About Us
The Early Days
For over fifty years, the Young Artists Philharmonic has educated young musicians from all over Connecticut and Northern Westchester. The orchestra was founded in the late 1950s when Salvatore Princiotti was asked by the Junior Schubert Club of Stamford to direct their string ensemble.
Growing Up (1960-1980)
Over the years, the Young Artists Philharmonic has influenced generations of musicians. Alumni of the orchestra have gone onto further their music education at competitive music schools and conservatories. Others have gone on to become Grammy award-winning musicians. Many alumni are active in orchestras across the country, while others have chosen to teach music across all levels, from elementary to college. Outside of music, many of our alumni have gone on to become leaders in business and industry.
Bigger Stages (1980-90)
In addition to local performances, the orchestra has performed at national and international venues such as the World’s Fair in 1964 and the Statue of Liberty re-dedication. YAP also performed for George H.W. Bush and at the inauguration of the Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy.
A Big Debut (2015)
In 2015, the orchestra gave its first performance at Carnegie Hall, bringing 116 musicians for the season ending performance.
Starfish Connection
YAP is delighted to partner with the Starfish Connection, a comprehensive program that identifies high potential children from high risk socio-economic groups in the 3rd grade, and provides mentoring, advocacy, educational support, enrichment, and extracurricular activities throughout their elementary, middle and high school years. Offering an Instrument Petting Zoo to students who are ready to select a musical instrument for study, YAP hopes to ignite a spark in each student for the particular instrument of their choosing, and asks advanced YAP students to demonstrate the instruments in a ‘hands-on’ demonstration.
Stamford Public Schools
YAP and the Stamford Public Schools enjoy a reciprocal relationship, wherein conductors and guest artists from YAP engage music teachers one on one in order to provide targeted support and collaborations in the classrooms. By reaching out to young students on their own turf, we are able to show them just how easy and fun it is to make music in the context of a youth orchestra. Issues such as audition anxiety and lack of self confidence can be better overcome in these settings, when children see that we are all about friendship and nurturing.
Childcare Learning Centers
Since 1902, Childcare Learning Centers (CLC) has been a leader in developing and implementing high-quality and affordable early childhood education and care programs such as Stamford School Readiness, Child Development, Early Head Start and Head Start. It is recognized as the third largest pre-kindergarten program in the state and the largest in Fairfield County. The organization operates at seven locations including CLC Palmer’s Hill, CLC William Pitt on Hillandale Avenue and CLC Maple Avenue. With accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children, CLC provides over 1,000 children a year with a comprehensive curriculum, well-trained teachers, on-site healthcare providers and family service workers, and nutritious meals. The organization also has a unique collaboration with Yale University and the preschool RULER approach for building social and emotional skills in young children. For more information, visit CLC’s website at www.CLCStamford.org.
Rainer Busch, President
Maria Stich, Treasurer
Tom Ormond, Vice President
Mona Mitri, Director
Ben Grow, Artistic Director
Congressman Jim Himes, Honorary Board
Governor Ned Lamont, Honorary Board
5 Benefits of Music Education
Enhances the development of academic achievement
Provides a vital means of self-expression
Fosters a sense of accomplishment and self-esteem
Teaches the importance of focus, discipline and teamwork
Builds character, social skills and creativity
