AYPO mentors and their mentees of the Music Buddies Mentorship Program performed for their family and friends at the annual Showcase Recital on June 7, 2010 at Kilmer Middle School. Throughout the course of the year, mentors from AYPO provided free

Music Buddies mentee performing at Showcase Recital on June 7, 2010. Photo by Michelle Wallace

lessons to students throughout Northern Virgina and Maryland, and this was their chance to show what they learned! Each and every musician performed admirably, thanks to both the talent of each musician and to the support from their mentors and family.

 

There were two special guests at the recital as well: violist & AYPO alumna Sarah Toy and guest speaker Dr. Cheri Collins. Sarah was once a mentee herself, and continued on to play in AYPO for four years, becoming a mentor along the way. She is now attending the conservatory at Oberlin and graciously provided motivation for the young musicians by performing for them at the recital. Sarah is a prime example of how dedication and love for music can truly pay off. Dr. Cheri Collins, conductor of the American Youth String Ensemble, recalled her time in high school as a mentor and how her experiences motivated her to continue teaching. She encouraged the current Music Buddies mentees to stay positive and to always follow their dreams. She hopes to one day see these musicians audition for the orchestra.