Our Annual Report
With 2025 on the horizon, it's the perfect time to reflect on the joys of the past year as we look forward to the excitement of the future. In this spirit, SCS is proud to share our Annual Report. Here are just some of the impacts of our 2023-2024 programming:
6,000 students served
17 contact hours per student on average
1,000 free instruments provided in NYC and Kenya
76% of NYC school partners are Title I schools (indicating a high percentage of economically disadvantaged students)
86% of partnering classroom teachers rated the SCS music program "excellent" or "very good" (and 14% rated it "good")
In NYC, highlights included providing five free programs for schools lacking any budget for music education, expanding our program in the Bronx with support from the National Endowment for the Arts, and a renewed partnership with Breaking Ground to bring music enrichment to vulnerable adults, including those experiencing homelessness.
Our Kenya programs were equally vibrant, boasting a first prize win at the 2024 Kenya National Music Festival and the continued success of the Futures Music Program, engaging 40+ high schoolers over school breaks. During July's program-building visit from Founder and Artistic Director Nina Stern, Board Member Nancy Jo Snider, and Teaching Artist Ruaridh Pattison, the many workshops, professional development sessions, and outreach meetings culminated in an unforgettable day of performances at Village Market in Nairobi.
To top it all off, SCS recently received a multi-year grant from the New York State Council on the Arts, representing the maximum possible award for this opportunity. With continued support from our donors and partners, we're excited to go from strength to strength in 2025!
DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT!
As previously reported, SCS has received a $50,000 challenge grant toward our annual giving campaign! So far, we have raised $35,000 toward that goal. Help us meet this challenge with a contribution to support high-quality music education programming for students and teachers in New York, Kenya, and beyond!
Don't forget! Donors who contribute $500 or more can receive a limited-edition S'Cool Sounds T-shirt as our thanks to you!
VIDEO OF THE WEEK
Our Kenya students participating in the Futures Program recently had an opportunity to share some of their hard work. They hosted some visitors and were glad to stage a performance for them! As SCS Kenya Music Director Jacob Saya said, “for us, it’s always a music moment.”
