Board & Staff
Michael Alegria, Founder
Michael Alegria, a North Port native, is the visionary behind the Youth Musical Arts Academy of North Port, serving as its Founder, President & CEO. Raised amidst challenges, Michael's personal journey propelled him to champion educational opportunities for today's youth, embodying his life's mission.
Since the age of 17, Michael has been nurturing musical talent, initially as a junior in high school teaching flute to middle schoolers. His passion for music education burgeoned, leading him through diverse roles as a full-time educator, adjunct, clinician, and substitute teacher across all K-12 levels, spanning Band, Orchestra, Chorus, Percussion, and Marching Band disciplines.
Notably, Michael's tenure at Atwater Elementary School marked milestones, including pioneering the largest after-school elementary strings program and the sole after-school elementary band program in Sarasota County. As co-director of the North Port High School Marching Arts programs alongside his wife, Lorianne, Michael steered the NPHS Alliance Marching Band to consecutive top ratings and the NPHS Indoor Percussion Ensemble to consistent top-three state placements since 2021.
An endorsed teacher with the Feierabend Association for Music Education and a member of esteemed organizations like the Florida Music Educators Association and the Florida Bandmaster’s Association, Michael's commitment to musical pedagogy is unmatched.
Beyond education, Michael's musical prowess shines as the principal flutist of the North Port Symphony and the Illyrian Symphony Orchestra, where he's been featured as a soloist. His performances extend to esteemed ensembles such as the North Port Concert Band, Lakeland Symphony Orchestra, and more.
In his extensive nonprofit leadership roles, including Executive Director of Rebound Percussion and Instrumental Director of the Venice Instrumental and Vocal Arts, Michael has demonstrated strategic acumen and resourcefulness. Notably, as Executive Director of the North Port Symphony, he spearheaded transformative initiatives, catalyzing a 250% revenue surge and establishing impactful programs like the North Port Symphony Strings Camp and the Instrument Donation Program.
Michael earned his bachelor's degree in music with a concentration in Music Management from Florida Southern College. He resides in North Port with his lovely wife, Lorianne, and their cherished canine companions, Pearl and Minnie.
Pat. Beffel, jr., Treasurer, Event Director
Pat. Beffel, jr. believes strongly in giving back to her community with the following values: “Family is first, business is next (you have to be able to pay your bills) and when you are truly fortunate, you can give back to your community by volunteering.”
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Having owned her own business, Beffel Lighting Co., Inc., in Jackson, Michigan, she was taught that a business owner should always be in charge and on top of all aspects of a business.Her business acumen allowed for early retirement and she and her husband have adopted North Port as their new home. She is pleased to serve both as Treasurer and Event Director of the Youth Musical Arts Academy of North Port.
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Pat’s volunteer background includes having served on the boards of the Greater Jackson Chamber of Commerce, the Southeast Michigan Chapter of the American Red Cross, the Jackson Symphony Orchestra, the Jackson Symphony Guild, the Town Club of Jackson and the Midtown Association of Downtown Jackson. Her most notable awards include “Outstanding Past Graduate” of the Jackson Community Leadership Academy, the “Jenny Spiesberger Distinguished Service Award” from the Jackson Symphony Guild, and the “Nike Award” from the Jackson, Michigan, chapter of Business and Professional Women. Besides serving on the Board of the YMAANP, she is a volunteer sailing instructor for the Englewood Sailing Association and is involved in the North Port Area Chamber of Commerce.
Pat graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.A.,Ed. and subsequently taught high school mathematics in Akron, Ohio. Before joining Beffel Lighting, she was Sailing Director for Camp Walden in Cheboygan, Michigan, a High School Coordinator for ITT Educational Services in Chicago, Illinois, and a Credit Analyst for National Bank of Detroit in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Her hobbies include architectural design, sailing, kayaking, and woodworking.
