Amid Budget Cuts, SCS Keeps Music Alive at Harlem's PS 125
What do Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, and PS 125 all have in common? Harlem! In the 1920s and '30s, Harlem was the epicenter of its namesake "Renaissance." Now, a century later, SCS is proud to partner with PS 125 to continue the long tradition of artistic excellence in this historic New York neighborhood.
A progressive school in West Harlem, PS 125 is full of students who are thinkers, writers, mathematicians, scientists, and—of course—musicians! With this year's budget cuts in the New York City public schools significantly impacting educational programming city-wide, SCS is offering a free jazz recorder program at PS 125 which will provide instruments and instruction to 40 third graders.
SCS Teaching Artist Dave Adewumi will be leading the program and is an ideal match for the school. An active jazz trumpeter, Dave brings a keen understanding of and passion for the musical heritage of Harlem. His musical excellence and infectious enthusiasm inspire students to become active music-makers, forming the next generation of Harlem musicians.
PS 125 third-grade teacher Elizabeth Flanagan writes: "A civilization, a culture is remembered for its music, its art, its food, not its reading and math proficiency scores. This year’s budget cuts are negatively affecting PS 125's ability to provide equity to our young people of diverse backgrounds and socio-economic status. Without these vital partnerships in the art/music humanities, only the privileged, affluent children will be exposed to, learn, and actually perform works of art and music."
As announced in September, SCS has received a $50,000 challenge grant toward our annual giving campaign! Help us meet this challenge with a contribution to support high-quality music education programming in PS 125, other New York City public schools, and beyond.
