The Avi Efraim Gesundheit Music Fund promotes special projects that build and sustain the music programs at the Stephen S. Wise Temple Schools. Avi Gesundheit was a gifted musician, drummer, and a graduate of Milken Community High School who died tragically in an automobile accident. The fund was established by Avi’s parents, Jaime and Susie Gesundheit, to perpetuate his memory. The fund has made possible special performances and lectures by professional musicians, as well as concerts, field trips to music studios, and two magnificent Steinway grand pianos.
We are delighted to announce the Avi Ephraim Gesundheit Visiting Artists for 2006-2007 (Check the Milken calendar for dates):
Flutist Michelle Stanley is a faculty member at University of Colorado at Boulder. Michelle will coach the Milken chamber class, BIP elementary students, and be part of a performance of contemporary music at Milken next spring. Ms. Stanley recently recorded a CD of contemporary works for Centaur Records, including music by LA composers Russell Steinberg and Christopher Caliendo. She is also a prominent voice of the National Flute Association.
The Baker’s Dozen is a premier a cappella group from Yale. They will interact with the chorus at Milken.
Israeli concert pianist Yossi Reshef is currently finishing graduate work at USC, with expertise in classical and Jewish music. He studied also at Tel Aviv University. He will visit to coach students and give a piano master class during lunch.
Composer Kenneth Klauss visits to teach theory and composition students, and present his music during lunch. He was born in Parkston, South Dakota in 1923. The composer has resided for most of his life in Los Angeles. He is the founder of the Klauss-James Archive in one of Parkston’s historic buildings. His most recent commission is from the Rawlins Trio who has performed his music in Omaha, NE; Mankato, MN; Sioux Falls and Vermillion, SD. Klauss’s piano concerto will be performed next year by the University of South Dacota orchestra.
Composer and UCLA Professor Mark Carlson visits to work with composition students and lecture about orchestration. Mark is the founder of the acclaimed Pacific Serenades Chamber series. Working with him will provide students an excellent preview for current college music theory.
Concert pianist and poet Oni Buchanan is an unusual young pianist winning acclaim both in concert music and poetry circles.
Ethnic and Experimental Ensemble MANY AXES pioneered a unique experience last year, where students of the Milken theory and composition class learned how to write for this original group of ethnic performers. Students completed outstanding compositions that were then performed for the school at lunch. This project invites them back to work with students again, perform at lunch, and to be part of an evening concert in spring.
Composer Ofer Ben-Amots spoke to both the Jewish Studies department and music academy two years ago. From the discussion, it was proposed to have Ofer come this year for a two-day summit to meet with faculty of SWMA and Jewish studies to begin structuring a Jewish music curriculum for Milken. Ofer is a Professor of Colorado College and Tel Aviv University, and one of the most important voices in Jewish Music today. His music is regularly performed in the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Israel.
Instrument coaches from the elementary school will give demonstrations to the Milken Orchestration class and coaching sessions to the Milken Chamber Ensemble throughout the year.
The Elixir Piano Trio featuring pianist Lucy Nargizyan, violinist Samvel Chilingarian, and cellist Catherine Cavella will work with the Chamber ensemble and perform a lunch concert.
World-class conductor Anthony Aibel will return for another residency. Anthony’s visits have been a wonderful highlight for both the Los Angeles Youth Orchestra and Milken music students. It is particularly thrilling for students to have the experience of working with someone who has conducted the National Symphony in Washington D.C. and other top orchestras.
Cliff Martinez, an award-winning film composer whose credits include Traffic, Solaris, and The Limey, will talk about his process and share his music with students during lunch and with the composition class.
LA Philharmonic violinist Mitchell Newman plays in the first violin section. He will come for a day of coaching and teaching the music classes. He is a wonderful role model for aspiring musicians.
Music Educator Rachel Silverman just graduated from the University of Redlands with a Music Education degree. She’ll come back to Milken for a day to discuss her college experience and the job market she is now entering, which will be of special interest to those students interested in music education.