Miss Daisy's
Legacy
Founder of YMCO
On February 10, 2021, Ms. Daisy Cecelia Newman passed away peacefully at 74, surrounded by loved ones in spirit. A valedictorian of Sadie V. Thompson High School and Cleveland State University graduate, Ms. Newman had an illustrious international career as a soprano soloist, performing across five continents and collaborating with legends like Leonard Bernstein, Seiji Ozawa, and Robert Shaw. Her portrayal of Cio-Cio-San in Madame Butterfly became her signature role, and her production of Porgy and Bess was nominated for a Tony Award. Among her many honors, she received keys to multiple cities and was recognized as “Most Outstanding Vocal Soloist” at the Tanglewood Music Festival.
Ms. Newman’s extensive arts administration career spanned over three decades, during which she transformed the educational departments of the New York Philharmonic, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and UC Berkeley’s Young Musicians Program (YMP). She designed impactful programs for youth, including orchestral training, jazz initiatives, and partnerships with schools. Under her leadership, YMP received the prestigious Coming Up Taller Award, culminating in a White House performance in 2007. In 2013, she founded the Young Musicians Choral Orchestra (YMCO), empowering low-income youth through her innovative “Power Triangle,” which emphasized excellence in Musicianship, Academics, and Citizenship.
A fierce advocate for leveling the playing field, Ms. Newman created opportunities for young musicians to excel in life and art. Her programs consistently achieved a 100% college acceptance rate, with students earning over $4 million in scholarships and gaining admission to top universities like Harvard, Juilliard, MIT, and Stanford. She connected students with world-renowned artists, including Kiri Te Kanawa, Jake Heggie, and Marcus Belgrave, fostering a generation of accomplished performers and professionals.
Ms. Newman’s remarkable impact extended beyond her professional life. A passionate sports fan, she attended games played by the Pittsburgh Steelers, Chicago Bulls, and Boston Celtics. An avid cinephile and actress, she brought movies to life with her vivid storytelling and had an exceptional gift for captivating any room she entered. Known for her impeccable style, quick wit, and inspiring words, she was a “small but mighty powerhouse” whose presence left a lasting impression.
Ms. Newman’s legacy lives on through the Daisy C. Newman Memorial Scholarship Award, honoring YMCO’s highest-achieving students. Her visionary leadership and dedication to transforming lives will continue to inspire generations of young people, ensuring her spirit of excellence and empowerment endures.
THE DAISY C. NEWMAN
MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARD
In commemoration of our founder's enduring legacy, we established the Daisy C. Newman Memorial Scholarship Award to acknowledge exceptional scholars and musicians among the graduating senior classes. Those honored with the Daisy C. Newman Memorial Scholarship Award embody the comprehensive ideals encapsulated within the Power Triangle- encompassing academics, citizenship, and musicianship. Created by Miss Daisy, the Power Triangle is a comprehensive approach to music education that expands the program’s mission by integrating behavioral and academic dimensions.