Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s Link Up Hits the Right Notes for Students

By Zandra Wolfgram

On March 12, the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center transformed into a kid-inspired jazz festival. Nearly 3,000 energetic 3rd to 5th graders, recorders in hand, swayed, clapped, and played along with Sinfonia Gulf Coast for its 13th Link Up performance, "The Orchestra Swings." With a lively program conducted by Aaron King Vaughn and featuring classics like Duke Ellington’s It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing) and George Gershwin’s I Got Rhythm, this year’s performance was a high-energy celebration of music education at its finest.

For many of these students, this was their first time experiencing a live symphony orchestra. Some had never held an instrument before Link Up. "For most of these kids, they’ve never even seen a symphony orchestra," said Sinfonia Treble Maker and former Sinfonia Gulf Coast employee Elaine Tucker. "They don’t even realize what they’re getting to do." But as the performance unfolded, any nervousness faded into sheer joy as young musicians found themselves immersed in the music.

The Link Up program, a national initiative by Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute, pairs professional orchestras with students in a year-long curriculum exploring rhythm, melody, and musical expression. Locally, it serves as the only music education some students receive all year.

"Link Up is my favorite concert of the year because it's a culmination of all of our partnership activities with Carnegie Hall in the schools," said Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s Music & Artistic Director, Demetrius Fuller. "And while it's the craziest sound you've ever heard, it’s just a wonderful amalgamation of music, theory, and learning how to play the recorder. And often, it’s the only arts education these kids get, so it’s very important that we continue to support this."

For students like 9-year-old Cecilia Owen, the experience was pure magic. "I was most excited to play my recorder," she said, grinning ear to ear. "And the dance moves! We practiced at school!" That enthusiasm is echoed by teachers who witness firsthand the impact of Link Up on their students. "As soon as we get here, the environment, the atmosphere—it’s just lively, it’s fun," said Katie McCullen, a teacher at Butler Elementary. "Music helps their thinking skills and problem-solving. It’s amazing to see how much they enjoy it."

Music educator Shalyce Kauzlarich, a longtime Link Up hostess, has seen that joy for nearly a decade. "I love seeing the joy on the kids' faces when it combines the recorder with the orchestra," she said. "This has become a tradition. I look forward to it every year."

But for all its joyful noise, Link Up also serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of funding music education. With school budgets tightening, programs like these are critical to ensuring students still have access to the arts. "If we cut music programs, we’re hurting ourselves," said Tucker. "Music and science and math are all connected. When we lose one, we limit opportunities for our kids."

Thanks to the support from the St. Joe Community Foundation, the Dugas Family Foundation, and the Emeril Lagasse Family Foundation—along with funding from Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s Crescendo! annual fundraiser, Treble Makers (an honorary membership committee of Crescendo!), and community donors—Link Up has grown into Sinfonia’s largest education outreach program. And if this year’s performance is any indication, it is hitting all the right notes for students, educators, and the community alike.

"It’s all about giving kids an experience they’ll never forget," Fuller said. "Who knows? Maybe one of them will be inspired to become a musician. But at the very least, they’ve had a moment where they connected with music in a way that will stay with them forever."

With instruments packed away and the echoes of swing music still lingering, one thing is clear: Link Up is more than just a concert—it’s a movement, keeping the rhythm of music education alive for the next generation.

By Zandra Wolfgram

Get ready to “Paint the Town Red” as Sinfonia Gulf Coast brings its annual cultural and
culinary extravaganza, Crescendo! 2025, to life. On Sunday, March 2, at 11:30 a.m., the
Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa will host a spectacular event extravaganza
featuring a sparkling wine reception, vintner pourings, a delicious, seated lunch, enticing
auctions, and jaw-dropping entertainment during lunch by none other than Violectric, the
internationally renowned electric string ensemble.

Violectric, the dynamic string rock quartet hailing from Windermere, Florida, is set to
deliver an electrifying performance that will leave the audience buzzing. Led by Grammy-
nominated founder, producer and artist Michelle Jones, the ensemble combines cutting-
edge technology with unparalleled musicianship to create custom arrangements of iconic
rock and pop hits. Whether it’s classics from The Beatles or contemporary chart-toppers by
The Weeknd, Violectric’s unique and proprietary charts promise a performance like no
other.

With members who boast over 20 years of experience in prestigious orchestras and groups,
Violectric is the perfect synthesis of artistic excellence and creativity. Each member
contributes a distinct flair—from the fiery five-string violins of Michelle Jones and Lexy
Parsons to Madison Harding’s heavenly electric harp, and finally, to the resonant cello of
Yamilet Trujillo. Together, they deliver a soundscape that bridges the gap between
traditional string performance and modern rock energy.

Since their formation in 2008, Violectric has wowed audiences across the globe. From their
unforgettable performance at Orlando’s Hard Rock Live to opening for legends like Sting,
Ne-Yo, and Josh Groban, their reputation as a must-see act continues to grow. Beyond their
exhilarating shows, Violectric is deeply committed to music education, bringing their
expertise to classrooms in the U.S. and Asia through master classes and collaborative
performances.

Don’t Miss This Mission-Driving Celebration

Music lovers, this is your chance to experience Violectric’s illuminating artistry and be part
of a day that celebrates the transformative power of the arts. Tickets for the Crescendo!
2025 Main Event are $225 per person and are available now at SinfoniaGulfCoast.org or
book direct here.

Proceeds from Crescendo! 2025 benefit Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s mission to redefine the
symphony experience and provide exceptional music education. Programs supported
include support of Sinfonia’s signature music education program, musicians in schools, free

orchestra concerts, transportation for students, and partnerships with Carnegie Hall’s Link
Up initiative and Ascension Sacred Heart’s Arts in Medicine program and more.
Mark your calendar, gather your friends, and prepare to be dazzled. Crescendo! 2025 is
calling—answer with your love for the arts and secure your tickets today.

By Zandra Wolfgram

Prepare to be inspired as Bradley Copeland, a rising star in the world of visual arts, takes center stage at Crescendo! 2025. On Sunday, March 2, at 11:30 a.m., Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s Main Event at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa will feature this 27-year-old Santa Rosa Beach artist in a live painting demonstration that promises to captivate and amaze.

With an artistic inventory exceeding 600 pieces, Copeland’s prolific output is matched only by her deep connection to creativity. “I love creating art because it’s where I feel the most free,” she said. “It reminds me that everything happens for a reason, that perfection is neither possible nor desirable, and that the real magic is in the mistakes and unexpected moments.”

Copeland first discovered her passion for painting during her studies at Auburn University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in art in 2018. After apprenticing under an Alabama artist, she moved to Florida’s Emerald Coast in 2020, where her career flourished. Since then, she has showcased her work in solo and group exhibitions, completed a striking public mural on 30A, and in 2023 was named Walton County Artist of the Year, an honor recognizing her impact on the regional arts community.

For Copeland, art is more than a profession—it is a vital means of processing, healing, and connecting. “Artists are essential,” she explained. “Creativity is how we process, heal, and connect—it’s one of the most fundamental aspects of being human. Yet, in our world, especially in Western culture, we’re often discouraged from truly feeling things.” Her dedication to using art as a transformative tool led her to partner with the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County to launch an innovative prison art program at Walton Correctional Institution, where she teaches weekly art classes, helping residents explore their own creative voices.

Music also plays a crucial role in Copeland’s artistic process. “I absolutely love music,” she said. “It transforms a space, a mood, even an entire mindset. I’m always listening to music while I paint because it helps me set the pace for my day and escape my own thoughts, which can move too fast and overwhelm me. Music lets me be present.”

At Crescendo! 2025, Copeland will offer an intimate glimpse into her creative process through a live painting demonstration that aligns perfectly with the event’s “Paint the Town Red” theme. Guests will also have the opportunity to explore her pop-up art gallery, which will showcase the breadth and depth of her work.

Crescendo! 2025 is more than an event—it’s a celebration of art, music, and community. Proceeds support Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s music education and outreach programs, ensuring that creativity continues to thrive across Northwest Florida. In the words of Sinfonia Music & Artistic Director Demetrius Fuller, “Crescendo! is a celebration of our community’s commitment to the arts.”

Save Your Seats for Fun-fonia Today!

Whether you’re a longtime supporter of the arts or newly inspired to explore creative expression, Crescendo! 2025 is an event you won’t want to miss. Tickets for the Main Event are $225 per person and are available now at SinfoniaGulfCoast.org.

Come for the exquisite cuisine, stay for the incredible live auctions, and leave inspired by the artistry of Bradley Copeland. Your support is instrumental to our success—secure your tickets today and be part of an unforgettable celebration of creativity!

By Zandra Wolfgram

Sinfonia Gulf Coast announces more delicious details for Crescendo! 2025—the highly anticipated annual fundraiser and cultural and culinary extravaganza. 

On Friday, Feb. 28 at 6 p.m. Crescendo! weekend will begin with a series of carefully curated vintner dinners hosted in elegant homes, hotels and halls. throughout the Emerald Coast. Each dinner pairs the talents of local and national “celebrity” chefs with some of the country’s most acclaimed vineyards for a delicious evening of food and wine. As the Vintner Dinner lineup indicates, several proprietors and winemakers will attend to introduce and personally pour and their wines. 

This year, Marisol & Tony Gullo will open their stunning home in Churchill Oaks to host Post Parade represented by Emily Andrews, in addition to a special champagne selection courtesy of Maureen Fiacco of Imperial Importers alongside the culinary talents of chef Dan Vargo, proprietor of Fine Coastal Cuisine. 

At The Henderson Beach Resort, Elizabeth & Jared Boswell will welcome guests for an elegant pairing featuring Caldwell Vineyard, with John Caldwell, proprietor, and Mario Moreno, estate manager, presenting their acclaimed wines. The evening’s gourmet experience will be helmed by executive chef Tyler Simmons of The Henderson Beach Resort.

For a luxurious dining experience at Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood, hosts Yana Morgan & Justin Shane will present a spectacular collaboration with Perchance Estates, as Katherine & Dean Papadakis, proprietors, introduce their exceptional vintages. executive chef Fleetwood Covington will craft a perfectly curated menu for this sophisticated evening.

A novel culinary and wine pairing will take place aboard the Solaris yacht, where owners Rhonda & James Murray will host an intimate evening featuring Oakville Ranch Winery. Guests will enjoy the exceptional wines presented by Shelia Gentry, general manager, alongside a masterfully prepared dinner by executive chef Aaron Harris.

At Hotel Effie, Jennifer Lombard-Knight & William Mitchell will welcome guests to a lavish pairing featuring Tournesol, presented by general manager Kina Kreer, with an exquisite menu curated by Chef John Engle of Ovide at Hotel Effie Sandestin.

Each Vintner Dinner will showcase an unforgettable fusion of culinary excellence and fine wine, with many of the vintners and winemakers personally pouring their wines for guests. Tickets are $500 per person, inclusive of all food, wine, and gratuities.

Proceeds from Crescendo! 2025 will benefit Sinfonia and its music education community engagement outreach programs, which include musicians/guest artists in schools, free orchestra concerts, bus transportation for students, Sinfonia Youth Orchestra program, Arts in Medicine initiative with Sacred Heart Hospital and Link Up concerts for third through fifth graders in partnership with Carnegie Hall and more.

“We are thrilled to present this year’s incredible lineup of Vintner Dinners, bringing together award-winning chefs, exceptional wines, and stunning venues—all in support of Sinfonia’s mission to inspire, educate, and engage our community through music,” says Sinfonia Music & Artistic Director Demetrius Fuller.

The Crescendo! weekend continues with the signature Main Event on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa. This high-energy celebration will feature “electrifying” music by Violectric and a pop-up gallery by guest artist Bradley Copeland, an elegant, seated lunch, world-class vintners, spirit purveyors, and live and silent auctions—all benefiting Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s music education and community outreach programs.

Crescendo! is made possible by the generous support of local and national businesses including the following co-presenting sponsors Silver Sands Premium Outlets, Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, Visit South Walton, JP Boswell Consulting and Not Too Shabby by Marisol Gullo. Purchase tickets today by visiting SinfoniaGulfCoast.org or calling (850) 460-8800.