Education Through Music Gala 2024, “Making Music, Changing Lives” Hosted by Sway Calloway

Thursday, May 17, 2024. New York, NY—- 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 in Manhattan, New York. 

Education Through Music (ETM), a nonprofit organization founded in 1991, dedicates its efforts to bringing high-quality music education to underserved students in New York City. ETM has provided over 8 million hours of music instruction in the New York City public school system, reaching nearly 20,000 children weekly in its outreach since its inception over 33 years ago. Through its comprehensive programs, ETM aims to improve the general development of its student participants and enhance their academic performance  by promoting the use of music as a tool for learning and self-expression.

The “Making Music, Changing Lives” event garners supporters, advocates, and community leaders annually in celebration of the transformative power of music in education.  This event alone raised over $475,000 in less than 20 minutes for the organization. The heart warming event’s Master of Ceremony was Hip-Hop icon, Radio Personality and Music journalist, Sway Calloway, who encouraged the audience to show their support through active engagement and applause to keep the children’s confidence and enthusiasm high. He also shared his personal journey and the healing power music has had over his life, starting his career as a recording artist, and ultimately being led into his career as a journalist and iconic figure in Hip Hop.

Opening the event with their angelic voices, the Bronx PS 103 choir performed “New York, New York” and “Seasons of Love” while the guest dined on an appetizers of  Napoleon grilled artichoke hearts, zucchini, yellow squash, Roasted tomatoes, crisp parsnips and spicy pepper coulis with spinach couscous; and their choice of Chardonnay (Napa) or Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa), compliments of Douglass Hill Winery.

Accompanied by the honorees Emmy Award-Winning Talk Show Host, Singer and Actress, Adrienne Eliza Bailon-Houghton, who  gleefully expressed her appreciation for the power of music transforming and carving out her commitment to her own education in her youth; and her spouse, Grammy-Award Winning American contemporary Christian music singer, songwriter, producer and worship leader Israel Houghton (popularly credited as “Israel & New Breed”), for a noteworthy rendition of “Stand By Me.”  The Houghtons were the first of two honorees that evening to receive recognition for their support of music education.

“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. Israel went on to speak of his love of music and for support of organizations, like that of his friends Amber and Kevin, founder of Kingdom Come Foundation Inc, in from Houston Texas, stood in solidarity with the honorees, The Houghtons, and the for the mission that ETM aims to fulfill in the underprivileged communities through music. 

As the honorees received their awards, guests dined on a delicious entree of sliced tenderloin of beef, served with Yukon gold potatoes, sauteed spinach and sauce Perigourdine or opted for the silent vegan entree of roasted Cauliflower, spinach and Yukon gold potatoes. The second recognition of the evening was extended to the Global Head of Workplace and Real Estate at Paramount Global, John Vazquez, honoring his leadership in the community and dedication to music education through public schools, “Education Through Music is not just an amazing program with incredible administrators and teachers but in my opinion, ETM is part of the core curriculum that should be taught in every school and to every student,” said Vazquez last night at the event.

The spectacular evening ended with electric  performances from ETM’s high-school rock band – The ETM High Notes who played classic covers from Carlos Santana and other popular contemporary hits from the 90’s and early 2000’s. The band concluded the program and guests continued the celebration afterward.

During the closing act, guests indulged in their desserts of molten chocolate cake and Classic creme brulee with seasonal berries and coffee. Dr. Janice Weinman, CEO of Education Through Music took to the stage to thank the guests, the students and faculty and all in attendance who poured their efforts and resources in the Gala. Her closing remarks, echoing the impacts that ETM has on the lives of their student participants, “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.”

The Education Through Music Gala 2024 was an inspiring evening of entertainment, philanthropy, and advocacy, highlighting the importance of music education in transforming lives. The event brought together supporters who directly contribute to ETM’s mission of ensuring that every child has access to a quality music education.

For more information about Education Through Music and to support their mission, please visit, www.etmonline.org and follow their social media platforms: @ETMOnline