensemble for four years, but now she was in a new environment and didn't know what to expect. She almost didn't audition during her sophomore year either, until her father and I convinced her to give it a shot. We told her, "All you can do is try your best." I believe in Estelle's talent completely and I was so happy that Sammy Gonzalez Zeira did as well. Estelle's been involved with the Miami Beach Rock Ensemble for three years now, and it was really affirming for her confidence to be accepted. It's been a great experience. Once she acclimated to making new friends, Rock Ensemble taught her to work with others, be responsible, and be on time. Those lessons inspired her to create and manage her own band where she directs rehearsals and performances. I first watched Estelle perform at the Miami Beach Youth Music Festival when she was 10 years old. Now she’s in high school, rocking out with the Miami Beach Rock Ensemble on that same stage. Seeing their performance was a full circle moment that gave me goosebumps. I think YMU has laid the foundation for students like Estelle. The performances YMU does and the community YMU creates gives students a free opportunity to explore their creativity and artistry. Despite the difficulties of the music industry, I’ve watched my daughter develop confidence and put in the work required to become a professional artist. LISA MORALES 2 8 YMU2023
YMU2023 2 9 EDUCATOR SPOTLIGHTS GUILLERMO MUÑOZ Principal, South Dade Middle School ANDY HARRISON Principal, Carol City Middle School Young Musicians Unite (YMU) was the driving force in bringing music back to Carol City Middle School. The experiences that this organization provides for our students is second to none. Whether it’s combined performances with professional musicians, playing at the Miami Beach Bandshell, or cultivating scholarship recipients for the Interlochen Summer Camp in Michigan. YMU has been a staunch supporter of music at Carol City Middle and the Miami Gardens community. Music has always been a significant part of my life. As a principal for the past 19 years, I have made sure to support music programs in each school I have led. I vividly remember when I was 10, riding in the car with my father and questioning why he listened to old music. His answer, "Music brings memories from years past," has stuck with me to this day. I strive to ensure that our students have the opportunity to create their own memories through music. Looking back on it now, I think there may have been some kind of divine intervention to have Young Musicians Unite reach out when they did. During the pandemic, it was challenging to maintain student interest in music due to the lack of face-to-face instruction. Our music program was in danger of closing. With the help of Young Musicians Unite, we were able to keep it open and enroll over 180 students. Through our partnership, I am confident that our program will continue to grow and become a sought-after part of the community. Music allows students to explore their creative side, and I am grateful to have been a part of providing that opportunity for our students. YMU2023 2 9
3 0 YMU2023 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 A DECADE OF CHANGE 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 • YMU launches its first after-school program at the Young Men’s Preparatory Academy in Wynwood, serving 8 students. • YMU introduces its first in-school program at the Young Men's Preparatory Academy. • YMU adds two additional schools. • YMU is awarded the inaugural Citizens Interested in Arts grant, which launches the JDD Classical Guitar Summer Camp. • YMU expands to four schools and 186 students in total. • YMU performs at the Miami Heat game. • YMU grows to six schools and 288 students in total. • YMU celebrates its first two graduates— Caleb Alcime and Gabriel Pierre— who go on to attend college. • YMU establishes the Vocational Internship Program, and partners with the New World Symphony. 3 0 YMU2023
YMU2023 3 1 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 • YMU’s founder and CEO—Sammy Gonzalez Zeira— spearheads the Miami Beach Rock Ensemble. • YMU activates the Miami Beach STEAM+ Pilot program. • YMU signs a district-wide agreement with MDCPS. • YMU hosts the Miami Beach Youth Music Festival and receives Straight Superiors with Distinction at FBA's. • YMU’s first alumni, Caleb Alcime, is hired as a teacher. • YMU receives its first six-figure grant from Daniel Lewis of Music Access Miami. • YMU breaks the 1,000 student mark, with over 150,000 lesson hours logged. • YMU wins Straight Superiors with Distinction at FBA's for the second time. • YMU Studio and YMU Classroom begins, surpassing 50 staff members. • YMU kicks off the Homestead Expansion and the Miami Gardens Youth Music Festival. • YMU forms partnership with MDCPS and STEAM+. • YMU collaborates with Shaun Martin of Snarky Puppy to record and release an album with The Jazz Collective. YMU2023 3 1
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GUERWEN S I G H T S S E T H I G H : A F E A T U R E INTERVIEW WITH GUERWEN GUE BY ISABELLA MARIE GARCIA
BASSIST GUE
3 6 YMU2023 Z A C H G A V E M E A N H O N E S T L O O K O N H O W T H E R E A L WORLD WOULD BE MUSICW I S E . I T W A S G R E A T T O H A V E H I M B Y M Y S I D E B E C A U S E H E W O U L D A L W A Y S W A R N M E A B O U T A N Y C H O I C E S T H A T W O U L D T U R N I N T O BAD HABITS." “I didn’t know what I wanted to do and I was out of my mind doing nothing. Sammy Gonzalez came up to me and said ‘Hey bro, you want to be in a guitar class with me?’ I played guitar for one year before I switched to bass and competed to be in the Wynwood Jazz Combo. After school everyday, I went straight to practicing the bass, reading textbook charts, and taking lessons with Sammy. I felt unstoppable. I ultimately got into the Wynwood Jazz Combo and continued playing,” Gue explains. Sammy Gonzalez Zeira—founder and CEO of Young Musicians Unite—sowed the initial seeds into what would be Gue’s involvement and a prodigy star of the organization. The need for a bass player in the Wynwood Jazz Combo was filled when Gue stepped in as a substitute for their usual bassist, Patrick Johnson, an alumni of YMU who is now studying at University of North Florida. The time spent learning from Johnson was a formative opportunity for Gue in his exploration of YMU’s after-school programs and student musicians. Later, Gue joined The Jazz Collective—an invitationonly ensemble that features the top jazz players from six different schools across Miami. The group has performed at numerous prestigious venues, such as the Adrienne Arsht Center and North Beach Bandshell, and is where Zach Larmer, YMU’s Chief Operating Officer, mentored him into becoming a dedicated bass player. Like arriving late or turning down gigs at the last minute. One time I even forgot to bring my bass to a performance.” Gue elaborates. Now a Senior at Young Men’s Preparatory Academy, Gue’s most recent projects and debuts include performing in LoBac, a medium-size jazz ensemble composed of Wynwood's top student jazz musicians with a focus on Haitian-based repertoire. Just this past February, Gue and his Jazz Collective bandmates collaborated with Snarky Puppy pianist Shaun Martin on an original composition titled “Changes of an Everlasting Moon,” which debuted on the album titled Presence. As he prepares to graduate, with sights set on Berklee College of Music or Florida State University, Gue mulls over the growth he’s experienced as a young musician. Citing artists of particular inspiration—such as Cannonball 3 6 YMU2023
YMU2023 3 7 “I LIKE TO THINK OF THIS ARTICLE AS YMU RECOGNIZING WHO I’VE BECOME OVER THE YEARS AND THE JOURNEY WE’VE TRAVELED ON TOGETHER. IT’S ONE OF THE MOST SINCERE WAYS TO POINT OUT MY POTENTIAL FUTURE AS A STAR. I DON’T KNOW THE ROAD I’M ON BUT I’M CERTAINLY ON IT AND I HAVE A LONG WAY TO GO.” Adderley and Herbie Hancock—he emphasizes the value of balance in his everyday bass playing. He confesses, “My greatest failure was being too cocky. There was a show where I had a month to prepare and I didn't practice at all because I thought I would get it instantly. When the day came, I sounded horrible. It made me realize that I didn’t want that to happen again. Another challenge was controlling my overconfidence and seeing it push away my friends. I learned that lesson the hard way.” Now receiving paid gigs outside of YMU, Gue hopes to give back to the organization by dedicating time towards becoming a better musician and crediting his time with YMU as formative years for his music career. He expresses this sentiment with gratitude in noting, Guerwen Gue is a bass player currently attending Young Men’s Preparatory Academy in Wynwood in his native Miami. Studying music throughout the past few years with Young Musicians Unite, Gue is a member of jazz ensembles LoBac and The Jazz Collective. He’s played at local venues such as Smorgasburg Miami, The Sandbox in Miami Beach, the North Beach Bandshell, and has written out original pieces for different band ensembles and played for different accomplished musicians, such as Richard Bona and John Daversa. Of Haitian descent, he plans to continue his music education in his college years after his Summer 2023 high school graduation. Isabella Marie Garcia, or Isa, as she prefers to be called, is a writer and film photographer living in her native swampland of South Florida. For the past four years, Garcia has worked with local and national artsbased organizations such as Burnaway, Ten North Group (formerly OLCDC), LnS Gallery, and UNTITLED, Art. Her writing has appeared in publications such as On / Off-Shore: Poets of the Caribbean and Caribbean Diaspora, The Art Newspaper, The Miami New Times, and So To Speak: A feminist journal of language and art. Garcia graduated summa cum laude with her Bachelor of Arts in English from Florida International University in 2019. More information on her work can be found at isamxrie.com and anywhere through @isamxrie. YMU2023 3 7
3 8 YMU2023 My journey as a guitarist has been challenging. I began playing on my own at 13, but because I didn’t have consistent guidance or formal instruction, I didn’t feel that my learning path was very clear or defined. My time as a YMU student changed that—it proved crucial in helping me take myself seriously as a musician. I first encountered the program as a freshman when I saw the Miami Beach Rock Ensemble perform. At the time, I really wanted to play in a band and looked up to the Ensemble, but didn’t feel I was at the right level to do so. I had joined the Wynwood Jazz Combo for a time, where I met guitarist Aidan Johnston. Although I learned a lot from jamming with him outside of rehearsal, I was discouraged at first by the gap in our skill levels. I finally joined the Rock Ensemble as a techie in the beginning of my junior year, when Sammy had just become the director. We had some really talented musicians also join at that time, like Cristian Acevedo and Ceci Leon. But it wasn’t skill as much as perspective that I gained from the experience. Something as routine as rehearsal taught me what it means to work with other people. By considering the importance of everyone's different roles, I learned how to be open to exchanging feedback and ideas. We all became really close friends and I felt a family-type love; these people became my brothers and sisters. Sammy himself was a father figure: he gave us time for jamming and having fun, but when he meant business, he meant business. I loved being in a music program that opened the doors for its students to create independently outside of the band. My current group, Himalayan Salt Band, started through jamming with my Rock Ensemble bandmates, Mauricio and Harry, after rehearsal. We began playing together two years ago and started gigging constantly this last year. As an instrumental group, we were surprised when we made a breakthrough in the local music scene and had a huge turnout during a Tuesday night show—over a hundred people came and we sold out our merch for the first time. Other bands in the scene are known for their stage antics and people come out to see them put on a performance. For our band, it was heartwarming to know that our audience was there for the music; they wanted to hear us playing. I S I D R O ANZOLA ALUMNISPOTLIGHTS IF YOU HAVE A PASSION FOR MUSIC, MY ADVICE IS TO NOT BE DISCOURAGED BY OTHERS' ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND TO ENJOY THE JOURNEY OF CREATING AND EXPERIENCING MUSIC." 3 8 YMU2023
YMU2023 3 9 I was six years old when I started learning about music. I had moved from Miami to Nicaragua with my mom and would go to church with her on Sundays, where I was always watching the band perform. I started on guitar, but eventually I fell in love with the drums. I moved back to Miami when I was in seventh grade and attended Young Men's Preparatory Academy. That’s where I learned about YMU. During the winter showcase that year, I remember I saw Sammy and some of the YMU teachers setting up a stage for bands to perform. That's when I told my parents, "I want to be in that program." Once I joined, I took my music classes seriously, Iearned about the rhythm section, music theory, music history, and how to perform with a band. I participated in a lot of the after-school ensembles in my junior year of high school like the Wynwood Rock Ensemble and Wynwood Jazz Combo. This was where an older drummer named Caleb Alcime became a big mentor for me and helped me transition to playing with full drum sets. In my senior year, I began attending YMU's Studio program at the YWCA in Miami Gardens. The studio was awesome; the program taught me about engineering and interacting with artists in that environment. I was used to making beats in my room by myself, but Andrew Gonzalez helped me get out of my comfort zone. He taught me how to incorporate different genres and that hip-hop along with rap comes from various influences. When the studio moved to Allapattah, we recorded more live performances and focused on building skills in production and editing. I learned a lot about the music business through preparing split sheets and releasing music. I also had a legal incident where a rap artist used one of my uncopyrighted beats in his music. That experience taught me two important things: to make sure that you protect your intellectual property and to always keep making beats. In my senior year of high school, I met a student that suffered from autism in my class and we made a song just to mess around. He told me that no one had ever taken him seriously with music because of his autism. It felt awesome to collaborate with him. I've always been a very closed-off person, but music has helped me be more open and get to know other people's stories. That's what music is for me: a way to inspire other people. ANTHONY MARTINEZ I'VE ALWAYS SAID THIS AND WILL KEEP ON SAYING IT: MUSIC IS MY FORM OF THERAPY. THANKS TO YMU, MUSIC IS A PART OF MY LIFE AND A PART OF MY FUTURE, AND IT'S SOMETHING THAT WILL NEVER GO AWAY. YMU2023 3 9
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YMU2023 4 1 NAME: SARAHÍ MATHEUZ INSTRUMENT: FLUTE Through Young Musicians Unite, I have been given the chance to instill discipline and positively impact the lives of many students. Despite their diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs, they collaborate as a team through the power of music. Music transcends boundaries and inclusively brings us together to share in the joy of the art form. The opportunity to offer this amazing experience to so many young individuals fills me with a sense of privilege. NAME: DEMIAN MARTINEZ INSTRUMENT: CLARINET As a music teacher, your job goes beyond simply teaching how to play an instrument. It's essential to establish a connection between the student and the music, which can be achieved through careful instrument selection and offering advice as needed. It's also very important to be empathetic and create a sense of teamwork and discipline in the classroom. Above all, the music class should be enjoyable. It's crucial to remember that even if students don't pursue music as a career, they will benefit as individuals in society. Being a part of YMU has allowed me to witness firsthand the importance of music education in public schools and how it can positively impact students' lives. T E A C H E R SPOTLIGHT YMU2023 4 1
O U R TEACHERS Jose Arvelo Beginning Band Giacomo Bacigalupo Modern Band Daniel Belloso Drumline Carlos Bianculli Beginning Band Kalil Bohannon Drumline Marian Castro Modern Band Andrea Coiro Modern Band Edival Daniz Drumline
Monica Encinoza Pitch & Rhythm Andrew Gonzalez Music Production Sebastian Guerrero Modern Band Arnold J. Hill Rock Ensemble Angelo Izzo Band Emilio Lacayo Band David Madden Band Demian Martinez Band Joel Martinez Pitch & Rhythm Sarahi Matheuz Pitch & Rhythm Michael McNamee Rock Ensemble Jose Francisco Montes Modern Band Nehemias Orellana Modern Band Ana Ortega Strings Miguel Pagua Drumline Ivan Parra Band Corey Perez Rock Ensemble Addison Rifkind Jazz Combo Renzo Vargas Drumline Tom Witek Music Production
4 4 YMU2023 SAMMY GONZALEZ CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER 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 over 18 years of experience working in music education and has taken YMU from eight to over 3,000 students in only nine years. Sammy has played over 1,000 concerts, gone on 15 U.S. 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. ZACH LARMER CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Zach is an internationally acclaimed jazz musician and educator. As a performer and composer, he has toured around the world and worked alongside artists such as Pat Metheny, John Scofield and The Steve Miller Band. Zach is also the guitarist on the three-time GRAMMY-award-winning album, American Dreamers: Voices of Hope and Freedom. As a music educator for the last 14 years, Zach has focused on creating an infrastructure for musicians to support their growth as they transform into formidable artists. OUR TEAM 4 4 YMU2023
YMU2023 4 5 MELANIE GREENWALD CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER A New York native, Melanie relocated to Miami Beach with her husband Eric in 2001. Melanie is a CPA who has previously worked in a finance and accounting capacity at a variety of firms, including a major accounting firm and Fortune Magazine. Melanie joined as YMU’s first employee in 2016 and has served as YMU’s Chief Financial Officer since 2018. Melanie loves the people she works with and, most importantly, the great work that YMU does for our community. Melanie and Eric have three children, Eliza, Sydney, and Sam, all of whom have been involved in YMU. “I am excited to work at YMU as I believe that impacting individual students through music and access to a better education is not only a catalyst for self-improvement but the beginning of a chain-reaction that improves life at home and the community at large.” PEDRO DIAZ PROGRAM DIRECTOR “My main motivation to serve YMU is to help students have access to music education and to create a nourishing and creative environment in their community.” JUAN PELAEZ ACADEMIC MANAGER “I firmly believe that music is one of the best outlets to cope with daily stress and to stay hopeful. YMU has given me a unique opportunity to increase the access that students have to quality music education as well as improve music programs and keep the curricula relevant.” PAUL RABUT REGIONAL DIRECTOR “It’s been a pleasure helping young musicians develop the tools they need to be successful in life. Having been a young musician myself, I'm able to guide them with the help I wish I had.” PEDRO RODRIGUEZ REGIONAL DIRECTOR “There’s no greater feeling than when I see students enjoying music through this program, knowing I was able to contribute to even a small part of it.” HAKIM LAHLOU PRODUCTION MANAGER "I personally never had the opportunity to learn to play an instrument in school, and looking back, I really wish I had. Music is such a huge part of my daily life now, and I am excited to help YMU create those opportunities for students in school today.” ANDREA AMOROSI MARKETING DIRECTOR YMU2023 4 5
4 6 YMU2023 “I honestly love being here because of the people I work with. It feels like everyone is championing the same cause and working together to make it happen.” DIANA FERNANDEZ YMU STUDIO MANAGER JASMIN NUNEZ BOOKKEEPER “The only way to do great work is to love what you do. That’s my favorite part about working for YMU!” ANDREW GONZALEZ MUSIC PRODUCER “At YMU, I do what I love every day: gain experience working on music/audio in a professional studio environment while giving young musicians the same opportunity. This experience is something I wish I had in the past, and I am more than happy to help provide it to the community.” CARLO BARBACCI AUDIO ENGINEER FORREST CANADAY VIDEOGRAPHER & PHOTOGRAPHER “Working at YMU I’m able to help the next generation of musicians pursue their dreams and passions while I get to learn and grow in my own career at the same time. It’s inspiring to work around so many creative people and I’m happy to be here.” “I love working for YMU because every day brings new challenges and opportunities to grow. The end result of our hard work is magical for the students and everyone involved!” TALI BAJAROFF OPERATIONS MANAGER “I love working for YMU because it is an organization that truly cares about the future of students in Miami-Dade County and is dedicated to giving them free music education. YMU encourages students to follow their music passions and gives them the resources to do so whether in school or after school.” TASHIMA MATHIS EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT "I feel it's my duty as a musician and a member of my community to help YMU provide the youth with programming that helps them pursue their passion for music and creates a positive impact on their lives.” MARTE SIEBENHAR FUNDRAISING CONSULTANT "I believe music education and access to musical resources are incredibly valuable to students of any age or skill level. It shaped my early years, and I am happy to be involved in granting that experience to others through my work with YMU." 4 6 YMU2023
YMU2023 4 7 OUR INTERNS Olivia Murray - Studio Management & Operations Intern "I really enjoy the working environment; everyone gets along and it just flows. I've learned that even despite some hardships or bumps in the road, if you keep a level head and keep moving forward, it will all work out." Sydney Greenwald - Rock Ensemble Intern “As an intern, I have had the amazing experience of working behind the scenes with such an inspiring organization, and learning how companies function. I am so grateful for this opportunity Young Musicians Unite has given me, as I feel as though I have learned so much about band management, deadlines and responsibilities, and working with a team.” Noah de la Portilla - Programs Intern “The thing I love most about working at YMU is that there's always something to do. If I'm not compiling teacher information into spreadsheets, I'm building a desk for a classroom or a shelf for the conference room (neither of which have anything to do with my actual job).” Roberto Kassin - Audio Engineering Intern “As an intern, I have had the best experience working in the studio with Carlo. I can say that every time I walk out of the studio, I have learned a new skill. I am very honored to be interning with YMU studio.” Taylor Norman - Marketing Intern “Interning in the marketing department has been like being backstage at a show, but instead of watching a band perform, I've been able to observe an organization in action and see how YMU impacts students' lives.” Anthony Izzo - Audio Engineering Intern “I’ve enjoyed learning about the inner workings of music production. I think YMU has provided me with a great foundation on the essence of music production.” Natalie Colegrove - Marketing Intern "I wish I had something like YMU when I was growing up, a place where everyone supports you on your path towards music." YMU2023 4 7
4 8 YMU2023 RICHARD BONA Bassist "My partnership with YMU is extremely important to me, because the power of music education is beyond any language, nationality, or social status. Being self-taught, I know how impactful mentors can be in a young musician’s life. These experiences will only open doors in these kids' lives. Young Musicians Unite’s efforts for accessible music education in Miami have the full support of my foundation, my partners at MarkBass, and myself. I urge you to get more familiar with YMU’s activities and get involved. We can only change things if we are in it together!” KUNYA ROWLEY The Miami Foundation “I am a product of having music and arts programs in my school. These programs are where I learned how to be brave, how to lead, how to listen, and the value of teamwork. Having access in those formative years propelled me to college with a full ride scholarship; it was a vehicle for opportunity. That is what organizations like Young Musicians Unite are unlocking for youth across Miami-Dade.” COMMUNITY LEADERS 4 8 YMU2023
YMU2023 4 9 STUDENT ACCOLADES INTERLOCHEN SCHOOL OF THE ARTS, MICHIGAN Students were accepted and provided with a full scholarship for Summer Camp 2022. Recipients: Guerwen Gue, Amber Diaz, Deo Budnevich, Tyrell Varnado, Bruce Miley, Terry Moore, Ryan Fuqua, Julia Baker, Liliana Sigmundova, Julian Chirino, Juan Jaimes, Jesus Dupree. NEW WORLD SYMPHONY COLLEGE TRACK SCHOLARSHIP Students were awarded with $10,000 to help in their college application process, the purchase of instruments and equipment needed for their education process, as well as a dedicated mentor from NWS to help students develop their strengths and musical abilities. Recipients: Guerwen Gue and Tyrell Varnado. POWER ACCESS SCHOLARSHIP South Beach Jazz Festival and Power Access presented a scholarship which was awarded to 3 students across the Miami-Dade School District. One of our students from our Autism Intensive Course at South Dade Middle School was awarded and recognized for his hard work, talent, and achievements. Recipient: Jeremiah Martial YMU COLLEGE ACCESS SCHOLARSHIP FUND In collaboration with Sydney Greenwald, YMU has created the College Access Scholarship fund which helps provide resources to a selection of YMU students as they navigate the college application process. These resources will help pay for college counseling, application fees and audition fees. Recipients: Guerwen Gue and Tyrell Varnado COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES Guerwen Gue (Bass) - Florida Memorial University FMU Tyrell Varnado (Trombone) - Florida State University FSU Sydney Greenwald (Bass) - New York University NYU Noah de la Portilla (Guitar) - Florida State University FSU YMU2023 4 9
5 0 YMU2023 HOT OFF THE PRESS When Fernando Perdomo flew to London to record at the iconic Abbey Road Studios, he brought a framed photograph of his late music teacher, Doug Burris. I PUT IT ON THE PIANO THAT T H E B E A T L E S U S E D O N S G T . P E P P E R , " P E R D O M O S A Y S . " I W A N T E D H I M T O BE THERE." Perdomo, who graduated from Miami Beach Senior High in 1998, spent three years under Burris' tutelage as part of the Miami Beach Rock Ensemble, the school's highly regarded music program Burris founded in 1972. "I wouldn't be doing what I'm doing if it wasn't for Rock Ensemble," says Perdomo, a guitarist who has collaborated with Jakob Dylan, Fiona Apple, and Tego Calderon and appears in the music documentary Echo in the Canyon. "[Burris] showed me that I could make a career out of what many people consider a hobby. There's not a day that goes by when I don't think about what he taught me." On Saturday, May 28, Perdomo, along with more than 100 former students, will take part in a concert to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Miami Beach Rock Ensemble and honor Burris’ life and legacy, defined by his dedication and devotion to the more than 1,000 students who have come through the ensemble. Many 5 0 YMU2023