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youth of our community are a fundamental interest. From the beginning, we have
held a very strong desire to support music education and outreach programs. We
are continually striving to seek new ways of reaching our youth and supporting
their creative and artistic talents.
Master Classes As Music Director of the San Dieguito Performing Arts Association, Warren Gref invited William Ver Meulen, Principal horn of the Houston Symphony, and world-renowned horn soloist to give a master class and recital. This event was extremely well received. Financial underwriting was generously given by Mr. Phil Gieseke, who understands the impact these kinds of informative and inspiring influences can have on young students. Being committed to the concept of the master class, and choosing to make it an annual event, now as Music Director for Seagate Concerts, Mr. Gref has invited Mr. Floyd Williams, Senior Professor of Clarinet at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music in Brisbane, Australia to offer a master class and recital, and has hosted Dr. Steven Gross, professor of horn at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and their scholarship brass quintet, which gave a master class and recital as well. ÊIn addition, Antonio de Innocentis, a guitarist from Italy, has also presented a master class and recital as part of our ongoing commitment to these educational outreach activities. Each year, Seagate Concerts will try to present a master class from a recognized artist, alternating among the families of instruments found in an orchestra and in chamber music. This year, Seagate Concerts hosted Dr. Steven Gross, professor of horn at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and their scholarship brass quintet, which gave a master class and recital, held at Rancho Bernardo High School on May 5th. Youth Concerts Our goal is to reach out to every school child by way of assemblies and youth concerts. Practical steps toward that goal have already been taken. Several years ago, a group of 10 musicians from the Orchestra of San Dieguito presented an assembly to over 300 students at Ocean Knoll School in Encinitas. The enthusiastic response from students and teachers was extremely gratifying and encouraging. Special recognition goes to Kelli McCauley for coordinating everyone's efforts, and to Janet Baum and the Ocean Knoll PTA and the San Dieguito Performing Arts Association. ÊThe Orchestra of San Dieguito has also given performances of Prokofiev's "Peter and the Wolf" to widespread acclaim. If you know of a school or organization which would like us to present an assembly or youth concert, please contact us. Young Artist Competition
Exceptional young musicians need to be acknowledged for their diligent work and
accomplishments. Seagate Concerts help provide that opportunity. While Warren
Gref was affiliated with SDPAA as Artistic Director, a similar event was held,
and Tammy Zhou, piano student at Mt. Carmel High School, and pupil of Jane Bastien,
was awarded the top honors and also soloed with the Orchestra of San Dieguito.
Seagate Concerts is continuing in a slightly different format. One year, the Young
Artist Competition was held for chamber music, and the Rancho Bernardo Trombone
Quartet received highest honors. Each year Seagate Concerts has subsequently alternated
between holding a solo competition and a chamber music competition. The top winner
of a recent solo competition was Jesse Schiffman, a flute student who was a junior
at Torrey Pines High School at the time. ÊIn future years, Seagate Concerts will
combine these competitions into one competition with two categories - solo and chamber music.
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