Ensemble gets new director
E.P.- based youth group adds new musical leader
EAST PROVIDENCE – The RI Philharmonic Youth Wind Ensembles (RIPYWE) is excited to announce that John Knasas will direct the Youth Wind Ensemble for the 2017/18 School Year. He joins RIPYWE Music Director David Neves for a wonderful season of performances and unique playing opportunities.
Neves remarks: “I have known John for many years as a superb musician and educator, and have diligently followed his success with the North Smithfield program. John always maintains the highest standards and ensures the students are positively engaged. Having had the opportunity to see him work in concert and in rehearsal, John is a superb conductor, educator, and motivator. His track record of success goes back over a decade, with consistent Superior ratings in all festivals. I am overjoyed that John has joined our team and look forward to collaborating with him for years to come."
John Knasas is the Band Director at North Smithfield Middle School. He has been a music teacher in North Smithfield since 2003 and currently directs the Concert Band, Jazz Bands I and II and Sixth Grade Beginner Band. Under his direction, the Concert Band and Jazz Band I have received consistent superior and first place ratings both in Rhode Island and out of state, including Great East, Music in the Parks, and the UNH Clark Terry Jazz Festival. The North Smithfield band program was recently selected as the Eastern Division Winner and a national finalist for the 2016 National Band Association’s Blue Ribbon Program of Excellence Award. John is proud to have received numerous awards and accolades such as directing the 2010 RIMEA Jr. All-State Jazz Ensemble and 2015 RIMEA Jr. All-State Band, as well as winning 2015 North Smithfield Teacher of the Year. John holds a B.A. in Music Education from Providence College and M.M. in Saxophone Performance from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM). John is an active performer, playing as a regular member of the ninepiece dance band Brass Attack.
John states: “I was thrilled and honored when asked by Dr. Neves to direct the Rhode Island Philharmonic Youth Wind Ensemble. I have had the opportunity to work with students from within North Smithfield and surrounding areas, and am excited to involve even more students and build on the excellent tradition of RIPYWE. Being part of an ensemble is a team effort that requires hard work, self-discipline, and commitment, but should also be a fun and rewarding experience. I look forward to sharing my life-long love of music with the RIPYWE students and am excited for all of us to build a deeper understanding of music through our rehearsals and performances.”
RIPYWE is now auditioning all woodwind, brass and percussion instruments for the 2017/18 Season. Students should have at least 2 years experience and be in grades 6-12. Audition dates are August 9 and August 30, or by individual appointment.
Interested students can schedule an audition by con- tacting Youth Ensembles Manager Chelsea Anderson at canderson@riphil.org or 401248-7038.
The Rhode Island Philharmonic Youth Wind Ensembles (RIPYWE), founded in 2002, gives middle and high school students the opportunity to make new friends through rehearsal and performance of challenging and rewarding wind reper- toire. Woodwind, brass and percussion students from across Southern New England join together in a fun and engaging musical experience and present a series of concerts through the school year.
RIPYWE Symphonic Winds, conducted by Music Director David Neves, is designed for advanced middle and high school students. RIPYWE Wind Ensemble, conducted by John Knasas, is tailored for intermediate to advanced middle and high school students.
Both RIPYWE ensembles rehearse each Wednesday, from September to May, at the RI Philharmonic’s Carter Center for Music Education & Performance in East Providence.