Alan Stepansky
Alan Stepansky is recognized as one of the most gifted cellists of his generation. Whether performing as soloist, recitalist, or chamber musician, “he plays with great inward concentration and intensity, utter authority, and a beautiful, warm tone” (Strings Magazine). Mr. Stepanskyrecently completed a distinguished nine-year tenure as the New York Philharmonic’s associateprincipal cellist and made his solo debut with the Philharmonic under Kurt Masur during the1992–93 season. Increasingly in demand as a teacher as well as a performer, he is currentlyprofessor of cello at the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University and at ManhattanCyro Baptista
Since arriving in the U.S. in 1980 from his native country Brazil, Cyro Baptista has emerged as one of the premier percussionists in the country. Cyro’s credits read like a “Who’s Who” of modern music. He toured extensively with Yo-Yo Ma’s Brazil Project, Trey Anastasio’s Band (of Phish), John Zorn’s Electric Masada, Herbie Hancock’s Grammy award winning“Gershwin’s World”, Sting and Paul Simon’s “Rhythm of the Saints”.Eli Yamin
Eli Yamin is a jazz and blues pianist, singer, composer, educator, broadcaster, and Steinway artist. He is also Artistic Director of The Jazz Drama Program and head of Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Middle School Jazz Academy. After participating last spring in the first White House Jazz Studio hosted by First Lady Michelle Obama, Eli was invited back thrice to perform music from his latest CD, You Can’t Buy Swing, in the East Room. Eli has also performed at top concert halls and festivals in Western Europe and the United States and in Mali, India, China and the Balkans as a cultural ambassador touring on behalf of the U.S. Department of State. Eli has played and taught with Barry Harris, Illinois Jacquet, Wynton Marsalis, Walter Perkins, Perry Robinson, Kate McGarry, Claire Daly, Evan ChristopherJoyce Kornegay
Founder of Newark Educators Community Charter School, Ms. Kornegav has extensive experience in Newark schools as a principal, assistant principal and teacher working with a wide range of students including English Language Learners and special education students. From 1995 – 2006, Mrs. Kornegay served as Principal of the Newark Public Schools District’s Fifteen Avenue School, which services students in pre-school through grade seven.Bill Bloom – MWP President
Bill Bloom is president of MusicWorks for Peace. Bill is composer, producer and performer for film, television and recording artists including: Aztec Two Step, Dave Brubeck, Imo Jah, David Bromberg and many others. In 1993 Bill teamed with George Small to compose and perform the soundtrack for “The Search For One Eye Jimmy” starring John Turturro, Sam Jackson, and Steve Buscemi. In 2006 Bill again teamed with George Small and Sarah Larsen to compose the soon to be released “Garcia Inventions.”
Well, who know you took you childhood love of music into your professional life? Proud of you, old friend. I never personally delved into music as a profession, but it has remained a vital part of my life. I am surrounded by talented people and engage in it as often as time permits. My daughter is an actor, her boyfriend now living with us, is an exceptional singer/songwriter who will find some success in this industry. Of course you may recall my mother was a Julliard grad.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I just want to say how wonderful it is that you took music in a direction which will benefit young people who are subjected to the popular pablum and Cheesewhiz that passes for music today and give them something more substantial, more inherent, more natural and more soulful than that.
Larry