The Gifford Youth Orchestra, a nonprofit that provides education, experiences and training in the cultural and performing arts, hit all the right notes with an enchanting Diamonds and Crystals Gala at the Heritage Center.
Student performers played with a brilliance that can only come from hard work and a love of music, and professional musician James Broxton Jr. performed several sets of smooth jazz while guests dined on a lovely dinner by Wild Thyme Catering.
What shone most brightly was the realization of the dream of Rev. Dr. Crystal Bujol that began 19 years ago to expose the children of Gifford and neighboring communities to music.
Reflecting on the early days, Bujol said she had just moved to the area when Gifford resident Annie Powell approached her with a challenge, saying, “Our kids are being left behind. What are you going to do about it?”
She explained that Powell was referring to the musical void left with the transfer of a beloved music teacher to Vero Beach High School, the result of desegregation orders.
“Lawrence Trapp taught music to all of the children in Gifford and Wabasso before integration. Gifford was a bustling community at that time because the people that lived in Gifford couldn’t go into Vero, so everything they needed was in Gifford,” said Bujol.
“When integration sets in, as is the case when there is a historically underserved community near a community that’s opening its doors for everyone, they take the best into the schools of that community.”
County Commissioner Joe Flescher commended Bujol for her fortitude, saying, “You had a dream, and that dream came to fruition. Look at all the support that’s in this community. Those children will have a brighter future. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for making all of us believers.”
As GYO moves to its 20th anniversary year, they are embarking on the construction of their own facility on recently purchased property.
Bujol, who just celebrated her 85th birthday, said she has built a team to take the organization into the next decades. Her mantra, that more violins mean less violence and better tomorrows, continues to be the motivation to keep children “off the street and on the stage.”
GYO’s new executive director, Lawrence Davenport, Ed.D, came on board recently along with Kim Butler, the director of operations.
“Since I joined Feb. 1, it’s been a joy,” said Davenport, adding that he is honored to be a part of Bujol’s dream.
GYO programs have expanded from professional-level strings lessons to include piano, drama, voice and dance, with students often performing in public. The self-confidence they build enables them to become more productive members of the community and increases their awareness of college and lifelong career goals.
Stating that it takes $3,000 to provide lessons and an instrument for a child, Bujol encouraged guests to give from their hearts to help fund the current 59 students in the program and those wishing to enroll.
“We are so privileged and proud of what you have created, and as we look forward to the 20th anniversary next year, we encourage you to continue to support this organization and these kids to make sure that Dr. Crystal’s vision is fully fulfilled,” said Oscar Sales Jr., GYO board president pro tempore.
For more information, visit GYOTigers.org.
Photos provided
