Rockland
Youth Symphony
Everhard Paredes
Everhard Paredes has appeared as a soloist with the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra, Venezuelan Chamber Orchestra, Chacao Symphony, Pan American Symphony, Orchestra Celebrate, and others. He is a product of the renowned Venezuelan music program El Sistema.
​
In November 2008, he was one of two performers chosen to represent El Sistema in a performance for the Quincy Jones Prize. He was also featured multiple times in the “Strad for Lunch” concert series at the WMP Concert Hall, performing on a Stradivarius violin.
As a chamber musician, Mr. Paredes actively gives recitals and workshops aimed at inspiring young artists. He served as concertmaster of both the Simón Bolívar Youth Orchestra and the Youth Orchestra of the Americas.
​
Mr. Paredes has held positions as a faculty member, chamber musician, orchestra coach, and conductor with the El Sistema music program, including work with the Youth Orchestra of the Simón Bolívar Conservatory in Venezuela, Simanof Program and the Manhattan School of Music Summer Program.
​
He currently teaches at The Elisabeth Morrow School in Englewood, New Jersey, and has participated in the New York Philharmonic’s educational program, contributing to their first Youth Orchestra under the Baton of Maestro Dietrich Paredes and Gustavo Dudamel.
Mr. Paredes performs on a Jean-François Aldric violin, which has been on loan to him since 2005.
Katie Allen
​
Katie Allen has taught elementary strings in the North Rockland Central School District since 2017. She holds Bachelor of Music degrees in music education and viola performance from SUNY Fredonia. She also holds a Master of Science degree in Curriculum Design and Instructional Technology from University at Albany, SUNY. Ms. Allen has performed with the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Rockland Symphony Orchestra, Hudson Lyric Opera, and the National Music Festival (Chestertown, MD). Driven by the experiences that shaped her as a student, Ms. Allen is committed to supporting community music initiatives and youth orchestras. She leads with an understanding of the profound impact that participating in musical ensembles can have on students' development, not just as musicians, but as individuals.
