Yolanda Wyns Named One of the 2015 Musical America Influencers

Yolanda Wyns, Director of Music of the Harlem School has been named one of the top 2015 Musical America influencers of the Year. Ms. Wyns shares the title with Geoffrey John Davies of The Violin Channel; Jordan Peimer of ArtPower!, University of CA; Michael Heaston of the Washington National Opera; Amit Peled of the Peabody Conservatory; Yehuda Gilad of the The Colburn School; Francisco J. Núñez of the Young People's Chorus of New York City; Mei-Ann Chen of the Chicago Sinfonietta and Memphis Symphony Orchestra adn 22 others.

Ms. Wyns is an educator, vocal coach, and veteran performer on the New York and international music scene, with decades of performance experience including classical, popular, rhythm and blues, and gospel genres. She's toured with major R&B performers including Freddie Jackson and Stephanie Mills. She's also a well-respected Broadway performer, appearing most recently in The Color Purple.

For the last two years Ms. Wyns has served as Vocal Chair and director of the Dorothy Maynor Singers, an acclaimed ensemble, named after the American soprano, opera singer, and founder of HSA. During this period she restored the group to its former prominence as one of the leading artistic groups in the city. Ms. Wyns recruited and trained new members, expanded the group's repertoire, and elevated the group's performances resulting in the young singers being invited to perform at countless galas, including the Forbes Women's Conference and most recently the 100th Birthday Celebration of Jazz legend, Billie Holiday at the Apollo. Ms. Wyns was selected to become Program Director because of the combination of her range as an educator - her success mentoring and coaching HSA students, and her strong industry ties. "My goal is to bring renewed focus on collaboration and creativity to the music department at HSA, "says Ms. Wyns, "One of my key objectives is to elevate music education at HSA, create breakthrough learning methodologies with lasting impact, and attract new students."

Yoland will be overseeing HSA's Winter Music Festival 2016 from January 21-23, 2016 a celebration of the Harlem School of the Arts Music Department's brightest rising stars showcasing our advanced students, faculty and special guests like the Harlem Chamber Players! This series of concerts by young soloist and ensemble performers features an exciting range of jazz, classical and contemporary selections. Faculty presenters include Ben Sutin, performing jazz world fusion with Klazz-Ma-Tazz from their album Tangibility; and bassist David Baron. To attend the Winter Music Festival, click here.