□□ Investing in the Future of Missoula's Young Musicians □□
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For over four years, Grow Music was fortunate to have permission to use the work of Gary Blehm, aka Penmen, for our logo. We love this cartoon! However, as we progress into the future with our little music school, we decided it was time to have our own logo design that we can use freely. We are excited to share what we came up with! Let us know what you think. Let us know what you think! : )
We'll be doing instrument petting zoos, music classes for kids and families, and playing a mix of chamber music, pop songs, and whatever else we feel like playing! Come on down and enjoy the whole event!!
Grow Music Missoula had representation in the 2023 YOLA National Orchestra Festival!This fine, young musician attended the 10-day intensive that culminated with a performance in Walt Disney Concert Hall on Saturday, July 15, 2023. At 14 years of age, she was one of 6 cellists selected from a national audition to be a part of the YOLA Chamber Orchestra. The week was full of rehearsals with amazing professional teaching artists from institutions throughout the country, music workshops with current members of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, a trip to see John Williams conduct live at the Hollywood Bowl, a live music performance and dance party at the Ford Amphitheater, lifelong music buddy friendship-building, and an ice cream date with Gustavo Dudamel. The week ended with a final concert that was absolutely INCREDIBLE!
Video clips: #1 is the Chamber Orchestra playing Danzon. #2 is the Symphony Orchestra playing Sensemaya.
Grow Music celebrates another graduating senior! We have known Evan since they were in middle school and have enjoyed their contribution, musicality, and thoughtful curiosity with music, arranging, and creative expression. It's been wonderful to have Evan's support in Cello Mafia this semester, as well. Below is a bit about Evan - we wish them the very best at MIT and wherever else the future leads to!
Evan Lofink is a 2023 graduating senior from Hellgate High School. They have been a longtime participating member of the Cello Mafia. Evan chose the cello in 5th grade because they liked the voice and versatility of the instrument. Since then, Evan has played in school orchestras, Cello Mafia, other student ensembles, Missoula Youth Symphony, and a small cover group that they helped create during junior year. Evan began mentoring for the Cello Mafia in order to share their interest in cover music with other cellists, as well as to support the group in a new way. Outside of cello, Evan’s interests include cross country running, hiking, drawing, playing piano, and STEM. Evan will be attending the Massachusetts Institute of Technology next year, with plans to pursue a degree in Mathematics. Grow Music is so proud of this 2023 graduating senior! Jatayo Jones began playing cello and taking lessons in 5th grade. He clearly loved music from the get-go and has been a steadfast, rising star ever since! Tayo has been section leader in both MYO & MYS (Missoula Youth Orchestra/Symphony) and has auditioned into the cello section of the MT All-State Orchestra for 4 years. He joined the Cello Mafia 6 years ago and has been a wonderful addition to the group since. Tayo's love and enthusiasm for the ensemble and the music has always been obvious and he very naturally transitioned from learner to leader. Tayo has been my main assistant with Cello Mafia for the last 2 years and has been a great support to the entire group. "Being able to {play and} teach through Cello Mafia has been a great experience because it first allowed me to get comfortable playing in groups and gave me the time and resources needed to feel comfortable playing my instrument. Because I was able to start teaching in Cello Mafia, I was then confident enough to teach private lessons of my own." - J. Jones His creativity, love, and community-minded approach to the arts doesn't stop there - Jatayo really enjoys theater! He recently finished stage directing for Sentinel High School's production of CLUE, and can be seen playing in the pit of MATILDA, produced by Missoula Children's Theater, Inc. Most recently, Tayo received the great news of being offered a full-tuition scholarship to attend music school at the University of Montana! He will be attending this Fall and studying cello with Dr. Adam Collins in the UM School of Music. I am thrilled at his accomplishments and am excited to see the fruits of his continued commitment to the arts. Go, Tayo! HEAR JATAYO PLAY!! THIS THURSDAY, APRIL 27th, JATAYO WILL BE PERFORMING ELGAR'S CELLO CONCERTO (1st Movement) with the Missoula Youth Symphony, directed by Mr. Ryan Davis. 7:30PM in the Hellgate High School Auditorium - free and open to the public. Not to be missed! Addie just found out she's going to YOLA National! She will be joining other youth from throughout the US in a 10-day intensive orchestra program, culminating in a performance at Walt Disney Concert Hall, conducted by Los Angeles Phil's Gustavo Dudamel. An intensive summer orchestra program with a focus on rigorous artistic development, the YOLA National Festival is for young musicians from Sistema-inspired programs and programs similarly invested in youth and community development through music. Musicians will convene in Los Angeles from July 7–July 16, 2023 for 10 days of learning with the festival’s amazing faculty, guest artists, and performances with world-renowned conductors. Her work, dedication, and positive attitude was awe-inspiring through this whole process. She wanted it and took the steps to get there. I couldn't be more proud of her. And I can't wait to see her on that stage!! Go, Adelaide! You have a team of cheer and support behind you. |
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