Musicians in the Making has successful debut

By Eileen Wingard

LA JOLLA, California — Two outstanding vocal talents, Becca Myers, 16, and Celia Tedde, 15, joined forces for the first Musicians in the Making program under the auspices of the J Company. It took place in a packed Rehearsal Room of the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center, Jacobs Family Campus Sunday, November 18 at 6:30 p.m.

From the moment Celia began singing her Gounod aria from Romeo et Juliette with the poise and security of a seasoned diva, we knew we were in for a special treat.

Becca followed, with a Puccini aria from Gianni Schicchi, enunciating clearly and projecting with clarity. The opera arias were sung without amplification. Tim McKnight served as musical director and pianist for the program.

Both girls were next on stage, mikes in hand, with an impressive duet from Schwartz’ Children of Eden. In addition to McKnight at the piano, an ensemble of Myla Wingard, violin, Jeff Myers, cello, cabasa, Buddy Voit, guitar, claves, Lou Rosen, bass, banjo, and Joey Landwehr, bongos, accompanied the rest of the offerings in various configurations.

Next, Becca sang “Don’t Rain On My Parade,” with flare and intensity. It is the signature song from Funny Girl, in which she recently was featured as Fanny Brice in the J Company production.

The girls returned to harmonize in two selections from the Hebrew liturgy, Y’hiyu and Ahavat Olam. Their soulful renditions brought tears to this listener’s eyes and reflected the training of their mentor and model, Rabbi/Cantor Arlene Bernstein, who was in the audience.

Other music from Broadway and Hebrew liturgy followed. Before the final two numbers, Celia sang the opener, “Not For The Life Of Me,” from Thoroughly Modern Millie, the J Company production in which she starred.

The final number was the duet, Flight, by Carnelia and Rafter. The audience, with a large contingent of youngsters, was, indeed, uplifted and inspired by this captivating program. The girls even managed a costume change as they alternated on stage for their varied selections. They graciously thanked all who supported their project, particularly, their vocal coach, Roy Mote and the J Company’s inspiring director, Joey Landwehr.

Seen in the audience was the celebrated theatre critic and founder of the Patte Awards, Pat Launer. Also present were Wendy Sabin-Lasker, Director of the San Diego Center for Jewish Culture and J Company Executive Producer, Monika Handler Penner.

This program set a high bar of professionalism and polish for the Musicians In The Making series whose goal is to showcase young musical talent and inspire young people in the community to bring music into their lives.

The next Musicians In The Making program will take place January 20 at 6:30 p.m. and  feature violinist Ilana Hirschfeld, 12, and string bass player Noah Bailyn, 13.

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Wingard is a freelance writer specializing in music.  A former violinist with the San Diego Symphony, she may be contacted at eileen.wingard@sdjewishworld.com