Spotlight on Anthony "Tony" White, Shining Star Music Educator

Education Through Music-Los Angeles is thrilled to be celebrating Anthony “Tony” White (Award-Winning Band Director, Music & Entertainment Education Coordinator) at our 21st Year Benefit Gala with the Shining Star Music Educator Award, an honor given to exemplary educators whose contributions have positively impacted students & their communities. A lifelong music advocate and educator, Tony sees how music education positively impacts our youth every day. “I see music transform and inspire my students every year… It allows students to realize their potential,” he shares. “Music education is important for all children because it allows them to grow, to be creative, to work with different backgrounds, and it helps them to become a complete human being.”

Working in education for over 36 years, Tony is committed to expanding opportunities, partnerships, and resources to further music education in LA. Partnering with ETM-LA helped him understand how bringing in external support can strengthen our communities. “Working with [ETM-LA]…I’ve been able to understand the greatness of having partners to help give our kids more music. That has been very powerful for me.” He continues, “Our partners are definitely part of the fabric that we need to be a more successful society.”

Tony aspires for a brighter future of access to quality music education for all. He states, “My hope for the future of music education in Los Angeles is that we’ll be able to bring all of our partners together and bring more resources towards our partners, so we can give more to our kids and our community; [and] that no child who wants to be a part of [music] will be denied.”

Tony’s unwavering support for music education is deeply valued by ETM-LA and all of the communities who have felt the positive impact of music in their schools. We are proud to honor his generous contributions to our mission, and to work together to keep encouraging joyful, empowered, and well-rounded students. Thank you, Tony, for supporting our mission for high-quality music education in under-resourced Los Angeles schools.

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ANTHONY “TONY” WHITE’S BIO:

Anthony “Tony” White serves as the Coordinator for Music & Entertainment Education (M&EE) within the Los Angeles Unified School District’s Beyond the Bell Branch. The M&EE program supports secondary music students, educators, and programs throughout LAUSD by providing meaningful educational and performance opportunities. Mr. White holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education from the University of California, Riverside, and a Master of Science degree in Educational Administration from Pepperdine University.

Mr. White also serves as Director/Coordinator of LAUSD’s All-District High School Honor Marching Band and Jazz programs. Under his leadership, thousands of students have participated in high-level musical experiences and performed for local, national, and international audiences at venues and events including the Tournament of Roses Parade, Hollywood Bowl, and other major cultural events. He also works closely with school music programs, festivals, competitions, and professional artists to expand opportunities for LAUSD students.

A lifelong music educator and advocate, Mr. White is committed to connecting students with professional musicians, artists, and arts organizations while strengthening music education throughout the District. He is also a professional saxophonist who continues to record and perform throughout the Los Angeles area.