2021

GIVING STUDENTS A

VOICE
THROUGH MUSIC
WWW.YOUNGMUSICIANSUNITE.ORG
IS PROUD TO SUPPORT
YOUNG MUSICIANS UNITE

R E A L E S TAT E A N D
CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

W W W. A M I C O N . U S
 23

11 06

CONTENTS
02 Letter From Our CEO
04 Our Mission
05 What We Do
06 How We Do It 14 04
08 Student Spotlight
14 In-School
Music Programs
18 Virtual Music Courses
20 After-School Programs
21 Web Series
22 Parent Spotlight
23 Educator Spotlight 24

24 Interview with
Erwin Dorsainville
28 Alumni Spotlight
30 Teacher Spotlight
32 Teachers
34 Interns
36 Host Committee &
Community Partners 21 29
37 Student Accolades
38 Community Initiatives
40 Community Leaders
COVER PHOTO SHOT BY JORGE MARTINEZ GUALDRON
42 Impact Data
43 Partner Bands YOUNG MUSICIANS UNITE
44 Our Team 1260 NW 29TH STREET #103, MIAMI, FL 33142
305-814-6092
49 Board Members INFO@YOUNGMUSICIANSUNITE.ORG
YMU.LIFE/MEMBER
50 Our Supporters
 letter from our CEO
We all deserve to be loved and to find purpose in life. To dream, find truths, make mistakes, break bones and then be lifted
up and embraced as we crawl towards finding our way through life. Some of us are lucky enough to be guided by a support
system at home while many of us have to search for love outside. Some search for meaning in the wrong places, never having
an opportunity to truly connect through a positive medium and platform. Time and time again I’ve witnessed and personally
experienced that not all children have the same opportunities to be loved, nurtured and supported as they try to find themselves.

It seems that many are faced with the reality of growing up so quickly, never truly having a chance to be a child.
united we can Never having opportunities to grow and mature, to truly let go and be free.
give our children As a child I imagined that adults knew everything and as an adult I would have all the answers to life. Yet as I’ve
opportunities we grown, I’ve realized more and more that there is no playbook or Rosetta Stone to success and happiness.
only dreamed of Personally, this year has been the hardest year of my life, and at times I smiled through the pain while at others I
leaned on those around me and cried openly. What is life without community, family and people who care about
you? What is life without purpose? The daily goals, good deeds, cards, phone calls, letters of support and gratitude. I find myself
saying the same phrase over and over “TOGETHER WE ARE STRONGER.” This is now my mantra. Together and united we can
give our children opportunities we only dreamed of.

Here at Young Musicians Unite, we provide students a safe space in the classroom where they engage in open dialogue, benefit
from strong mentors, develop new friendships and feel empowered and heard as they grow their own voice as musicians and
members of our community.

I will always advocate for our children and the idea that they should follow their hearts and passions. Given the guidance and
opportunity to truly lose themselves in their passion with hard work and determination, students will find success as a natural part
of their journey. Together, we can provide equal opportunity for all students and focus on building a better future for our children
and community.

Sammy Gonzalez
President | CEO | Co-Founder

2 | 2021
 GT L AW.COM

Greenberg Traurig proudly supports

Young Musicians Unite

in its mission to provide Miami-Dade County students
with access to free music education.

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 OUR 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.

empo
4 | 2021
 WHAT WE DO
To empower youth, YMU 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 leveraging its 8-year experience of
creating successful music programs, YMU ensures a seamless experience for both students
and schools. The result is not just smooth communication and consistency within the music
program, but also the support and training of teachers that reduces teacher turnover creating
a school culture that prioritizes student expression. This holistic approach helps schools
attract and retain students, their talents, interest and engagement.

Young Musicians Unite has actively provided music programming for over 2,500 students

ower
in 26 schools in 2020 and will expand to serve over 3,000 students starting in the Fall of
2021. We engage student musicians through diverse, relatable music programs including
Jazz Bands, Rock Ensembles, Music Technology, Modern Band, Beginning Band, Strings
and Drumline.

METUCHAELLE BEAUTELUS | MIAMI JACKSON SENIOR HIGH

2021 | 5
 colla
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 and progress, from elementary through high school.

Because we invest strategically in developing bridges throughout 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 attrition to magnet
schools and other programs. By boosting the attractiveness of local neighborhood
schools through flourishing arts programs, we are making it possible for any school
to host an accessible, thriving music program at a time when arts education cuts,
not investments, are the norm.

6 | 2021
laborate
Year 1
YMU identifies Title I schools across
Miami-Dade County with the highest
potential for collaboration, establishes
a partnership with each school’s
administration and provides the
initial funding for an in-school music
program. With these funds, YMU
provides trained music instructors
along with instruments, lesson
plans and program oversight for
three classes.
Outcome
We plant the seeds for a sustainable
music program in partnership with
our school, its administration and
teachers; student enrollment and
participation rises.
Year 2
Due to increased student enrollment
and participation, the school hires
a part-time music teacher identified
by YMU and shares in the cost
of equipment and instrument
maintenance. The addition of this
part-time teacher enables expanded
enrollment to sustain six classes. YMU
continues to provide supplementary
in-school teachers, purchases new
equipment as the program expands,
and establishes after-school programs
for performing ensembles.
Outcome
The partner school establishes
financial buy-in and program
capacity triples.
Year 3
The part-time teacher is increased to
a full-time role, expanding enrollment
to eight classes per day with robust
in-school and after-school programs.
In the case of teacher turnover, YMU
recruits, screens and trains any new
music faculty to ensure continuity and
the maintenance of the instruments,
equipment and momentum.
Outcome
The culture of the music program
firmly takes root within the partner
school and becomes sustainable. The
program provides access to music
education for every student who is
interested, regardless of background
with a robust set of offerings both
in-school and after-school.
2021 | 7
 tudent Spotligh

MAURICIO
GUITAR

HERNANDEZ
Miami Beach
Senior High School
SENIOR

When I started playing guitar back in

8th grade, I had no idea that music was
going to become such a huge part of
my life. I believe that being a part of
YMU has influenced both my daily life
and personality in many positive ways.
I have been able to make so many
new friends through our mutual love for
music. I have even been introduced to
and have developed a love for playing
jazz and classical music. Although
most people see me as a very shy
person, once I get on stage and start
performing, I am able to open up. I
have even been known to do a little
crowd surfing too, which is really fun!

8 | 2021
SNARE DRUM
AYA
BOUHOUHOU
West Little River K-8
8TH GRADE

Playing the snare is just so much fun

and has taught me so much. It has
really helped me with my expression
as a musician especially with my
movement in drumline class. And now,
when I listen to a song, I pay attention
to all of the minor details that go into
creating it.

Before picking up an instrument I was

a very disorganized person. Music has
helped me become a more organized
person which has helped with my
classwork. I look forward to the days
I get to go to YMU’s music class
because I feel energized for the rest
of the day. I have become friends with
most of the people there, and we even
practice together a lot, which helps
grow our friendships.

GUITAR+VOICE

COOPER
ADAMS
Miami Beach
Senior High School
SENIOR

Everyday I wake up excited to go to

school because of music. Being in
the Miami Beach Rock Ensemble has
created friendships that are inseparable
and required me to be better with my
time management. We are almost like
a family now, and music helped create
that bond. Singing just feels like an
extension of my body and feels natural
to me and my soul. Though I have
never really been a shy person, music
has helped compliment my outgoing
personality. And because of that, it has
helped me discover more about myself
through the process. Being a part of
YMU has definitely made me more
disciplined and focused with my time.

2021 | 9
 MUSIC PRODUCTION
DESTINY
LOFFMAN
Lake Stevens Middle School
8TH GRADE

This is my first year with YMU, and

although I am taking my classes strictly
online, I have been able to get to know
most of the students in my class. I
really love going to music production
class. I have been able to learn how
to make beats from some of my
favorite popular songs which has even
heightened my listening experience
when I’m jamming to other music. In
class, there have been times that I felt
nervous to share my work, but once my
teacher gives me positive feedback I
feel more confident and ready to create
more beats. Thanks to YMU and my
music production class, I have even
started to sing a little bit over my beats
as well. I am thinking of taking this
music thing more seriously!

GUITAR
AIDAN
JOHNSTON
Miami Beach
Senior High School
JUNIOR

I believe the most important thing

that YMU has done for me was the
actual introduction to music. My very
first show was a Miami Beach Rock
Ensemble concert three years ago.
That day I met Marcelo (the guitarist at
the time), who introduced me to Zach
who then introduced me to the YMU
program. Without these connections, I
am unsure if I ever would have started
to play the guitar at all, and for that I am
very thankful.

I love the creative outlet that YMU has

provided me with. As I’ve progressed
with the guitar, I feel that I’ve become a
lot more meditative and open-minded.
I’ve also been exposed to many
different styles of music most notably
jazz. I can even hear its influence in my
music now when I play. For two years
all I cared about was practicing as hard
as I could to prepare to join the Jazz
Collective, YMU’s most advanced jazz
ensemble. Today, I am so proud and
excited to be the lead guitar player in
10 | 2021 the Jazz Collective.
 DEVON
DRUMS

MUNNINGS
Carol City Middle School
6TH GRADE

Playing the drums is so much FUN

for me, and participating in my YMU
band class has changed me a lot.
I originally started playing after my
teacher suggested it, and I loved it so I
stuck with it. One of my favorite ways to
practice is listening to hip hop and rap
songs to find new beats to play to.

Going to music class is now my favorite

part of the school day, and I wish I
had it everyday so that I could see my
friends and jam with them more. We
even try to meet up outside of class
to practice and hopefully help make
each other into better musicians. I feel
really comfortable with the teachers
and the curriculum as well. Even if I am
having a bad day, I always feel better
after attending a YMU class. I have
also noticed that I am more of a team
player when I’m in class. For example,
whenever I see another student
struggling on something, I jump in and
play with them to try and help them get
it right.

GEORGE
KEYBOARD

WILLIAMS
Beacon College
Preparatory Academy
8TH GRADE

I have noticed so many changes

in myself since I began playing
the keyboard. I definitely feel more
connected to people and more
comfortable expressing myself. I would
even say I’m more outgoing than ever
before! It’s helped me make a lot of
new friends which allows me to discuss
topics that I normally wouldn’t get to talk
about in a regular school class. I have
become more independent, and I look
forward to going to school especially on
band days. Most importantly though,
I feel like music has become a part of
my soul, and I feel like nothing can take
that away from me now.

2021 | 11
 TROMBONE TYRELL
VARNADO
Young Men’s
Preparatory Academy
SOPHOMORE

I started off playing the trombone with

YMU in the 6th grade and have now
started learning the piano and tuba.
Whenever I get to make music, I feel
completely safe, and it gives me the
chance to relax and forget any other
worries except what I’m playing. I also
feel like I am able to connect with
people and make them happy. And I
don’t just mean all the new friends I’ve
made, but my teachers, too. I used to
be a very troublesome student, and my
teachers were constantly upset with me
because I would miss class for weeks
on end. But after YMU came into my
life, I became a lot more comfortable
in myself and my abilities, and began
staying out of trouble. Now, I am always
the first kid to arrive, and I’m motivated
to become a better student since I’m
even planning on earning my Phd in
music theory.

JAYLEN
DRUMS

TYSON
Carol City Middle School
8TH GRADE

Music means the world to me... I

couldn’t live without it. Even when I
don’t have my drums nearby, I always
keep an iPad close in case I want to
play something.
Whenever I am in class, my music
instructors are always respectful and
helpful which makes me feel good
while I’m learning. Before we had our
band program, my friend Andrew and I
would go to principal Negron every day
and ask him to start a music program.
One day he told me that YMU would
be coming into the school to start
multiple classes and programs. I was
so excited! Now that I am a part of
it, I feel proud to be able to share my
talents with others and be recognized
by students and teachers for it. It has
inspired me to be kinder to people and
help other students find love in music
as well.
YMU is a wonderful organization. I hope
that the band program continues to
grow in the future with different options
of bands to choose from -- maybe
12 | 2021
even a Salsa band!
 GABRIEL
TRUMPET

JOHNSON
New World School of the Arts
JUNIOR

Since I started playing trumpet in YMU’s

Jazz Combo, I started taking music
more seriously. The more I practiced,
the better musician I became. Then that
discipline bled into my other classes
and is helping me become more
mature and responsible outside of the
classroom. My new nickname is “Zen
Gabriel”. YMU has given me a safe
space and comfortable outlet to create
music and release my feelings. I have
made so many new friends through
YMU, I would even say that most of my
friends are now other music students.
I believe that the trumpet chose me.
And now playing it is part of my identity.
I have been blessed to participate in
over 100 performances with YMU at
venues such at The Adrienne Arsht
Center, The Fillmore, American Airlines
Arena, The North Beach Bandshell
and more. Thanks to YMU, I was also
able to work with a mentor from New
World Symphony and a teacher at the
University of Miami. Because of all the
experience YMU gave me over the
years, I now attend New World School
of The Arts and will pursue a degree in
music when I graduate.

2021 | 13
 In-School
3,000 35 325,000 $450
Students Served Partnered Lesson Hours Annual Cost
this Year Schools this Year per Student

Our programs Classes are open to students of all

levels who have their choice of 9
Students are given their own instrument
and learn in a collaborative setting as
provide access diverse courses. Students have access they build friendships, develop musical

to music to consistent music education from

grades 4-12.
skills and gain real-world experience
through group performances.
education where All YMU programs are 100% free
it otherwise
would not exist
14 | 2021
Music Programs
DRUMLINE
•  his 100% percussion-based course is one of our most rigorous and
T
disciplined programs. Students work together as a unit and learn
rudiments, reading music and cadences for performances. These
ensembles are featured in after-school sports games, award ceremonies
and public performances.
• Instrumentation: Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Cymbals, Tenor Drums
• Grades: 6-12

MODERN BAND
• In this guitar-driven ensemble course, students master basic technique,
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: 5-12

MUSIC TECHNOLOGY
•  his non-genre specific course requires no previous musical training
T
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.
• Instrumentation: iPads, Microphones, Recording Station, and Voice
• Grades: 5-12

EARLY LEARNING
PITCH & RHYTHM
•  itch & Rhythm is the foundation for all early learning programs. This fun
P
and interactive course focuses on developing a basic understanding of
music through the use of percussion instruments and vocal training. The
course provides students with the musical foundation necessary for a
successful transition into middle school.
• Instrumentation: Voice, Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Percussion
instruments
• Grades: 4-5
2021 | 15
 Our Music
Footprint
ALLAPATTAH
ONErpm Media Arts Lab

BROWNSVILLE
Brownsville Middle School
Miami Northwestern Senior High School
West Little River K-8

CORAL GABLES
Coral Gables Senior High School

HIALEAH
Hialeah Senior High School

HOMESTEAD
Elementary School in Homestead (TBA)
Elementary School in Homestead (TBA)
South Dade Middle School

LITTLE HAVANA
Citrus Grove Middle School

MIAMI BEACH
Miami Beach Feinberg Fisher K-8
Miami Beach Nautilus Middle School
Miami Beach Senior High School
North Beach Elementary

MIAMI GARDENS
Barbara Hawkins Elementary
Beacon College Prep
Brentwood Elementary School
Carol City Elementary
Carol City Middle School
Carol City High School
Lake Stevens Elementary
Lake Stevens Middle School
Miami Gardens Elementary
Myrtle Grove K-8
North County K-8
North Glade Elementary
Skyway Elementary

WYNWOOD
Booker T. Washington High School
Jose De Diego Middle School
The Young Men’s Preparatory Academy

16 | 2021
 In-School
Music Programs
BEGINNING BAND
•  his brass and woodwind focused course is geared towards first time
T
band students. Repertoire ranges from popular songs to marching band
hits and jazz standards.
• Instrumentation: Trumpet, Trombone, Saxophone, Tuba, Baritone Horn,
Clarinet, Flute, Percussion
• Grades: 6-12

JAZZ BAND
•  hese performing ensembles are a favorite of our advanced students,
T
and are prominently featured in public performances and events.
Students gain extensive experience in reading music, ensemble playing,
improvisation, music theory and performance techniques.
• Instrumentation: Trumpet, Trombone, Alto Saxophone, Tenor
Saxophone, Guitar, Piano, Bass, Drums, Voice
• Grades: 6-12

ROCK ENSEMBLE
•  hese performing ensembles are a favorite of our modern band graduates
T
and are prominently featured in public performances and events. Students
gain extensive experience in instrumental technique, chord knowledge,
ensemble playing, improvisation and performance techniques.
• Instrumentation: Voice, Guitar, Piano, Bass, Drums, Percussion,
Trumpet, Trombone, Saxophone, Sound Engineering
• Grades: 6-12

ORCHESTRAL STRINGS
•  his course familiarizes students with string instruments and orchestral
T
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
2021 | 17
 irtual Music Course

YMU has
These courses have been
groundbreaking for our students’

created a progress and the standardization

of our teaching methods. Virtual
comprehensive Music Courses provide students the
opportunity to study music in person
and innovative or through distance learning.

virtual
curriculum
for five of our
music courses

18 | 2021
 COURSE OFFERINGS

Music Production
Drumline
Early Learning Pitch & Rhythm
Horns
Modern Band

Virtual curriculum includes a video

for each week of the school year,
play-along tracks, lesson plans and
built-in assignments. Participation
in a course includes one-on-
one attention, fully immersive
classroom experiences, student-
led conversations, community
engagement, masterclasses
and student presentations. All
courses include virtual events and
performances culminating with a
student showcase.

2021 | 19
 After-School Programs

ONErpm Media Arts Lab

The ONErpm Media Arts Lab is a cross-disciplinary
media studio that promotes youth expression and
storytelling while eliminating the barrier of entry for
students interested in a career in the music industry.
Along with developing the next generation of musicians,
YMU’s vision extends to those who comprise the
PRE-PROFESSIONAL creative infrastructure that supports our musicians.
These real-world programs focus on developing
DEVELOPMENT professional musicians and media arts practitioners in

PROGRAMS
After-school programs are pre-professional development
programs focused on vocational experiences for our
students to prepare them for employment or college
scholarship eligibility.
PERFORMING
roles such as photography, videography, graphic design,
music management, and much more. The lab provides
free audio and video recordings for students, nonprofit
organizations and arts teachers. We encourage
students to become active voices in their community
as they share their stories and original new works. We
ensure that students retain the rights to their music,
and all original songs are released digitally through
platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music through our
distribution partner, ONErpm.

ENSEMBLES
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 5 to 12 students,
to ensure a more intimate mentor-to-student experience.
Our performing ensembles typically participate in over 150
shows during our annual concert season.

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

20 | 2021
 Web Series
s
FROM LIVE
TO YOUR
LIVING ROOM

“From Live To your Living Room” is

an original web series produced by
Young Musicians Unite. When the
COVID pandemic began, YMU had
to creatively pivot in order to continue
to allow our students to perform and
tell their story in a safe environment.
This virtual series features video
performances as well as personal
interviews with students, principals,
community leaders and more.

Visit YMU.LIFE/live
#FromLiveToYourLivingRoom

2021 | 21
arent spotligh
ILICH BUDNEVICH
My son Deo and I found out about
Young Musicians Unite through Deo’s
brother Bishop who was a YMU
student at the time. As soon as Deo
heard about it, he was so excited that
we ended up looking to enroll him in a
school that offered YMU programming.
Before enrolling in the school, we went
out to see some YMU performances,
and that solidified the decision to
put Deo at Young Men’s Preparatory
Academy where he was able to start
participating in YMU programs.
Music has always been a huge part of
my life growing up. I vividly remember
the days my mom would be cooking
and cleaning with music playing
throughout the house. We’d listen to
all sorts of genres from jazz, Latin,
classical, and more. My dad was a
huge fan of rock music, and I believe
Deo got that from him. When he was
just three years old he’d ask me to play
Metallica on the way to school!
Deo started out with the bass, then
quickly picked up the guitar and fell in
22 | 2021
e
s
love with it. Watching my son flourish
with YMU has brought me the most
joy as a parent. He was someone
who was very shy and reserved,
and YMU has given him a space for
self expression. On top of that, YMU
programs taught him the responsibilities
that come with being a musician.
YMU has given my son more than
just an environment to achieve
excellence in music. They have guided
him towards a well-rounded and
successful future. Thanks to Young
Musicians Unite, I know that he will
carry the knowledge and appreciation
of friendship, hard work, perseverance,
responsibility and accountability that
he has cultivated during his time in
these programs. He will also carry the
happiness that comes from a sense
of accomplishment and amazing
memories. From his performances to
the priceless connections he’s making
with his mentors and fellow students,
I am forever grateful for the day we
learned about YMU.
educator
spotlight
PRINCIPAL MARCUS MILLER
“Since I became BROWNSVILLE MIDDLE SCHOOL
principal, it’s
been my mission A strong music program was always
to bring a vibrant at the heart of Brownsville Middle
School, so it was devastating when
music program that program had to shutter its doors
back to in 2010. Since I became principal,
it’s been my mission to bring a vibrant
our school.” music program back to our school. I
am proud to say that in 2018, through
YMU’s partnership with Miami-Dade
County Public Schools, we were
able to fill our program with qualified
instructors, musical instruments,
technology and other resources
necessary to successfully engage our
students with music. These programs
have created a safe space and
nurturing environment as well.
Our students are blessed to have
such passionate musical instructors —
instructors that instill 21st century
skills such as communication, critical
thinking and problem solving. In
addition to instrumental performance,
the students are learning the
fundamental skills of reading and writing
music. As a result of this program,
many of our students have expressed
an interest in matriculating to local high
school bands.
The family, staff and students of
Brownsville Middle School are
appreciative of the opportunity to
be in partnership with Young
Musicians Unite.
2021 | 23
 DORSAINVILLE
SENIOR
Young Men’s Preparatory Academy

An Interview with

ERWIN

24 | 2021
Considering this is your senior
year, let’s first look back at
your whole musical journey,
starting at the beginning. How
did you start off on the tenor
saxophone?
During the summers of my early
elementary and middle school years,
my mom sent me to a camp in Miami-
Dade that offered music programs.
The first instruments I ever played
were the keyboard and guitar, but I
wasn’t really inspired by them. Then
in eighth grade, I had to find a new
elective so I picked band and choir
class. I chose the alto saxophone
because I wanted to stand out in the
group, and after playing the first note,
I thought, “Oh, this is nice!” It was
a better feeling than I had with the
other instruments I tried, and I ended
up practicing the saxophone a lot. I
would even sneak out of church and
practice behind the buildings--which
got me into trouble a few times, but
the extra practice was worth it. During
my freshman year of high school, I
decided I was ready to play the “big
boy” tenor saxophone.
boring to me. So, I started practicing
a ton to get into Jazz Combo with
them. And once I made it in, the
practicing didn’t stop. It actually got a
little bit harder.
I remember that you worked
so hard and got way better
really, really fast. I was really
impressed. What inspired you
to do that?
I would listen to Jazz Combo guys
play, and they sounded amazing! I
wanted to make music with them, but
I had way less experience at the time.
So, I focused a lot on my instrument
to be able to join the Combo. I learned
the songs, and then I practiced them
over and over again until I developed
my ears. Once I joined the band, I
also gained a new friend group. This
created some friendly competition
between us which pushed me to
continue to improve.
Another motivator was getting called
out during practice. I remember one
time in the ninth grade, we were
learning a song with Jean Caze’s
jazz combo, and he was asking a
question about scales. I was still
learning them, and Jean was really
surprised that I didn’t play them right.
So each rehearsal after that, he began
quizzing me on scales. I really believe
accountability was one of the most
helpful factors. I did not want to look
bad in front of everyone, so from then
on, I kept practicing until I knew them
all by muscle memory. Even after
that, my teachers and mentors kept
pushing me to be better at every step.
Who were some of the
mentors that have had the
biggest impact on you, and
what do you feel like they
taught you?
There have been so many mentors
for me at YMU, but the one that
I connected with the most was
Alex Weitz. I still remember the first
time I heard Alex play; I was like,
“saxophones can sound like that?!”
He was playing all of these crazy
altissimo notes, so clean and clear,
and he connected them with the low
notes very well. It’s the reason I play

From there, when was your

first experience with YMU?

That same year, a Program Director

came into one of my classes to talk
about YMU. I saw her a few more
times at school, and she finally
approached me personally to ask if I
wanted to join. After speaking to her
and thinking about it, I agreed. At first,
I was really only taking saxophone
lessons because, I’ll be honest, I was
pretty bad.

Were there other players who

were more experienced than
you, and if so who?

All of the more experienced players

were already in the Jazz Combo.
At the time, it was Kyle, Gabriel,
Patrick, Caleb, and Billy McCray. The
first time I heard them play, I knew I
really wanted to be part of the group
because it seemed fun, and I was only
taking lessons by myself which was

2021 | 25

so many now myself and why I am
good at it too. He taught me how
to transcribe and to learn as much
as I can. He showed me songs way
beyond my level, like Giant Steps and
Moment’s Notice by John Coltrane.
And he actually introduced me to my
favorite mouthpiece now, called the
Auto Link.
You’re a new member of the
Jazz Collective this year,
and I’m curious, are there
26 | 2021
“I am learning
something new from
each and every one
of them, and I have
started to notice that
I am playing more
freely as well.”
any things like that you’ve
observed with your time in
the group that’s been very
informative or inspiring to
you from your other fellow
players?
The real teacher for me in the Jazz
Collective has been Aiden Johnson,
who’s really helped me expand my
creativity. We had a jam session at his
place once, and I was so surprised by
how much music theory he knows.
He has notebooks full of theory! I even
took a few pictures of some and still
can’t play them to this day!
I have noticed that the longer I am a
part of the band, the more I develop
a different sound. For example, I try
to match my sound with whatever
member I am playing with. Basically, I
am learning something new from each
and every one of them, and I have
started to notice that I am playing
more freely as well. Most importantly,
though, I’ve learned from these
guys that being a good musician is
important, but it’s just as important to
be nice to hang around with too.
It sounds like your first
milestone in your musical
career was making it into
the Jazz Combo with Jean
Caze, and those guys. What
are some other highlights,
as you’ve developed as a
musician since you first joined
the Combo?
Definitely making it into The
Superintendent’s Honors Jazz Band.
It’s competitive to get into, and it’s
made up of only the best players
from all over Miami. I remember
my audition was really bad. But an
important lesson I learned from that
experience is to play what is authentic
to you rather than something that you
think is going to sound cool.
The best part for me was all of
the other band members I was
surrounded by; it was a privilege
just being around the other band
members. I was just so impressed by
their level of talent. I think situations
like that can be key motivators for
becoming a better musician.
When it comes to music, what
are some of your dreams
going forward?
My biggest dream is to be able
to support myself financially while
making music and making others
happy through my music. It may
seem unrealistic, but I am determined
to do what I love. I’ve even started
researching music colleges to help
prepare me for my future.
What disciplines or habits
have you learned from the
study of music?
Not to procrastinate. When I
say I’m going to do something
now-- I do it! Music also taught
me to always show up early.
It’s a lot less risky because I
like to be respectful of my
teachers’ and bandmates’
time. And if another person
shows up early, then we have
the opportunity to jam together
and play more!
Compare Erwin of today to
the Erwin before you picked
up the saxophone. What
is different?
As a musician, one of the biggest
differences is that I’ve learned music
theory. I didn’t know any theory at
all before picking up the saxophone,
but thanks to my mentors and friends
from the band I can now say that I
am quite fluent in it. My taste in music
has also changed a lot. I’m listening
to more jazz musicians like Marquis
Hill and Bill Evans who aren’t even
sax players. More importantly, I have
matured, I am more true to my word,
I have a sense of responsibility, and I
am also more considerate of what
I say.
RAPID FIRE ROUND:
What’s the one piece of
advice you would give to other
students on the same path
as you?
“My biggest dream is
to be able to support
myself financially while
making music and
making others happy
through my music.”
Trust yourself and do what feels
nice. Don’t do what people say just
because they say it’s good for you.
What has performing
taught you?
Don’t think too much about it. Have
fun and enjoy your moment!
What are your three main
accomplishments as a
musician, so far?
Learning music theory, knowing how
to read music, and developing my
ears.
What about as a young man,
as you’ve become a more
mature individual?
Being true to my word, setting goals,
and working towards accomplishing
them.
Finally, what did YMU provide
you, musically and personally?
YMU has given me the opportunity
to have something fulfilling to do after
school. Joining a band introduced me
to new people who are now some
of my best friends. It was the best
decision I ever made.
2021 | 27
alumni spot
JAIME FERNANDEZ
My first introduction to music was
through my middle school band
classes where I started out learning
the oboe and tenor saxophone. For
freshman year of high school, I picked
up the alto saxophone and fell in love
with it. I started studying players like
Charlie Parker, Lee Konitz, Johnny
Hodges and all the great musicians that
my band director introduced me to.
I first met Sammy Gonzalez when my
sophomore year band director, Elijah
Thomas, introduced Sammy to the
class. Mr. Thomas knew all the great
opportunities YMU had to offer to us
as students, and he encouraged me
to get involved. Once there, I started
out in the Wynwood Jazz Combo
eventually working my way up to
their invitation-only ensemble, the
Jazz Collective.
Looking back, I had an amazing
experience playing in those groups;
my former bandmates are all incredible
28 | 2021
people and some of the best
musicians I know. They pushed me
and inspired me to be where I am
currently -- both in life and in music.
They’ve become lifelong friends that
I love and care for greatly. Through
performing in these ensembles,
not only did my musicality and
technical ability improve, but I also
developed a better understanding
for cooperation and what it takes
to be part of a band. And because
I had some of my first performances
as a musician with YMU, I had the
opportunity to gain comfort and
courage onstage through first-hand
experiences.
YMU also introduced me to mentors
like Zach Larmer and guest artist
mentors like Tal Cohen who supported
my growth as a musician all the
way through my college application
process. With their help, I earned
scholarships from both Florida State
University and the University of Miami.
I would also like to thank them for
inspiring me to keep honing my
skills and for their continued role in
helping me through the development
of my career.
From where I stand now, as long as I
can indulge in my passions -– playing
and listening to music -– I’ll be fulfilled
with whatever I do. My ideal future is
to afford a humble lifestyle with the
people that I love around me and to
help my parents through retirement . I
am thankful for my parents, family and
friends who have helped me through
my life thus far and supported me
through all of my decisions.
For any students that are new to YMU:
the best advice I could give you is to
trust the process! Take full advantage
of what YMU is offering; learn as much
as you can! Meet people, make friends,
make music!
“They pushed me and
inspired me to be where I
am currently — both in
life and in music.”
otlight “Performing
was a blast,
and the energy
in the room was
incredible!”

CLAUDIA
MONTALVO
I wanted to join The Miami Beach
Rock Ensemble the moment I
saw them perform in high school.
I’ve been studying music for as
long as I can remember, so the
opportunity to be able to play with
other dedicated musicians was
something that really spoke to me.

I remember the day I got into

Rock Ensemble, I got to meet the
whole band. I was nervous at first,
but my nerves quickly turned into
excitement knowing my bandmates
and I would be performing and
making music together. We spent
that day listening to different songs
with the goal of choosing the songs
we wanted to learn and perform.

The first time that I performed with

the band in front of an audience
was for the school event “Crown
& Capers.” Performing was a
blast, and the energy in the room
was incredible! The audience kept
singing along with us and swinging
their phone flashlights to the rhythm
of the music. I’ll never forget that
night, but I must say that my favorite
performance was the one at the
North Beach Bandshell. I distinctly
remember the audience running in
front of the stage to sing, dance, and
jump with us. When the audience
enjoys the performance to that
extent, it’s truly the best gift they can
give the musicians on stage.
Though performing was a big part of
being in the Rock Ensemble, it was
not the only highlight. The rehearsals
were an entirely new experience,
equipping us with different tools to
help us grow as musicians. There
were some rehearsals where we had
the opportunity to work with different
instructors who each brought their
own way of teaching to the table.
The singers got to work with a
professional singer that gave them
specific exercises to control their
instrument.
My time with the Rock Ensemble
is something that I will never
forget. From the rehearsals, to the
performances, to the mentors, I
gained a family. To this day, I am
still in contact with a lot of my
bandmates, and we still get together
to play. Rock Ensemble and Young
Musicians Unite gave me the best
foundation for my future in music
and in life.
Now that I am in college, I am
exploring the possibilities that the
music world has to offer. I want
to learn more about the music
industry by interning at a recording
studio. I would also like to create
my own teaching methods since I
am studying Music Education. I am
working on finding my own voice in
the music world and getting others
to listen to what I create.

2021 | 29
eacher spotligh
MIGUEL MARIA
PAGUA JOSE
DRUMS MONTEROS
“Music means everything in my life. EARLY
LEARNING
It means happiness, joy and being
alive. Music helps me to relax and
provides me the ability to engage in
a positive way.
“Being a music teacher provides me
I started in music when I was a kid. My
with the satisfaction of sharing my own
parents are both musicians, and music
lifelong passion. It started at a very
was part of my daily life. Unsurprisingly,
young age when my parents noticed
as an adult, music was a natural path
that I was always singing and enrolled
for me to take. I recognize, however,
me in music classes. I soon started
that not everyone is privileged enough
taking piano lessons, then cello, and
to have this exposure. This is why I love
from then on music has always been
teaching music. Through teaching, I am
part of my life.
able to give back and share a little of
what I received as a kid.
As a kid, I learned that music could
help me process and express
I believe that everyone has the ability to
emotions that I was going through.
become a musician. There are people
It also helped me focus and activate
that have a natural talent, but anyone
a part of my mind that is more
with the desire and will to create music
expressive, more artistic. Even more
can make it happen. In addition to
unexpectedly, it helped me with my
sharing my love of music, working with
schoolwork, specifically math. I love
YMU has given me the opportunity
helping kids discover how to use music
to bring a little bit of my culture to the
as a tool and make a positive impact in
classroom and I’m very grateful for that.”
their lives.

Working with the Miami Garden Music

Alliance and Young Musicians Unite
has been an amazing experience. I
am always greeted with a smile and
excitement from my students in my
classes. I love working with these
students and truly believe that learning
music is beneficial for us all.”

30 | 2021
P R I V AT E L E S S O N S - Y O U T H B A N D S - A D U LT E N S E M B L E S - I N S T R U M E N T R E TA I L & R E PA I R S

The Wynwood School

W W W. W Y N W O O D S C H O O L O F M U S I C . C O M

of Music Proudly Supports

Young Musicians Unite

2021 | 31
 TEACHERS
CRISTIAN ACEVEDO
DRUMS

“YMU brings hope

and opportunities to teachers and
students across many communities.
I feel blessed to be able to share the
joy of music through this program and
see the difference it makes in young
people’s lives.”

KEVIN MUNCY
TROMBONE

SEBASTIAN PINILLOS DEREK GARCIA ARNOLD J. HILL

SAXOPHONE MUSIC PRODUCER SAXOPHONE, VOICE

“Teaching with YMU provides me the opportunity to work with students that
might otherwise fall through the cracks in the school system. YMU provides a
platform for these students not only to grow musically, but also to benefit from the
confidence,
unwritten curriculum of education which includes building
character, and a heightened sense of
self-accountability from being part of a team.”
MICHAEL MCNAMEE
STAGE PRODUCTION

ANDREW PEAL CECI LEON COREY PEREZ

TROMBONE GUITAR AND VOICE
32 | 2021 KEYBOARD, GUITAR, VOICE
JUAN PALAEZ ERIC LEVY
GUITAR DRUMS

“YMU gives me a place to

make music while sharing
it with future generations,
ensuring that our language of
music will grow.”

ANDREW GONZALEZ EVGENIA MOTT

MUSIC TECHNOLOGY CELLO, EARLY LEARNING PITCH & RHYTHM

“YMU means
opportunity,
fun learning
and a safe
space for students to
express themselves creatively.”
HORBY LOPEZ JOSE FRANCISCO MONTES
GUITAR BASS

ALEXANDER ZEL TAYLOR VEGA RENZO VARGAS

MUSIC TECHNOLOGY SAXOPHONE DRUMS

GIBB MANDISH JOHN NORMANDIN IVAN PARRA

TROMBONE TROMBONE
DRUMS 2021 | 33
 INTERNS
SYDNEY GREENWALD
MEDIA ARTS

“I chose to intern with YMU because

the organization has had such a
great impact on my
life and so many
other students I know.
I also love being able to work behind
the scenes as it has given me the
opportunity to work with some amazing
people and great musicians!“ KYLE BEHAR JEREMY CHAVARRIA
OPERATIONS GRAPHIC DESIGN

LUISIANA ORTIZ IVY ROSENBERG LILY KAPLAN

COMMUNICATIONS OPERATIONS OPERATIONS

“I wanted to intern for Young Musicians

Unite because I firmly believe that
everyone deserves
access to a free
music education just
like YMU does. I love the people who
work in the office, and I especially enjoy
ARTEMIS THEODORIDIS helping give back to the community.” DAVID LOPEZ
OPERATIONS SOUND ENGINEER

ELIZA GREENWALD BRIANNA ACEVEDO JULIA FELDNER

34 | 2021PROGRAMS PHOTOGRAPHY ROCK ENSEMBLE MANAGER
James Beard Award-Winning Food
and Hospitality for Memorable Occasions
michael
schwartz
From weddings to pizza parties, our team takes care of it all to make your next
event amazing. Enjoy full-service off-site event production, full suite of restaurant
and other venues, design, staffing and customizable menus.

catering
Email kocampo@michaelschwartzcatering.com to request a quote!

@MICHAELSCHWARTZCATERING
 HOST OUR COMMUNITY
COMMITTEE PARTNERS
JB Aleman, Committee Chair Achieve Music Miami-Dade County Public Schools
The Aleman Family Arts For Learning Michael Schwartz Catering and Events
Gabrielle Anwar Bassology Around The World Music Access Fellowship
Gabrielle Fraenkel Citizens Interested in the Arts Music for Memories
The Gans Family City of Miami Beach New World Symphony
The Greenwald Family Coral Gables Community Foundation Nu Deco Ensemble
Randy Gumenick D’Addario Foundation ONErpm
Sammy Gonzales D’Angelico Guitars Overtown Youth Center
Shari Gurkin Donna E. Shalala MusicReach Program Radical Partners
The Kassin Family ELMA Philanthropies Reverb Gives
The Mopsick Family Florida Division of Cultural Affairs Save The Music Foundation
The Roth Family Greenspoon Marder Foundation STEAM+ Miami Beach
The Schwartz Family Guitars Over Guns The Bass Contemporary Art Museum
The Segrera Family Hungry for Music The Batchelor Foundation
Interlochen Center for the Arts The Carnival Foundation
Jaguars United The Children’s Trust
JECC The Frost School of Music
Kala Brand Music Company The Jorge M. Pérez Family Foundation
Miami Beach Cultural Affairs The Miami Foundation
Miami Design District The Rhythm Foundation
Miami Heat Charitable Fund The Symphonettes
Miami Music Project Wynwood School of Music
Miami-Dade County Department
YMU.LIFE/member of Cultural Affairs

36 | 2021
STUDENT
ACCOLADES
Over the years, several students have
received full scholarships to Florida
State University, University of Miami
and the University of California. Six
of our students have been invited to
apprentice with Fellows from the New
World Symphony, and YMU trumpet
student, Nicholaus Gelin, was named
a National YoungArts Foundation Merit
Winner receiving a full scholarship to
Manhattan School of Music.
YoungArts Jazz Guitar Merit Winner
Aidan Johnston, Guitar, Jazz Collective
University of Miami—
Music Reach Program
Seven students were selected to
participate in the Frost School of Music
Mentorship program: Guerwen Gue,
Deo Budnevich, Anthony Martinez,
Cody Kilcoyne, Miguel Messa, Erwin
Dorsainville, Tyrell Varnado
COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES
Patrick Johnson | Bass University of North Florida | Scholarship
Jake Aleman | Classical Guitar Florida State University | Full Scholarship
Jackson Mopsick | Guitar University of Florida | Full Scholarship
Erwin Dorsainville | Saxophone Miami Dade College | Full Scholarship
Cooper Adams | Music Business Miami Dade Community College
Arya Chatani | Voice Babson College
Jamya Peeples | Keyboard Virginia State University
Emmanuel Flor-Acevedo | Guitar Florida International University
Interlochen Center for the Arts Florida Band Association
Students were accepted and provided Gabriel Johnson, Trumpet Solo
with a full scholarship for Summer “Recently I had to do solo ensemble
Camp 2021. for Florida Band Association and I got a
superior and now I’m doing states.”
Isabella DeJesus, Jaylen Tyson, Joshua
Hanson, Tyrell Varnado, Guarwen Gue,
Anthony Martinez, Gabriel Johnson,
Deo Budnevich, Erwin Dorsainville,
Kalea Concepcion, Jaleel Price
2021 | 37
 ommunity Initiative
“The Miami Gardens Pérez CreARTE
Music Alliance” Grants Program
Funded by Daniel Lewis
and Facilitated by Young Musicians Unite is a winner of
the Pérez CreARTE Grants Program.
The Miami Foundation YMU will use grant funding to support
partnerships with Brownsville Middle
Young Musicians Unite was selected as
School (BMS), West Little River K- 8
a winner of the Music Access Fellowship.
(WLR) and Northwestern Senior High
As a result, YMU has expanded
School (NWS) to create vibrant in-
programming from 5 to all 12 schools
school music programs, restart the
in Carol City. YMU is providing these 12
feeder pattern and ensure consistent
schools in-school music programs from
music education from grades 1-12.
grades 5 – 12 with genres ranging from
The Jorge M. Pérez Family Foundation
Modern Band to Jazz Band, Drumline,
at The Miami Foundation aims to
Music Technology, Beginning Band and
develop South Florida as a world-class
Early Pitch & Rhythm courses.
urban center. A thriving arts community
makes Greater Miami a vibrant,
The Miami Gardens Music Alliance is
connected and culturally engaging
composed of six components: Music
place to live. The Pérez CreARTE
programs from pre-K through 12th grade
Grants Program invested $2 million
facilitated by a team of six nonprofits, a
in Miami-Dade County organizations
leadership cohort of principals from Miami
aimed at expanding access to the
Gardens schools, community orientations
arts and supporting top talent through
for all music instructors, an annual Miami
residencies and fellowships as well as
Gardens Youth Music Festival, cohesive
providing spaces for creation.
data collection administered through
Hello Insight and project oversight by a
dedicated staff member of The Miami
Foundation.

Music Partners:
A4L, Achieve Music, Guitars Over Guns,
Miami Music Project, Saves the Music
Foundation and Young Musicians Unite.

38 | 2021
Miami-Dade County Public Young Musicians Unite provides
teaching artists to Miami Beach
Schools + City of Miami schools to help students learn
Beach + Bass Museum the value of the STEAM approach
through the practice of instruments
In order to greatly expand arts and music technology.
education, the City of Miami Beach
partnered with M-DCPS and
launched the STEAM+ pilot program
in Spring 2019. The program works
with six public schools in Miami
Beach alongside prominent cultural
institutions including the Bass
Museum, the Miami City Ballet,
the New World Symphony, the
Jewish Museum and the Wolfsonian
Museum. Over 2,000 children are
impacted across every grade level.

Thank you to
Superintendent Carvalho,
Mayor Gelber, Michele
Burger and Miami Beach
City Commissioners!

2021 | 39
 COMMUNITY
LEADERS

“Young Musicians Unite, literally!

They’re a great example of
what Impact versus
Ego looks like in
the social impact
ecosystem as they
collaborate with parents, teachers,
principals, philanthropists and
JOAN MARIE GODOY decision-makers to unite students
Executive Director from all backgrounds with their
Radical Partners passion for music and with others
that share their love for it.”

Young Musicians Unite is

dedicated to providing Miami-
Dade youth with both in-school
and after-school music instruction.
YMU is a leader in the field
as the CEO/Founder, Sammy
understands
Gonzalez
the importance of EBONY D. HOWARD
collaborating with Program Officer, Music
principals, educators, and local The ELMA Philanthropies
community based organizations to Services (U.S.) Inc.
increase and expand music access.

40 | 2021
 OFFICE OF
MAYOR DAN GELBER
AND THE
CITY COMMISSION

2021 | 41
 p
Impac
YMU measures impact and our students’ development by
monitoring their grades and attendance, conducting bi-weekly check-ins,
evaluating lesson plans and student outcomes, and administering comprehensive
surveys twice per year that measure attitudes towards school, social emotional
learning (life skills), and behavioral change. Our assessments give us a
360-degree view of the program’s effectiveness and impact, and weave together
feedback from students, core subject teachers, school administrators, parents,
and data from academic records provided by the schools.

HELLO INSIGHT PARTNERSHIP — THIRD PARTY ­— NOW EVALUATING SEL

We have combined efforts with Hello Insight to provide us with systemized data
regarding the needs, preferences, and profile of our students. This information is being
used as the foundation to create a teaching methodology that further improves and
standardizes the work of our teachers and coaches.

CASE STUDY OF MUSIC EDUCATION AT CAROL CITY MIDDLE SCHOOL

In 2018 Young Musicians Unite began its partnership with Carol City Middle School and re-introduced the music program for the first
time since 2010. With the help of the administration at Carol City Middle School, we have tracked student progress across a variety
of categories that have resulted in transformative changes that are here to stay.

52% 84%
of band students have
91%
of band students have
Behavioral referrals increased a grade level increased a grade level
have decreased 52% in reading achievement in math achievement
compared to the compared to the compared to the
previous year. previous year. previous year.

63% 14%
Band students
35%
of band students
of band students are have shown a 14% increased a letter
less tardy to school increase in attendance grade in either reading
compared to the compared to the or math core
previous year. previous year. subject areas.

42 | 2021
partner bands
Our partner band members are
students from the Wynwood School
of Music whose families have made
a commitment to raising funds
through performances, playing
side-by-side shows with YMU
students, engaging in peer-to-
Harry Schwartz, Adam Chopp, Arya Chatani,
peer mentoring during our after-
school programs and serving on Levi Gans, Sydney Greenwald, Lily Kaplan
YMU’s Annual Host Committee.
We are thankful for the dedication
and support of these young
mentors and families. To date Jackson Mopsick, Santiago Sauceda,
our partner bands Ivy Rosenberg, Cooper Adams, Nathan
have raised over Gumenick, Jake Aleman, Sierra Hudson
$850,000 for free music
education benefiting
those in need. Roberto Kassin, Sammy Greenwald,
London Roth, Reid Rosenberg, Armando
Segrera, Alex Corzo, Valentina Baptista

NOT YET PUBLISHED

2021 | 43
ARROWHEAD AVALANCHE
 SAMMY GONZALEZ
Chief Executive Officer
dedic
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 2,500 students in
only eight 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.
44 | 2021
ZACH LARMER
Chief Operating Officer
our tea
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 13
years, Zach has focused on creating an
infrastructure for musicians to support
their growth as they transform into
formidable artists.
MELANIE GREENWALD
Chief Financial Officer
Melanie, a Certified Public Accountant,
spent four years in New York at a major
CPA firm and then transitioned to a
finance and accounting role at Fortune
Magazine. In 2016, Melanie joined as
YMU’s Chief Financial Officer.
PEDRO DIAZ
Program Director
ication
Project manager, film producer and
cultural promoter. Pedro has worked
in a wide variety of organizations,
institutions, film and social projects in
South Florida, Guatemala, Panama
and Costa Rica. As a native of
Guatemala, Pedro was able to witness
the importance of real, life-changing
opportunities while working with
underserved communities.
ALAN VALLADARES
Regional Director
Alan Valladares is a Mexican-born
classical guitarist and educator currently
residing in South Florida. Alan has been
a mentor for Young Musicians Unite
since 2013 and is an active member
and composer for Compositum
Musicae Novae.
KATHY ACOSTA
Operations Manager
A seasoned arts administrator and
performer, she served the Tucson
musical community for ten years as
Tucson Guitar Society’s Operations
Director and President and Tucson
Desert Song Festival’s Operations
Director. A musicologist and classical
guitarist by training, Kathy holds a Ph.D.
in Musicology from the University
of Arizona.
MARTE SIEBENHAR
Fundraising Consultant
Marte Siebenhar is a classically trained
professional musician and strategic
planner. She has been an arts leader
at New World Symphony, the John
F. Kennedy Center for the Performing
Arts, and Carnegie Hall. Marte is
also an alumna of Manhattan School
of Music and fellowships with the
Kennedy Center and Miami Foundation.
ANDREA AMOROSI
Marketing Director
Andrea is an MBA graduate with
over 10 years of Marketing and
Entrepreneurship experience. She
has worked in the nonprofit and
e-commerce sectors and specializes
in social media, branding and design.
Andrea believes that ethical marketing
can positively impact the world and
works hard to create engaging content
that enables organizations to tell
their story.
BRANDON BEASLEY
Regional Director
“YMU provides students with the
opportunity for worthy use of their
time, a means for self-expression
and a healthy learning environment.
I’m forever thankful to YMU for its
commitment to bettering the lives of
students and their communities.”
2021 | 45
 BRIAN HERNANDEZ ALEX WEITZ
Creative Director Video Editor
“It has been a pleasure working
with YMU on their innovative and
forward-thinking curriculum.
Helping to create regular high quality

our tea
video and audio content for their
ensembles provides students with
valuable recording
and filming experience
at a young age.”

CODY ENGSTROM RYAN HAFT

Studio Manager Audio Engineer
“The education initiatives by YMU
allow kids to learn and experience
things most musicians receive
only after being professionals for
years. It’s incredible to
be a part of this vehicle
to give kids the upper
edge as they work their way
towards professionals in the
music industry.”

SOUTHERN GLAZER’S
WINE & SPIRITS IS PROUD TO
SUPPORT YOUNG MUSICIANS UNITE
46 | 2021
© 2021 Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits SOUTHERNGLAZERS.COM
 Someday, we'll be trying
to buy your guitar.
Duane Morris proudly supports
YOUNG MUSICIANS UNITE
and their
10th Annual Spring Concert

Duane Morris LLP, a law firm with more than

800 attorneys in offices across the United States
and internationally, is asked by a broad array
of clients to provide innovative solutions to
today’s legal and business challenges.

For more information, please contact:

PHILLIP M. HUDSON III, Partner
305.960.2273 | pmhudson@duanemorris.com
www.duanemorris.com
Duane Morris LLP – A Delaware limited liability partnership
waltgracevintage.com
48 | 2021
 Virginia Akar | Executive Director
Jamie Rosenberg | Chair Attorney at Law & Human Rights Advocate Jose B. Aleman | Vice Chair
CEO | ClassWallet President | Strong Girls, Inc. Managing Partner | Meridian Partners

BOARD MEMBERS
Our organizational strategy is guided
by a working board, divided into five
specialized committees who work
together to set long term goals and
counsel our Executive Team.

YMU WAS FOUNDED IN 2013 BY

Cary Zel | Secretary SAMMY GONZALEZ, JEFFREY MILLER,
Executive Vice President | PubWorX ProCirc AND VIRGINIA AKAR

Leslie Jose Zigel

Derek Negron Michael Schwartz Chair | Entertainment, Media & Technology
Principal | Carol City Middle School Principal | The Genuine Hospitality Group Group, Greenspoon Marder LLP

Eric Greenwald Stephen Gans | Treasurer Paul Lehr

President | AA Acquisitions, LLC Principal | Gans Family Investments, LLLP CEO | GroundUp Music

2021 | 49
 $250,000+ Marilyn Milian and John Schlesinger
Neelam and Bharat Chatani
Daniel R. Lewis, Music Access Fellowship Plaza Construction
Reverb Gives
The Miller Family
$100,000-$249,999 The Related Group
ELMA Philanthropies The Story Room
Miami-Dade County Department

Our Supporters
The Symphonettes
of Cultural Affairs Tricap
STEAM+ Funded by the Uproot Wines
City of Miami Beach

$1,000-4,999
$50,000-$99,999 Andrea and Fred Fraenkel
The Batchelor Foundation Angel Febres
The Jorge M. Pérez Family Foundation Antoinette and Cary Zel
ONErpm Appelrouth, Farah & Co., P.A.
Atlantic & Pacific Property Management
Bridge Development Partners, LLC
$25,000-$49,999 Chariff Realty Group
American Engineering and Classwallet
Development Corp. Coral Gables Community Foundation
Amicon Construction Crystal Capital Partners, LLC
Greenspoon Marder, LLP Damian & Valori LLP
Jeffrey Miller David Segrera
Save The Music Foundation Doug Imbruce
The Dunspaugh-Dalton Foundation Inc. Duane Morris LLP
The Gans Family Eric & Victoria, Sophia and Rose Elliott
The Miami Design District Fabio Alexander
The Miami Foundation Office of Mayor Dan Gelber and
The Wynwood School of Music the City Commission
Halpern Rodriguez LLP
IGT Media Holdings
$10,000-$24,999 Inktel
Boucher Brothers Jennifer and Justin Elegant
Citizens Interested in Arts John and J.B. Aleman
Deco Productions Kenneth O’Keefe
Florida Division Of Cultural Affairs Larry & Millie Magid Family Foundation
Greenberg Traurig, P.A. Larry Begley
Krillion Ventures León Cosgrove, LLP
Mary and John Hammel Leslie and Marty Steinberg
Max Ida Fred Marji Strauss Foundation Lina Eusse
Melanie and Eric Greenwald LSN Partners
Miami Beach Cultural Affairs Luis and Gisela Segredo
Michael Schwartz Catering Mark Meland
Racket Memo and Cynthia Sauceda
Renee Gans Menu Men
Silvia Coltrane/RETI Michael Scheitelman
Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits Nancy and Stephen Bernstein
Stephen Larmer Paragon Development LLC
The Matlick Family Phil Hudson
The Miami Heat Foundation Plastridge Insurance Agency
The Stephen M. Sander Foundation Reef Technology
Virginia and Joe Akar Reservations.com
Sandy Kauffman
Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr LLP
$5,000-$9,999 Schwebke-Shiskin & Associates, Inc.
3 Sons Foundation, Inc. Segrera Associates
Breakthru Beverage Sky Harbour
Chelsea Aviation SMS Lodging
City Construction Group, Inc. Stacey and Jon Chopp
D’Addario Foundation Susan Billante
Deborah and Neil Bienstock Tera and Isaac Kodsi
Diane and Marc Greenwald Terra Group
Goldstein and Company The CDL School
Ines Rivero and Ernesto Estrada The Gerrard Family
Jep Thornton The Kassin Family
Jessica and Jay Kaplan The Lehr Family
Kahunah Properties The Roth Family
Karen Fyrd The Schwartz Family
Kobi Karp Architecture Interior Design Walt Grace Vintage
Lisa and Jamie Rosenberg Withers Worldwide
Lourdes and Charles Humble
50 | 2021
 become
The success of our growth lies greatly
YMU.LIFE/member in the hands of grassroots supporters
like yourself. We are humbled by the
support of our community and we are
grateful for the people that continue to

a YMU
support our children. We believe that
every child deserves access to free
music education and with our annual
membership, we can continue to
provide equity, youth development, and

member
a home away from home to our most
vulnerable students and community.
As we continue our growth and expand
our programs, we are looking to you
to help us build our community of
supporting members.