My Nonprofit Reviews

It was an honor and a privilege to serve as the host orchestra for one of FAYM's first scholarship recipients, Krzysztof Rucinski (violin). From start to finish, the experience was musically rewarding and an amazing opportunity for both a young artist and an equally young orchestra. Not only did Krzysztof and the orchestra benefit tremendously from this collaboration, but so did the audience - which was totally enthralled with the high-calibre of not only his musicianship but also his personality! Some 10 years later, members of the orchestra are still reflecting on the experience and how empowering it was for them to see such a young violinist excel in this manner. Many of these instrumentalists still follow his career and keep in touch with him. Music truly builds communities regardless of the physical distance between people.

FAYM provides one of the far-too-few opportunities for the "next generation" to experience the joy of learning and performing music. In a culture that continues to enjoy and embrace the arts, but not fund them, FAYM is that bright glimmer of hope ... a model to be supported, copied, and shared widely. It would be my honor to again find an opportunity to work with FAYM to promote a young artist(s).

--- Sean Paul Mills, D.M.A.
Founding Artistic Director & Conductor, Willamette Valley Symphony (Corvallis, Oregon)