Give In-School Music Education to NYC Youth

Happy New Year from ETM! With your support, our partner school students are back in action, resuming weekly in-school music studies after a restful winter break. Heading into the second half of the school year, the students are eager to build on the musical skills and knowledge they’ve learned so far. Your generous contributions are helping nearly 27,000 students throughout New York City to flourish in the classroom, improving their critical thinking, concentration, and listening skills. Through group activities and student performances, students are also thriving socially and emotionally and building bonds with one another.

This is especially true for Angela, a fifth grader in the Bronx, who was born with ABS (Amniotic Band Syndrome). Because of this disease, Angela has only three fingers on each hand. Before this year, Angela never thought she could play an instrument. Though she is passionate about music, in class she was often too shy and withdrawn to engage with her peers and lessons. But her ETM music teacher knew Angela could participate, so she adjusted her instruction to fit Angela’s needs. Her teacher made physical modifications to classroom instruments, and now Angela can play along during class. This has helped Angela open up more, share with her peers, and take her passion into her hands. She is more outgoing and even volunteers during lessons, something she never used to do before.

Recently, Angela even joined the school’s band as a trumpet player! Being a bright and dedicated student, Angela goes above and beyond in her ensemble work. She studies music literacy at home, has learned the history of the trumpet, and practices for hours each week. During the fall parent-teacher conference, Angela named every single part of the trumpet, plus some valve combinations.

Music has empowered Angela. Because of your support, students like Angela, who may feel left out in other disciplines, can participate freely in music class and reap the same benefits as any other student. Because of your support, tens of thousands of deserving children have unlocked their potential through music, making extraordinary strides in the face of overwhelming challenges.

Every day, your support goes to transforming the lives of children who face daunting hardships, but who are using music to uncover the strength and resilience to keep moving forward. Thank you for believing in our students! Show your support for ETM by sharing this report with a family member or a friend. Let them know how far their generosity can go, too!

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Happy fall from ETM!

Last month, a brand new, exciting school year kicked off for ETM’s new and returning partner school students. Because of your continued support of music education, this year nearly 27,000 students will learn music as a core subject, developing the core skills needed for success in life, such as critical thinking abilities and emotional intelligence. Your contributions are helping ETM build thriving music programs in low-income communities across New York City at schools that would otherwise lack access to quality music education.

One of the new partnerships you helped us launch is with P.S. 51 in the Bronx. The school is located in the south Bronx neighborhood of Belmont and serves roughly 220 students in grades K–5—98% are students are of color, approximately 87% qualify for Federal Free or Reduced-Price Lunch, 6% are English Language Learners, and 16% have special needs.

P.S. 51’s principal, Dr. Min Hong, began partnering with ETM after she learned about ETM’s programs from an existing partner school principal. “When this principal shared stories about the program and its impact on her school,” Dr. Hong explained, “I immediately sensed a connection to ETM’s program. I realized that ETM is naturally aligned with the academic, social, and emotional mission and beliefs of my school. I partner with ETM because of their dedication to urban education, quality instruction, and belief that all children deserve to succeed.  Why wouldn't any principal want all this for their students?  It is one of the best gifts I can offer to my students.”

Dr. Hong has been impressed by the way the music program is already impacting her school. “Now there is a sense of deep appreciation for music in the school. The structure for music lessons is always aligned to the standards.  Music classes are promoting a high level of student engagement and interest.”  She marveled about the music classroom, “The room is draped with wonderful musical posters, signs, instruments, and materials that are age appropriate and meaningful.”

Dr. Hong revealed the impact the program has had on her, too. “The most fulfilling part of being a part of ETM is that I have found colleagues, such as other ETM principals, who are my thought partners in this important journey of educating the children of New York City.” Feeling supported and connected to other school leaders will help Dr. Hong develop confidence in the music program and drive it towards success. She shared, “Thank you ETM for this opportunity to learn alongside you, and thank you for joining our P.S. 51 family.”

Your commitment to ETM’s mission plays a crucial role in making partnerships like this a reality. Because of you, the students at P.S. 51 in the Bronx and our other partner schools have a wonderful year in store, one where they will receive music education and experience beautiful transformations into better learners, motivated students, and confident children. We are truly grateful for your incredible generosity. Help promote music education in inner-city schools by sharing this report with your friends and family. Let them know the impact their donation can have! 

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• Like us on Facebook!
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• Check out our website!