North Palm Youth Symphony
former mentors
During our journey as a growing organization, the amount of effort poured in by all of us has been truly incalculable. Below are just a few of the many mentors that gave their time, energy, creativity, smiles, knowledge and passion for string education and playing in our journey to be where we are today.
To those on this page and many others who are not, who have volunteered, served, made a difference and given during your journey with the North Palm Youth Symphony, Thank You and we love you! ❤️
Former Mentors
Ezra Kanoff
Ezra has been playing multiple instruments most of his life. While the violin has been the focus for nearly a decade, Ezra has found a passion in the piano and has been learning it for three years. He uses his musical skills in many ways including playing for his church as both pianist and violinist, and also playing for weddings, fund raisers and youth rallies. He has been involved with the North Palm Youth Symphony for the last 3 seasons. He enjoys supporting young students as a mentor in summer camps, youth events and the Youth Orchestra, always serving as a positive role model, encouraging students to learn, participate, be active and grow as young people.
Lily Kanoff
Lily Kanoff is currently working on completing her bachelors in communications at Southeastern University. She has been playing the violin since she was 6 years old and started playing the piano at 14 years old. From an early age, her Russian instructor taught by heavily emphasizing ear training and inner motor development. This has significantly influenced how Lily approaches violin instruction today, focusing on developing a consistent intonation and good tone. As her family moved several times, her training would continue with various instructors, all of them investing their knowledge to stretch and grow her skills. She has now played and taught with the North Palm Youth Symphony for four years, assisting through coaching and teaching with all of the younger ensembles. Lily has a growing private studio, which she began at the age of 15, and strives to continue to grow in her teaching skills throughout the coming years.
Artists in Residence
Eric Ubarana
Eric is a Junior attending Jupiter Community High School. He has been involved in the Youth Orchestra program for about 2 years. He has been playing both violin and clarinet since middle school, and began his string studies under the direction of Douglas Ferreira. Eric is a talented pianist, which he began studying at the age of six. For Eric, piano has been a wonderful foundation for learning both violin and clarinet. Academically, he is interested in the humanities, psychology and languages. with the intention of pursuing one of these areas as a major in college.
As a mentor, Eric shares his time and talent with younger students, supporting the orchestra's mission and elevating the next generation of young players.
Victoria Guimbard
Victoria is sixteen years old, currently attending Jupiter High School. She began playing the violin at the age of five, and began to really blossom as a young player under the teaching of Douglas Ferreira. She has always enjoyed mentoring and teaching, making a positive impact in her local music community and the Youth Orchestra by inspiring and helping younger musicians with her dedication and skill. As a mentor, she shares her passion for the violin, offering guidance and encouragement her younger peers in a positive and friendly approach. Victoria’s commitment to nurturing her own musical talent and that of her younger peers while balancing the demands of her own education showcases her maturity and wonderful potential to excel and be successful in the world of music and beyond.
Mia Mudrick
Palm Beach Gardens High School senior Mia Mudrick was introduced to music, orchestra and the upright bass by Victor Fernandez as a student in fourth grade at The Conservatory School. She has loved playing her instrument from day one. She played the upright bass all through Elementary and Middle School, and has continued playing in High School through the North Palm Youth Symphony, after joining the organization's inaugural orchestra in the Fall of 2021. After nearly 10 years of playing the upright bass, Mia now also serves as a dedicated mentor for the young students at NPYS. She is a passionate musician, always ready to grow and learn more, as well pass her knowledge along to the next generation of young musicians.
Outside of music Mia’s passions include space exploration and student leadership, and she hopes to study Aerospace Engineering and Space Operations at Embry-Riddle or University of Florida.
Hadiya Stewart
Hadiya Stewart is a senior at The King’s Academy. She started playing bass in second grade under the direction of Victor Fernandez and has been playing for the past 11 years. Hadiya has studied with Jeff Adkins and has played alongside many professionals. In 7th grade, Hadiya participated in the Youth Orchestra of Las Angeles where she played under the direction of famous conductor Gustavo Dudamel. Hadiya has also played in the All State Orchestra, starting in 7th grade, where she was principal bassist. Hadiya has participated in All County for 3 years, as well as All County Jazz for one year. In November 2022, Hadiya participated in Tri-State, hosted at Florida State University. Hadiya was one of 3 bassists selected and was able to work with Rodney Jordan, a jazz bass faculty member at FSU. Currently, Hadiya is a part of the orchestra, regiment band, and Jazz band at the The King’s Academy. She serves as drum major for the regiment band and as an instrumental arts leader at her school. While playing with the jazz band, Hadiya has had the opportunity to meet, play with, and learn from jazz professionals such as Wayne Bergeron, Wycliffe Gordon, Arturo Sandoval, and Ron Carter. Hadiya shares her musical abilities through productions put on by her school such as The Nutcracker, Ruth and Singing in the Rain. In addition to her musical involvement at school, Hadiya is also a cofounder of the Annie Matot Jazz Quintet. She and the group have played music from the Great American Songbook all over South Florida from Jupiter to Key Largo. In May 2023, Hadiya was recently named the Instrumental Young Artist of the Year by the Society for the Preservation of the Great American Song Book.
Hadiya greatly enjoys mentoring and teaching her younger peers and is currently supporting the orchestra students within the North Palm Beach Youth Symphony across multiple orchestras. She plans on attending UF to study medicine and eventually become a Pediatrician.