Students Evolving into
Musicians

At this year's Yamaha Young Performing Artist Program, 10 students had the chance to perform among terrific talent while learning the tricks of the trade from featured artists like trumpet virtuoso Allen Vizzutti. The students converged on the Illinois State University campus in Normal, Illinois, in June for two days of masterclasses, workshops, networking, and performances.

Now in its 14th year, the program welcomes applicants from all over the country to come share their talents and broaden their musical horizons. Known for their tremendous work ethic and intensity, the students came eager to learn and to soak in all things musical. Although it was an intense couple of days full of practice and performance, the students enjoyed the hard work and gained a lot from the personal attention they received.

The 2002 winners are: (standing) Geoffrey Landman (saxophone), Jeffery Mitchell (flute), Michael Boeteng (bassoon), Brenton Dunnington (marimba), Ed Vinson (tuba), (seated) Aaron Hill (oboe), Adrienne Jacobs (violin), Julie Linder (clarinet), and Patrick McGinthy (trumpet).

Vizzutti was joined by renowned accompanist Linda Mark. He welcomed the opportunity to work, teach, and perform alongside such accomplished young musicians. "It was fantastic," says Vizzutti about this year's program. "You're interacting with young players who are on such a high level, and who have so much enthusiasm."

Participating students got a glimpse into the life of a professional musician through interactions with the featured artists. This helped them gain knowledge for their musical futures and allowed them to ask questions about the business. "They were interested in the music world and career issues of the professional musician," says Vizzutti. "There's no way for them to really find out the answers to these questions other than from the people who do it for a living. They were able to hear what professional situations are like-in an orchestra, recording, soloing-anything."

Vizzutti appreciated having the time to get personally involved with the students. He was able to relate to them one-on-one, and give them a clear insight as to what he has learned from his worldwide travels and from working with diverse artists. "I found it valuable being there to interact with them on a relaxed and personal level over the course of a couple of days and playing for them," he says.

Brenton Dunnington, an 18-year-old student of Michael Rosen (percussion artist and professor of percussion at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music), was impressed by the two-day event. He says his performance on the marimba was important for two reasons. "The main highlight of this year's event for me was the performance on Monday night," says Dunnington. "It just so happened that the performance fell on my 18th birthday. It was a truly exciting occasion. The audience was charged, and the musical interaction was unparalleled. There is really nothing like this immensely enthusiastic audience. It was a real treat to be able to perform for them."

Dunnington especially enjoyed having a chance to sit down with Vizzutti face-to-face to learn what goes into a show and how to handle the stress of a life in music. "I really enjoyed the wonderful interaction between us and the Yamaha artists," says Dunnington. "It was a beneficial experience. I learned a great deal from Allen Vizzutti. He shared not only musical experiences, but life experiences as well. Even though we only had a short time together, I learned a great deal from him."

His interactions with the other YYPA students were also helpful. Dunnington says being a YYPA winner was a significant step on his career path and laid the groundwork for establishing many musical connections. "It gives you a great and rare distinction on your resumé," he says. "Yamaha does an immense amount to help their young artists get connected with other Yamaha artists. We are given opportunities to learn from and interact with many professional musicians. We are able to make many contacts, which can open doors for us as our careers progress."
Dunnington is currently working towards commissioning new works. "My primary musical plan is to foster the expansion of the repertoire for marimba and orchestra," he says. And with performances like those exhibited at this year's YYPA, he is likely to have many more performing opportunities as a future orchestral musician.