WHAT DO WE DO DURING THE SUMMER?!

Several people have asked and wondered if the Santa Fe Youth Symphony Association closes or goes away during the school summer vacation. The short answer is no, AND there are a number of other things we want to share with you.

Pictured here is our Executive Director, Andrea Cassutt, acknowledging and introducing our staff at an end-of-season party for the staff and Board of Directors. From left to right: Susan Brown (Administrative Assistant), Jesus Gachupin (outgoing Mariachi Director), Sarah Gachupin (outgoing Elementary Strings Director), Ryan Finn (Youth Philharmonic Conductor), Andrea Cassutt (Executive Director), Carla Kountoupes (Prelude String Orchestra Conductor), Elizabeth Young (Intermezzo String Orchestra Conductor), Chris Ishee (Jazz Director), and William Waag (Director of Orchestras). We had a wonderful celebration together after an afternoon board retreat with an outside facilitator hired to work with us on program excellence, student access, and the overall direction of the organization.
 
Other activities for the summer months include: getting settled in our new office space, reviewing and refining audition requirements for our ensembles, clarifying curriculum, hiring a new Elementary Strings Director and Mariachi Director, as well as staff training and team building. We have grants to research and apply for, retreats and tours to plan, sectional coaches to schedule and scholarship money to raise. Some of our staff is also off at conducting workshops or vacationing with their family to rest and rejuvenate for the coming season.
 
While we seek to include swimming pools, rafting trips, hiking, camping and adventure in our summer months, we also strive to be ready to have our best season yet. Our office is open through out the summer, and we are hard at work. More exciting news on our 24th season to follow!