SFYS working to drum up interest in percussion

SFYS working to drum up interest in percussion
SFYS working to drum up interest in percussion
Dr. Karlyn Vina, one of South Florida’s leading percussionists and teachers, works with 10-year-old drummer Kyle Joseph during a recent South Florida Youth Symphony rehearsal.

While the Marines are always looking for “a few good men” the Gold-Medal winning South Florida Youth Symphony — one of the nation’s leading youth music organizations — is searching for “a few good drummers.’

The SFYS, which is beginning its 53rd season, needs a variety of percussionists according to Marjorie Hahn, the organization’s executive director.

“Good percussionists — those that play everything from the snare drum and timpani to the xylophone — are not easy to find,” said Hahn, who also serves as the SFYS music director. “Adding to our percussion section is extremely important to the balance and development of great music.”

According to Hahn, tuition scholarships are available for qualified students who wish to develop their skills, and high school community service hours are given for participation as well.

To enhance the Youth Symphony’s percussion section — and develop young musicians — the SFYS has hired one of South Florida’s leading percussionists and teachers, Dr. Karlyn Vina of South Miami.

Dr. Vina, a highly respected percussion teacher, is an adjunct professor at Florida International University, plays with the Florida Grand Opera and Palm Beach Symphony, and has performed with the New World Symphony and the Henry Mancini Institute Orchestra. In addition, Vina has performed throughout the United States and Italy.

“The South Florida Youth Symphony gives aspiring young percussionists an opportunity to build their technique and musicality through challenging ensemble performances,” Vina said. “With hard work and dedication, many of these students could have the potential to go to college on music scholarships and possibly have a career in music. It’s exciting to work with them early in their careers.”

In addition to playing a wide range of concerts throughout Miami-Dade County during the 2017-18 season, the SFYS will take as many as 50 musicians to New York City, Feb. 23-26, 2018, for a performance at Carnegie Hall, the “mecca” of music halls in America. The SFYS has started a GoFundMe campaign to help pay for the once-in-a-lifetime performance.

Youth Symphony practices are Sundays from 2 to 5 p.m. at Miami-Dade College’s North Campus. To audition for the SFYS percussion section, contact Hahn at 305-238-2729, or via email at makemusic@sfys.net.


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