SUMMER 2019
SOUND-OFF News from Education Through Music
IMAGINE: A Gala To Benefit Education Through Music On Wednesday, June 12, nearly 500 guests attended Imagine: A Gala to Benefit Education Through Music to celebrate ETM’s partner school students and honor Paramount Group, Inc. The event set a new record, raising over $1 million to help ensure that more children have access to quality music education. ETM Executive Director Penny Swift shared with the crowd, “Thanks to incredible friends and champions like all of you, ETM is bringing music to more of the children who need it most. We’re so grateful to have the support of the community in this room as we continue our work to turn the dream of music education for all children from imagination to reality.” Paramount Group received the inaugural Ray of Light Award for their commitment to excellence and their philanthropic support, which is breaking down barriers so that children can gain access to high-quality music education. In accepting the honor, Chairman, CEO and President Albert Behler commented, “When Paramount first became involved with ETM in 2013, it was because ETM’s mission aligned closely with our own corporate culture and values. Paramount believes it is important for companies like ours to contribute to society, beyond creating jobs and making money for investors.” Continued on page 2
Students from P.S. 154 in Queens perform under the direction of music teacher Tom Carroll.
Quality music education for all children
2 FOUNDERS Eldon C. Mayer, Jr. Edmund R. Schroeder
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF Penny Swift, Executive Director Rainah Berlowitz, Director of Finance & Business Operations Katherine Canning, Director of Development Leighann Starkey, Director of Evaluation Josephine Winfrey, Director of Human Resources Sharisse Brannon, Human Resources Associate Tania Chambers, Office Associate Andrew Francis, Recruiting Associate Katherine Freedman, Development Associate Lina Li, Finance Associate Amy Lichtenstein, CPA, Finance Manager Mubashir Mohi-ud-Din, Evaluation Associate Lisa Mongillo, Grant Writer Daniel Rader, Creative Marketing Associate Jennifer Williams, Marketing & Communications Associate Katherine Damkohler, Director, National Activities
PROGRAM STAFF Colleen Stewart, Director of Programs Nicholas LaFleur, Director of Partnership Programs Taione Martinez Assistant Program Director Rachael Carson Naomi L. Fernandez Joseph Fusca Erin Giacinto Kevin Johnson Stephanie Nantell Ulises Solano Instructional Supervisors
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Richard Bernstein, Chairman Aly Alibhai, Vice-Chair Katherine D. Elliott, Treasurer Edmund R. Schroeder, Chairman Emeritus Joshua Bell Waleed Diab Michael Y. Fang Amy Ferris Gus Field Meghan E. Graper Matthew F. Knouff Andrew J. Malik Joseph F. McDonald Barbara A. Murray Amie Patel Stephen Rigo Michael R. Schaefer Heidi Stamas David E. Stiepleman Manoj Susarla Emily H. Susskind Robert A. Weisstuch Steven J. Williams
Education Through Music Newsletter
Continued from front page Casandra Gilbes, a graduate of an ETM partner school, spoke on how music education and ETM made a significant impact on her life: “Music has been such a big part of my life that I can’t imagine where I’d be today without it. I’m grateful to ETM and to all of you for bringing music into schools like mine. Your generosity continues to provide students like me with wonderful music teachers and mentors. Your support has changed my life, the lives of my friends, and the lives of every student lucky enough to attend a school in partnership with Education Through Music.” ETM partner school students gave inspiring performances. A string ensemble from Bronx partner school P.S. 91 played for guests as they arrived, the fifth grade band from P.S. 76 in the Bronx brought the audience to their feet with popular songs, “New York, New York” and “Havana,” and the choir from P.S. 154 in Queens serenaded the crowd with “Imagine,” before bringing down the house with their own special version of “Lean on Me.” The crowd was also treated to a performance by Grammy Awardwinner Arturo O’Farrill and his trio. Richard Bernstein, ETM Board Chairman, highlighted the impact that supporters such as Paramount Group have made possible and outlined ETM’s vision for continued
improvement and growth. He noted, “Just five years ago, ETM was partnering with 28 schools and serving 15,000 children... Tonight, thanks to everyone in this room and our many other supporters, I’m excited to share that this fall, we are projecting to be in 72 schools reaching 37,000 children with quality music education.” ETM thanks everyone at Paramount Group and all of the event sponsors and attendees for joining in our mission to help children achieve success in school and in life. Gala Sponsors: PLATINUM CC Capital Katherine D. Elliott and Richard S. Abramson Paramount Group, Inc. GOLD Richard Bernstein and Janice Abbott Cushman & Wakefield The Durst Organization Ben Lambert/Eastdil Secured Gus and Lisa Field Andrew J. Malik Michael R. Schaefer SILVER CBRE Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver, & Jacobson LLP Morgan Stanley David Stiepleman Robert Weisstuch and Faith Glazier
ADVISORY COMMITTEE The 5 Browns Misha Dichter Dante DiLoreto Marilyn Horne Jane Remer Gloria Reuben Harold Tanner
The Arturo O’Farrill Trio performs.
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Education Through Music Newsletter
Music teacher Alice Rogers leads the band from P.S. 76 in the Bronx.
ETM Board Chairman Richard Bernstein presents the inaugural Ray of Light Award to Albert Behler, Chairman, CEO and President of Paramount Group, Inc.
Directed by Khristine Raymond, P.S. 91 students perform outside Cipriani 42nd Street.
Attendees participate in the live auction.
A student from P.S. 154 in Queens is all smiles during her performance.
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Education Through Music Newsletter
Partner School Students Participate in the 2019 ETM Festival Thousands of New York City students took to the stage in front of an audience of peers and supporters for the 2019 ETM Festival, which took place over the course of two days in May at Lehman Center for the Performing Arts. Among supporters on the opening day of the festival was Miss Universe, Catriona Gray. Miss Universe had recently visited an ETM school to share her own love of singing and encourage students to continue their passions, and came to the festival to show her support for the students. Students of Education Through Music partner schools performed as part
of the organization’s annual music festival, which showcases the talents and achievements of the students who participate in band, orchestra and chorus. Featured Ensembles included: Choir: P.S. 24 (Bronx) P.S. 46 (Bronx) P.S. 72 (Bronx) P.S. 76 (Bronx) P.S. 91 (Bronx) P.S. 103 (Bronx) P.S. 175 (Queens) P.S./M.S. 279 (Bronx)
Band: P.S. 24 (Bronx) P.S. 72 (Bronx) P.S. 76 (Bronx) P.S. 96 (Bronx) P.S. 103 (Bronx) P.S. 195 (Bronx) P.S. 498 (Bronx) Orchestra: P.S. 91 (Bronx) P.S. 169 (Bronx) St. Ann’s (Manhattan)
Students from P.S. 103 in the Bronx raise their hands in excitement as they perform.
Flutists from P.S./M.S. 498 perform with their ensemble.
Students from P.S. 76 show off their medals.
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Education Through Music Newsletter
Music teacher Emily Roman leads the orchestra from the Bronx’s P.S. 169.
The choir from P.S. 72 in the Bronx entertains the crowd.
A student from P.S. 24 plays the xylophone as part of the percussion section.
High-fives all around!
Miss Universe Catriona Gray celebrates with students.
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Education Through Music Newsletter
Teacher Appreciation Night Recognizing our teaching stars! ETM celebrated Teacher Appreciation Week by hosting an Oscar-themed party for all of the wonderful music educators that bring music education to the students of our partner schools. Teachers were treated like Hollywood A-listers as they were
photographed on the red carpet, enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and received swag bags filled with ETM goodies. Our teachers are at the core of our mission of providing high-quality music education at our partner
Music teacher Alexandra Saraceno and ETM Director of Programs Colleen Stewart celebrate the evening.
ETM staff member Jennifer Williams interviews music teacher Michael Swaby on the red carpet.
schools. They spend countless hours ensuring our students receive the best quality music education possible. We were thrilled to honor them on this special night, as part of our year-round efforts to recognize their hard work.
ETM Instructional Supervisor Joe Fusca gives out the award for “Best Taste in Lunch Spots” to Max Keisling.
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Education Through Music Newsletter
BizDevel Event Supports ETM Group raises over $11,000 to help Education Through Music’s programs BizDevel, a leading Commercial Real Estate think tank, hosted a summer Happy Hour to benefit Education Through Music. Through this and previous events this school year, BizDevel has raised over $11,000 for ETM’s programs. The festivities were held at the event space of Distech Controls at 5 Penn Plaza with over 200 leaders from the commercial real estate industry in attendance, including those from RXR, Durst, TreeTop Development, Cushman and Wakefield, Cannon Design and many more. Education Through Music especially thanks chair members Ana Tracey Hawkins (CNY
Group), Ashley Sweet (Captivate), and Jen Wallace (nAscent Art) for the successful event. Event sponsors included: Distech Controls, CNY Group, Captivate, nAscent Art, GF55 Architects, Adler Windows, Matrix Fitness, Splice Design, BNC Insurance, Victory Capital, Wayfinder Property Management, Atlantic Group, Direct Cabinet Sales, KW Commercial, Bank United, WeClean, Gary Gordon Lighting, Wilk Marketing and Communications, World Wide Land Transfer, The Law Office of Joshua D. Spitalnik, and Cloud9Smart. From left, Ashley Sweet of Captivate, Ana Tracey Hawkins of CNY Group and guest celebrate the evening.
Foundation, Corporate & Government Supporters 2017-18 and 2018-19 Allen & Overy LLP Allied World Lily Auchincloss Foundation New York City Council Member Diana Ayala Bangs-Russell Foundation Bettina Baruch Foundation The Beasley Family Fund Booth Ferris Foundation Martha and John William Bradshaw Charitable Trust Brodsky Family Foundation Bronx Delegation, New York City Council New York City Council Member Fernando Cabrera CMA Foundation Colgate-Palmolive Company Con Edison D’Addario Music Foundation Dancing Tides Foundation New York City Council Member Ruben Diaz, Sr. Jean and Louis Dreyfus Foundation The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation William and Muriel Elliott Foundation Find Your Light Foundation Eloise Susanna Gale Foundation New York City Council Member Vanessa L. Gibson Gilder Foundation GKV Charitable Foundation Goldman Sachs Gives
Jerome L. Greene Foundation William Randolph Hearst Foundation New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie Dubose and Dorothy Heyward Memorial Fund Houlihan Lokey The Hyde and Watson Foundation Jockey Hollow Foundation New York City Council Speaker Corey Johnson Carl E. Kessler Family Foundation Kinder Morgan Foundation New York City Council Member Andy King Emily Davie and Joseph S. Kornfeld Foundation The Leir Charitable Foundations Lemberg Foundation New York State Assembly Member Joseph Lentol Manhattan Borough President’s Office Community Awards Program New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito The Pierre and Tana Matisse Foundation Musical Instrument Learning for Kids Montgomery Family Foundation Morgan Stanley Strategy Challenge The Music Man Foundation National Endowment for the Arts New York City Department of Cultural Affairs New York City Department of Education
New York Community Trust Nonprofit Excellence Awards New York State Council on the Arts New York State Education Department The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Henry E. Niles Foundation New York City Council Member Annabel Palma New York State Assembly Member Victor Pichardo Pine Tree Foundation of New York RBC Wealth Management Richmond County Savings Foundation Rite Aid Foundation KidCents New York State Assembly Member Nily Rozic Rossi Family Foundation May and Samuel Rudin Family Foundation F.A.O. Schwarz Family Foundation Scoob Trust Sony Corporation of America Steinway & Sons Michael Tuch Foundation Ullmann Family Foundation New York City Council Member James Vacca Laura B. Vogler Foundation The Waterwheel Foundation The Weissman Family Foundation John F. Welch Jr. Foundation Wellington Shields & Co. Wells Fargo Foundation
ETM’s programs are supported in part by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council; by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature; and by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.
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“Music has given me a voice and form of expression that is indescribable and I want to bring light to how beneficial it is to have comprehensive music programs like ETM within schools.” - ETM alumna Casandra Gilbes