The Yamaha Young Performing Artist program ( commonly known as YYPA and pronounced "Yip-ah") is getting ready to roll for 2002. The annual event, scheduled for June 22-24, invites applicants from across the country to take part in an exciting weekend of masterclasses, concerts, networking, and workshops, held at Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois.

Last year's YYPA Concert featured percussion artist Dave Samuels, who worked with participants in a rewarding weekend of clinics and jazz performances. "We're looking forward to an even bigger program this year, which marks our 14th YYPA event," says John Wittmann, Yamaha Band and Orchestral Division's marketing manager for education. "We've had a terrific bunch of applications from some extremely talented young musicians. The deadline was March 1, and we notified the winners shortly thereafter."

The featured artist for YYPA 2002 will be trumpet virtuoso Allen Vizzutti, joined by the renowned accompanist Linda Mark. Vizzutti has toured and recorded with Woody Herman and Chick Corea, and can be heard on more than 100 film soundtracks. Equally at home in both jazz and classical repertoire, Vizzutti is also a noted composer; his works have been premiered by, among others, the London Symphony Orchestra and

Los Angeles Philharmonic. Mark is a staff accompanist at The Juilliard School, and a member of the New York Philharmonic Chamber Ensemble. She has also won prizes in several international competitions.

"Vizzutti has an interesting and varied program prepared for us, and this year's winners will benefit from the enormous range of talents and experiences both of our artists have to offer," says Wittmann. He points out that while the focus of a YYPA weekend is on ensuring a valuable learning experience, there is also an element of intense focus. "Participants arrive on Saturday, June 22 for the start of the weekend's activities, rehearsing Sunday and Monday during the day with Mark. They will also spend time talking with Yamaha staff about careers in music, as well as discussing Yamaha instruments." One of the weekend's highlights will be an
intimate, one-on-one clinic with Vizzutti. "They are here to work," Wittmann says, "but we make sure they also have a blast."

The weekend culminates in a concert that also serves as the opener for another important program: the Summer Symposium for Bands of America. "Thousands of kids come from all over the country for Bands of America. YYPA has worked quite closely with that organization on many projects, and every year we have a final concert with these great

young musicians-so we simply said to them, let us help you kick off your program." It's a match made in heaven, according to Wittmann. "They get a terrific concert, and we get a captive audience of a thousand eager kids!"

Featured artist Allen Vizzutti's visit guarantees supremely high standards in both education and entertainment for participants of YYPA 2002.

For more information about the Yamaha Young Performing Artists Program, including details on how to apply for the 2003 program, please contact Yamaha Corporation of America,
Band & Orchestral Division,
P.O. Box 899, Grand Rapids, MI 49518
www.yamaha.com/band/news/nevents/yypa.htm