Gifford Youth Orchestra announces their new board members and new Program Coordinator!
Gifford Youth Orchestra has been around for 18 years teaching Gifford children music via violins, cellos, pianos and now voice. In addition to learning music the learn what it means to be on time, polite and structure. All of the members who go thru the program graduate from high school and go on to higher education, some of them have started to come back to teach. Check them out on www.gyotigers.org or https://www.facebook.com/GiffordYouthOrchestra If you are an instructor and want to get involved please contact Linda Scott at 772-913-1545.
Joining the current members of the board are:
Krystle Martinez: Originally from South Texas, works as an attorney recruiter and is an advocate for youth education. After earning her bachelor’s degree in music education, she taught orchestra in the public schools for 6 years. An entrepreneur at heart, she started her own business, Lotus String Quartet, at the age of 25. After teaching, Krystle spent 3 years as a fundraising consultant with a national fundraising company. On weekends, you can find Krystle performing at various music events with the Ocean String Quartet. She brings to the table a passion for music education and a will to share the passion of music to others. Krystle serves as a Gifford Youth Orchestra Board member as well as Chair of the Fundraising Committee.
Marcus Rogers: Marcus grew up in Jamaica Queens, New York. He is a graduate of York College C.U.N.Y. where he obtained his bachelors degree in Accounting. He attended Howard University and obtained his MBA in Finance. After attending Howard he furthered his education by attending law school at the University at S.U.N.Y. Buffalo school of law. He later attended the University of Denver where he completed his Masters of Law in Taxation. He is currently licensed in Texas and Florida. He offers his clients a wealth of knowledge, coupled with the practical professional experience of working with premier firms. He believes in being the ‘people’s attorney’ and making legal aid accessible. His honesty and transparent communication are some of his biggest strengths. In his illustrious career, he has worked with companies such as KPMG, Deloitte, Touché, and government offices like the Department of Revenue for Arizona. His experience with all these companies is where he draws his strength from. After serving some of the biggest names in business, he started his own firm in Sebastian in 2015. “As underprivileged youth growing up in New York City, I see the value in community based programs such as GYO. GYO’s is centered around uplifting the community and the youth. I personally benefited from being a member of the after school programs at Roy Wilksins Park in South Jamaica Queens and see being a member of the BOD as a way to give back to the community.”
Jane Burton: Master of Science Degree in Entomology and Economic Zoology. President/CEO, BSI Environmental Serives, Inc. Thirty-five years of experience in the field of environmental consulting specializing in environmental assessment of properties for contamination and compliance with regulatory requirements. Charter School Administrator for Indian River Charter School (999-2005). Member of Rotary International Sunrise Club of Vero beach, Pilot International Treasure Coast Club, Loyal Order of the Elks Vero Beach Club, Environmental Assessment Association. Printed author in Georgia Entomological Society publications.
Jamari Johnson Williams: Artist, born and raised in Gifford, FL. Studied at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. Began his career in 2014 working in numerous regional theatres, creating new works and touring across the country. Notable credits include: the national tours of Memphis and Motown the musical, The Wiz, Smokey Joe’s Cafe and Hair. He currently performs in Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations on “Broadway”; which is also his debut. He is a pioneer of change and hopes to inspire and heal people across the world as he was once healed through art.
Oscar Sales: Marketing Director for Riverside Theatre since 2005. Previously: Marketing Director for the Helen Hayes Theatre Company in Nyack, NY (2000-2005), the White Plains Performing Arts Center in White Plains, NY (2002-2005) and the Performing Arts Center at S.U.N.Y. Purchase College in Purchase, NY (1990-2000). In Florida: Box Office Manager at Abe Hirschfeld Theatre in Miami Beach (1989-1990) and Ticket Operations Manager for the Coconut Grove Playhouse (1983-1989). Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from Florida Atlantic University. Secretary for the Oceanside Business Association, member of the Laurel Awards committee and Celebrate the Arts committee for the Cultural Council of Indian River County, Elder and Music Leader of his church. “I have seen how music transformed my life as a child and I want to make sure every child has that transformative opportunity in their lives.”
Mark Wygonik: Artist and advocate for Arts and Entertainment in Indian River County. Artist/Graphic Designer, runs a private consulting business for Arts & Entertainment, and is co-owner of FW Productions and M Boutique, Intl. University South Florida major in Communications/Marketing. Professional career includes working in the Advertising field in Stuart, FL; and in the Turks & Caicos Islands, British West Isles, as the Art Director for a Caribbean publication. Past 35 years, he has been a Director on several Arts and Theater Boards, including President of the VB Theatre Guild; Was Director of EYE OF THE LIZARD Art Gallery; Currently sits on the BOD and Leadership Team of the ART VILLAGE, is one of the Directors of ART IN PUBLIC PLACES for the Cultural Council, and is a past recipient of the Richard A. Stark Award for Cultural Leadership.
Linda Willmot Scott, Program Coordinator: Linda attended St. Helen’s Catholic School and graduated from Vero Beach High School. After having lived in WV and raising her son and daughter there, Linda decided to return to Vero to be closer to her mother, Ollie Willmot, who lived at St. Francis Manor. In March 2002, Linda accepted the position of Executive Director of St. Francis Manor and held that position until she retired in 2019 and moved to Charleston to be near her grandkids, however, Linda soon began to miss her busy life in Vero Beach and felt compelled to come home! She returned in March and heard about the part time position with the Gifford Youth Orchestra as the Program Coordinator. Linda was very familiar with this wonderful organization through the good works of the Sunrise Rotary Vero Beach, of which she is a member and felt it would be a good match with her skill set. “I am thrilled to be a part of the GYO team and look forward to meeting the GYO students and parents in the very near future!”