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Coverage in the Knoxville News Sentinel:
Former opera chief to head up music school
Facility provides education to low-income children
Graffeo, 44, began his new job on Dec. 5. He replaces Marisa Galick, who had been executive director for about four years.
"I couldn't be more thrilled to have Frank Graffeo as executive director," says outgoing Joy of Music Board President Mike Combs.
"It's just a wonderful match to have Frank's expertise, not only as an executive director but also as a wonderful artist."
Graffeo will continue to work nationally as a guest conductor for orchestras, operas and ballets. He has several conducting jobs lined up through spring.
"It pleases us that he is in such great demand," says Combs, "and that he does go out and conduct. That is only a benefit (to Joy of Music) as we see it."
Graffeo resigned as general director and conductor of Knoxville Opera on April 19. He and his family - wife Christy Graffeo and one-year-old son Lorenzo - remained in Knoxville.
"I had been keeping my eyes open for opportunities (in the area)," says Graffeo, who moved to Knoxville when he joined Knoxville Opera in January 2000.
"We have so many friends here it would be so hard for us to just get up and leave," he says.
Graffeo had been a Joy of Music board member for several years. But he still had to go through the interview process to win the job of executive director.
"There were a number of qualified applicants, and we interviewed several (of them)," Combs says.
The Joy of Music Youth Music School was founded in 1998. Originally a program of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Knoxville, it was spun off as independent entity about four years ago.
Of the approximately 90 children currently enrolled in the program, more than 90 percent receive free music lessons and free instruments. The rest pay on a sliding scale based on income.
The not-for-profit Joy of Music School has six full-time staff members and a volunteer staff of more than 40 people, including music teachers.
Doug Mason may be reached at 865-342-6441.
"Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent."
