Leslie-Anne Copes-Finke brings a passion for the arts and a commitment to arts education into her new role as Development Officer. Previously, Leslie has served as Development Director for Boston Baroque, Boston’s leading period-instrument orchestra and chorus, Development Officer for WNET, Public Broadcasting’s flagship station in New York, Campaign Manager for the Union of Concerned Scientists, and Managing Director for Common Ground Stage and Film Company in New York. Leslie received her BFA in Theater Arts from UCLA, and has enjoyed teaching piano to preschoolers and elementary school children. Leslie is currently a member of the Board of Directors of Beth El Temple Center in Belmont, MA and is co-chairing their capital campaign. Young Audiences is happy to welcome Leslie-Anne on board.

Kids love Sandy Kiefer because she remembers what it was like to be a child who loved music. Her father was a chamber musician and, after her bedtime, young Sandy would creep downstairs and hide on the landing to hear him practice. One night, in all her excitement, Sandy made a noise, attracting her parents who promptly sent her back to bed. Instead of reprimanding young Sandy, however, the Kiefers took her to an orchestral concert and told her to pick any instrument she liked - Sandy’s been playing cello ever since. While she’s seen many venues and outlets for playing music, Sandy's favorite is the classroom. She finds that the classroom’s intimate setting helps her to make a personal connection with the students. Sandy fosters this connection by taking a story of the children's own composition, and interweaving it with timeless classical pieces and cello sound effects. The result is a magical and personal experience for the students. Because she goes right into the classroom, children get an up close and personal view of the cello’s inner working. To have Sandy at your school, contact scheduling@yamass.org, or call 617-629-9262.

The following guest artists still have availability for this school year:

Cubanana: March 14th & 16th (Foreign Language Month) and June 4th-8th.

Gideon Freudmann: Monday, April 9th

Save the date! Young Audiences will be holding their Spring Showcase at the Bancroft School in Worcester on Wednesday, May 16th. Showcase is an opportunity for parents, teachers, administrators and librarians from across the state to see a variety of Young Audiences’ teaching artists perform for students. Visit our website regularly for up-to-date information on performers, schedules and directions.

We are currently looking for elementary and middle schools to host our fall showcases in early October 2007. If you are interested, please click below to visit our website and print an application packet.

Kevin Hawkes
Imagine That! The Art of Writing and Illustration
Tuesday, April 3rd
Bowen School, Newton Centre
10:15am for Grade 3
11:15am for Grade 5

PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED

To register, contact Kira Gay Hiller at: 617-629-9262 X27 or scheduling@yamass.org

Space is limited!