Uli Keller has been a GIYO board member for over a decade, contributing in countless ways to the success of the organization.
Uli has been the board liaison with the Philharmonia, helping with the instruction and rehearsals directed by Maestro Peña. He is affectionately known by the young musicians as the “Candy Man” who provides them snacks on their breaks during the rehearsals.
Additionally, Uli has played the critical role of securing the various types of insurance that are vital to GIYO’s operation as a non-profit civic organization. Through his generous giving, he provided the initial funding to secure the iPads which are used by the young musicians to access their music during instruction and performances. He has also been a highly effective fundraiser for GIYO working with many donors and philanthropies to secure their funding support.
Uli says one of the most rewarding aspects of GIYO is seeing the tremendous accomplishments of the young musicians as they progress through their musical education, gaining skills and proficiency. He noted, “The young kids put so much energy and effort into mastering their instruments, and seeing their progress over time is one of the greatest rewards of GIYO. GIYO represents one of the best investments we can make in the youth of the Golden Isles. We provide our young musicians with a way to gain exposure to the arts and humanities that is missing from our local schools. To see how well our students do in terms of graduating and moving on to higher education, or their careers, is one of the most gratifying aspects of GIYO’s success.”
Uli reflects the passion of the board members of GIYO to be “all in” on the organization and its mission of “changing young lives through music.”
