We did it! Thanks to our donors, we successfully raised $50,000 during our year-end giving campaign, unlocking a further $50,000 in matching funds from the Pace family! In addition, we were recently honored to receive a multi-year grant from the New York State Council on the Arts. This funding will support high-quality music education programming for students and teachers in New York, Kenya, and beyond.

As we begin 2025, these financial resources are already being put to good use. Because of the generosity of our supporters, we are thrilled to be able to offer two exciting, free pilot programs to schools in New York City.

The first program will come to a brand new middle school: M.S. 644 – Bronx Debate Academy. Having just welcomed the first sixth grade cohort this past fall, M.S. 644's school counselor reached out to S'Cool Sounds to discuss options for starting a music program. Thanks to our supporters, we are able to offer a free Roots of Rhythm percussion program, scheduled to start this winter. This course will be led by Teaching Artist Daniel Prim, a dynamic percussionist, educator, and Latin Grammy awardee.

M.S. 644 Social Worker Sandra Perez recently remarked: “As a new middle school in the South Bronx, providing music to our students at Bronx Debate Academy in the first year is a wonderful achievement because music is an expression of culture and develops students’ academic, social and emotional skills. We are enthusiastic and grateful for the opportunity.”

With excitement building for the upcoming residency, M.S. 644 has been able to secure more funding from another source to expand the program even further. S'Cool Sounds is thrilled to be part of the school's inaugural year!

Dave Adewumi teaching recorder in an elementary classroom

The second of these programs will be at P.S. 125 – The Ralph Bunche School in Harlem. Teaching Artist Dave Adewumi will lead our popular Recorders Without Borders curriculum. This dynamic course features multicultural music from Africa, Asia, and the Americas. The residency will reach all the school's third graders, each of whom will receive a free soprano recorder to keep. At the conclusion of the program, the students will share their learning by performing in a showcase for their peers, teachers, and families.

Donations from our supporters help create high-impact musical opportunities like those at M.S. 644 and P.S. 125. Make a contribution today to bring music to even more students in NYC!

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