Pictured (l-r) are Dr. Daniel Andai, Raquel Egusquiza, Christina Crespi, four students from the NWSA Orchestra, Commissioner Ralph Rosado, two students from the NWSA Jazz Ensemble.
(Photo by Maria Flores)
The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation, in partnership with the Miami Downtown Development Authority, continues its outreach initiative with a generous instrument donation and residency program valued at $25,000 benefiting the New World School of the Arts music division.
This initiative provides financial support through the donation of musical instruments, offering students valuable resources and hands-on experience through mentorship, and a residency program with a Latin GRAMMY award winning artist.
The Latin GRAMMY In The Schools Program and Music Instrument Donation initiative featured three in-person workshop sessions at NWSA led by Carlitos Lopez, a Latin GRAMMY-winning director and producer, who collaborated with the NWSA Jazz Ensemble and the Orchestra on new Latin compositions tailored for the students.
The initiative culminated with final performances, where the Jazz Ensemble followed by the Orchestra students showcased their work in front of a select audience that included team members of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation; Christina Crespi, CEO and executive director of the Miami DDA, accompanied by other members of the agency; District 4 Miami Commissioner Ralph “Rafael” Rosado, and other distinguished guests.
“It’s such an important endeavor to connect the Latin music industry educations programs.
This is where we harvest and find those who will be making music in the future,” Lopez said. He “confessed” that, despite facing personal challenges that hindered his writing, he managed to compose a jazz piece in just two days. He dedicated this work to his wife, who was also in attendance for its premiere performance.
Raquel “Rocky” Egusquiza, executive director of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation, addressed both groups of students before their performances, emphasizing the generosity and collaboration of the DDA. She expressed the foundation’s commitment to supporting the next generation of Latin music creators, ensuring the preservation of Latin music and culture for future generations.
Egusquiza also underscored the significance of continued involvement in education as students embark on their artistic careers, citing recent Latin GRAMMY Foundation music alums who have benefited from the scholarship program.
The day concluded with a lively photo opportunity, showcasing the instruments and the generous donation made to the students, followed by a heartfelt celebration at the school.
The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization established by The Latin Recording Academy with the vision of becoming a global champion of music education and empowering communities through Latin music and culture.
In 2024, the foundation celebrated its 10-year anniversary, and during the last decade, it has fostered the next generation of Latin music creators through scholarships, education programs and grants that advance Latin music and celebrate its rich cultural heritage. To date, the foundation has donated more than $13.9 million with the support of The Latin Recording Academy’s members, artists, corporate sponsors and other generous donors.
Information about New World School of the Arts is available at 305-237-3135 or nwsa.mdc.edu.
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