Masterclass Night
Each year, the BSYO invites master teachers from around the region to work with young musicians in a formal masterclass setting. Musicians audition for the opportunity to perform for the master teacher with a formal audience. After each performance, the master teacher works with each student on their technique and artistry. This is a unique opportunity for student musicians and instructors to learn from world-renowned master teachers as they work with the students on stage.
The BSYO Masterclass Night is open to all student musicians, even if they are not a member of the BSYO. Students will audition with one solo piece, with the intention of performing that piece if selected. Students are also welcome to attend as an audience member to benefit from the instruction of others.
Masterclass Night 2024 will feature:
Lisa Ferrigno, Violin/Viola
David Bjella, Cello/Bass
Keith Koons, Woodwinds
Joseph Vascik, Brass
March 10th, 6:00 p.m.
Eau Gallie High School
Application fee for performance: $15 (Free for BSYO students)
Admission to listen to performances: FREE!
No applications will be accepted after February 28.
If you have questions about Masterclass Night, contact Mrs. Simons at bsyoinfo@gmail.com.
Lisa Ferrigno
Lisa Ferrigno has served as Concertmaster of the Brevard Symphony Orchestra since 1999. A native of New England, she received her early musical training at the New England Conservatory and holds degrees from the Eastman School of Music and the Florida State University. Ms. Ferrigno appears frequently as soloist with the Brevard Symphony. She has also performed concertos with the Orquesta Sinfonica de Trujillo and Orquesta Camara del Festival Internacional Bach in Peru, as well as with the Florida Symphony and the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestras. As a chamber musician and recitalist, Ms. Ferrigno has performed in festivals throughout the United States and internationally.
Ms. Ferrigno has served as Concertmaster of the Walt Disney World Orchestra since 1996 and was Concertmaster of the Orlando Philharmonic from 1993-2003. Her past orchestral leadership positions included Concertmaster of the Heidelberg Castle Opera Festival in Germany, Principal Second Violinist of the Glimmerglass Opera Orchestra in New York, and Principal Second Violinist of the Palm Beach Pops.
As an educator, Ms. Ferrigno teaches privately and coaches students in the Brevard Symphony Youth Orchestra and Metropolitan Area Youth Symphony in Orlando. In addition, she serves as a clinician and orchestra sectional coach for Seminole and Orange County public schools as a competition judge for the Florida State Music Teachers' Association and Florida Federation of Music Clubs. She is on the faculty of the Brattle boro Music Center in Vermont, where she teaches students of all ages and coaches chamber music. She has served on the faculties of Stetson University, University of Central Florida, the Putney School in Vermont and Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in Michigan. She was a member of the conducting staff of the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra and was the founder of the FSYO's Stringmania Summer Day Camp.
David Bjella
A native of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, cellist David Bjella has a multi faceted career as a
teacher, chamber musician, orchestral player, and soloist. He is Professor of Cello at
the University of Central Florida in Orlando, Principal Cellist of the Bach Festival
Orchestra in Orlando, member of the critically acclaimed IRIS Orchestra in
Tennessee, taught and performed at the Chigiana Academia Musicale festival in
Siena, Italy, the Cuerdas de Enlace festival in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, the Hot
Springs Festival in Arkansas, the Orlando Chamber Soloists in the Black Hills
Festival, and was a featured clinician and soloist at the Beaumaris Festival in Wales.
In December of 2016, Bjella served as Principal Cellist of the Orquesta Virtuosi De
Pernambuco which performed in Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, and Chile. Mr. Bjella
currently spends his summers teaching and performing at the Wintergreen Music
Festival in Virginia. His students have been accepted to several conservatories in the
U.S. including Indiana, the Cleveland Institute of Music, Rice, CCM, Peabody and
Michigan. This past year, Dennis Fleitz, a senior cello performance major, was
awarded National Second Place Winner of the MTNA Young Artist String
Competition in Atlanta. David lives in the Orlando area with his wife, Traci.
Dr. Keith Koons
Keith Koons has been principal clarinet with the Brevard Symphony Orchestra since 1992. A native of Maryland, he holds degrees from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, the Manhattan School of Music and the University of Southern California. He has studied with Thomas Silliman, Mitchell Lurie, Leon Russianoff, Robert Genovese and Donald Oehler. His experience includes the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, the opera companies of Orlando, Arkansas, Annapolis, and many others. He has performed at clarinet festivals and academic conferences throughout the United States and Europe. He recently retired from the University of Central Florida and is Emeritus Professor of Music. Dr. Koons is a former president of the International Clarinet Association, and also has served as artistic director of the annual ClarinetFest conference.
Joseph Vascik
Joseph Vascik, a former military brat turned Orlando mainstay, has served as the 2nd trombonist of the Brevard Symphony Orchestra for over 20 years. A graduate of the New England Conservatory with a Bachelor of Trombone Performance, Joseph is a versatile performer, educator, and recording artist. He frequently performs as a soloist and chamber musician, most notably with The Florida Chamber Brass, whose Bach to Broadway program was a highlight of the Brevard Symphony’s Summer Evenings series.
Joseph’s career spans a wide range of genres and venues. Beyond the Brevard Symphony, he has performed with the Walt Disney World Orchestra and Universal Studios' Beads & Brass, bringing his dynamic brass sound to countless productions. His recording credits include contributions to Disney and Warner Brothers projects, enhancing soundtracks and live performances alike.
A dedicated educator for over 30 years, Joseph has mentored brass students across Central Florida. His students consistently earn spots in Florida All-State and All-County bands, prestigious youth orchestras, and top conservatories nationwide—with every scholarship-seeking student under his guidance achieving success. He offers both in-person lessons in Orlando and virtual instruction, making his expertise accessible to students of all levels.
When not performing or teaching, Joseph enjoys time with his wife, son, and daughter. An avid barbecue enthusiast, he loves smoking meat and sharing meals with friends and family.
MASTERCLASS FAQS
What is a Masterclass? Masterclasses can be formal or informal. In each instance young musicians will perform for a master teacher who will then give an open lesson to the musician in front of a small audience. In an informal setting, pieces may be partially ready to perform, or excerpts can be presented. In a more formal setting, as we are hosting, musicians will prepare a piece for performance as you would for a recital.
Who can audition? BSYO musicians are encouraged to audition. Students in Brevard and surrounding counties are welcome to audition to participate as well.
What do I need to audition? Just one piece that you have performance ready. We recommend a piece you have performed at least once (even if it was for family and friends). You can always grow and learn more and it is easier to get more in-depth with the master teacher when you know your piece well.
How many performers will be accepted? About 6 students will be invited to perform.
When will I be notified? An announcement will be made within a week of closing applications.
Are there requirements for my piece? No, but we encourage you to perform a concert solo rather than an excerpt.
How are performers selected? Performers are selected based on preparation, composer, piece, and length of piece. We like to present a varied masterclass that covers different time periods when possible.
If I am accepted, do I need an accompanist? While we do not require an accompanist for concertos or sonatas, we do encourage it if you have someone. BSYO does not cover the cost of the accompanist.
If I don't get accepted, may I still attend? YES!! Masterclasses are for everyone, even people who aren't players of the specific instrument being presented. You can always learn by watching others. The masterclass teacher will speak to the audience and may even do some demonstrations.
Who else may attend? Masterclasses are open to the public. Anyone can attend.
Is there a fee? There is an audition fee for musicians who are not BSYO members, but the audition is free for BSYO students. There is no fee for attending the masterclass as a listener.