Description
The Yépez Players is an ethnically diverse flute and string quartet based in Chicago. The ensemble is comprised of classically trained, professional musicians who personally know the power music has to transform lives. We believe that a broad range of accessible, beautiful music is vital in introducing a young audience to the magic of this art form. Familiar melodies such as “Morning Mood” from Grieg’s Peer Gynt Suite, or “The Entertainer” by Scott Joplin, will allow students to connect familiar and personal experiences to the great composers of the world. The members of The Yépez Players will not only demonstrate the beauty and unique qualities of the instruments they play, but will also give interesting cultural and historic background regarding the diverse pieces and composers. Through audience participation and interaction with the ensemble, we will spark excitement, curiosity, and a strong sense of the possibility of music to change lives. Our goal as musicians and educators is to inspire young imaginations to soar.
Work Sample
The Yépez Players is an ethnically diverse flute and string quartet based in Chicago. The ensemble is comprised of classically trained, professional musicians who personally know the power music has to transform lives. We believe that a broad range of accessible, beautiful music is vital in introducing a young audience to the magic of this art form. Familiar melodies such as “Morning Mood” from Grieg’s Peer Gynt Suite, or “The Entertainer” by Scott Joplin, will allow students to connect familiar and personal experiences to the great composers of the world. The members of The Yépez Players will not only demonstrate the beauty and unique qualities of the instruments they play, but will also give interesting cultural and historic background regarding the diverse pieces and composers. Through audience participation and interaction with the ensemble, we will spark excitement, curiosity, and a strong sense of the possibility of music to change lives. Our goal as musicians and educators is to inspire young imaginations to soar.
These work samples are strictly performance samples of our quartet performing. Our education outreach has taken us all around the city to many schools. However, since recording around children gets a little tricky we don’t have any samples of those actual performances. It has also been very difficult to get back into schools since the pandemic hit us. We do look forward to getting back to sharing our musical talents with all of Chicago.
The work sample is strictly of our performance and what the quartet sounds like.
History
I am the leader of the group. I began playing the flute in 7th grade in South Gate, California. We were lucky enough to have a band program in my schools, however private lessons were not a reality until I got to college. I attended California State University, Northridge. Worked hard and later attended DePaul University where I got my Master’s Degree in flute performance. Now, I am happily making a living as a musician. I began this group as a gig group that played in lobbies around the loop during the holidays. Then, we were and occasionally affiliated with Orbert Davis’ and Mark Igram’s Discover Music: Discover Life. That’s when we started our education outreach and fell in love with our geography and composer program. We’ve been at it on and off since 2011. We’d love to change this and make it a more regular program for schools and libraries.
Artistic Vision
Our vision is to show what the power of music has to help listeners understand how the world is connected through music.
Programs for Specific Audience(s) Expertise
This specific program is focused on kids of all ages. However, adults in attendance have always commented how much they appreciated and learned from our work.
Name
The Yepez Players
Type
Company/Ensemble
Address
913 W Agatite Ave, 2
Chicago, IL 60640
Artistic Director
Steve Yepez
[email protected]
773.655-6267
Contact Person
Steve Yepez
[email protected]
773.655.6267
Web Site
https://www.theyepezplayers.com/educational-outreach
Artistic Discipline(s)
Music
- Classical
Geographic Availability
Chicago/Chicagoland
Fee Ranges
$650-1250 for a quartet
Additional Services
Demonstrations
Lectures
Master classes
Residencies
Teacher Development
Workshops
Core Audience(s)
Adult
Bilingual
- Spanish
Children
Seniors
Youth