Ode to the Joy of A Wish

Teenager from Brighton, Michigan To Have Wish Granted For Clarinet Lessons from Yehuda Gilad.

Bradley Grasl is a 17-year-old from Brighton, Mich., who has a clear-cut goal for his future: to be a professional classical clarinetist. He has been studying clarinet for six years, and on Tuesday, Sept. 9 and Wednesday, Sept. 10, Bradley will further advance toward his goal when he receives his wish for lessons from world-renowned conductor, professor and clarinetist Yehuda Gilad.

Joining Bradley for his wish experience will be his parents, Leora and Thomas, and his brother Spencer, 10. The wish will feature instruction from Mr. Gilad at both the USC Thornton School of Music and the Colburn Conservatory of Music.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation is fulfilling Bradley's wish because he was diagnosed with epithelioid sarcoma, a rare form of cancer that forms tumors in soft tissue. Bradley chose this specific wish because he believes Gilad is the best clarinet teacher in the country. He is seeking the instructor's help with honing his skills and preparing for college auditions. His ultimate wish is to study at the Colburn Conservatory, University of Southern California or the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia.

Regarding his involvement with Bradley's wish, Gilad said, "It is an honor to be involved with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. It is a pleasure to work with people who overcome difficulties in their life, to have the discipline and the extra appreciation and respect and love for what all of us take for granted, which is life."

During his time with Gilad, Bradley will sit in on a class at the USC Thornton School of Music, attend one of Gilad's master classes and then receive a private lesson. The following day, he will be given a tour of the Colburn Conservatory of Music and receive another private lesson.

Yehuda Gilad is renowned for performing, teaching and conducting, and is one of the most sought-after clarinet professors in the world. In addition to his positions as a professor at USC Thornton School of Music, where he has developed one of the most sought-after clarinet studios in the world, and master teacher at the Colburn School, Gilad regularly presents master classes and performances at music conservatories and festivals worldwide. His students occupy the top chairs in ranking orchestras throughout the world, including members of the New York, Stockholm and Seoul Philharmonics.

Gilad has had a role in the founding and forming of several notable chamber ensembles and festivals, including the Malibu Strawberry Creek Music Festival and the Yoav Chamber Ensemble, which performed at Carnegie Hall and the American Hall in New York City. Performing with this ensemble earned him a Golden Record award.

An accomplished clarinetist, Gilad has performed with the Marlboro Music Festival, the Bowdoin Music Festival, the San Francisco Chamber Music Festival and many more, His guest conducting appearances have brought him critical acclaim in the United States and throughout Europe.

Gilad was Conductor and Music Director of the Colonial Symphony of New Jersey and currently serves as the Music Director of the Colburn Orchestra. Gilad integrates performing, conducting and teaching into every aspect of his music making.