New Trier saxophonists Miriam Goroff-Behel, left, and Duke Baur.
Courtesy of Midwest Young Artists Conservatory
The Midwest Young Artists Conservatory is proud to be one of the musical homes of YoungArts Jazz Winners, Robert (Duke) Baur and Miriam Goroff-Behel.
They are both highly dedicated alto and tenor saxophonists at MYAC’s Jazz Programs, New Trier High School and the Jazz Institute of Chicago’s Young Master’s Program.
In addition to their commitment to various ensemble programs, they also both study with a private teacher to continue strengthening their individual musical skills.
Baur and Goroff-Behel had been selected from over 9,000 applicants across 10 different artistic subjects: classical music, dance, design, film, jazz, photography, theater, visual arts, voice, and writing.
When chosen, the two students officially joined nearly 700 of the world’s most accomplished rising artists of their generation, being only two of four students in Illinois to be selected within the jazz division.
Midwest Young Artist Conservatory’s Jazz Program Director Drew Hansen stated in regards to Goroff-Behel, “Miriam is, without a doubt, one of the hardest working, most inquisitive musicians MYAC’s jazz program has seen in recent years, and maybe ever. Their meteoric rise and many accolades are an inspiration, but their love of the music is really what sets them apart. Miriam has an incredibly bright future ahead and we can’t wait to see what they accomplish next. Congratulations to Miriam!”
In regards to Baur, Director Hansen stated, “Duke is one of the vocal leaders of MYAC’s Concert Jazz Band and he backs it up with his hard work and talent. He is always eager to learn from the masters and isn’t afraid to dive into the deep end on any musical topic. Duke’s interest in the history of the music drives his appetite to practice and to investigate further. Both of which are qualities that will ensure his future musical success. Congratulations to Duke!”
As YoungArts winners, Baur and Goroff-Behel will receive mentorship, financial awards and more. They will forever become part of an uplifting, intergenerational community that helps artists connect with one another. Read more about the YoungArts Program at youngarts.org.
Winners of the 2024 YoungArts Jazz category can be viewed at youngarts.org/winners/.
Goroff-Behel stated, “This award is super meaningful to me. My teachers and mentors have really pushed me to grow my artistry, and I feel as though I owe a lot of credit to them in getting toward receiving this award. And as someone who has been in the MYAC community for many years, I hope in some ways I am able to inspire others within the program to reach for these things, and keep growing as a musician!”
Duke Baur stated, “I’m honored to be a YoungArts Award recipient. I’d like to thank Mr. Hansen and Mr. Griffin for their time and commitment to all of us at MYAC and their continued care of the music we love. MYAC has given me so many opportunities to meet and play with great players from around Chicago and to perform at incredible venues such as Orchestra Hall and Chicago JazzFest in Millennium Park. I’ve enjoyed my time at MYAC; it has been crucial to my musical development. I’m looking forward to finishing out the rest of this year and ending on a high note!”
