Education Through Music (ETM) is a premier nonprofit organization that provides educational equity through a lasting music program to nearly 20,000 students in under-resourced schools in New York City. On Thursday, May 15th, the organization held their 2025 fundraising gala at the historic and sophisticated 583 Park Avenue.
ETM Board and Supporters
The evening opened with an inviting cocktail hour for attendees to mingle. Guests included: supporters from the real estate industry, investment banking, and the music field, as well as supporters, advocates, and community leaders. The room was filled with warm conversation and laughter as we anticipated a spectacular performance by the children.
After being ushered to our seats in the beautifully decorated banquet room, we were greeted via video by Common. He welcomed all in attendance and introduced his long-time supporter and mentor, Sway Calloway, who served as the evening’s emcee. Calloway, a Hip-Hop icon and music journalist returned to the 2025 gala by popular demand and led the night with charisma, brilliance, and warmth.
Soon PS 72 Band, “The Dewey Decibels” took to the stage. As a former lover of music class, my heart was full. Seeing the children be so brave and confident, performing in front of so many people is proof that ETM has made a pivotal impact. It triggered fond memories of learning the songs from Grease as a youth and singing them in school plays.
The Impact Award was given to Frank Alvarado, Senior Managing Director, Global Head of Enterprise Project Management Operations at CBRE | Turner & Townsend, for his leadership in the community and dedication to music for underserved students.
“As a society, we need children with access to music education like Education Through Music […], It will create adults with cadence and determination and if we are lucky, some will also become adults who will inspire us!” Alvarado encouraged.
At the gala the first inductees to the newly created Legacy Circle were recognized – a trio of ETM’s most generous and ardent supporters over the last few decades – Katherine Elliott, Andrew J. Malik, and Michael Schaefer. Each has given to the organization in ways that have allowed ETM to not only continue its transformative work, but to expand over the years to an increasing number of partner schools.
Chris Atlas (left) , Keanan Duffty (right)
Chris Atlas, founder of Atlas Entertainment, introduced the evening’s Music Innovation Award recipient, Keanan Duffty, founder of the punk band Slinky Vagabond. In his acceptance remarks, Duffty shared,
“Over the past month, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the hard work and passion of these young musicians and it brought back vivid memories of my formative days. Watching them grow under the guidance of their incredible teachers reminded me why programs like Education Through Music are so essential.”
Founded in 1991, Education Through Music has been a champion of music education, providing over 8 million hours of instruction. The gala served as a platform to showcase ETM’s continued commitment to providing high-quality and comprehensive music education to students in under-resourced schools.
The Hallows performing
ETM students warmed every heart in the room throughout the night. Performances also featured students from PS 154 & the Queens School of Inquiry and ETM’s high-school rock band, The Hallows.
“My words tonight cannot do justice to what I have seen in the classrooms and auditoriums of ETM’s partner schools. […] Children who exhibit pride, experience joy and who feel good about themselves and what they are doing,” said Dr. Janice Weinman, CEO of Education Through Music in her remarks to the guests.
The Education Through Music Gala 2025 was an intentional, touching evening of entertainment, philanthropy, and advocacy. Properly themed “Making Minds Sing,” the event highlighted the importance of music education in transmuting so much of what we sometimes can’t express in words into sound. The event brought together supporters who directly contribute to ETM’s mission of ensuring that every child has access to a quality music education.
For more information about Education Through Music and to support their mission, please visit
ETMonline.org
© 2025, Siani Leigh. All rights reserved.
