The Case for an Independent Charlotte Symphony Youth Orchestra

Here is my letter to the leadership: March 25, 2018 To: Mary A. Deissler, Derek Raghavan, Members of the Board of Directors and the Board of Trustees Dear Charlotte Symphony Orchestra Leaders, I am among the many members, past and present, of the Charlotte Symphony Youth and Junior Youth Orchestras who received the recent news of Dr. Ernest Pereira’s dismissal with sadness and disconcertment. As an arts administrator as well as active performer, I am aware of the budgetary constraints facing many American orchestras and other arts non-profits and understand that difficult decisions have to be made much more often than any of us would like. Even with that knowledge, and taking into account what is known from publicly filed financial records, I believe this is a shortsighted decision that will ultimately hurt the brand and civic standing of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra. I was a member of CSYO/JYO between 1999 and 2005. In each of those seven seasons, Dr. Pereira selected and taught repertoire that was both foundational to my musical education and an appropriate reach for the age and ability of the musicians in the ensemble, a feat made possible by the fact that Dr. Pereira had the ability to dedicate all of his conducting energies to the CSYO/JYO. Because of the longevity of his position, he was able to nurture individuals such as myself over the course of our growth as young musicians, getting to know each of us and even going so far as to select repertoire that highlighted the most excellent among the orchestras. You would be hard pressed to find a youth orchestra who performed Shostakovich’s Ninth Symphony or Mussorgsky/Ravel’s Pictures at an Exhibition as well as we did, and, outside of the country’s pre-college programs, you’d be even harder pressed to find a conductor who would believe that their ensemble could achieve such heights and then carry them across the finish line with such aplomb and craftsmanship. The thousands of families that ar

Keep Dr P as the conductor

Give the people what they want!

Valerie Simosko 43 mins · Shared via AddThis · I am so disappointed to learn that the youth symphony programs of the Charlotte Symphony are in this situation. Dr. Pereira has consistently led an outstanding program along with the coaches, management and the support of the Charlotte Symphony Womens Association. He has been a meaningful influence on the arts and the youth of Charlotte. His musicianship has been and still is impeccable. The action of firing Dr. Pereira only shows an inability of CSO management and the symphony board to negotiate and solve any problems that may be within the of the youth orchestra. The youth symphonies represent and contribute to the future of classical music in Charlotte. They are the hope of Charlotte's cultural growth. Thankfully, the Women's Association in their wisdom, made provisions in their directives to break away from the orchestra if necessary. I wholeheartedly commend the Association and the student's parents for taking a stand and making moves to continue the orchestras with Dr. Pereira at the helm. Valerie Simosko Former CSO Principal Flutist Founder of the JYO Former manager of the CYO

Thanks Catie for starting this.

Dr. Pereira has been instrumental in continuing my daughter's love of music and being part of the CSYO music family. We support this petition wholeheartedly. Prem Paimagam and Devika Ethiraj

My duaghter is in 10th grade. She has been with JYO from 4th grade and then with CSYO. Dr.P has had a major role in her growth as a musician. I suppprt this petition and the things laid out in it

I’m signing this petition because, as a former member of this incredible organization, I feel very strongly that it should continue to inspire young musicians. Dr.Pereira and the woodwind coach (Lori) have made a very large impact in my life and my musical pursuit, like they have many other musicians before me. This program matters and should not be allowed to disappear.

Thanks, Catie!

I am signing this petition in support of the youth orchestras having their own independent board responsible for decisions impacting the personnel directing the youth orchestra. I also offer my support of Dr. Perreira, who has provided exemplary leadership and fueled a passion for music for many young musicians.

Dr. P has been one of the best conductors I have had in my 9 years of playing Tuba. it is a mistake to terminate him. without him, CSYO would not sound, or run the same.

Dr Pereira has not only been my conductor for 5 years, but he has also been one of my biggest inspirations in music. I am saddened to see him go this way. That’s why I will do whatever it takes to make him stay.

Thank you for all you've done for me in my music life, Dr. P. I appreciate you enhancing my musical abilities so I can continue to improve, grow, and become the best musician I can be.

Dr. Pereira has been an exceptional leader of the JYO during my son's 3 years of participation with the organization. I have seen his growth as a musician and would love for my younger child to have an opportunity to work with him as well. The proposed new structure seems like it would provide many opportunities for our young musicians.

I strong support it!

Dr PEREYRA we need you back at the JYO and CSYO, you have gave so much to our kids and they need you.

This is exactly what we need to do. My daughter is really sad about Dr. pereyra situation, he is the best director for her and he supported her music talent for the last 5 years. We don’t understand why this bad decision was made but we want and need him back to the CSYO PLEASE !!! COME BACK DR PEREYRA !!! Thank you Isrrael Salinas

I support the new vision of becoming an independent NPO.

I've been in the CSYO/JYO program for 8 years, and I can say that Dr. Pereira has provided us all with a wonderful opportunity to work with other musicians. I cannot think of any other person more experienced and deserving of the position as conductor of CSYO and JYO than Dr. Pereira. He is experienced in working with both children and teenagers, and he understands us not only as musicians but as people as well. He has devoted almost 30 years of his life building this program up to where it is now. Dr. Pereira is a teacher, a mentor, and a friend to us all. He encourages and praises musicians when they perform well, but also provides constructive criticism as necessary. Seeing as most other CSYO participants agree with me, I fully support the movement to become an independent organization.

I fully support this move and thank you for spearheading it.