ADs
YMU2023
LETTER FROM OUR CEO
Over the past 10 years, I have witnessed and experienced
the transformative power of arts education. I have
personally mentored bullies into leaders, motivated a shy
student to have the confidence to belt her heart out on
stage, and challenged thousands of students to achieve
greatness through an understanding that grit, hard work,
and a strong reputation can be your most valued assets.
THE MUSIC ROOM BECAME
MY SAFE SPACE AND THE
MUSIC TEACHERS BECAME
MY HEROES."
When I founded Young Musicians Unite in 2013, I answered
a personal calling for a higher purpose in my own life.
Over the past decade, I’ve watched our programs grow
from supporting eight students to supporting over 3,500
per year, while impacting neighborhoods across the city
like Miami Gardens, Brownsville, and Homestead. I’ve
approached communities that I had no familiarity with,
and have immersed myself by listening, understanding, and
supporting the needs of their children.
1
Every child deserves mentorship and the ability to discover
who they are. Time and time again, I can recount how
fortunate I was to access and benefit from a free music
education while growing up on Miami Beach. As a young
child, teachers told me that I had learning disabilities, but
it was in the music classroom that they eventually realized
that I was gifted. The music room became my safe space and
the music teachers became my heroes. It makes me think
about how many of our children could be misdiagnosed and
would thrive if they were given an opportunity to express
themselves.
Here at Young Musicians Unite, we work so hard to be
there for our students, ensuring that every child has a place
where they can develop friendships, self-confidence, and
work through personal difficulties. I consider myself blessed
and thankful to lead such an innovative, transformational,
and caring organization. We appreciate your support in
our mission and journey throughout the past decade. I am
eagerly looking forward to what the next 10 years have in
store for us!
Sammy Gonzalez Zeira
Founder/CEO
2 YMU2023

04 08 16
Mission Student Spotlights In-School Programs

20 22 24
After-School Programs YMU Studio YMU Classroom

26 27 28
Parent Spotlight Educator Spotlight A Decade of Change

32 36 40
Interview with Alumni Spotlights Our Teachers
Guerwen Gue

46 47 48
Community Leaders Student Accolades Hot Off The Press

50 52 56
Impact Report Partner Bands Execitive Board
COVER PHOTO
Guerwen Gue
Senior, Young Men’s Preparatory Academy
PHOTO BY
Jorge Martínez Gualdrón
MAGAZINE EDITOR
Isabella Marie Garcia

Young Musicians Unite

Young Musicians Unite

@youngmusiciansunite

@youngmusiciansunite
MISSION
Young Musicians Unite believes that every student in Miami-Dade deserves access to music education
regardless of their socioeconomic background. We collaborate with schools to provide free music
education, which has proven to inspire personal development, foster a sense of community, and
prepare our future leaders.
YMU2023 5

WHAT WE DO
To empower youth, YMU provides turnkey music education solutions for Title I schools across
Miami-Dade County. YMU equips schools with trained instructors, lesson plans, instruments, and
all the necessary resources for vibrant music classes. Students, teachers, and schools all benefit
from YMU’s nine years of experience in building successful music programs. YMU’s support
and training of teachers reduces turnover and creates a school culture that prioritizes student
expression, resulting in smooth communication and consistency within the department. This
holistic approach helps schools maximize students’ talents, interest, and engagement.

HOW WE DO IT
Young Musicians Unite collaborates with schools and communities to ensure that when a student
picks up an instrument, they can continue on a consistent path of learning from grades 5-12.

We invest strategically in bridging gaps in a student's music education by working within school
feeder patterns across whole communities. Using a collaborative approach, our model has proven
to create student demand that attracts, retains, and grows student enrollment in neighborhood
schools that would otherwise suffer from attrition to magnet schools and similar programs.

By boosting the appeal of local neighborhood schools through flourishing arts programs, we are
making it possible for any school to host an accessible and thriving music program at a time
when funding cuts for arts education, not investments, are the norm.
ADs
We are proud to support

ADs

10th Annual Gala

Thank you YMU for providing much
needed music education opportunities
to students in our community.

melandbudwick.com
8 YMU2023

STUDENT
SPOTLIGHTS

ALEXEAH BURNES
As band captain, I feel proud to be the leader of my class. Being a captain means I get to help
everyone in the band and to make sure they're okay, not just musically but also emotionally.
Whenever someone needs to talk, they know they can come to me. I like that I can be a role
model for others. When I make a mistake, it reminds everyone that making mistakes is a part
of learning and growing. You shouldn't let these moments make you feel like you're any less of
a musician.

Even when it gets overwhelming, I’m happy to help others improve because I know how great
it feels to be supported. Sometimes, my dad will come to practice and say, "Look at my baby!"
By showing how proud he is of me and knowing that my dad is watching me do what I love,
I’m motivated to be an even better musician and captain. Music means everything to me.
Whenever I feel bad, I get to take it out on the drums. Playing the drums feels like a gift and it’s
exactly what I am meant to do.

School: Myrtle Grove K-8

Grade: 8
Instrument: Percussion
YMU2023
BRUCE MILEY
After two years of playing the tenor
sax with YMU, my band class is still
the highlight of my school day. For me,
playing the saxophone is a combination
of creating music and having fun. Our
small class size makes that experience
more personal.
Our teacher Mr. Martinez is fantastic,
and he always brings a sense of humor to
the class. In the future, I hope to master
playing songs by Imagine Dragons on my
saxophone.
School: Carol City Middle School
Grade: 7
Instrument: Tenor Saxophone
9
ANDRE
PERLMAN
As someone who has faced difficulties
stepping outside my comfort zone, the
trombone has become a means for me to
express myself and showcase my abilities.
It's a unique experience that has allowed
me to break free from my inhibitions and
find a new way to be creative.
The atmosphere in the Jazz Collective is
incredibly collaborative; everyone is open
and willing to work together to create
something amazing. In fact, I already
admired a lot of the band members
before I joined.
​​
The professionalism within the band has
made it a truly special experience. I’m
fortunate to have peers with whom I’m
comfortable presenting even my own
compositions. Together, we strive to make
the best music that we can as a team.
School: New World School of the Arts
Grade: 12
Instrument: Trombone
10
SILK GRIFFIN
Playing drums with YMU has made a big
impact on my life. I got more involved with
my band class after my dad passed away,
and I began to push myself on drums while
forming new bonds with my bandmates. It
got a lot of negativity off my mind.
Now, I’m motivated to always work hard
and have a positive mindset. I’ve become
a better student since I joined because I
don’t want to risk losing my spot in the
band. My dream is to perform in a band
and inspire other kids to do their best too.
School: Carol City Middle School
Grade: 7
Instrument: Quad Drums
YMU2023
ESTHER
GONZALEZ
Singing is my way of communicating, it’s
the way I express myself. Through my
vocal performances, I try to connect with
others by sharing my emotions. Being in
the Miami Beach Rock Ensemble has given
me a consistent platform to develop this
skill. It has also provided a space to work
on my vocal balance, harmonize in intricate
arrangements, and have the opportunity
to lead. It always feels like a family: all the
members learn and bond with each other,
while our instructors, AJ and Sammy, are
patient with us and show us what to expect
from the real world.
To me, Rock Ensemble is much more than
just a high school band. It’s opened doors to
professional opportunities and made me a
lot more social, disciplined, and brave.
School: Miami Beach Senior High School
Grade: 12
Instrument: Voice
YMU2023 11

LUCCA LOBATO
Participating in the Miami Beach Rock
Ensemble has been hard but rewarding
work. Though it was a challenge at first
to balance my academic responsibilities,
musical pursuits, and personal life,
I’ve become much more confident and
comfortable in my guitar skills through the
process. Now, whether I'm practicing or
performing, I enjoy every moment that I’m
playing my guitar.
IESHA BATTLE
At first, I was hesitant to join YMU because
I felt like I was not at the same musical level
as my peers. After receiving guidance and
support from my teachers, Mr. Pedro and
Mr. Eddie, I have improved and developed
a love for my music class. Now, I’m excited
for the days I get to go to drumline. I
would even bring my drums home with me
if I had the chance.
People often think that drumming is meant
to be a hobby for boys, but I want to prove
them wrong. I want to show that girls can
be good at it too, and inspire other girls to
pursue their passion for music!

Guitar playing has become an extension of

myself and I take great pride in my growth
and mastery of the instrument.

School: Miami Beach Senior High School School: Carol City Middle School
Grade: 12 Grade: 8
Instrument: Guitar Instrument: Snare Drum & Bass Drum
12 YMU2023

JERRELL SANDERS
Being a part of YMU and the music industry has been a transformative experience,
allowing me to escape from personal struggles and connect with a deeper sense of
self-love. As a drum major, I have learned the importance of being a leader who listens
and provides feedback on mistakes rather than becoming arrogant and dismissive of
others.

My first band director, Dr. Richardson, provided a safe and supportive environment for
us to grow and develop our musical skills. Unfortunately, he has since passed away.
Dr. Richardson instilled in us a love and passion for music that many of us may not
have found otherwise. Our current band director, Dr. White, has taken on a fatherly
role in our lives. Dr. White has opened new avenues of opportunity and exposure for
us, guiding us towards a deeper understanding of the world of music and what it has
to offer.

School: Carol City High School

Grade: 12
Instrument: Trombone, Percussion & Drum Major
YMU2023
ALONZO
WILLIAMS
As a high school student, I don't always
feel motivated to attend school. However,
my YMU band class always gives me
something new to look forward to during
the school day. I love how YMU offers so
many opportunities to make music—you
can sing, rap, even make beats.
My percussion instructor, Mr. Coachman,
is the best! He often invites different
people in the music industry to our classes,
making every day a chance for personal
growth and advancement.
When I play drums, I put my problems into
the sticks. I’ve become a more conscious
individual and learned the importance of
considering the impact of my actions on
others, and of being selfless. It’s allowed
me to become a better person.
School: Carol City High School
Grade: 12
Instrument: Percussion
13
GALAH
LORIENT
Tuesdays are my favorite day of the week
because of my YMU music class where
each time I attend, I get to learn something
new on the clarinet. I even convinced a
close friend to join the band on trumpet,
so now I have two close friends in music.
It’s been amazing to play together.
At home I get to practice with my dad—I
picked up the instrument because he
plays, so he’s been helping me out. I try to
practice as much as I can after-school so I
don’t forget what I learned.
My music teacher, Mr. Jose, tells me that
I have exceeded his expectations and he
can see my passion for music. I'm so glad
I have the opportunity to play and I hope
to continue doing so for the rest of my life.
School: North County K-8
Grade: 8
Instrument: Clarinet & Snare Drum
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16 YMU2023

IN-SCHOOL
PROGRAMS

Our programs provide access to music education where it

otherwise would not exist.
Young Musicians Unite offers students of all levels a choice between five diverse in-school music
courses. Classes are open to students from grades 5-12, where participants learn in a collaborative
setting as they build friendships, develop musical skills and gain real-world experience through group
performances.

All YMU courses are 100% free to students.

35 3,500+ 456,750
Partner Schools Students Served this Year Lesson Hours Taught this Year
Beginning Band
• This brass and woodwind-focused course is geared towards first-
time band students. Repertoire ranges from popular hits to
marching band songs and jazz standards.
• Instrumentation: Trumpet, Trombone, Saxophone, Tuba, Baritone
Horn, Clarinet, Flute, Percussion
• Grades: 6-12
• *Available on YMUClassroom.org

Drumline
• This 100% percussion-based course is one of our most rigorous
and disciplined programs. Students work together as a unit and
learn rudiments, reading music and cadences for performances.
These ensembles are featured in extracurricular sports games,
award ceremonies, and public performances.
• Instrumentation: Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Cymbals, Tenor Drums
• Grades: 6-12
• *Available on YMUClassroom.org

Modern Band
• In this guitar-driven ensemble course, students master the basic
techniques, develop their knowledge of chords, and learn to read
music. Students play Spanish-influenced instrumental music as
well as popular songs.
• Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Bass, Keyboard,
Percussion, Voice
• Grades: 6-12
• *Available on YMUClassroom.org

Music Production
• This non-genre-specific course requires no previous musical
training and offers students the opportunity to compose, arrange,
and mix their own music. Students create their own beats and
original songs through GarageBand software on iPads.
• Equipment: iPads, Microphones, Garageband, Recording Station
• Grades: 5-12
• *Available on YMUClassroom.org
18 YMU2023

Pitch + Rhythm
• This fun and interactive course focuses on developing a
basic understanding of music through the use of
percussion instruments and vocal training. This experience
provides students with the musical foundation necessary
for a successful transition into middle school.
• Instrumentation: Voice, Orff Instruments, Snare Drum,
Bass Drum, Percussion
• Grades: 4-5
• *Available on YMUClassroom.org

ORCHESTRAL STRINGS
• This course familiarizes students with string instruments
and orchestral percussion. Students focus on instrumental
technique, intonation, reading music, and learning both
classical and popular repertoire.
• Instrumentation: Violin, Viola, Cello, Contrabass,
Percussion
• Grades: 6-12

AUTISM
PROGRAM

YMU continues its support for individuals with intellectual disabilities through the Autism Program at South
Dade Middle School in Homestead. The goal of the program is to promote acceptance of neurodivergent
individuals and introduce students to music performed by professionals.

The program offers Fun Friday activities led by instructors, allowing students to develop self-expression skills
on their preferred musical instruments and collaborate with their peers to create music. We are excited to
witness the progress of both our students and faculty at South Dade Middle through this program.
YMU2023 19

OUR MUSIC
FOOTPRINT
MIAMI BEACH
Fienberg Fisher K-8
Miami Beach Senior High
Nautilus Middle
North Beach Elementary

MIAMI GARDENS
Barbara Hawkins Elementary
Beacon College Preparatory
Brentwood Elementary
Carol City Elementary
Carol City Middle
Lake Stevens Elementary
Lake Stevens Middle
Miami Carol City Senior High
Miami Gardens Elementary
Myrtle Grove K-8
North County K-8
North Glade Elementary
Skyway Elementary
The SEED School of Miami

CENTRAL MIAMI
Booker T. Washington Senior High
Brownsville Middle
Citrus Grove Middle
Coral Gables Senior High
Dr. Henry W. Mack/West Little River K-8
Earlington Heights Elementary
Jose De Diego Middle
Kelsey L Pharr Elementary
Madison Middle
MAST Academy
Miami Central Senior High
Miami Edison Senior High
Miami Northwestern Senior High
Olinda Elementary
YMU STUDIO
Young Men's Preparatory Academy

HOMESTEAD
Leisure City K-8
South Dade Middle
AFTER-SCHOOL
PROGRAMS
Career Readiness Programs
Our after-school programs increase career readiness
by focusing on vocational experiences for our students
in order to prepare them for employment and college
scholarship eligibility.
Subjects: Audio/Recording, Video, Photography,
Live Rehearsals, Music Business, Music Production,
Songwriting, Mixing, Mastering, Sound and Video
Editing, Graphic Design, Website Development,
Social Media, Copywriting, Podcast Production
Academic Internships
YMU’s internship program is an opportunity for students to
gain valuable real-world experience, knowledge, and skills
in diverse fields such as Video Production, Photography,
Audio Recording, Marketing, Operations, Pedagogy and
Development. Through these internships, YMU provides
lifelong knowledge and relationships between students,
professionals, and the community to ensure our youth are
prepared for the future workforce and have a thorough
understanding of the music industry.
YMU2023 21

Performing Ensembles

YMU’s after-school performing ensemble programs are open to the community and focus on students who want to
study music on a deeper level. Students can participate in Rock Ensembles, Jazz Combos, or Stage Production teams.
Classes are kept small, ranging from five to twelve students, to ensure a more personal mentor-to-student experience.
Our performing ensembles participate in over 100 shows during our annual concert season.

MIAMI BEACH ROCK ENSEMBLE THE JAZZ COLLECTIVE

The Miami Beach Rock Ensemble from Miami
Beach Senior High School was founded by the
late Doug Burris in 1972. The group is the first
high school rock ensemble in our nation's history.
The student-led musical group is a culmination of
musicians, stage crew, and a sound engineering
team. The Rock Ensemble comes together to play
classic and modern rock, and lends vocational
experience to its students by engaging them in
professional environments at a young age. Many
professional musicians and sound engineers have
passed through the ranks of the Rock Ensemble
over its 50-year run. Members include Ann
Curless from Exposé, Grammy-nominated singer-
songwriter and producer Amber Mark, guitarist
Fernando Perdomo—who has collaborated with
Jakob Dylan, Fiona Apple, and Tego Calderon—
and Elton John's rehearsal pianist Adam Chester.
This invitation-only ensemble features students
from a variety of backgrounds and schools across
Miami, each of whom is the top jazz player on their
instrument. These students form a tight-knit group
that stay together until they graduate, challenging
each other through advanced jazz repertoire and
a rigorous performance schedule. The repertoire
ranges from grooving modern jazz, such as “The
Watcher” by Marquis Hill to classic jazz club
standards like “Four On Six” by Wes Montgomery.
The Jazz Collective has performed in numerous
prestigious venues including the Adrienne Arsht
Center and Miami Beach Bandshell.
22 YMU2023

The YMU Studio is a professional-level multimedia studio that provides young creatives in our
community with free resources and opportunities to take their education and careers to the next
level. Our studio offers the following programs: audio recording, songwriting & beat-making, video
production, live-streaming & performances, photography, and podcast production.

Our FREE Youth Recording Studio

Studio Recording Sessions

Students can schedule free studio sessions to record audition material, music videos, songs, podcasts, live
streams, and performances. With guidance from our videographer and sound engineer, students learn the
intricacies of working within a professional recording environment.

Songwriting & Beat Making Class

Classes take place every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon giving students, ranging from 5th to 12th grade,
the opportunity and resources to learn how to design musical and lyrical compositions. Students can work
individually or collaborate on projects. The music created is then distributed through the YMU label on
ONErpm. Students maintain full rights and royalties over their songs.

Y M U . L I F E / s t u d i o
Gemini Communications
Proudly Supports
Young Musicians Unite

https://gemcomm.com/
24 YMU2023

YMU
CLASSROOM
YMU Classroom provides students with the opportunity to study music no matter their location or skill level.
Students in grades 4-12 can choose between courses in Music Technology, Drumline, Pitch and Rhythm, Modern
Band, and or Beginning Band. These courses are used in the classroom by our teachers as well as at home
by students who want to keep developing their musical skills. Courses include interactive video lessons, PDF
lessons, assignments, and play-along tracks.

Curriculum Popular Songs STEAM 5.0

Video lessons, downloadable Custom arrangements for Lesson plans created in

sheet music, practice tracks collaborative performances collaboration with the MDCPS
across all classes for their implementation and
access to STEAM programs in
any classroom.
26
PARENT
SPOTLIGHT
LISA
MORALES
When my daughter Estelle had the chance
to audition for the Miami Beach Rock
Ensemble during her freshman year, she
panicked. She had been the lead singer of
Feinberg Fisher K-8's Junior Rock Ensemble
for four years, but now she was in a new
environment and didn't know what to
expect. She almost didn't audition during
her sophomore year either, until her father
and I convinced her to give it a shot. We
told her, "All you can do is try your best."
I believe in Estelle's talent completely and I
was so happy that Sammy Gonzalez Zeira
did as well. Estelle's been involved with
the Miami Beach Rock Ensemble for three
years now, and it was really affirming for
her confidence to be accepted.
It's been a great experience. Once she
acclimated to making new friends, Rock
YMU2023
Ensemble taught her to work with others,
be responsible, and be on time. Those
lessons inspired her to create and manage
her own band where she directs rehearsals
and performances. I first watched Estelle
perform at the Miami Beach Youth Music
Festival when she was 10 years old. Now
she’s in high school, rocking out with the
Miami Beach Rock Ensemble on that same
stage. Seeing their performance was a full
circle moment that gave me goosebumps.
I think YMU has laid the foundation for
students like Estelle. The performances
YMU does and the community YMU creates
gives students a free opportunity to
explore their creativity and artistry. Despite
the difficulties of the music industry, I’ve
watched my daughter develop confidence
and put in the work required to become a
professional artist.
YMU2023 27

EDUCATOR
SPOTLIGHTS
GUILLERMO MUÑOZ
Principal, South Dade Middle School

Music has always been a significant part of my life. As a principal for

the past 19 years, I have made sure to support music programs in
each school I have led. I vividly remember when I was 10, riding in the
car with my father and questioning why he listened to old music. His
answer, "Music brings memories from years past," has stuck with me
to this day. I strive to ensure that our students have the opportunity
to create their own memories through music.

Looking back on it now, I think there may have been some kind of
divine intervention to have Young Musicians Unite reach out when
they did. During the pandemic, it was challenging to maintain
student interest in music due to the lack of face-to-face instruction.
Our music program was in danger of closing. With the help of Young
Musicians Unite, we were able to keep it open and enroll over 180
students. Through our partnership, I am confident that our program
will continue to grow and become a sought-after part of the
community. Music allows students to explore their creative side, and
I am grateful to have been a part of providing that opportunity for
our students.

A N DY H A R R I S O N
Principal, Carol City Middle School

Young Musicians Unite (YMU) was the driving force in bringing

music back to Carol City Middle School. The experiences that this
organization provides for our students is second to none. Whether
it’s combined performances with professional musicians, playing
at the Miami Beach Bandshell, or cultivating scholarship recipients
for the Interlochen Summer Camp in Michigan. YMU has been a
staunch supporter of music at Carol City Middle and the Miami
Gardens community.
28 YMU2023

2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022

A DECADE OF CHANGE

• YMU grows to
six schools and
288 students in
total.
• YMU celebrates
its first two
graduates—
Caleb Alcime and
• YMU adds Gabriel Pierre—
• YMU launches two additional who go on to
its first schools. attend college.
after-school • YMU is • YMU
program at the awarded the • YMU expands establishes
Young Men’s • YMU introduces inaugural Citizens to four schools the Vocational
Preparatory its first in-school Interested in and 186 students Internship
Academy in program at the Arts grant, which in total. Program, and
Wynwood, Young Men's launches the JDD • YMU performs partners with
serving 8 Preparatory Classical Guitar at the Miami the New World
students. Academy. Summer Camp. Heat game. Symphony.

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

YMU2023 29

2018 2019 2020 2021 2022

• YMU’s • YMU receives • YMU Studio and • YMU kicks off • YMU forms
founder and its first six-figure YMU Classroom the Homestead partnership with
CEO—Sammy grant from Daniel begins, Expansion MDCPS and
Gonzalez Zeira— Lewis of Music surpassing 50 and the Miami STEAM+.
spearheads the Access Miami. staff members. Gardens Youth • YMU
Miami Beach • YMU breaks the Music Festival. collaborates with
Rock Ensemble. 1,000 student Shaun Martin of
• YMU activates mark, with over Snarky Puppy
the Miami Beach 150,000 lesson to record and
STEAM+ Pilot hours logged. release an album
program. • YMU wins with The Jazz
• YMU signs a Straight Collective.
district-wide Superiors with
agreement with Distinction at
MDCPS. FBA's for the
• YMU hosts the second time.
Miami Beach
Youth Music
Festival and
receives Straight
Superiors with
Distinction at
FBA's.
• YMU’s first
alumni, Caleb
Alcime, is hired as
a teacher.
 Proud Supporters of
Young Musicians Unite
w w w. czg ro u p . co m

FITNESS. WELLNESS. HAPPINESS.

@FPMOVEMENT | FPMOVEMENT.COM
GUERWEN
SIGHTS SET HIGH: A FEATURE
INTERVIEW WITH GUERWEN GUE
BY ISABELLA MARIE GARCIA
GUE
BASSIST
34
“I didn’t know what I wanted to do and I was out of my mind
doing nothing. Sammy Gonzalez came up to me and said
‘Hey bro, you want to be in a guitar class with me?’ I played
guitar for one year before I switched to bass and competed
to be in the Wynwood Jazz Combo.
After school everyday, I went straight to practicing
the bass, reading textbook charts, and taking lessons
with Sammy. I felt unstoppable. I ultimately got into
the Wynwood Jazz Combo and continued playing,”
Gue explains.
Sammy Gonzalez Zeira—founder and CEO of Young
Musicians Unite—sowed the initial seeds into what would
be Gue’s involvement and a prodigy star of the organization.
The need for a bass player in the Wynwood Jazz Combo
was filled when Gue stepped in as a substitute for their
usual bassist, Patrick Johnson, an alumni of YMU who is
now studying at University of North Florida. The time spent
learning from Johnson was a formative opportunity for
Gue in his exploration of YMU’s after-school programs and
student musicians.
Later, Gue joined The Jazz Collective—an invitation-
only ensemble that features the top jazz players from six
different schools across Miami. The group has performed
at numerous prestigious venues, such as the Adrienne Arsht
Center and North Beach Bandshell, and is where Zach
Larmer, YMU’s Chief Operating Officer, mentored him into
becoming a dedicated bass player.
YMU2023
ZACH GAVE ME AN HONEST
LOOK ON HOW THE REAL
WORLD WOULD BE MUSIC-
WISE. IT WAS GREAT TO HAVE HIM
BY MY SIDE BECAUSE HE WOULD
ALWAYS WARN ME ABOUT ANY
CHOICES THAT WOULD TURN INTO
BAD HABITS."
Like arriving late or turning down gigs at the last minute.
One time I even forgot to bring my bass to a performance.”
Gue elaborates.
Now a Senior at Young Men’s Preparatory Academy,
Gue’s most recent projects and debuts include performing
in LoBac, a medium-size jazz ensemble composed of
Wynwood's top student jazz musicians with a focus on
Haitian-based repertoire. Just this past February, Gue and
his Jazz Collective bandmates collaborated with Snarky
Puppy pianist Shaun Martin on an original composition
titled “Changes of an Everlasting Moon,” which debuted on
the album titled Presence.
As he prepares to graduate, with sights set on Berklee
College of Music or Florida State University, Gue mulls
over the growth he’s experienced as a young musician.
Citing artists of particular inspiration—such as Cannonball
YMU2023
Adderley and Herbie Hancock—he emphasizes the value
of balance in his everyday bass playing. He confesses, “My
greatest failure was being too cocky. There was a show
where I had a month to prepare and I didn't practice at
all because I thought I would get it instantly. When the
day came, I sounded horrible. It made me realize that I
didn’t want that to happen again. Another challenge was
controlling my overconfidence and seeing it push away my
friends. I learned that lesson the hard way.”
Now receiving paid gigs outside of YMU, Gue hopes to
give back to the organization by dedicating time towards
becoming a better musician and crediting his time with
YMU as formative years for his music career. He expresses
this sentiment with gratitude in noting,
“I LIKE TO THINK OF THIS
ARTICLE AS YMU RECOGNIZING
WHO I’VE BECOME OVER THE
YEARS AND THE JOURNEY
WE’VE TRAVELED ON TOGETHER. IT’S ONE
OF THE MOST SINCERE WAYS TO POINT
OUT MY POTENTIAL FUTURE AS A STAR. I
DON’T KNOW THE ROAD I’M ON BUT I’M
CERTAINLY ON IT AND I HAVE A LONG WAY
TO GO.”
35
Guerwen Gue is a bass player currently attending Young Men’s
Preparatory Academy in Wynwood in his native Miami. Studying music
throughout the past few years with Young Musicians Unite, Gue is a
member of jazz ensembles LoBac and The Jazz Collective. He’s played
at local venues such as Smorgasburg Miami, The Sandbox in Miami
Beach, the North Beach Bandshell, and has written out original pieces
for different band ensembles and played for different accomplished
musicians, such as Richard Bona and John Daversa. Of Haitian descent,
he plans to continue his music education in his college years after his
Summer 2023 high school graduation.
Isabella Marie Garcia, or Isa, as she prefers to be called, is a writer and
film photographer living in her native swampland of South Florida. For
the past four years, Garcia has worked with local and national arts-
based organizations such as Burnaway, Ten North Group (formerly
OLCDC), LnS Gallery, and UNTITLED, Art. Her writing has appeared
in publications such as On / Off-Shore: Poets of the Caribbean and
Caribbean Diaspora, The Art Newspaper, The Miami New Times, and
So To Speak: A feminist journal of language and art. Garcia graduated
summa cum laude with her Bachelor of Arts in English from Florida
International University in 2019. More information on her work can be
found at isamxrie.com and anywhere through @isamxrie.
36
ALUMNISPOTLIGHTS
ISIDRO
ANZOLA
My journey as a guitarist has been challenging. I began playing
on my own at 13, but because I didn’t have consistent guidance
or formal instruction, I didn’t feel that my learning path was
very clear or defined. My time as a YMU student changed
that—it proved crucial in helping me take myself seriously as
a musician.
I first encountered the program as a freshman when I saw
the Miami Beach Rock Ensemble perform. At the time, I really
wanted to play in a band and looked up to the Ensemble, but
didn’t feel I was at the right level to do so. I had joined the
Wynwood Jazz Combo for a time, where I met guitarist Aidan
Johnston. Although I learned a lot from jamming with him
outside of rehearsal, I was discouraged at first by the gap in
our skill levels.
I finally joined the Rock Ensemble as a techie in the beginning
of my junior year, when Sammy had just become the director.
We had some really talented musicians also join at that time,
like Cristian Acevedo and Ceci Leon. But it wasn’t skill as much
as perspective that I gained from the experience. Something
as routine as rehearsal taught me what it means to work with
other people. By considering the importance of everyone's
different roles, I learned how to be open to exchanging
feedback and ideas. We all became really close friends and I
felt a family-type love; these people became my brothers and
sisters. Sammy himself was a father figure: he gave us time
YMU2023
for jamming and having fun, but when he meant business, he
meant business.
I loved being in a music program that opened the doors for
its students to create independently outside of the band. My
current group, Himalayan Salt Band, started through jamming
with my Rock Ensemble bandmates, Mauricio and Harry, after
rehearsal. We began playing together two years ago and
started gigging constantly this last year. As an instrumental
group, we were surprised when we made a breakthrough in the
local music scene and had a huge turnout during a Tuesday
night show—over a hundred people came and we sold out our
merch for the first time. Other bands in the scene are known
for their stage antics and people come out to see them put on
a performance. For our band, it was heartwarming to know
that our audience was there for the music; they wanted to
hear us playing.
IF YOU HAVE A PASSION FOR
MUSIC, MY ADVICE IS TO
NOT BE DISCOURAGED BY
OTHERS' ACCOMPLISHMENTS
AND TO ENJOY THE JOURNEY OF CREATING
AND EXPERIENCING MUSIC."
YMU2023
ANTHONY
MARTINEZ
I'VE ALWAYS SAID THIS AND WILL
KEEP ON SAYING IT: MUSIC IS MY
FORM OF THERAPY. THANKS TO
YMU, MUSIC IS A PART OF MY
LIFE AND A PART OF MY FUTURE, AND IT'S
SOMETHING THAT WILL NEVER GO AWAY.
I was six years old when I started learning about music. I had
moved from Miami to Nicaragua with my mom and would go to
church with her on Sundays, where I was always watching the
band perform. I started on guitar, but eventually I fell in love with
the drums.
I moved back to Miami when I was in seventh grade and attended
Young Men's Preparatory Academy. That’s where I learned about
YMU. During the winter showcase that year, I remember I saw
Sammy and some of the YMU teachers setting up a stage for
bands to perform. That's when I told my parents, "I want to be in
that program."
Once I joined, I took my music classes seriously, Iearned about the
rhythm section, music theory, music history, and how to perform
with a band. I participated in a lot of the after-school ensembles
in my junior year of high school like the Wynwood Rock Ensemble
and Wynwood Jazz Combo. This was where an older drummer
37
named Caleb Alcime became a big mentor for me and helped me
transition to playing with full drum sets.
In my senior year, I began attending YMU's Studio program at the
YWCA in Miami Gardens. The studio was awesome; the program
taught me about engineering and interacting with artists in that
environment. I was used to making beats in my room by myself,
but Andrew Gonzalez helped me get out of my comfort zone. He
taught me how to incorporate different genres and that hip-hop
along with rap comes from various influences. When the studio
moved to Allapattah, we recorded more live performances and
focused on building skills in production and editing.
I learned a lot about the music business through preparing split
sheets and releasing music. I also had a legal incident where a
rap artist used one of my uncopyrighted beats in his music. That
experience taught me two important things: to make sure that
you protect your intellectual property and to always keep making
beats.
In my senior year of high school, I met a student that suffered
from autism in my class and we made a song just to mess around.
He told me that no one had ever taken him seriously with music
because of his autism. It felt awesome to collaborate with him.
I've always been a very closed-off person, but music has helped
me be more open and get to know other people's stories. That's
what music is for me: a way to inspire other people.
 León Cosgrove Jiménez, LLP has experience in a wide range
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SOUTHERN GLAZER’S
WINE & SPIRITS IS PROUD TO
SUPPORT YOUNG MUSICIANS UNITE
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Miami, FL 33134 © 2022 Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits

www.leoncosgrove.com

WE ARE PROUD TO
SUPPORT YMU'S MISSION

T O SP R E A D T H E L O V E O F M U S I C
AND THE GIFT OF LEARNING
T O PA S S I O N AT E Y O U N G P E O P L E
I N OU R C O M M U N I T Y
ROCK ON!

THE ABESS FA M I LY
YMU2023 39

TEACHER
SPOTLIGHT
NAME: SARAHÍ MATHEUZ
INSTRUMENT: FLUTE

Through Young Musicians Unite, I have been given the chance

to instill discipline and positively impact the lives of many
students. Despite their diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs,
they collaborate as a team through the power of music. Music
transcends boundaries and inclusively brings us together to share
in the joy of the art form. The opportunity to offer this amazing
experience to so many young individuals fills me with a sense of
privilege.

NAME: DEMIAN MARTINEZ

INSTRUMENT: CLARINET

As a music teacher, your job goes beyond simply teaching how to

play an instrument. It's essential to establish a connection between
the student and the music, which can be achieved through careful
instrument selection and offering advice as needed. It's also very
important to be empathetic and create a sense of teamwork and
discipline in the classroom. Above all, the music class should be
enjoyable. It's crucial to remember that even if students don't
pursue music as a career, they will benefit as individuals in society.
Being a part of YMU has allowed me to witness firsthand the
importance of music education in public schools and how it can
positively impact students' lives.
OUR
TEACHERS
Jose Arvelo Daniel Belloso Kalil Bohannon Andrea Coiro
Beginning Band Drumline Drumline Modern Band

Giacomo Bacigalupo Carlos Bianculli Marian Castro Edival Daniz

Modern Band Beginning Band Modern Band Drumline
Monica Encinoza Emilio Lacayo Michael McNamee Ivan Parra
Pitch & Rhythm Band Rock Ensemble Band

Andrew Gonzalez David Madden Jose Francisco Montes Corey Perez

Music Production Band Modern Band Rock Ensemble

Sebastian Guerrero Demian Martinez Nehemias Orellana Addison Rifkind

Modern Band Band Modern Band Jazz Combo

Arnold J. Hill Joel Martinez Ana Ortega Renzo Vargas

Rock Ensemble Pitch & Rhythm Strings Drumline

Angelo Izzo Sarahi Matheuz Miguel Pagua Tom Witek

Band Pitch & Rhythm Drumline Music Production
42 YMU2023

OUR TEAM

SAMMY GONZALEZ
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Young Musicians Unite was founded by Sammy Gonzalez, a

Miami-born, internationally acclaimed musician and mentor.
Sammy recognized the staggering lack of music education in
many of Miami’s underserved communities and created YMU
as a response to this deficiency. Sammy has over 18 years of
experience working in music education and has taken YMU
from eight to over 3,000 students in only nine years.

Sammy has played over 1,000 concerts, gone on 15 U.S. tours

and landed spots at SXSW music festival and Van’s Warped
Tour. As First Chair in the Miami Beach Classical Guitar Quintet,
he toured the US and Japan winning awards at both regional
and national levels.

ZACH LARMER
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Zach is an internationally acclaimed jazz musician and educator.

As a performer and composer, he has toured around the
world and worked alongside artists such as Pat Metheny, John
Scofield and The Steve Miller Band. Zach is also the guitarist
on the three-time GRAMMY-award-winning album, American
Dreamers: Voices of Hope and Freedom.

As a music educator for the last 14 years, Zach has focused on

creating an infrastructure for musicians to support their growth
as they transform into formidable artists.
YMU2023 43

MELANIE GREENWALD
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

A New York native, Melanie relocated to Miami Beach with her husband
Eric in 2001. Melanie is a CPA who has previously worked in a finance and
accounting capacity at a variety of firms, including a major accounting firm
and Fortune Magazine. Melanie joined as YMU’s first employee in 2016 and
has served as YMU’s Chief Financial Officer since 2018. Melanie loves the
people she works with and, most importantly, the great work that YMU does
for our community. Melanie and Eric have three children, Eliza, Sydney, and
Sam, all of whom have been involved in YMU.

PEDRO DIAZ ANDREA AMOROSI

PROGRAM DIRECTOR MARKETING DIRECTOR
“I am excited to work at YMU "I personally never had the
as I believe that impacting opportunity to learn to play
individual students through an instrument in school, and
music and access to a better looking back, I really wish I
education is not only a catalyst had. Music is such a huge
for self-improvement but the part of my daily life now, and
beginning of a chain-reaction I am excited to help YMU
that improves life at home and create those opportunities for
the community at large.” students in school today.”

PAUL RABUT PEDRO RODRIGUEZ

REGIONAL DIRECTOR REGIONAL DIRECTOR
“I firmly believe that music “It’s been a pleasure helping
is one of the best outlets to young musicians develop
cope with daily stress and to
the tools they need to be
stay hopeful. YMU has given
me a unique opportunity successful in life. Having been
to increase the access that a young musician myself, I'm
students have to quality able to guide them with the
music education as well as help I wish I had.”
improve music programs and
keep the curricula relevant.”

JUAN PELAEZ HAKIM LAHLOU

ACADEMIC MANAGER PRODUCTION MANAGER
“My main motivation to serve “There’s no greater feeling
YMU is to help students have than when I see students
access to music education enjoying music through this
and to create a nourishing program, knowing I was able
and creative environment in to contribute to even a small
their community.” part of it.”
44
DIANA FERNANDEZ
YMU STUDIO MANAGER
“I honestly love being here
because of the people I work
with. It feels like everyone is
championing the same cause
and working together to
make it happen.”
FORREST CANADAY
Videographer &
Photographer
“Working at YMU I’m able
to help the next generation
of musicians pursue their
dreams and passions while I
get to learn and grow in my
own career at the same time.
It’s inspiring to work around
so many creative people and
I’m happy to be here.”
TASHIMA MATHIS
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
“I love working for YMU because
it is an organization that truly
cares about the future of
students in Miami-Dade County
and is dedicated to giving
them free music education.
YMU encourages students to
follow their music passions and
gives them the resources to do
so whether in school or after
school.”
JASMIN NUNEZ
BOOKKEEPER
"I believe music education
and access to musical
resources are incredibly
valuable to students of any
age or skill level. It shaped my
early years, and I am happy
to be involved in granting
that experience to others
through my work with YMU."
YMU2023
ANDREW GONZALEZ
MUSIC PRODUCER
“The only way to do great
work is to love what you do.
That’s my favorite part about
working for YMU!”
CARLO BARBACCI
AUDIO ENGINEER
“At YMU, I do what I love every
day: gain experience working on
music/audio in a professional
studio environment while giving
young musicians the same
opportunity. This experience
is something I wish I had in
the past, and I am more than
happy to help provide it to the
community.”
TALI BAJAROFF
OPERATIONS MANAGER
“I love working for YMU
because every day brings new
challenges and opportunities
to grow. The end result of
our hard work is magical for
the students and everyone
involved!”
MARTE SIEBENHAR
FUNDRAISING CONSULTANT
"I feel it's my duty as a musician
and a member of my community
to help YMU provide the youth
with programming that helps
them pursue their passion for
music and creates a positive
impact on their lives.”
YMU2023
OUR INTERNS
Olivia Murray - Studio Management & Operations Intern
"I really enjoy the working environment; everyone gets
along and it just flows. I've learned that even despite some
hardships or bumps in the road, if you keep a level head and
keep moving forward, it will all work out."
Sydney Greenwald - Rock Ensemble Intern
“As an intern, I have had the amazing experience of working
behind the scenes with such an inspiring organization, and
learning how companies function. I am so grateful for this
opportunity Young Musicians Unite has given me, as I feel
as though I have learned so much about band management,
deadlines and responsibilities, and working with a team.”
Noah de la Portilla - Programs Intern
“The thing I love most about working at YMU is that there's
always something to do. If I'm not compiling teacher
information into spreadsheets, I'm building a desk for a
classroom or a shelf for the conference room (neither of
which have anything to do with my actual job).”
45
Roberto Kassin - Audio Engineering Intern
“As an intern, I have had the best experience working in the
studio with Carlo. I can say that every time I walk out of the
studio, I have learned a new skill. I am very honored to be
interning with YMU studio.”
Taylor Norman - Marketing Intern
“Interning in the marketing department has been like being
backstage at a show, but instead of watching a band
perform, I've been able to observe an organization in action
and see how YMU impacts students' lives.”
Anthony Izzo - Audio Engineering Intern
“I’ve enjoyed learning about the inner workings of music
production. I think YMU has provided me with a great
foundation on the essence of music production.”
Natalie Colegrove - Marketing Intern
"I wish I had something like YMU when I was growing up, a
place where everyone supports you on your path towards
music."
46 YMU2023

COMMUNITY
LEADERS

RICHARD BONA
Bassist

"My partnership with YMU is extremely important to me,

because the power of music education is beyond any
language, nationality, or social status. Being self-taught, I
know how impactful mentors can be in a young musician’s
life. These experiences will only open doors in these kids'
lives. Young Musicians Unite’s efforts for accessible music
education in Miami have the full support of my foundation,
my partners at MarkBass, and myself. I urge you to get
more familiar with YMU’s activities and get involved. We
can only change things if we are in it together!”

KUNYA ROWLEY
The Miami Foundation

“I am a product of having music and arts programs in

my school. These programs are where I learned how
to be brave, how to lead, how to listen, and the value
of teamwork. Having access in those formative years
propelled me to college with a full ride scholarship; it was
a vehicle for opportunity. That is what organizations like
Young Musicians Unite are unlocking for youth across
Miami-Dade.”
YMU2023 47

STUDENT
ACCOLADES
INTERLOCHEN SCHOOL OF THE
ARTS, MICHIGAN
Students were accepted and provided with a full
scholarship for Summer Camp 2022.

Recipients: Guerwen Gue, Amber Diaz, Deo Budnevich,

Tyrell Varnado, Bruce Miley, Terry Moore, Ryan Fuqua,
Julia Baker, Liliana Sigmundova, Julian Chirino,
Juan Jaimes, Jesus Dupree.

NEW WORLD SYMPHONY

COLLEGE TRACK SCHOLARSHIP
Students were awarded with $10,000 to help in their college
application process, the purchase of instruments and
equipment needed for their education process, as well as a
dedicated mentor from NWS to help students develop their
strengths and musical abilities.

Recipients: Guerwen Gue and Tyrell Varnado.

POWER ACCESS SCHOLARSHIP

South Beach Jazz Festival and Power Access presented a
scholarship which was awarded to 3 students across the
Miami-Dade School District. One of our students from our
Autism Intensive Course at South Dade Middle School was
awarded and recognized for his hard work, talent, and
achievements.

Recipient: Jeremiah Martial

YMU COLLEGE ACCESS

SCHOLARSHIP FUND
In collaboration with Sydney Greenwald, YMU has created
the College Access Scholarship fund which helps provide
resources to a selection of YMU students as they navigate
the college application process. These resources will
COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES
help pay for college counseling, application fees and Guerwen Gue (Bass) - Florida Memorial University FMU
audition fees. Tyrell Varnado (Trombone) - Florida State University FSU
Sydney Greenwald (Bass) - New York University NYU
Recipients: Guerwen Gue and Tyrell Varnado Noah de la Portilla (Guitar) - Florida State University FSU
48
HOT OFF THE PRESS
When Fernando Perdomo flew to London to record at
the iconic Abbey Road Studios, he brought a framed
photograph of his late music teacher, Doug Burris.
I PUT IT ON THE PIANO THAT
THE BEATLES USED ON
SGT. PEPPER," PERDOMO
SAYS. "I WANTED HIM TO
BE THERE."
Perdomo, who graduated from Miami Beach Senior
High in 1998, spent three years under Burris' tutelage
as part of the Miami Beach Rock Ensemble, the school's
highly regarded music program Burris founded in 1972.
YMU2023
"I wouldn't be doing what I'm doing if it wasn't for
Rock Ensemble," says Perdomo, a guitarist who has
collaborated with Jakob Dylan, Fiona Apple, and Tego
Calderon and appears in the music documentary Echo
in the Canyon. "[Burris] showed me that I could make
a career out of what many people consider a hobby.
There's not a day that goes by when I don't think about
what he taught me."
On Saturday, May 28, Perdomo, along with more than
100 former students, will take part in a concert to
celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Miami Beach Rock
Ensemble and honor Burris’ life and legacy, defined by
his dedication and devotion to the more than 1,000
students who have come through the ensemble. Many
YMU2023
have gone on to have successful careers in the music
and entertainment industry.
Adam Chester remembers joining the Miami Beach
Rock Ensemble in 1981, his junior year in high school.
For one of his first performances, he played Elton John's
instrumental "Funeral for a Friend."
"They brought me out in a coffin covered with dry ice,
and I came out in a white three-piece suit, walked over
to the keyboard, and started playing. It was friggin'
awesome," he remembers. Chester's participation in
Rock Ensemble was the beginning of a lifelong friendship
with Burris. "I called him all the time," says Chester, who
studied music at the University of Southern California.
Years later, a chance meeting with Elton John's guitarist,
Davey Johnstone, in Los Angeles brought it full circle
for Chester. In 2004, he was offered an extraordinary
opportunity.
"[Johnstone] asked me if I wanted to rehearse with the
band because Elton doesn't, and I was like, 'Are you
kidding me?'" The band bestowed him the nickname
"surrogate Elton John."
"He's Sir Elton, and I became Sur Elton," Chester says
jokingly.
When he called Burris to tell him the news, his former
teacher was ecstatic. "He was like, 'Hell yeah.'"
Chester continues to work with the music legend.
In 2018, when the Recording Academy organized a
tribute concert for John during the Grammy Awards,
Chester was either behind the piano or conducting a
string quartet as Lady Gaga, Ed Sheeran, and Miley
Cyrus performed John's hits. Chester credits the Miami
Beach Rock Ensemble for changing the course of his
life. "It all started to flourish for me in high school," he
says. "[Burris] was someone I respected and someone
I loved."
Through the years, the Miami Beach Rock Ensemble
earned national praise, won competitions, and was
highlighted in newspapers and network television,
including features on MTV, CNN, and CBS. In 1999, the
ensemble opened the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction
ceremony in Cleveland after Burris petitioned the
event's organizers. Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney,
and Curtis Mayfield were among the inductees that
year.
"Music is the one thread that keeps us all together
and on a certain track," Burris told CBS New Sunday
49
Morning in 2000. He died in 2016 from complications
from multiple sclerosis.
After Burris' retirement in 2012, Rock Ensemble
struggled to fill its leadership void. For several years,
it was managed by former student Iran Garcia, who
relocated to Los Angeles to pursue a career in film.
Garcia turned to Sammy Gonzalez, another former
Miami Beach Rock Ensemble member. Gonzalez agreed
to take over as director in 2017 through his nonprofit
organization, Young Musicians Unite, whose core
mission is based on the belief that every student in
Miami deserves access to music education.
I AM A PRODUCT OF
FREE MUSIC EDUCATION,"
GONZALEZ SAYS. "WHAT I
DIDN'T KNOW BACK THEN
WAS THAT I WAS BEING TRAINED
FOR MY FUTURE BY WORKING WITH
BURRIS. IT WASN'T A JOB TO HIM;
IT WAS A LIFESTYLE."
Gonzalez felt blessed to carry the torch for his former
teacher. "I didn't have a father growing up, so he was
that person who truly cared about me," says Gonzalez,
his voice shaking. "He was like a father."
Today, the Miami Beach Rock Ensemble plays about 20
shows a year, performing rock classics by Queen, Pink
Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and Heart. A.J. Hill supports the
group as artistic director and Michael "Mac" McNamee
as assistant director.
Interest in the program is skyrocketing, Gonzalez
reports. "At auditions this year, all the slots were maxed
out."
Gonzalez is moved by the ensemble's continued impact
on the Miami community, especially younger students.
"[These] students see [the Rock Ensemble] perform and
are inspired to pick up an instrument and get interested
in the arts, whether music or film or sound technology."
At Saturday's event, representatives from the City of
Miami Beach will present the group with a proclamation
declaring that day the Miami Beach Senior High Rock
Ensemble Day.
"I get people all the time now saying, thank you so much
for continuing the legacy of Doug Burris," Gonzalez
says. "He's smiling from heaven right now."
 OUR IMPACT
2021-2022
OVER

73
STUDENT
SONGS
RELEASED
416,422 98%
TOTAL STREAMS

520
OF STUDENTS MADE A GAIN IN AT

8
STUDIO IMPACT REPORT LEAST 1 SEL CAPACITY. FOR EXAMPLE:
SELF-AWARENESS,
(BEHAVIORAL CHANGE) SELF-MANAGEMENT, SOCIAL

91%
TOTAL STUDIO AWARENESS, RELATIONSHIP SKILLS,
RECORDING HOURS AND RESPONSIBLE DECISION-MAKING.

%
OF STUDENTS REPORT
FEELING MOTIVATED TO
IMPROVE ACADEMICALLY

AVERAGE
GPA
INCREASE
100%
OF STUDENTS REPORT
80%
OF STUDENTS REPORTED
IMPROVED ABILITIES TO IMPROVEMENT IN MANAGING THEIR
EXPRESS THEIR CREATIVE TIME OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
IDEAS
 62,000
35 AUDIENCE
3,500+

MEMBERS

750
PARTNERS
STUDENTS SERVED SCHOOLS

LESSON 100+
HOURS COMMUNITY
PERFORMANCES

TAUGHT
4
REGIONS

$542
ANNUAL COST
35 Teaching
Artists 598
SQ. MILES
PER STUDENT

12
12 90%
OF GRADUATES FROM
OUR AFTER-SCHOOL
PROGRAMS RECEIVE
COURSE
COURSE A FULL SCHOLARSHIP
TO COLLEGE
OFFERINGS
OFFERINGS

OUTOF
OUT OVER 100 MUSIC EDUCATION NONPROFITS IN MIAMI DADE
OFOVER
COUNTY, YMU IS THE ONLY IN - SCHOOL PROVIDER FOR GRADES 5-12.
COUNTY,
 52 YMU2023

PARTNER BANDS
Through Young Musicians Unite's student ambassador program, students and families support YMU
with fundraising campaigns, community performances, playing side-by-side shows with YMU students,
and engaging in peer-to-peer mentoring. We are thankful for the dedication and support of these young
mentors and their families. To date, our partner bands have raised over $1.1 million for free music education
benefiting those in need.

NOT YET PUBLISHED

From left to right: London Roth, Reid Rosenberg, Valentina Koehler, Roberto Kassin, Armando Segrera, Sammy Greenwald,
Abraham Kassin

AVALANCHE ARROWHEAD
From left to right: Santi Sauceda, Noah de la Portilla, Sara From left to right: Estelle Morales, Deo Budnevich, Sydney
Edelstein, Max Bast, Erika Siblesz, Ivy Rosenberg, Logan Greenwald, Caleb Samuel, Sophia Gumenick, Harrison
Moskovitz Schwartz, Trent Mopsick
FINANCIAL REPORT
ANNUAL FINANCIAL SUMMARY

Revenue

Expenses

Change in Net Assets

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

AS OF JULY 31, 2022

Assets Liabilities and Net Assets

54 YMU2023

OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Achieve Music Miami Beach Arts & Culture

Arts 4 Learning Miami Beach Department of Tourism & Culture
Bass Museum of Art Miami Beach OnStage!
Bassology Around The World Miami Design District
Batchelor Foundation Miami Foundation
Children‘s Trust Miami Gardens Music Alliance
Citizens Interested in the Arts Miami Heat Charitable Fund
City of Miami Beach Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs
Coral Gables Community Foundation Miami-Dade County Public Schools
D’Addario Foundation Miami Music Project
D’Angelico Guitars Miami New Times
Deco Productions Michael Schwartz Catering and Events
Donna E. Shalala MusicReach Program Music Access Fellowship
ELMA Philanthropies Music for Memories
Fender Play Foundation National Endowment For The Arts
Florida Division of Cultural Affairs NBCUniversal Foundation
Frost School of Music New World Symphony
Gibson Gives Nu Deco NXT
GroundUP Music ONErpm
Guitars Over Guns Overtown Youth Center
Hungry for Music Radical Partners
Interlochen Center for the Arts Reverb Gives
Jaguars United Rhythm Foundation
Jazz Foundation of America Save The Music Foundation
JECC Jazz Ensemble STEAM MDCPS
Jorge M. Pérez Family Foundation STEAM+ Miami Beach
Key Biscayne Women‘s Giving Circle Symphonettes
Kirk Foundation Wynwood School of Music
YMU2023 55

OUR SUPPORTERS
$500,000+ Max Ida Fred & Marji Strauss Calev Systems
Foundation Chariff Realty Group
Daniel R. Lewis, Music Access Fellowship
Miami Heat Foundation Classwallet
The Miami Foundation
Melanie and Eric Greenwald Crystal Capital Partners, LLC
$250,000-$499,000 Miami Beach Cultural Affairs Damian & Valori LLP
Michael Schwartz Catering David Segrera
Miami-Dade County Department of
National Endowment of the Arts Doug Imbruce
Cultural Affairs
Racket Duane Morris LLP
$100,000-$249,999 Renee Gans Eric & Victoria, Sophia and Rose Elliott
Silvia Coltrane of RETI Fabio Alexander
ELMA Philanthropies
Southern Glazer‘s Wine and Spirits Gerrard Family
Jorge M. Pérez Family Foundation
Stephen Larmer Halpern Rodriguez LLP
STEAM+ Funded by the City of Miami
Stephen M. Sander Foundation IGT Media Holdings
Beach
Symphonettes Jennifer and Justin Elegant
$50,000-$99,999 Tripcap John and J.B. Aleman
The Batchelor Foundation Uproot Wines Kassin Family
Kenneth O‘Keefe
Comcast/NBC6 $5,000-$9,999 Larry & Millie Magid Family
ONErpm
3 Sons Foundation, Inc. Foundation
$25,000-$49,999 Breakthru Beverage Larry Begley
American Engineering and Development Chelsea Aviation Lehr Family
Corporation City Construction Group, Inc. León Cosgrove, LLP
Amicon Construction Coral Gables Community Foundation Leslie and Marty Steinberg
Dunspaugh-Dalton Foundation Inc. D‘Addario Foundation Lina Eusse
Florida Division of Cultural Affairs Deborah and Neil Bienstock LSN Partners
Gans Family Ines Rivero and Ernesto Estrada Luis and Gisela Segredo
Greenberg Traurig, P.A. Inktel Holdings Corporation, LLC Mark Meland
Greenspoon Marder, LLP Jessica and Jay Kaplan Memo and Cynthia Sauceda
Jeffrey Miller Kahunah Properties Menu Men
Kirk Foundation Karen Fryd Michael Scheitelman
Miami Beach OnStage! Kobi Karp Architecture Interior Design Nancy and Stephen Bernstein
Miami Design District Lisa and Jamie Rosenberg Office of Mayor Dan Gelber and the
Save The Music Foundation Lourdes and Charles Humble City of Miami Beach Commission
Wynwood School of Music Marilyn Milian and John Schlesinger Paragon Development LLC
Miller Family Phil Hudson
$10,000-$24,999 Mopsick Family Plastridge Insurance Agency
Akar Family Neelam and Bharat Chatani Reef Technology
Boucher Brothers Plaza Construction Reservations.com
Children‘s Trust Randy Gumenick Sandy Kauffman
Citizens Interested in Arts, Inc. Reverb Gives Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr LLP
D’Addario Foundation Roth Family Schwebke-Shiskin & Associates, Inc.
Diane and Marc Greenwald The Related Group Segrera Associates
Francis Glowacki The Story Room Sky Harbour
Goldstein & Company Withers Worldwide SMS Lodging
Stacey and Jon Chopp
Jay Levy of Zelkova Ventures $1,000-$4,999
Jep Thornton Susan Billante
Karen Adler and Larry Greenwald Andrea and Fred Fraenkel Schwartz Family
Krillion Ventures Angel Febres Tera and Isaac Kodsi
Leslie Miller Antoinette and Cary Zel Terra Group
Mary and John Hammel Appelrouth, Farah & Co., P.A. The CDL School
Matlick Family Atlantic & Pacific Property Management Walt Grace Vintage
Bridge Development Partners, LLC XXI Wine & Spirits
56 YMU2023

EXECUTIVE BOARD

01 02 03 04 05

06 07 08 09 10

01 Jamie Rosenberg 07 Mark Meland

Chair | CEO | ClassWallet Co-Founder | Meland Russin
& Budwick, P.A.

02 Jose B Aleman 08 Adam Mopsick

Vice Chair | Managing Partner CEO & Founder | Amicon Construction
Axeso Strategies

11 12
03 Gabrielle Anwar 09 Derek Negron
Filmmaker, Writer, & Actress Administrator Director | ETO
Schools for MDCPS

04 Stephen Gans 10 Michael Schwartz 13 Leslie Zigel

Treasurer | Gans Family James Beard Award-winning Chef Chair of Entertainment
Investments LLP & Founder | The Genuine SMGQ Law
Hospitality Group

05 Sammy Gonzalez 11 Jep Thornton

Zeira Managing Partner | Aerolease
CEO & Co-Founder | Founder YMU WAS FOUNDED
Wynwood School of Music IN 2013 BY SAMMY 13

GONZALEZ, JEFFREY
06 Barrington Irving 12 Cary Zel MILLER, AND
Founder & CEO | The Flying Secretary | Executive Vice
Classroom, Experience Aviation President | PWX Solutions VIRGINIA AKAR
COMMUNITY BOARD

01 02 03 04 05

06
05 07 08 09 10

01 Shari Gurkin (Chair) 11 Candice Schaffer

02 Shelly Bressler 12 Brian Schoenberger

03 Mick Duchon 13 Brooke Tarasowsky

11 12 04 Ryan Elias

05 Gabrielle Fraenkel

06 Sammy Gonzalez

07 Jay Levy

08 Nathalia Llama

13 09 Mikhael Porter

10 Andi Potamkin
 GT L AW.COM

EMPOWERING YOUTH
THROUGH MUSIC.
Greenberg Traurig proudly supports
YOUNG MUSICIANS UNITE in its mission to
provide our youth with access to free education
and give them a voice through music.

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JAMES A. CARENZA | SHAREHOLDER W O R L D W I D E LO CAT I O N S

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