THE VIOLIN PLAYER
501-(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
ABOUT US
The Violin Player is an education-related 501-(c)(3) non-profit organization. We advance music education by providing quality musical instruments and other educational resources to schools and individuals. We are registered in New York, Massachusetts, and Ohio. As a 501-(c)(3) public charity, all contributions are tax-deductible.
If you would like to apply for an instrument loan, please contact us. There is a short application process.
No members of the board of the directors receive a salary. All funds received are used for charitable purposes.
Recent Activities
The Violin Player made a big impact in Massachusetts by gifting approximately $25,000 worth of musical instruments, sheet music, and music stands to Andover Public Schools.
These instruments will primarily be used by students in
the district's quickly-growing elementary music program.
While most of the instruments that were donated were
string instruments, we also gifted over two dozen flutes,
piccolos, clarinets, and saxophones to the school district.
Please help us continue our efforts to bring the joys of
playing an instrument to all students by donating your used
instrument of any kind to us today!
DONATE
ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX-DEDUCTIBLE
Our organization relies on donations from the public and local businesses in the forms of musical instruments or money. Repairing instruments is expensive and purchasing new instruments is even more expensive.
Every dollar we receive helps us carry out our mission of advancing music education. Your donation will be greatly appreciated. Since our instruments are offered as loans or are gifted to school districts, your contribution will be enjoyed by many students for many years.
TOMPKINS COUNTY YOUTH ORCHESTRA
The Tompkins County Youth Orchestra was founded, and was administered, by The Violin Player. The TCYO's goal was to provide quality, full symphony orchestra training, instruction, and performance experience to young Tompkins County musicians. For over three years, the group made it possible for over one hundred students to experience the discipline and rewards of preparing and performing advanced musical repertoires.
In 2014, the group changed management, and the Ithaca Youth Orchestra began. We would like to thank our loyal students, parents, volunteers, and local teachers for all their hard work and dedication.
EVENTS
Our move to New England was tiring! Please check back soon for an updated events calendar.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President/Director
Dr. Derek J. Voigt
Author of the works: “Playing the Violin: A Pedagogical Analysis of Violin Technique and Performance Practice,” and the Comprehensive String Series: “Early Success,” Dr. Derek Voigt is an acclaimed violinist and pedagogue. He currently works as Orchestra Director at Andover Public Schools in Andover, Massachusetts, and is also the Lead Teacher for Lowell Public Schools’ AITA Orchestra Program. He previously worked as the Director of String Music at Chatfield College. An experienced performer, Derek frequently performs in solo recitals, including performances in Paris, France, Alba and Barolo, Italy, and in numerous locations throughout the U.S. Derek was a featured soloist in United Nations performances in the New York City Italian Consulate with an Italian chamber orchestra. Derek also worked with the United Nations Refugee Resettlement Program to document the sacred music of Rwandan Refugees.
Dr. Voigt frequently teaches masterclasses, including one at Bowling Green State University, and is scheduled to teach another in New York State. He has performed in masterclasses with Christopher Hogwood, Charles Castleman, Elmar Oliveira, and Janet Sung. He began his violin studies at age 3, studying with Dmitry Gerikh. He received his Doctorate and Master’s degree from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM), studying with Dr. Piotr Milewski, Kurt Sassmannshaus, and Giora Schmidt, and received his Bachelor’s degree from the Ithaca College School of Music, studying with Susan Waterbury. When not performing solo repertoire, Derek can be found performing chamber and orchestral repertoire.
Derek has performed with professional orchestras and opera companies such as the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, the Cincinnati Chamber Opera, where he served as principal second Violin, the Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes, and the Northern Tier Symphony Orchestra, where he served as the orchestra's Concertmaster. Derek has served as concertmaster for numerous other ensembles, including the Grassroots Festival Chamber Orchestra, in Ithaca, New York, and the New Violin Family Orchestra.
An Early Music enthusiast, Derek played Baroque Violin in Cornell University's Early Music Ensemble, Les Petits Violons. In this ensemble, he worked closely with well-known musicians and scholars, like Neal Zaslaw and Christopher Hogwood. He owns an unconverted violin made in the early 1700’s. Derek is also interested in 'new' instruments. He has performed on Soprano Violin in the New Violin Family Orchestra. This instrument is smaller than a typical Violin and is tuned a fourth higher (C-G-D-A). Its tuning can be thought of as being an octave higher than a viola. The instrument produces a unique sound and allows for very high notes. Derek also owns a unique Treble Violin. This instrument is tuned an octave higher a traditional violin (G-D-A-E). It is possible that fewer than ten of these instruments exist today.
In 2010, Derek founded the Tompkins County Youth Orchestra in Ithaca, NY. Since Derek's departure from Ithaca, the group has changed to become the Ithaca Youth Orchestra.
See www.DerekVoigt.com for more information
Director of Philanthropy and Engagement
Jessica Daviso
Director of Educational Outreach
VACANT
Emeritus Director of Operations for New York
Dmitry Gerikh
Violinist Dmitry Gerikh was introduced to the violin at age six, taking his first lessons with Vladimir Kotsuba. At age thirteen, he began studying with Professor Boris Brant at Odessa’s Stolyarsky School for Gifted Children. When in eighth grade, Dmitry won second prize at the All-Ukraine violin competition. In 1968, he continued his advanced study at the Odessa Conservatory of Music in the studio of Arthur Zissermann.
After serving in the Soviet Navy, he continued post-graduate studies at the Gorki Conservatory, where he studied with professor Semyon Jaroshevich. He joined the Gorki Philharmonic and played in the Chamber Orchestra of the Tula Philharmonic. At the time, he was also a featured soloist with the Gorki Philharmonic in various performances including his favorite, Sibelius’ Violin Concerto.
In 1979, Mr. Gerikh was awarded the position of Concertmaster of the Odessa Philharmonic, and also played in the Pastorale Baroque Ensemble. In 1989, Mr. Gerikh and his family emigrated to the United States, settling originally in Syracuse where Dmitry joined the Syracuse Symphony as the assistant principal second violinist under the baton of Kazuyoshi Akiyama. While in Syracuse, he participated in several music festivals throughout the US. After completing five seasons in Syracuse, he won the national audition for his current position with the Buffalo Philharmonic.
After arriving in Buffalo, Mr. Gerikh began to make solo appearances with Ars Nova under the direction of Marylouise Nanna. He was also the featured soloist in the Buffalo Philharmonic’s performance of Tchaikovsky’s Meditations.
Chief Financial Officer
Shirley Voigt
A native of Buffalo, New York, Shirley Voigt was educated at Bryant and Stratton Business Institute and the State University of New York at Buffalo. Shirley has over 35 years of experience in corporate administration, financial management, and municipal government. Her background includes 20 years at Rich Products Corporation, where she handled corporate giving requests for the Rich Family Foundation and managed several multi-million dollar financial accounts. She presently holds an administrative position with the Town of Amherst, New York, and is a volunteer income tax preparer for the elderly under a program sponsored by the IRS and AARP.
Our organization relies on donations from the public and businesses in the form of either musical instruments or money. Repairing instruments is expensive and purchasing new instruments is even more expensive.
Every dollar we receive helps us carry out our mission of advancing music education. Your donation will be greatly appreciated. Since our instruments are offered as loans, your contribution will be enjoyed by many people for many years.
CONTACT
By Mail:
PO Box 1603
Andover, MA 01810-0027
By Phone:
513-999-2444
Direct Email:
contact@theviolinplayer.org
