San Diego
Young Artists Symphony
Mary Gerard, Music Director
"We send out positive vibrations into the universe; that is what music can do. It can raise the spirit and refine the soul. It allows us to tap into a thick soup of genius and wonder, then we take the magic carpet and fly. We are lucky and blessed." -- Mary Gerard, 2005 YAS welcomes Mary Gerard as our new maestra to the podium. Her lengthy music association with maestro Louis Campiglia, YAS and the Fiddle ‘n’ Bow training program brings continuity combined with creative leadership. Mary Gerard is highly celebrated for her success as a gifted teacher of the violin and viola. Throughout her career, she has produced string students who now occupy principal positions in noted orchestras throughout the nation. All the while, she held first violin position with the San Diego Symphony, the San Diego Chamber Orchestra, the Starlight Theatre Orchestra, and the San Diego Opera Orchestra. Gerard achieved early recognition in the music world when performing at the Carnegie Recital Hall. Her career has included a professorship in the Music Department at San Diego State University. Today Gerard brings her vigorous passion and grace to the Young Artists as its principal conductor and music director. We are privileged to have this magical teacher with us. Mary Gerard is a native San Diegan. She earned a graduate certificate from the Dreilinden Music Conservatory in Lucerne, Switzerland, and a B.A. and M.A. from San Diego State University where she served as a faculty member for seven years. Her teachers have included Gilbert Bach of the Berlin and Los Angeles Philharmonics; Rafael Druian, concertmaster of the New York Philharmonic; Gerhart Hetzel, concertmaster of the Vienna Philharmonic; and concert violinists Camilla Wicks and Wolfgang Schneiderhan. Ms. Gerard played first violin in the Classic Arts String Quartet for Young Audiences. This quartet was selected to make a "How to" demo for all Chapters of Young Audiences throughout the United States. She was first violinist in the Era Trio, an active chamber group that toured California. The Era Trio had the honor of making its debut in New York's Carnegie Recital Hall. She was the founding teacher/conductor of the Fiddle ‘n’ Bow Orchestra, a string preparatory ensemble for the San Diego Young Artists Symphony. Her teaching expertise led to publishing The Wolf, the Frog, and the Ant, an engaging book for young string players. This book is currently in its second printing and a sequel is in progress. As of September 03, 2005, Gerard will lead YAS into a new chapter, moving onto the Mesa College campus as orchestra-in-residence.
"Absolutely fantastic job last night. The standing ovation that you received is a huge compliment to you and your musicians. You can be proud. BRAVO!"
-- Heather Barclay, May 2005
