DESCRIPTION:
Dimitri Trifunac (age 13), performs Rhapsody in Blue by George Gershwin (1898-1937) with the First Avenue (FA) Middle School Symphony Orchestra directed by Mr. Michael Danielson. This is a slightly shorter but not simplified version of the original score arranged by Mr. Danielson. This performance was part of the Night at the Movies concert of the FA Music Program, which took place on May 22, 2015, in the Arcadia Performing Arts Center (PAC). This was a phenomenal all FA concert in which 460 students (grades 6-8) performed in front of an audience of 900 people! It was the first time that Dimitri performed as a soloist with an orchestra, and the first time that he performed in front of so many people (900 on his right and 250 on his left).

Dimitri studies piano privately with concert pianist Roger Wright since age 6, following one year of Yamaha group classes with Ms. Mary Lo. He attends 8th grade in FA Middle School and plays cello in the FA Symphony Orchestra. His school has two rock bands, two string orchestras, two wind and percussion bands and a chorus, 460 students total, all taught as electives by one teacher, Mr. D.! Many of the students take private music lessons as well. FA is one of the three middle schools in Arcadia (56,000 population according to the 2010 census), with 840 students, grades 6-8. The participation in the music program (over 50%) and the enthusiasm of all involved are phenomenal! The newly built PAC was built by the City of Arcadia for the Arcadia High School.

My most sincere thanks to Mr. Danielson for including this piece on the program and providing such opportunity for Dimitri, and to Mr. Wright for helping Dimitri learn this piece and for teaching him so much over the past 7+ years. The orchestra was awesome, especially the wind and violin players who played the solo parts. This concert was made possible also by the dedicated parents of the FA music Club, which sponsored the event.

Thanks for watching.