Give In-School Music Classes to Los Angeles Youth

Spring is abuzz with music-making!  In April, 150 band, strings, recorder, guitar and choral students from 12 diverse schools around Los Angeles – from Downtown to Compton, Sylmar to Pasadena – joined together as part of our 3rd Annual Music Unites the World Festival.  The event kicked-off with coaching sessions for both the 95-piece orchestra and the 55-member choir by top artist-educators Joe Kraemer (Composer, Jack Reacher starring Tom Cruise) and Misha Shtangrud (Choir Director, Colburn School of Music). Kraemer engaged the children immediately with his warm and gregarious personality, rehearsing them on their instrumental works of “Fiddler’s Hoedown” (Folk Song/arr. Robert Gillespie) and “Samba del Sol” (Doug Spata). Shtangrud, with his playful demeanor, coached the vocal students on their songs, “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and “Dry Your Tears, Afrika.” Joselyn Wilkinson, percussionist, filled out the performances with her djembé and call and response activities for both the students and parents.

In May, we were honored to host 11-year-old piano prodigy Ray Ushikubo (NPR’s From the Top, Tonight Show) in our 2^nd Annual Keep the Music Playing Event to raise awareness and support for our in-school music education programs. He wowed the crowd with pieces like Ginastera’s Danzas Argentinas Op.. 2 and Liszt’s Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2.

This month, over 5,500 music students from our 12 schools will showcase their learning and skills.  Please join us in support of our students at one of their concerts!  Find a concert near you and RSVP at www.etmla.org/springconcertsFY13.

Thank you for championing music for every child!

Links:

• Join us at an Upcoming Concert!
• Visit our website
• Join us on Facebook

Education Through Music-Los Angeles (ETM-LA) is thrilled to report on a successful fall semester and wonderful start to 2013! All of our students shone beautifully at their holiday concerts and performed for packed audiences. As the music programs continue to thrive, so do our school communities. One parent from West Hollywood Elementary shared that because of the music program, “[my child is] more willing to learn and challenge themselves.” A parent from Rio Vista Elementary expressed, “my daughter is calm when she speaks about music and performing…it’s like meditation and relaxation for her and an award, too.” 

To ensure high quality music instruction, ETM-LA held a series of professional development workshops at the top of the year. Our music teachers came together for two days of intensive workshops to focus on vocal technique as well as teaching strategies for children with special needs. ETM-LA principals gathered for our 4^th Annual Principals Leadership Conference to discuss and share best practices in developing and promoting their music programs for long-term sustainability. And we spent an afternoon with the Pasadena Unified School District teachers to  present a workshop on Musical Connections to the Common Core. 

Recently, Lionel Richie donated his piano to ETM-LA, which is enriching the music classes at partner school, Dorris Place Elementary.

Together we are ensuring that music remains a core part of our schools – and that every child, including those in low-income and underserved communities, receive a well-rounded education that includes quality music instruction. “[Music] serves as a creative outlet to everyone...[the children] just enjoy it so much,” shared another Rio Vista Elementary School parent. Thank you for your ongoing contribution and partnership!

Links:

• Students Perform for Community
• Connect with us on FB