Juan Fernandez
Conductor
PIANO
Juan Sebastian Fernandez's passion for orchestral conducting was ignited during his formative years at Dillard High School in Fort Lauderdale. Under the inspiring mentorship of Bradford Chase, he developed a deep love for both piano and conducting, discovering the delicate balance between individual artistry and the collective harmony of an orchestra.
He pursued his formal education at Florida Atlantic University, studying orchestral conducting under Laura Joella and majoring in Piano Performance. His training included private instructors and mentorship from distinguished pianists such as Dr. Irena Kofman, Dr. Edward Turgeon, Dr. Coltman, and Dario Ntaca, Martha Argerich’s renowned piano duet partner. This multifaceted education allowed him to master the technical precision of performance while developing a deep appreciation for the transformative power of orchestral music.
Currently, Mr. Fernandez serves as the String Orchestra Director and Piano Instructor at the acclaimed Dillard Center for the Arts, where his transformative teaching has shaped countless young musicians. Under his leadership, students have earned top accolades at district, state, and national competitions and secured full scholarships to prestigious institutions, including Lynn Conservatory, Indiana University, Manhattan School of Music, the University of Southern California, the University of North Florida, and DePaul University. They have also benefited from masterclasses and mentorship through a dedicated and talented workforce that includes his trusted friends and collaborators: Dr. Katie Smirnova, Dr. Brett Walfish, and Dr. Ismar Gómez.
Mr. Fernandez's vibrant career extends beyond the classroom. He has conducted for the Florida Youth Symphony, Amadeus Youth Orchestra Foundation, and Rushmore Music Festival. His creative collaborations include partnerships with the Dart Foundation, Black Violin Foundation, Artserve, and South Florida Symphony Foundation. His work in theater includes directing critically acclaimed productions like Amadeus, Aida, and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.
Recognizing the decline of public school string programs, Mr. Fernandez has spearheaded initiatives to revitalize these essential programs, fostering inclusivity and bridging the gap between magnet and non-magnet students. With an unwavering commitment to nurturing talent, he continues to inspire and shape the next generation of musicians through his dynamic leadership and artistic vision.
Board Members
Student Board
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Yenifer Santos
Manager
VIOLA
Yenifer Santos has been attending Dillard High School since 2020. She began playing viola at North Andrews Gardens Elementary School of the arts and continues to grow her musicianship at Dillard High School. Yenifer’s role in the orchestra management. She coordinates gigs, schedules, and meetings that are important to help make decisions to make the orchestra better. Yenifer Santos works diligently as a manager to make sure everyone shows up for their part and makes sure everything is in place and ready to execute. Yenifer Santos plans on making a career out of the experience and connections she’s made from being a manager for the Dillard High School Orchestra while minoring in performance with her viola. Yenifer has participated in the Florida Federation of Music Clubs, All County Orchestra, FAU String Festival, The Dream Arts Festival hosted by the Black Violins, attended Rushmore Music Festival, and is part of the performance quartet that was created to have gigs to raise funds for the orchestra program.
Gianna Beckford
Social Media Manager
VIOLA
Gianna Beckford started off playing the violin at the age of eight years old in 2015. She began studying Suzuki Music with Professor Richard Coff. She moved on to then join the orchestra at Crystal Lake Middle School. During her time there, she studied with Dr. Joyce Mizer. In Gianna’s 9th grade year at Dillard High School, she started her studies with Dr. Katie Smirnova and Professor Brett Walfish. In Gianna’s time on the violin, she participated in Florida Youth Orchestra, Broward’s All County Honors Orchestra, and other music camps and festivals. She received awards, such as CLMS Most Outstanding Student of the Year and a Superior at Rushmore Music Festival’s Performance Guild in 2022. During the summer going into 10th grade, while attending Rushmore Music Festival, Gianna picked up the viola. Gianna has continued to study with Dr. Smirnova and Professor Walfish. Gianna has gone above and beyond to advance in her newfound interest. She has attended Florida’s All-State 9th and 10th-grade Orchestra, Rushmore Music Festival twice in a row, New World Symphony’s Side-by-Side as Principal, and had masterclasses with globally known musicians such as Hagai Shaham and Grammy Award winner Zuill Bailey.
Brendon Deolivera
Website Manager
VIOLIN
Brendon DeOlivera’s journey began in early secondary school where he’d grow a
passion for the arts over the years. Currently, Brendon DeOlivera is a student at Dillard Center
of the Arts magnet program in the orchestra under the direction of Juan S. Fernandez. Brendon
currently studies with Dr. Katie Smirnova and Dr. Brett Walfish; Co-founders of the Rushmore
Music Festival. Brendon has performed in many festivals over his three years as a student at
the Dillard Center of the Arts, some of which include Superior ratings at Solo & Ensemble
Evaluations, Broward’s All County Honors Orchestra, and the Florida Atlantic University Side-
by-Side Orchestra Festival. Events like these have motivated him to become a better musician
and to obtain great social skills with fellow musicians.
Currently, Brendon is the Tech Specialist for DCA’s String Program where he operates
the orchestra website as well as assisting in general technical assistance for the orchestra.
Brendon also spends most of his time in the Culinary Arts where he is learning to master
multiple cuisines inspired by the Brazilian, French, and Italian school of cooking. He also
participates in programs such as the Rushmore Music Festival where he had the opportunity to
cook for all the students and faculty for both Session I & Session II totaling six weeks.
Brendon Deolivera’s future is bright as he envisions owning his own restaurant in
Florida where he would be cooking Brazilian cuisine for all people to enjoy. Both musical and
culinary arts have had a tremendous impact on his life, and he wishes to continue these
passions for many more years to come.
Dillard Center for the Arts
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