Welcome
from Fresno State President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval, PhD
As humans, we feel that music fuels our inspiration to reach a deeper understanding of ourselves; it forms part of every stage of our lives and provides us with a sense of belonging that no other art form can provide. Its artistry defies the ordinary, reaches deep into our soul, and connects us to the greater meaning of our lives and to each other.
Hence why music is so important to our youth: the love of music that FOOSA instills in them enables them to visualize a world full of potential, in collaboration with each other.
FOOSA is critical to our region because the majority of the students enrolled are from the Central Valley. Indeed, one of the most important aspects of FOOSA, for the community, is that we include all interested local students, regardless of ability to pay. Young musicians from the Central Valley are exposed to the highest possible musicianship, working with faculty from great music schools and conservatories right in their own backyard. Imagine how our children feel after playing side-by-side with some of the most gifted orchestral musicians in the field. There is no value that can quantify this transformative experience. FOOSA also draws excellent young musicians from around the world to Fresno State. The festival, therefore, builds the local talent of our youth, while it raises the profile of the University and Fresno internationally.
FOOSA’s influence in the future of our Valley is comprehensive: While some of our students will become leading musicians, most of our youth have dreams of becoming engineers, mathematicians, architects, medical doctors, teachers, lawyers, etc. The gift of music, therefore, teaches them to collaborate and be disciplined — this while they learn how to create an art form that nurtures their creativity and analytic skills.
Our deepest gratitude goes to our distinguished and internationally renowned music guests — you give of your time and artistry to our youth because you believe that music is the answer to so many of the world’s challenges. Having such amazing artists here at Fresno State is meaningful beyond words, and your words, interpretive style, and love of music will forge our youth into invested leaders that will empower our communities.
I want to commend Dr. Thomas Loewenheim for his unmatched energy, vision, and passion. We’re all very thankful to have such a gifted artist in our community. I also want to commend the world-renowned artists who join us for this amazing celebration of our humanity.
And to the students, this is the great lesson of FOOSA: you practice and put in all your best effort, and the result is an amazing well-orchestrated performance that fulfills the soul, brings our community together, and celebrates the hope for our future.
To those in the audience: Let’s enjoy the sublime music and show our appreciation for FOOSA through your financial support for its worthy and noble mission.
from Dr. Honora Chapman, Dean, College of Arts & Humanities
Fresno State is very pleased to be collaborating with the Youth Orchestras of Fresno on this 2023 FOOSA Festival. Since its founding in 1911, Fresno State has promoted the study of music as a central part of the liberal arts tradition of fostering students’ artistic and intellectual growth.
As FOOSA’s Artistic Director, Dr. Thomas Loewenheim has worked very hard to bring back the full FOOSA experience with this concert at Walt Disney Concert Hall. We are excited that such talented faculty have come from afar to join our excellent Fresno State Music Department faculty and staff to make this immersive musical academy a success. FOOSA students are truly transformed by learning from such stellar musicians.
Finally, we appreciate the family and friends in the audience who have encouraged these FOOSA students to pursue their passion for music. You are inspiring this next generation of musicians to make our world a more joyful and peaceful place.
Enjoy the performance!
from Carmela Sosa, M.D., President, FOOSA Board of Directors
On behalf of the Youth Orchestras of Fresno, I cannot thank you enough for supporting our youth. Your presence validates their years of hard work and provides them with an audience for whom to joyfully perform.
As a pediatrician, I thank you for investing in the future of our youth. There is irrefutable research supporting the impact music has on so many critical functions of the brain — creativity, mathematics, memory. Music positively impacts relationships, aging, memory, as well as emotional wellbeing and overall health — all of which will serve the greater future good.
As a non-musician parent of four musical children, I have seen firsthand the power music has to shape the trajectory of children’s lives. It is a language that strengthens and unites us despite our differences.
With much gratitude, I welcome you to our FOOSA family. Your generosity provides life-changing experiences for many of our students who otherwise would not have access.
So please join us in reveling in the power and beauty of all that music is.