Embarking on 20 Years

Education Through Music-Los Angeles was incorporated on this day, July 24, 2006 with the mission to further equity and access for all students in under-resourced schools to receive quality comprehensive music education. We started programming in two schools reaching 800 children – St. Sebastian School on the Westside and Castelar Elementary in Chinatown. ETM-LA has since grown its reach to over 18,000 students and 41 schools across five school districts this past year (150,000+ receiving music education in our lifetime).

As I reflect on our growth these past two decades, salient feelings of gratitude, joy, care, community, and connection arise. Whether seen or behind the scenes, countless individuals have contributed their time, energy, expertise, and dedication in service of our mission. I am humbled and honored by the countless acts of kindness from so many – team members, board, associates board, music teachers, leaders, parents, artists, champions, students, volunteers, partners, community advocates, and many more!

I came across this excerpt from ETM-LA’s 10th Year milestone:

As students and stakeholders share stories of how music has impacted their lives, we see a universal theme – transformation.

Melvin developed a motivation for learning and excitement for school through playing the clarinet, turning around his grades to receive the top academic achievement award. Alberto learned to be more responsible through joining the band and practicing his flute while attaining self-confidence and the ability to express himself. Amelia gained life skills through playing the violin and ukulele, including becoming a better listener and learning to challenge herself.

The transformation goes beyond the individual. We see the power of music transform entire school communities as a rich culture of holistic learning, appreciation for the arts, and innovation emerges. Its undeniable effect can be seen as we step onto Foster Elementary’s campus in Compton and hear musical sounds emanate from classrooms with the bustling of creative games and activities; parents participate in musical productions, and class teachers volunteer time and energy to advocate music for their students. (August 2015)

For the next 20 years and for as long as it takes, ETM-LA remains resolute in our mission. We will continue to come alongside our communities in ensuring sequential and comprehensive music education as a right for all students, regardless of background. Schools must continue to be safe places where care, self-confidence, connection, creativity, cultural inclusivity, and community abound freely. ETM-LA stands hopeful that our impact and the transformative benefits of learning music will be amplified for generations to come.

Phil Jackson (highest number of NBA Championships as Head Coach) believed, “The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team”.

It is truly the collective hands, hearts, and minds of our dedicated Education Through Music-LA family and communities – the power of “We” – who helped launch, develop, and sustain ETM-LA into who we are today and our journey these next 20 years. ❤️🎶

 

ETM-LA Executive Director,
Victoria Lanier