6BB AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY MIA MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TO MIAMI HERALD MONDAY , AUGUST 1 , 2016
Attorney Jason Pizzo Aims to Empower the Village in District 38 State Senate Race
By : Zach Rinkins
Jason Pizzo , Esq
Local attorney and affordable housing champion Jason Pizzo recently announced his state senate candidacy for the newly redrawn District 38 race . Pizzo is a graduate of Columbia University ’ s Graduate School of Architecture , Planning , and Preservation , regarded as one of the most important and prestigious architecture schools in the world and the University of Miami School of Law . The American Federation of State , County
EXECUTIVE SUITE
By Zach Rinkins
Cerise Sutton Executive Director Greater Miami Youth Symphony
Greater Miami Youth Symphony ( GMYS ) is the second oldest arts organization in South Florida . The symphony prides itself in consistently offering music education programming to local children for nearly six decades . Each year it serves more than 1,000 students from all parts of Miami-Dade County regardless of their economic background .
“ GMYS has provided unparalleled music education to Miami ’ s children and families , which has resulted in high level performances for our community ,” beams Cerise Sutton , the organization ’ s executive director . “ This has been a truly amazing experience working with an incredible board and Municipal Employees ( AFSCME ) recently endorsed his candidacy . The aspiring politician ’ s platform focuses on economic development , gun violence and housing .
“ I believe we have a responsibility to help one another realize our full potential ,” the former assistant state attorney shares . “ My work and my passion have focused on breaking the chains of injustice , violence and inequality , which particularly affect the youngest members of our community . As Florida State Senator for District 38 , I will commit to fulfilling Bobby Kennedy ’ s promise of creating a ripple of hope that will contribute to sweeping away the legacy of oppression , so that all of us may enjoy the great promise of democracy .”
Pizzo established himself as an effective assistant state attorney at the Miami-Dade State Attorney ’ s Office , during which time he successfully focused on crimes involving exploitation of the elderly , animal cruelty and violent crimes . He credits Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez-Rundle with recognizing the need for new initiatives to assist the community . Now in private practice , he wants to do his part to make
Greater Miami Youth Symphony ’ s Cerise Sutton Counts Service and Education as the Keys to Success
and championing these children .”
As executive director , Sutton is responsible for the organization ’ s strategic vision and implementation , curriculum development and staff management . With noteworthy professional stints at Florida Grand Opera , New World Symphony and Broward County Public Schools , she is an influential member of South Florida ’ s cultural establishment . The longtime humanitarian says investing in a child ’ s musical acumen pays long term dividends both individually and community-wide .
“ Countless studies show the correlation between a young musician ’ s tendency to excel in math , self-esteem and school attendance ,” she shares . “ We believe music can be a civic tool , as well . We teach our students that if they go out into their communities and share their talents they can change their communities and expose them to story behind the music .”
The Paramus , New Jersey native earned a Bachelor ’ s of Music in Bassoon Performance from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and earned a Master ’ s Degree in Music Performance at sure the children of District 38 have the same opportunities that his twin 10-year-old sons enjoy .
“ A lot of the crime in this community , particularly the gun violence , affects and involves too many kids ,” he reveals . “ After spending hundreds of hours talking to kids , many of them feel like the tree in the forest that falls and nobody hears or sees it . They need mentors , caring neighbors and adults that care about them .”
He adds , “ It is dangerous when a child does not care about their community or feels that nobody cares for them . We all have to do something about this . We are all responsible .”
Pizzo readily admits that overcoming limited resources , low wages and other economic changes influence adverse conditions in District 38 . He offers this platform as a remedy :
STRONGER ECONOMY , STRONGER WORKFORCE : Pizzo is dedicated to growing the middle class by supporting small businesses , expanding education and workforce training , and investing in Florida ’ s roads , ports and transportation
the University of British Columbia . The multi-faceted music maven is equally administrator and artist . “ I started in music at a young age . Picking up the bassoon was not necessarily embraced in my community , however I understood that there was something that could be had by pursuing it ,” she reveals .
Though she no longer plays bassoon professionally , the award-winning executive zealously embraces her ability to , “ advocate for music education in the community .” Sutton adds , “ I still have a small studio of young bassoonists that I teach on the weekends . I really try to share my love of classical music on a one-on-one basis .”
GMYS offers the following culturally diverse programming throughout the year :
Preparatory Program - Among a small group of peers within a private setting in nine different locations throughout the county , the program strives to introduce young musicians to the joys of playing a musical instrument .
Young Mozarts Orchestra -This training orchestra is for string players . Students participate in outreach concerts and infrastructure .
SAFER NEIGHBORHOODS : As a former state prosecutor , Pizzo saw first-hand the impact of youth violence and how it is plaguing a large part of Senate District 38 . During his stint in the State Attorney ’ s Office , he helped create a street violence initiative , and brought justice to victims and their families , while identifying critical needs for juveniles . He is committed to reducing violent crime among our youth through mentorship , after-school and summer youth employment programs .
BETTER EDUCATION : Starting with early education , Pizzo advocates closing the literacy gap that separates children based on their parents ’ economic status . As children become young adults , we must provide extracurricular and co-curricular activities that expand their minds , range of skills and experiences . He also advocates extending professional and career development opportunities to adults .
Explore the Pizzo candidacy and his platform at www . PizzoForSenate . com
performances and learn about the fundamentals of music in a safe and fun environment .
Brass and Wind Ensembles - GMYS supports five ensembles , ( Young Sousas , Concert Band , Jazz Band , Concert Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra ), for various age groups and instrumentalists that offer performance opportunities for intermediate and advanced young musicians .
Summer Camp - With multiple levels of camps , ( Beginner Camp , Intermediate Camp , Woodwind and Brass Intensive , and Spring Intensive ), beginner to advanced students will enjoy high quality instruction from fantastic teaching artists , all while experiencing the joy and excitement of making music with other children . GMYS is a non-profit 501 ( C )( 3 ) organization dependent on grant funding and donations . Your support is vital to the success of its programs and aspiring young musicians .
Follow the rhythm www . GMYS . org