FOUNDATION TO ASSIST YOUNG MUSICIANS
“Building Better Futures Through Music”
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Newsletter December 2018

 

 

   

President's Message 

The first FAYM recital for the 2018/19 school year was held on October 20 at the East Las Vegas Community Center.  This year’s beginning students did not perform because they have only had violins in their hands for a few weeks.  They will definitely play at our next recital in December.

However, everyone else did get on stage and perform for an excited audience!  We even had a few parents and siblings of our students who have been taking beginning guitar, vihuela, and guitarrón classes take the stage and perform Las Mañanitas along with our Beginning Mariachi and Advanced Mariachi.  This combined group did an excellent job in performing a traditional Hispanic song which is played on important days such as birthdays, anniversaries, saint days, etc. I recently had a birthday so I listened to this song as if it were dedicated to me!

Mil Gracias!

On another note, parents of FAYM have been working together to assure that our Violins For Kids program continues for their children.  They have been working on fund raisers such as candy sales, organizing yard sales and are searching for other ways to help bring in money.  It is important that all our wonderful donors that have been helping us over the years know that our families are taking an active role in helping our program grow.  By all of us working together as the ‘FAYM Family’, we are assuring that our kids get a wonderful opportunity to grow and learn!

Thanks in advance for your continued support!

Arturo Ochoa, Board President

Visit us at http://thefaym.org to learn more, and donate.

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For His Love of Music

FAYM recently received a very generous donation of instruments and sound equipment from the Estate of Mr. Steven C. Parker. The following tribute is offered by Elaine Myers.

Steven C. Parker was born on 01/31/1941 and died on 11/04/2018.

What do you say about a man who could light up a stage just by walking on it?  Like peanut butter and jelly, Steven Parker and music was a winning combination from the start.   At the age of 5 when Steven picked up his first of many violins, his love and enthusiasm for music was evident.  It wasn't enough to just master the violin, no Steven had to branch out and try his hand at most every instrument within reach.  Violin fueled his passion as a child, but when he sat behind his drum set, his real excitement took hold.  Steven could play with the best of them, but chose to start his own band as a young man and kept going until age and time had a different plan.  Whether he was playing classical, pop, jazz, or his favorite the blues, his talent, charisma and excitement brought joy to everyone within earshot.  Whatever instrument Steven chose to play on any given day, the music never sounded better or sweeter.  This was a man in his element and he was never happier than when he could entertain.

Steven was sadly taken too soon, but with the donation of his large collection of instruments to FAYM, it is my hope that his amazing musical spirit will be embodied in the collection and inspire the young people who have the benefit of playing one of his many instruments to continue on a spiritually guided path inspired by Steven's great love of music. Rest in peace Steven and keep Heaven entertained.  You now have a new audience to play for.

In Loving Memory of Steven C. Parker who brought joy to many through music.  As my life partner for the last 20 years, I feel blessed to be able to share his love of all things music related with the students at FAYM.  He will never be forgotten by me and now his legacy can live on through FAYM.  Truly a blessing...

Elaine Myers
 

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Claudia Rivera: Parent, Board Member, Advocate Extroadinaire

What is your name? Claudia Rivera   

How many children do you have in FAYM?  Which groups are they in? I have 1 child in FAYM he takes beginners orchestra and guitar.

How did you hear about FAYM? My son was invited to summer camp through our church.

How long have you been with us? We have been with FAYM for 4 years.              

How did you feel when you first saw your child with a violin in his/her hands? I was very happy and proud.

Was your child happy to get his/her violin? He was really excited.

Is your child enjoying the learning of playing the violin? Yes he is.

Is bringing your child to us twice a week worth your time? Every minute of it.

Have there been any problems in bringing your child to our classes? No, because the teachers are always working with the parents.

Have you seen any changes in your child since he/she started playing the violin? His social skills have improved.

Do you think other parents should bring their child to music classes like ours? Absolutely!

What is the hardest thing for you to make music lessons possible for your child? Music lessons can be really expensive.

If FAYM was not here, would your child be involved in music lessons?  Why? I think the only way my son can be involved in music is through FAYM.  First because the school where my son attends, only a limited number of students get to take music lessons starting in the 9th grade. FAYM makes having our kids in music lessons affordable to any family.

This interview will be in our next Newsletter.  Is there anything else you would like to say to our FAYM family? I will ask the FAYM family to get more involved, get to know the other parents get to know the teachers and last but not least, keep encouraging your kids to get better and better.
 

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Visit us at http://thefaym.org to learn more, and donate.