On April 11, 2008, Immanuel Lutheran Church in Palm City, Florida hosted the first annual MSJ Artist Series Gala.
Michael Ferrara, Junior at Martin County High School was one of the recipients of the two Scholarships awarded to outstanding student performers in the area.
The MSJ Artist Series is founded by
Mark S. Jones, Musical Director of Immanuel Lutheran Church. He founded MSJ Artist Series,
"to present the highest caliber of national and international renowned musicians in concert. The wide variety of performers in their concert series every year includes; soloists, vocal, instrumental and chamber ensembles. In keeping with the philosophy that music should be made available to audiences of all ages, socioeconomic levels and geographic locations. Young people are extremely important to the MSJ Artist Series, and an important objective of the series is to educate and stimulate the interests of students thereby helping to build concert audiences of the future." (taken from event Program).
Michael Ferrara is a long-time member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, and the volunteer audio/visual technician for their Contemporary Worship Services held every Sunday at 9:15 a.m. This young man has also donated of his time and talent to perform classical solo & duet arrangements with
Mr. Jones for the members of Immanuel Lutheran for the past several years.
Michael founded the Treasure Coast Youth Brass Quintet in 2006, to perform at Immanuel Lutheran and Morningside Friends Church in Port St. Lucie during the holidays, and does indeed thank
Mr. D. Robert Roadman from MCHS,
Mr. Tom Dougherty from JBHS,
Mr. Tom Servinsky &
Dr. John Enyart from the Treasure Coast Youth Symphony and
Mr. Adam Bookspan, former principal trumpet for the Atlantic Classical Orchestra for their support and encouragment of this ensemble.
Friday, April 11, 2008,
Ferrara directed the performance of the "Quintet minus one" to perform several classical chamber arrangements for the audience.
The family of
Michael Ferrara would like to extend their deepest appreciation to
Mr. Jones, the MSJ Artist Series,
Pastor Tom Hartley (Senior Pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church) and the members and staff of Immanuel Lutheran Church for their encouragement, prayers and support. The Scholarship awarded will assist the family tremendously in that
Michael has been accepted to the very prestigious Interlochen School of the Arts in Interlochen, Michigan for the famed "Trumpet Camp" and Summer Camp Program for the summer of 2008, and the very exclusive 2008/2009 Academy for the Arts for his senior year in High School. Although
Michael has indeed received several Scholarships, the family is in need of additional financial assistance to make this dream a reality for this very talented and dedicated young man.
Michael currently also performs with; the Martin County High School Symphonic Wind Band, the Treasure Coast Youth Symphony, and the New Gardens Band. For more information regarding these programs, please see the links below.
As a parent of a three music students, I could not be more be more grateful for the interest and support of local programs such as this, and the community understanding the many benefits of music programs in our area. Moreover, we appreciate the efforts of amazing local music directors such as
Mark Jones, that helps to produce well-rounded students, and superior music programs. Finally, our real gratitude lies in the social, emotional and lifelong relationships founded in such music programs. Music students and parents alike, cherish the intangible and invaluable life-lessons taught to each child participating in music. We hold dear that the programs are priceless and are the substance of wonderful memories.
For more information regarding the MSJ Artist Series, please see:
www.msjartistseries.com and for more information regarding the programs available for students both in the summer programs and the academy for visual and performing arts, please see:
www.interlochen.org.
Treasure Coast Youth Symphony FINAL CONCERT of the 2007/2008 Season
Don't miss this wonderful evening! Friday, April 21, 2008 @ the Lyric Theatre
The NEW Gardens Band