9-year-old violinist Elizabeth Aoki charmed listeners when she appeared on Show 261 in Boston, Massachusetts. During a visit to Phoenix, Arizona with her mother, Elizabeth’s musical talent also won the hearts of residents living at the Freedom Plaza Retirement Community. She worked with a family friend to organize the event and played some violin favorites for the residents (check out the program below!). They loved having the chance to meet such a talented young violinist.
The thing I most enjoy about music is getting to go to different places and dressing up. I also like seeing the smiling faces of people in the audience enjoying my music. It seems like the people that listened to me play enjoy classical music. Because of this experience, I may want to play for retirement centers again. – Elizabeth Aoki
PROGRAM:
Édouard Lalo Symphonie espagnole in D minor – I. Allegro non troppo
“I imagine these experiences will be invaluable to my future, where I will continue to provide music for those who are willing to accept it.”
Ever since he was young, composer, pianist, and From the Top Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award recipient Franz Zhao (Show 257) has seen the inspiring effect that music can have on others. He used that inspiration to create his own organization the Youth Music Society of San Francisco. Franz recruited musical friends and colleagues to join him in sharing classical music with audiences who otherwise have limited access to musical performances. The majority of their performances have been at retirement homes, and the residents have been truly grateful for their visits.
Franz shares more about Youth Music Society below…
I am proud of my ability to lead and my overall willingness to help, whether it be organizing concerts for the elderly, or more contained matters, such as volunteering at summer camps. Several years ago, I took these ideas and founded a small, non-profit organization called the Youth Music Society of San Francisco. This organization consists of myself along with a several of my friends and classmates. Our aim is to bring concerts to those who cannot access them by normal means – this typically leads us to senior centers and senior homes, where we play music for the elderly. We typically put on concerts several times a year, usually occurring during our school breaks.
Therefore, there are usually one or two holiday concerts during our winter break, another during spring break, and few more during the summer. We have also organized a few benefit concerts, including one to help support the San Francisco Boys’ Chorus 2011 Russia Tour – the money we raised help pay for choristers’ travel needs.
Ever since I was young, I would periodically play at my grandparents’ senior apartment for their holiday parties, most often during the Lunar New Year celebration. After each performance, I would have many tearful elders come up to thank me. Using this inspiration, I have continued the tradition over the past several years. Playing music for these elders with my organization has deepened and ignited a passion in playing for them. The happiness of these seniors matters most to me, and through these concerts I am able to share my passion and joy with them.
Involving myself with these activities has allowed me to see the world with a brighter perspective. In this sense, playing music at senior centers and senior homes has helped me understand how much our elders appreciate music. I imagine these experiences will be invaluable to my future, where I will continue to provide music for those who are willing to accept it.
Because these presentations took place…right after the holidays, I wanted to bring some happiness to these kids who have been through so much hardship. Furthermore, I wanted to introduce them to music that they normally would not be so exposed to.”
Percussionist and Jack Kent Cooke Young ArtistEric Segerstrom (Show 237) wanted to connect with children from his hometown who hadn’t had the same musical opportunities that he had growing up, so he reached out to the Parsons Child & Family Center: a residential facility for families and children coping with domestic hardship. Working with three separate groups of kids at the center, Eric performed a combination of classical and hip-hop works on marimba, and then helped the kids build their own instruments using paper plates and plastic cups. At the end of the event was a full-group performance using the newly made instruments. The experience provided Eric with a whole new perspective on the ways he can share classical music with younger audiences.
We asked Eric to share more with us about his visit to the Parsons Center…
FTT: How did these presentations differ from your previous work with kids?
Eric: Before this, whenever I worked with kids, they were privileged and fortunate New York City kids who wanted to learn a little more about composition. Yet talking about classical music with kids who have no background in it, while also trying to make it fun and exciting, is a lot harder than it sounds. For the first time, I really felt like I had to step up to show these kids what I knew and how music can be new and fun.
FTT:What were some of the challenges you encountered?
Eric: The most challenging moment for me was the first presentation: I had almost no idea what to expect going into it. I had been prepped a little beforehand by one of the Directors of Therapeutic Recreation, who suggested just working with the kids and going with the things they wanted to do. However, this is really tough advice to follow when you aren’t getting any visible feedback from your audience! Before I knew it, I had gone through all of the pieces I had prepared with 45 minutes left in the presentation! I was a little embarrassed, and felt badly that I hadn’t done what I had hoped to do. I went home and came up with a few more ideas for the next presentation, including combining their interest in hip-hop with classical music. I felt much more prepared the next day.
FTT:What were some memorable moments?
Eric: The most memorable moments were definitely those in which I realized that I had left some sort of impact on the kids. On my last day at the Parsons Center, there was a particularly rambunctious kid who spent much of his time with me running around the room and flailing his newly made shaker in the air. When everyone had left and I was packing up, one of the Directors told me that she had never seen that kid so happy for so long.
Another memorable moment was my second day: this was the smallest group I played for with only three or four kids. However, they were so genuinely interested in the marimba and the music I was playing that their questions filled up a majority of the presentation!
FTT:What did you take away from this experience?
Eric:I think my time at the Parson’s Center showed that music can help people, even if it’s in a small way. The kids that I worked with all seemed pretty happy when they left, and I think it piqued an interest in some, or at least a curiosity, to the idea of classical music and the marimba. This is why I strongly believe that funding for the arts cannot be cut out of school or federal budgets…the impact of a creative and emotional outlet can be vastly underestimated, especially when it comes to kids.
FTT:What do you think it means to be an arts leader?
Eric: To me, being an arts leader is about giving back and passing on what you know. As a college student, I’m in a rather unique position: I have knowledge that I can pass on to kids, peers, or even adults about music and composition, yet I am young enough that my peers and younger kids can relate to me more so than they would to an adult. I got to this point because of other people who took the time to teach me and pass on what they knew. I believe that being an arts leader is really about using what you know to benefit others, whether it is by teaching, performing, writing, or speaking.
Check out this video created by the Parsons Child & Family Center with highlights from Eric’s visit:
Being an arts leader to me means inspiring that “spark” in others so they can realize what they are capable of. It’s about empowering people to go after something they normally wouldn’t, or showing them a piece of their full potential and how easy it is to accomplish their goals. – Carson Marshall
When 17 year-old violinist and Jack Kent Cooke Young ArtistCarson Marshall appeared on From the Top (Show 245, Boston, Massachusetts), he gave a heartfelt account of his own difficulties with sight-reading music due to a learning disability. He never thought that his words and actions would have such a powerful impact, and quickly learned that sharing one’s experiences can empower others to realize their own potential.
An unexpected inspiration came through Classical South Florida’s Reach Out contest. Applicants to the contest were asked to write a letter to a recent From the Top performer, sharing what they loved about the performance and including three questions for that performer. Violinist Josiah Blanchette (also 17) was inspired by Carson’s story. He shared a similar struggle with sight-reading, and was encouraged to hear that there are other musicians out there like him. Moved by Josiah’s honesty and passion for music, Carson wrote the following letter in response:
A month later, Carson visited a class of middle school strings students from his hometown of Amherst, MA to help them realize their own potential. Seeing their engagement inspired Carson to talk more about his own struggles, and how determination and hard work helped him get to where he is today and envision a future in music. During the presentation, Carson focused on tone quality, demonstrating factors that can effect tone, such as bow speed and pressure, and how to apply these to actual music. He shares more on his goals for and learning from the experience below:
[I wanted] to teach younger children the basics and fundamentals of their instruments, and hopefully either inspire them to continue practicing or keep them from quitting. I also hoped to show these kids that even though it was hard for me to get to where I am today, I did have some fun along the way, and all they have to do is stick with it. My goal was to show these kids that they can be as good as they want to be, and there is nothing holding them back. I wanted to show them they can become great players with work, and that it’s possible (and quite simple) for them to make a good sound on their instrument. Overall,I felt like the kids responded well to the presentation, and I got a lot of great feedback. I think now that these kids know what is possible with their instruments, they will continue to seek that sound and become better players because for it.
About to start as a freshman at Rice University, Carson hopes to continue sharing his story to inspire and empower others. We can’t wait to see what he does next!
I learned that I can make an impact on kids’ lives regarding the arts, and realized how passionate I am about helping others. I would definitely do this again.
Having lived with a nonverbal learning disorder since age 4, now 17 year-old violist Alexia DelGiudice, (Show 245) a From the Top Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist) fully understands the struggles of those with learning disabilities. She has found music to be a powerful tool for expressing herself and making connections. Wanting to share this inspiration with others, Alexia visited with students involved in the Oliver Ames High School “Best Buddies” chapter – part of the nonprofit organization dedicated to support students with intellectual and developmental disabilities worldwide. She developed a three-part interactive program, tying together musical demonstrations with artistic expression.
She started with a brief concert in the school’s auditorium, asking the students to imagine a story for each piece she performed. Alexia then welcomed several of the students to join her onstage and try out a violin she had brought. They all traveled to the Art Room next, where Alexia asked everyone to make a drawing that represented their favorite piece from her performance. She found the overall experience to be a powerful way for connecting with kids who normally struggle to express themselves. She share her goals below:
I wanted these kids with disabilities to know that they are capable of doing whatever they want in life. The challenge does not need to prevent their dreams and talents from coming forward. My goal was to open up their minds and to let them express their emotions through music and art.
We asked Alexia to share more about her experience with the Best Buddies program…
FTT: Tell us more on what inspired you to connect with these students…
Alexia: Due to the fact that I have a nonverbal learning disability, I feel I can share and connect with other students who are facing the same challenges. Music and viola have allowed me to express myself and see the world around me as an open book, not as a world where my disability rules my life.
Passion is what drives me and helps me to achieve any goal I set for myself. My consistent improvement and abilities are not blocked by the challenges I feel at school. I am competing only with myself as a violist when I practice. The pressure I face at school does not exist.
FTT: What were some memorable moments?
Alexia: When I was letting the kids try a violin, this one kid named Andrew was so excited about it that he ran up onto the stage and tried to grab the violin! Even though he was being a little rough, I knew how to calm him down. He loved the sound and didn’t want to stop playing it. The second person to try the violin was a tiny girl named Erin. When she stepped onto the stage, she started stretching like she was about to run a race. It was so cute! She had so much fun trying the violin that whenever she made a bad sound, she crinkled her nose. It is moments like these that I will never forget!
11-year-old pianist and Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Victoria Young (Show 235 in Oklahoma City) just returned from an exciting trip to Germany! The Cooke scholarship allowed Victoria and her mom BeeLee to travel overseas so Victoria could attend a masterclass with Professor Inge Rosar. Professor Rosar is the organizer of the International Bach Competition in Germany, which was won by Hilda Huang, another From the Top alum, last year!
BeeLee shared some great details of their experience with us:
There is no way for me to tell how amazing Professor Inge Rosar was. She was knowledgeable, humorous, humble, energetic, and so passionate about teaching and playing Bach’s music. The class went from around 9:45am to 7 or 8pm at night! The best thing (at least for Victoria) was only 2 students showed up for the class. Victoria got almost 4 hours of private coaching for each day. When the other student played, Professor Rosar gave Victoria the music and asked her to find the structure. She taught them how to listen to the “parameters” of the compositions. She explained clearly which teachings were based on historical findings and which were from her own experiences. Even though I don’t know much about music, I enjoyed every minute in the class. Professor Rosar told us about her life philosophy and I truly believe that a great musician comes with a great heart.
Victoria, fellow student, and Professor Rosar
Victoria learned so much in these 4 days that now she knows how to analyze not only Bach’s music, but also Classical and Romantic music. She played for her teacher in Las Vegas on January 3, and her teacher was so impressed that she herself decided to plan a trip to Germany to take masterclass from Professor Rosar in March.
Victoria and BeeLee in Saarbrücken, Germany
BeeLee wrapped up her email to us with a very sweet thank you to note to From the Top and the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation:
Many people that we know thought that going to Germany for a 4 days class sounded really crazy. I was once one of these people before Victoria’s teacher “lectured” me about the difference of learning from a master. I think [From the Top and the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation] truly understand the great impact of these classes on young musicians and gave us so much encouragement on our decision. Thank you again. Without the scholarship and your kind support on making all the reservations for us, I would never thought of making this trip is possible (I know it sounds like a commercial speech, but that’s how I really feel).
We thank BeeLee for her nice feedback and look forward to following Victoria’s musical career!
16-year-old guitarist and Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist John Marcel Williams wanted to share his own learning and experiences with younger guitarists of a nearby community. He chose to visit the Pittsburgh Music Academy (PMA), where he gave a brief performance and ended with a Q&A session for those in attendance. There were about 20 young guitarists in the audience, ranging from ages 6 to 12, who all study with the Academy’s guitar instructor, Ron Dubois. Both Ron and the PMA supported John in organizing the event.
“For me, it was such a great experience. Most of the kids had never heard advanced guitar music. It felt really good to be able to play for them and see that they were genuinely interested at such a young age.”
Violist and Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Marcus Rose is a 17-year-old musician from Louisiana with a warm and easy-going personality. To hear him play (and attendees of our November show in Baton Rouge did), it would be easy to believe his musical accomplishments have come without challenges. In reality, without the help of three special benefactors Marcus probably wouldn’t be where he is today.
Marcus on From the Top, November 2010
One of the strongest influences in Marcus’s musical life has been his grandmother. It was at her insistence that he began playing the piano at age 4. After that, he started studying the viola in elementary school, remembering “the first time I picked up a stringed instrument, I knew it was the thing for me.”
Marcus’s grandmother has supported his musical career by financially contributing towards audition trips and summer camps, though perhaps of greater importance is her emotional support. “She’s the one I can always count on being excited…equally excited as I am when I win something!”
But Marcus isn’t just getting support from his family – a fellow musician’s mother has also lent more than a helping hand in Marcus’s musical development. “I’m really close to [Mrs. Crawford] because she’s always been there for me.”
Mrs. Crawford has helped Marcus apply for and subsequently receive multiple scholarships, including the Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award from the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation and From the Top. Her support has enabled Marcus to get important training through access to programs like the Sewanee Summer Music Festival.
Marcus’s dedicated support system further extends to his private teacher, Borys Smolaga. Says Marcus, “Mr Smolaga is an amazing man and he’s been incredibly generous. Last year we were trying to build resumes for colleges and he said, ‘You need a good resume. We’re going to look at local competitions and we’re going to enter them.’ But I’d never really done any competitions!”
When it came time for his first competition, the First Annual Texarkana Concerto Competition, Marcus couldn’t find a ride to the location. Mr. Smolaga stepped in and not only provided transportation, but also hired a pianist out of his own pocket so that Marcus could have an accompanist. “He volunteered to take me…it was an all day thing and he calmed my nerves.”
Marcus is completing his senior year at Caddo Magnet High School in Shreveport, Louisiana, and has a clear view of his future.
Here’s an excerpt from the beautiful thank you letter he recently wrote in response to being selected for the Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award:
This past year has unveiled a series of unimaginable events that impacted my life, mainly concerning contributions from your generous establishment. When I was notified of my being a recipient of the Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award, I was literally floored with no words to express my heartfelt gratitude. My grandmother continues to remind me that without this award, there was no absolute way I would be able to make it to even one of my dream conservatories for auditions, let alone college visits. That all changed with one letter in the mail.
I still cannot believe how lucky and blessed I was to come across such a charitable and generous foundation that supported not only mine but thousands of others’ growth in music. Your kind acts are truly those of miracle workers. You will never know how deeply thankful my family and I are because of you working miracles in my life. I promise to continue pursuing my dreams…and advocating classical music wherever I go, ensuring that I will make you proud with my every success. I hope that your foundation continues to prosper and work miracles in at least another thousand young artists’ lives.
Marcus appeared on Show #222 in Baton Rouge on November 2, 2010. Listen to the show on our website. In 2011, he was accepted to Oberlin Conservatory, New England Conservatory, Manhattan School of Music, and the Juilliard School. In mid-April, he signed the intent to enroll in The Juilliard School, which included a full scholarship.
“This is the school I’ve dreamed about since I started viola! And I got my dream teacher! I’m still in shock. It doesn’t feel real! Because of [the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation's] help I can truly attend my dream school, advance my education, and live the life of a professional musician.”
This February, Marcelina led a hands-on percussion workshop for students of the Stowe Fine Arts & Performing Arts Academy in Humboldt Park, Chicago.
“I (wanted) to let the children know that whatever they choose to do, they should strive to be the best at it. It doesn’t have to be music, but they should love what they do and strive to be better and better at it every day. I also (wanted) to teach the children about percussion instruments…and about the orchestra.” – Marcelina
15-year-old violinist and Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Anna Lee (Shows 152 and 204), is making her debut with the New York Philharmonic this Saturday, April 2 at 2pm! The concert is part of the Young People’s Concert Series: The Ages of Music. More information and tickets here.
If you go, be sure to stop by the From the Top station at KidZone before the concert to say hello to a couple more of our fabulous alums!
PROGRAM:
11-year-old pianist and 
