Winter Wonderful is always a moving occasion, as the Frost School of Music celebrates the holiday season while raising money for the Donna E. Shalala MusicReach program, the music mentorship program that reaches over 1500 Miami-Dade youth each year, and music scholarships.
But the event was particularly emotional this year, as a record number of attendees and donors celebrated the visionary 19-year tenure of Dean Shelton G. “Shelly” Berg and his final year hosting the gala that he created when he joined the Frost School in 2007. The annual fundraiser was held on Dec. 7 at the JW Marriott Marquis in downtown Miami, and drew 361 guests.
The highlight of the evening was a tribute to Berg and his wife Julia Berg, for their transformative leadership. “As we celebrate the season of giving and gratitude, those of us who love the Frost School know that no one has given more than Shelly and Julia,” said Jeffrey Miller, the chair of the Dean’s Advisory Committee, in a heartfelt speech in which he also thanked naming donors Dr. Phillip and Patricia L. Frost for helping bring Berg to the school and welcomed multiple members of Berg’s family. “You have built a unique culture at the Frost School, something that can’t always be measured. Your warmth, generosity, and heart have inspired us and everyone here.”
After the entire room rose to toast the couple, a visibly emotional Berg spoke. “You look at 19 years of your life, and you measure it by the love and friendship that’s been gained,” he said. “Of all the things I’ll miss most, it’s that you’ve made my final Winter Wonderful so extraordinary.”
Joe Burleson, director of programs for MusicReach, acknowledged donors, guests, and Berg, who created MusicReach in 2008. “Thank you so much to everyone here tonight for believing so deeply in our mission,” said Burleson. “At its heart, MusicReach is about building community. We’ve been doing this work for almost two decades now, and this year is especially meaningful because it is our last with Shelly as our dean.”
Support from the William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust, The Children’s Trust, the Batchelor Foundation, and the Jaelan Phillips Foundation has enabled MusicReach to add new contemporary, music production, and engineering classes and to expand its community partnerships.
Berg, an acclaimed pianist, composer, and bandleader who is leaving his position as Dean in May to focus on his artistic career, was a warm and passionate host. “Music matters,” he said in welcoming guests. “It connects us, inspires us, and gives us hope for the future.”
Music enveloped attendees from the moment they entered, when the Frost Holiday Carolers serenaded them. The Frost Choral Union, with over 80 student singers conducted by Director of Choral Studies Matthew Brady, and the Holiday Orchestra performed seasonal songs that ranged from bouncy favorites like “Frosty the Snowman,” to a soaring rendition of “O Holy Night” that drew a standing ovation. They were supplemented by Frost School student trumpet, string, woodwind, and jazz ensembles, so that the evening seemed to glow with music. Berg elevated the evening by accompanying a jazz combo of MusicReach students with a gorgeous, sensitive performance of his arrangement of “Oh Christmas Tree” on piano.
The Frost Legacy Award went to beloved Miami pop stars Gloria and Emilio Estefan, strong supporters and frequent collaborators with Berg and the Frost School, with honorary doctorates from the Frost School of Music. “I’ve had the joy of working with creative geniuses Gloria and Emilio all over the world, and they’re as good as it gets,” said Berg. The Estefans were unable to attend in person, but spoke via video. “Music saved my life, and that’s why it’s so important to support the Frost School of Music,” said Gloria.
Accepting the Legacy Award on The Estefans' behalf was alumnus Jon Secada, B.M. ’83, M.M. ’86, who became a star working with them, and gave an aching rendition of “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” accompanied by Berg on piano, which drew cheers.
Guests saluted how Berg had transformed the Frost School and impacted music education. “Shelly brought vision, enthusiasm, and empathy,” said entrepreneur and musician Ted Hall, a member of the Dean’s Advisory Committee. “His natural talent as a musician shows not only when he’s onstage performing, but in the way he envisions the role of the Frost School in the world. He coined the phrase "FrostBuilt" for musicians who not only develop incredible musical skills but also gain a sense of personal identity, confidence, professional capability, stage presence, and self-awareness. There’s no place like the Frost School. Shelly has changed music education forever.”
Alumnus Matt Serletic, B.M. ’92 and M.M. ’94, a successful songwriter, producer, and entrepreneur, said the gala further demonstrated Berg’s impact. “Winter Wonderful is another reminder of the amazing resonance that Shelly has created across the city, the U.S., and the globe,” he said. “We’re surrounded by amazing musicians and incredible people from all different walks of life, coming together not only to celebrate music but music education. Shelly has made this yet another moment to reflect on the greatness of music and how it affects everybody’s lives.”
But perhaps the most powerful tribute to Berg came, appropriately enough, from songwriting student Fritz Sullivan, who performed his song "Saying Goodbye" after Miller’s speech. “Without Shelly, without the Frost School of Music, some kid like me from Kansas could not pursue his dream,” said Sullivan. “I’m grateful every single day.”
Sullivan's performance and lyrics brought tears to people’s eyes.
“So go and change the world just like you do,
I’ll watch you from a seat with a good view.
You’ll go on knowing you have changed my life,
Don’t you dare leave without saying goodbye.”
Gold level sponsors for the 2025 Winter Wonderful were Robert and Judi Prokop Newman and Sasha and Edward P. Bass; while Silver level sponsors were Betsy Sherman, Greenberg Traurig, LLP, Jacqueline Simkin, Joseph Deitch, Skanska and Meisner Electric, and Stuart Miller, Jeffrey Miller, and Leslie Miller Saiontz of The Miller Family Foundation.
Patron-level sponsors were former University of Miami president Donna E. Shalala, Dorothy and Henry Norton, and Drs. Steven Pabalan and Grace Wang, Hazel Rosen, Karen and Jonathan Fryd, Laurie Scott, Margarita and Rick Tonkinson and Susan and Robert Shelley, Sally Albrecht, the Honorable Charles E. Cobb and Ambassador Sue M. Cobb, and former Florida governor Jeb Bush and Mrs. Columba Bush.
