MIDWEST YOUNG ARTISTS
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January 26, 2011
I am an alum, employee, donor, and teacher at Midwest Young Artists (MYA). This organization is a huge part of my life! I cannot imagine being part of something better then MYA. As a student, MYA provided such amazing experiences and challenges for me as a young violinist. I acted as co-concert master in our 10 year anniversary concert, I toured Europe, I competed in competitions, and I made lifelong friends. As an employee, I am always faced with new and exciting challenges and responsibilities that are always rewarding when I see my efforts evolve. Most recently, a benefit concert for the Ronald McDonald House Charities at Harris Theater. As a teacher, I watch my students grow and become great little musicians in such a nurturing atmosphere. It is truly a rewarding experience!!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Myself and my students.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I love that we have alumni working in the office - I think it helps with the communication and organization since they already know how it works - keep 'em coming!!
January 26, 2011
For six years, MYA provided the musical, social, and even spiritual center for our family. Saturday at MYA was the highlight of our week. When my eighth grade daughter participated in two chamber groups, Concert and Symphony Orchestras, she rehearsed from 8 am to 3 pm straight every Saturday. She grew immensely as a musician and gained in confidence and stamina. Meanwhile, my much younger daughter and I hung out in the lobby, making friends and enjoying the warm, positive, family atmosphere of the place. The little one grew up surrounded by her sister's music--when she was a toddler, she'd hum various themes from "Scheherazade" while playing with her toys. At age eight, she is now a promising musician herself. Even my older son, who has high-functioning autism, participated by taping Sunday soirees and converting the tapes to DVDs as part of his school's work-study program. In addition to all the opportunities it provides, the greatness of MYA lies in the inspirational and visionary people who founded and direct this wonderful organization. It is astounding that Dr. and Mrs. Dennis could have built such a rich and multifaceted institution in a such a short period of time. They are tireless individuals, dedicated to their work. After one winter concert, I clapped and cheered as Dr. Dennis and his orchestra, clad in tuxedos and fancy dresses, took their triumphant bows, then at midnight, I watched Dr. D and a handful of those same kids--now dressed in their dungarees-- unload music stands and equipment off the truck at MYA in the bitter cold. The Zen proverb, "After enlightenment, the laundry," certainly applied. MYA will remain a part of our lives through the alumni concerts and through keeping in touch with those friends we met in the lobby, whose children are now off at college or conservatory, taking with them the skills, experiences, and memories they got from those wonderful Saturdays at the Fort.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
seeing my children grow and benefit in their own individual ways though being involved in MYA.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
not have concerts in downtown Chicago.
January 24, 2011
This is my son's 5th year at MYA. Every year, the Saturday mornings/afternoons he spends there are one of the highlights of the week. He has been part of the orchestra program, music theory, composition, and chamber music. The orchestra directors display a striking combination of empathy, professionalism, high expectations, love of music, humor and genuine interest in the students they work with, as people, not just musicians. It is a place for everyone to learn and grow and nurture their love of, and talent for, music. Hard work and responsibility to the group are emphasized, but each child is recognized as an individual. All staff are welcoming and inclusive, and there are many great ways for parents to get involved and be part of the MYA family. The orchestra members are very fortunate to get the opportunity to perform in extraordinary venues, such as Ravinia's Gordon Bennett Hall, Pick-Staiger Auditorium at Northwestern, and the Harris Theatre. All this, and master classes, great chamber music coaches, concessions where the home bakers can shine, a roaring fire on cold days, and a beautiful setting for a walk or run while your student is rehearsing! We love MYA.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
My son's development as a musician.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Bring it closer to my home. Give it a bigger living room.
January 24, 2011
MYA is a wonderful organization that I was proud to be a part of.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the arts. The organization really helped with my musicality.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
not change a thing!
January 23, 2011
I was a student at MYA from eighth grade until the end of my senior year. I participated was a member of a three jazz bands, a member of the top symphony orchestra, played in saxophone quartet for three years, and played in the MYA Eighth Blackbird ensemble. Midwest Young Artists helped me to become a better musician than I could otherwise have become. The atmosphere there was always friendly, as well as supportive. Furthermore, I was able to grow with musicians that I would most likely have never come into contact with if not for MYA. In the ensembles, I was able to play with musicians who were all serious about music, which is something I could never have found in high school. MYA also taught me important life lessons. When one participates in a serious ensemble like any of the ones at MYA, you learn a serious sense of commitment and dedication. You learn to be always be early (if possible), and you learn to always come as prepared as possible. These are invaluable lessons that most people don't learn until college. MYA has helped me to become a better me than I otherwise could have.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
College, academics, and professional music situations.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Give it more funding and freedom to pursue what already is. Expand the building and hire even more amazing faculty.
January 22, 2011
My three children have participated in Midwest Young Artists in its excellent orchestral and chamber programs. The nurturing atmosphere at MYA is truly remarkable. In my experience, other youth music organizations often bring out the worst aspects of musical competition in young people. MYA has provided a magical oasis for each of them to freely express their love of music and musical performance with peers who share those same passions. They have all developed strong friendships and memories at MYA. Dr. Dennis and the other faculty members inspire all of the young musicians to do their very best while minimizing feelings of internal competition, resulting in a safe, warm place for these young people to grow musically and to grow as young adults. Bravo!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
As a parent and as an enthusiastic member of the audience at concerts, I am always amazed at the beautiful music that these young adults are able to make and the intense joy that radiates from their faces as they contribute and participate in the creation of musical art.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Increase the number of young people who could participate in the many programs at MYA so that the wonder of this organization could touch even more lives.
January 22, 2011
I have had the pleasure of serving as board president for 5 years at Midwest Young Artists. Not only does MYA have tireless people that teach music, but as just as importantly, they foster an environment where young people learn about life. Support of others, teamwork, and community service are among the life lessons learned. Experience to MYA does not guarantee a life in music. It does guarantee that a child will know that through hard work, great things can happen. MYA has travelled extensively to Germany, Spain, Portugal, China and South Korea, trips which were met by students and foreigners alike with an awe of music. MYA's future is bright. I look forward to being involved on this ride.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
seeing my 3 children grow to enjoy music and have music as a large part of their lives. They have made and maintained great friendhips as a result of MYA
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Have more staff so that everyone was not so overloaded
January 21, 2011
My three children have been a part of the MYA family for 9 musically and socially fulfilling years. When my oldest daughter was 12 she discovered MYA and gradually got the whole family involved with its mission. My daughter auditioned on the oboe and the violin. Afterwards she cried. She was convinced she did terrible. When the letter came with the good news that she was accepted into two different orchestra she was thrilled! Her Saturdays, most kids' day off of school, began at 8:00 a.m. with a chamber group followed by a short break and then 5 hours of orchestra rehearsals. Sounds, grueling. Not for kids who love music. My daughter found a home at MYA where there were kids, just like her, who chose to spend their weekend surrounded by music. She grew as a musician under the guidance of talented orchestra directors who understood how to bring out the best in every member of the orchestra, not only as musicians, but as caring and responsible members of the bigger MYA family. The opportunities my daughter had to perform in world renown venues in Chicago, Spain, Portugal, China and Korea will live with her forever. The 12 year old who decided to spend her weekends playing music at MYA is now 21 years old and finishing up her music education degree at the University of Illinois. She is determined to start a string program for young children in an under served area of the world. Sounds, idealistic, but I see her determination and I think she will truly be able to reach her goal.
Our family continues to be deeply involved with MYA. Our younger two children are now filling their weekends with music, as well. They play in chamber groups, orchestras and sing. How many 11 year olds can brag that they sang with the prestigious Chicago Symphony Orchestra? Well, my two 11 year olds did just that as members of MYA's Voices Rising Children's Choir. They loved being a part of the Chicago Symphony's Welcome Yule performances at Chicago Symphony Center during the month of December. Pretty cool, huh!? Play cello on stage at the Chicago Opera House? Yep, did that, too. Sing at Carnegie Hall? Yes, last spring. If your children, like mine, also have a love for music, they will find a warm, nurturing home in the MYA family. It's also a fun place to hang out. Just ask the MYA kids! Our lives have truly been enriched by the power of music MYA has share with our whole family.
Photos
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
My 3 children have grown as musician as members of Midwest Young Artists.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I would like to help the MYA organization find a way to expand their current facility. The jazz, choral, orchestra, chamber and private lessons opportunities for children of all ages have greatly expanded over the last few years and MYA needs more space!
January 20, 2011
My daughter had already been in the program for two years when I began taking her to weekly Saturday morning practices with one of the orchestras at Midwest Young Artists. I have been actively involved for decades in public service, including government and volunteer organizations. I've also worked for decades with not-for-profits. Unequivocally, none has rivaled what I found at Midwest Young Artists.
Over the past few years, I have watched with amazement at all the good MYA produces. Young musicians readily become committed to working, practicing, and meeting individual challenges. They are part of a team, but they also recognize their individual involvement in achieving the end result. They are eager to participate, not forced to do so. When a young musician advances within his or her orchestra or to a more advanced orchestra or chamber group, he or she knows that it's not because of the politics of a parent's involvement or a monetary contribution - it's because the child or young adult earned the advancement by his or her own hard work and dedication. As the children advance into their teens, you can see the deepening of their friendships, work ethic, commitment, and, importantly, confidence. This is an earned confidence that the youth carries with himself or herself for life.
Similarly, you can observe and support each child's development through the years. There's an excitement each Fall as the youths return from summer for a reconvening of the academic year. It's like watching a championship team develop anew each season.
The parents do not tend towards cliques. New parents are welcomed and established families develop friendships. Most of work does not fall upon a small few to accomplish. Rather parents readily volunteer to help and be part of the success of the organization. Because so many are willing to help, the work for all is more enjoyable.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Watching the children grow through the programs; managing backstage logistics; volunteering at numerous events; serving on MYA's board of directors.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
expand the size of the facilities to accommodate more participants.
More feedback...
Will you volunteer or donate to this organization beyond what is required of board members?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you tell others about this organization?
Definitely
How did you learn about this organization?
Through my wife and daughter.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
January 20, 2011
The work MYA does is truly irreplaceable. The reasons are two-fold. One, there are simply an extraordinarily small number of music programs nationwide of the scale and caliber that MYA operates at. Second, even less - MYA is quite possibly unique, in fact - are the number of these schools that operate with warmth, heart and community in mind.
I am an alumni who has never once considered a career in music. Providentially, however, my talents allowed me to be placed in MYA's top orchestra through all four years of high school. Though there were at least a dozen students superior to me in ability (most considering music school), I never once felt denied opportunity or excluded in any way. MYA does this for people. It builds communities.
That idea - that music builds community and that community is an ends as well as a means - is not unique to MYA. It is unique to programs that produce musicians as talented as MYA, or offer opportunities to as many students as MYA. I can't say enough good things about the place. It remains my home away from home.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Music education.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Institute an organizational flowchart with clearly delineated roles; move somewhat away from a reliance on volunteers.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A lot
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Okay
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
What one change could this group make that would improve your volunteer experience?
Organization.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
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