Give In-School Music Classes to Los Angeles Youth

It’s that time of year when everyone at ETM-LA reflects upon the amazing accomplishments of over 15,000 students and our dedicated team of educators, staff, volunteers, parents – and YOU!

Thank you so much for coming alongside our mission and helping students like Hooper Avenue Elementary School 5^rd Grader Jerry, who shares: “Music class changed my life. Singing and performing makes me feel good and I get to be me. Every time I perform in school, my friends see how happy I am and they want to join music class too.”

Jerry’s mother, Katy, says that since Jerry was in kindergarten, he was “connected to music…music is his calling.” She explains that Jerry has been nervous throughout his childhood, but music has helped him gain confidence and become more outgoing. “Having music in school keeps Jerry busy and he forgets how stressful school can be. During his early school years he was bullied by students, but singing will always help him get through the bad days.” Music class has also helped Jerry academically; he is able to focus while doing homework by “humming songs that he previously practiced in class” and even earned the Principal’s Honor Roll this year!

Through Jerry’s involvement in ETM-LA’s music program at Hooper Avenue Elementary, he has been able to perform at the Los Angeles Sparks’ halftime show at the Staples Center and at ETM-LA’s 14^th Annual Benefit Gala at the Beverly Wilshire.

In our 14^th year of programming, your support will help us continue closing the gap for low-income area schools that remain deprived of yearlong music and arts programs. With your help, we look forward to increasing our impact by expanding quality, sequential music education to 42 schools and 17,500 children across six Los Angeles County districts, as well as continue to offer over 100 hours of top-grade training for music educators and over 420 hours of guidance for schools across Los Angeles County in our commitment to building long-term sustainable music programs.

Katy believes, “Music is the best thing that could ever happen to a child...it helps them express themselves.”

Thank you to those who have generously given to help provide important music education services to disadvantaged schools, and to students like Jerry.

Links:

• ETM-LA Website