Posted on December 29, 2022 by Sonoma Valley Sun
Sonoma Alternative Symphony for Youth (SASY) makes its debut recital in Sonoma Valley on Saturday, January 14, at 2 pm in Andrew’s Hall at the Sonoma Community Center. Sliding scale donations of $10-20 are greatly appreciated.
SASY is a North Bay music education program that provides a creative outlet for young musicians who are interested in something a little broader than what a traditional classical symphony might offer.
In most traditional youth symphonies the musical focus is on age-old classical music that is sometimes well over hundreds of years old. This can sometimes be less inspiring creatively than focusing on more modern and relevant music to an artistic musician’s present reality. Adhering to a traditional structure may not be for all musicians. SASY focuses on all genres of music from modern classical to rock and roll with the intention of keeping the young musician’s interest and focus while they engage in learning how to transcribe pieces for their own instruments; as well as, learning composition in order to create and share original pieces as a symphonic group.
Again, some musicians are more expressive creatively, socially, fashionably, and audibly than what may fit into the confines of the traditional expectations found within classical symphonies both competitively and outwardly. This may lead to perfectly talented musicians not being chosen at auditions because of appearance or outward self-expression. SASY is a direct solution for providing the inclusivity that is necessary for keeping talented musicians playing, composing, and performing despite normative standards.
SASY has been running at the Sonoma Community Center since September. Classes are Mondays, 5-7pm.
SASY is led by A. Fiddle-Hooper, an internationally seasoned violinist, electric violinist, cellist, composer, videographer, producer, and instructor. Their 32 years of professional repertoire includes a well-rounded blend of classical, soul, jazz, hip hop, reggae, rock & roll, Celtic, middle eastern, Indian classical, and alternative trance styles. They have taught nationally and internationally in Europe, India, Japan, and the US. They have performed professionally in 19 countries and 50 states. Fiddle-Hooper currently leads a branch of SASY in Sonoma Valley at the Sonoma Community Center. Fiddle-Hooper is also available for private violin and cello lessons both in Sonoma Valley and greater Sonoma County through Music to My Ears.
