Education Through Music (ETM), a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing music education to underserved students in New York City, held its 2024 fundraising gala on Thursday evening at 583 Park Avenue. The event, themed “Making Music, Changing Lives,” brought together supporters, advocates, and community leaders in celebration of the transformative power of music in education. Attendees were treated to inspiring performances by students and professional musicians, as well as moving testimonies from educators and community leaders. These heartfelt moments underscored the significant impact of providing quality music education in underserved schools.
Founded in 1991, ETM has been a champion of music education, providing over 8 million hours of instruction and impacting the lives of nearly 20,000 students weekly in New York City.
By bringing music into the lives of children who might not otherwise have access, the gala highlighted the importance of fostering creativity, enhancing academic achievement, and promoting emotional well-being. This year's gala reinforced the commitment to making music education a vital component of every child's learning experience. The Gala served as a platform to showcase ETM's continued commitment to providing high-quality and comprehensive music education to students in under-resourced schools.
"When we make music, we open every child's world of possibility and change lives. It's about tuning them into the key of life,” said Dr. Janice Weinman, CEO of Education Through Music in her remarks to the guests.
PHOTO: Talented students from PS 103 in the Bronx. Credit: Juan Carlos Ariano for Addy Media
Israel Houghton and Adrienne Bailon-Houghton Show Support with Hip Hop Icon Sway Calloway, Emcee
Emceed by Hip-Hop icon and music journalist Sway Calloway, the gala opened with captivating choir performances of “New York, New York” and “Seasons of Love” by the talented students from PS 103 in the Bronx. The energy and enthusiasm of the young performers set the tone for an inspiring evening. The students were then joined by the evening's honorees, Emmy Award-winning talk show host Adrienne Eliza Bailon-Houghton and Grammy Award-winning artist Israel Houghton, for a special rendition of "Stand By Me." The moving performance highlighted the profound impact of music education on students' lives and set the stage for a night filled with heartfelt moments and powerful stories.
“I'm honored to receive this recognition and I'm even more committed to see this organization grow in strength and numbers. And once again I salute all of the world-class instructors here tonight and these amazing students and future superstars,” said Israel Houghton in their acceptance speech.
The Houghtons were the first of two honorees that evening to receive recognition for their unwavering support and dedication to music education. Their contributions have helped countless students gain access to quality music programs, fostering creativity and providing opportunities for personal growth and academic achievement. The audience was deeply moved by the performance, and the presence of these influential figures underscored the importance of community involvement in ensuring that all children have access to the arts. This celebration of music and education was a testament to the transformative power of these programs and the vital role they play in shaping the future of young minds.
