Young Musical Stars 2022

The 11th annual Young Musical Stars was wonderful afternoon and evening of music, taking place on Saturday, April 30. Concerts took place at 3:30 and 6 pm at the beautiful Stefanie H. Weill Center for the Performing Arts on 8th street in Sheboygan. Ticket costs this year were $10 in advance and $15 at the door.

We at MMTA were so happy to have this concert in person again this year after missing it the past two years for the pandemic. It was refreshing to get back to hearing kids play music together and be in the beautiful theater.

We were thrilled to present a special guest for both concerts this year: PianoArtist John Schindler. He gave some words of encouragement to students before performing Beethoven's Sonata in B-flat Major, op. 106 Hammer-Klavier, Mvt. I. Allegro. It was inspiring to hear and see the artistry that he displayed in playing this dynamic movement. John received his graduate degree from The Julliard School.

We always announce the recipient of MMTA’s Music Study Award at YMS. Tricia Martin presented the award this year to Abigail Heinen, a 7th grade pianist! The Music Study Award is an award of $500 designed to help a student take a significant step forward in their musical pursuits by defraying the cost of lessons or the purchase of music or an instrument. Congratulations, Abigail!

One more exciting announcement we made at the concerts was the sponsorship of YMS for the next five years by Bullard Children's Dentistry, in honor of Steve Hamer's 75th birthday earlier that week. They have made a five-year commitment to give $2,000 per year for the concert. Steve helped found this event 12 years ago with the dream of making it possible for kids to play on the big stage at the Weill Center, where the pros play, and inspire the musical youth of our community. To date, Young Musical Stars has allowed more than 1,000 young musicians in our area to perform at the Weill Center. Steve is Shannon Bullard's father and Dr. George's father-in-law. The Bullards have also been active in YMS with their children performing in YMS concerts each year since the very first one. MMTA is very grateful for Steve Hamer's support of YMS over the years and the Bullards' sponsorship!

We hope to see you back next year for YMS 2023!