A Historic Milestone for Youth Arts in Gifford
The local youth music scene in Indian River County is poised for a major expansion. On Tuesday, April 21, the Gifford Academy for Performing Arts officially broke ground on a brand-new, $3.2 million rehearsal facility. Located at the intersection of 45th Street and 32nd Avenue in the heart of Gifford, the nearly one-acre site promises to provide a dedicated home for a program that has been nurturing young musicians for over two decades.
More than 100 attendees gathered for the milestone event, including Indian River County commissioners, Vero Beach city officials, and the student musicians who will directly benefit from the community expansion.
We have a staff that is determined to help uplift the spirits of our children. The young people knew they were being loved. So when they got up to perform, their self-esteem was just glowing. – Rev. Dr. Crystal Bujol, Founder
State-of-the-Art Amenities
The new rehearsal space is meticulously designed to elevate the musical and technical education of local youth. Situated just down the street from Gifford Middle School, the constructed facility will feature:
- A state-of-the-art recording studio
- Four to five fully soundproofed practice rooms
- A dedicated piano lab equipped with eight pianos
- A spacious lobby capable of accommodating up to 80 guests for community meetings and intimate recitals
Expanding Reach and Building Confidence
Founded 23 years ago by Rev. Dr. Crystal Bujol, the organization—formerly known as The Gifford Youth Orchestra before a 2025 rebranding—currently serves a weekly roster of 102 students. Executive Director Charles Casey Lunceford anticipates that enrollment will double once the new doors open. The academy provides comprehensive weekly instruction in violin, viola, cello, percussion, piano, and voice.
Lunceford emphasized that owning their own building provides much-needed scheduling flexibility and budget relief, allowing lessons to take place on demand. Music director and strings instructor Evan Robinet echoed this sentiment, noting that the dedicated space will help the organization solidify its own distinct identity.
For the students and their families, the impact extends far beyond musical proficiency. Parent Denise Miles noted that the academy equips students with vital public speaking skills and helps them overcome stage fright. Former student Javan Crosdale, who was part of the organization’s inaugural class and is now a Cloud DevOps Engineer, credited the program with teaching him the value of dedication and self-belief. Current sophomore cellist Nina Ruebusch expressed deep gratitude for the new campus, describing it as a space “handcrafted just for the students.”
Original academy instructor Joan Haar, who dedicated 19 years to teaching beginner violinists for the group, described the groundbreaking as a dream come true, celebrating the unique travel and performance opportunities the program has afforded Gifford’s youth over the years.
Looking Ahead to 2027
While the academy looks forward to a projected grand opening in early 2027, its presence in the community remains highly active. Immediately following the groundbreaking ceremony, the young musicians hosted their Home Grown Annual Spring Concert at the neighboring Salt of The Earth Ministry Church, performing classical pieces by historical composers including Mozart, Beethoven, and Bach.
Looking to the immediate future, the academy will host a piano recital on Tuesday, May 12, at the Gifford Community Center. Even after the new facility opens, Lunceford confirmed that major showcases will continue to be held at prominent local venues, including The Emerson Center, The Environmental Learning Center, and the Gifford Youth Achievement Center, ensuring the students continue to gain diverse performance experiences.
In addition to constructing the new building, the academy continues to expand its modern programming. Last year, they partnered with Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy to launch an audio and engineering lab, further broadening the students’ exposure to music production. Fundraising efforts for the $3.2 million facility remain ongoing.
