The Board
The mission of SAYS is to encourage, inspire, and nurture young musicians through quality orchestral experiences; cultivate members’ social and emotional skills; promote the value of music education in all forms; and strengthen the community at large.
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President
Adam Jones
Adam R Jones is a Canadian-American Composer, Educator, and multi-instrumentalist who lives and works in Tucson, Arizona. Trained in both classical and jazz traditions, you can find Adam performing, arranging, writing and teaching a vast array of musical styles, from hip-hop to baroque to blues. His works for concert band and orchestra have been featured at large festivals in North America, and his jazz compositions have been performed internationally. His recordings have been nominated for many awards, including the Western Canadian Music Awards, the Canadian Country Music Awards, and the Bob Mills award. He also makes a mean eggs benedict.
Vice President
Araceli Juarez
My name is Araceli Juarez, and I’m a Professional Civil Engineer based in Tucson, Arizona. I’ve been volunteering with the Southern Arizona Youth Symphony for the past year, supporting events and helping create a positive, welcoming environment for young musicians and their families. I’m a proud mother of two, and one of my children is a member of the symphony, which makes this work especially meaningful to me. I love giving back to the community and truly believe in the power of music to inspire and connect people. Outside of work and volunteering, I enjoy traveling and spending time with family and friends.
Audition Coordinator
Ivi Salcinovic
It's been my pleasure to serve as the audition coordinator for Southern Arizona Youth Symphony, and as a volunteer SAYS board member at large.
As a mother of two budding musicians, I love watching SAYS members share their passion for music, develop their skills, and gain friendships along the way!
I'm an engineer by profession, and also an avid cook and gardener. In my free time, I enjoy exploring many Tucson hiking trails.
Treasurer
Dana Rones
Dana Rones is the Treasurer for Southern Arizona Youth Symphony. She is a Corona de Tucson resident and a life-long musician. Dana is a former public school teacher and Instructional Coach with 17+ years of experience in elementary (general education) and middle school math, teaching both in Maryland and Arizona.
When she was in school she was active in her school's band as a flautist and as Drum Major of her high school marching band. She is passionate about young people having access to the arts and is thrilled to be a part of SAYS.
Member at Large
Sharon Abernathy
A proud ‘band kid’ in her elementary through high school years, Sharon has traveled and performed with her peers around the southwest with her schools and internationally as part of the Arizona Ambassadors of Music. These formative experiences cemented her lifelong love and appreciation for music and the community it builds.
Now a wife and mother of two, Sharon joined the SAYS Board to continue to give back to the next generation of young musicians, helping them experience that same joy, growth, and camaraderie that music gave her.
Member at Large
Jennifer Bliss