Music Learning Empowers Students: Education Through Music’s Annual Benefit Gala

On Wednesday, March 29, 2023, Education Through Music (ETM) held its 31st Annual Benefit Gala at the Ziegfeld Ballroom. The event, which raised over $650,000, was attended by almost 400 guests and hosted by musician and fashion entrepreneur, Andy Hilfiger. During the gala, Google, represented by Paul Darrah, Director of Workplace Design and Delivery, Google Americas, and Warner Music Group, represented by Chris Atlas, Executive Vice President, East Coast Operations & Urban Music at Warner Records, were both honored.

The program commenced with a lively performance by over 80 choral students and 20 bucket drummers from various partner school districts in the ETM program. The children performed “We Won’t Stop Dreaming” by PINKZEBRA and “Sing!” by Pentatonix, arranged by Mac Huff. Later on, Andy Hilfiger, a lifelong musician and former head of Celebrity Marketing for Tommy Hilfiger, joined the All Hallow’s Rock Band, a group of seven seniors from the ETM High School program.

According to Dr. Janice Weinman, CEO of Education Through Music, the organization has been promoting educational equity in the largest school system in the United States and improving outcomes for disadvantaged children in New York City for over three decades. Dr. Weinman further stated that music education has a positive and influential impact on students, stimulating their minds, increasing joy in learning, and boosting self-confidence. She emphasized that Education Through Music has been able to unlock, inspire, and empower thousands of children over the years through its programs and dedicated teachers.

As a musician himself, Andy Hilfiger expressed his appreciation for the work of Education Through Music in providing opportunities for children to explore their musical abilities. He highlighted the organization’s provision of music lessons and access to proper instrumentation, which he believes gives the children of ETM the chance to find their voice, sound, and note in the world. Hilfiger further stated that Education Through Music offers an invaluable platform for children to express themselves through music, which would have otherwise been left unrecognized and unacknowledged.

During the 31st Annual Benefit Gala hosted by Education Through Music, Paul Darrah, Director of Workplace Design and Delivery, Google Americas, accepted the award on behalf of Google. In his acceptance speech, Darrah emphasized the significance of music education for underserved children in New York City, stating that it provides them with an opportunity to experience the passion, excitement, and energy of music beyond the traditional classroom setting. He further noted that music education connects to other subjects, such as mathematics, and helps children to relate and apply what they are learning. Darrah praised ETM’s mission, considering it an amazing contribution to the city.

Accepting the award on behalf of Warner Music, Chris Atlas, Executive Vice President, East Coast Operations & Urban Music at Warner Records, expressed his excitement to extend their partnership with Education Through Music. He noted their commitment to ensure that music education is a core subject for children throughout the United States. Atlas highlighted that their partnership will help to configure classrooms, bring in music teachers, develop band and orchestra ensembles, and create a unique curriculum that will help young people build their self-esteem through music.