Thank You for the Gift of Music!

THANK YOU to all who were able to join Education Through Music-LA's 18th Year Benefit Gala on December 5th! We appreciate everyone who helped make our event a resounding success, both in person and those who supported from afar!

We are grateful to this year's 2023 Shining Star Honorees Christophe Beck, Lydia Lee, and SEL4CA for their leadership and tireless work which continue to positively impact the lives of our youth and communities through music and the arts.

L to R: Bryan Cranston, Amy Cranston, Jackie Tohn, Lydia Lee, Christophe Beck, Chris Columbus, & Kristen Bell

L to R: Joe Buono, Tristen Clarke, & Christophe Beck

Frozen Star Kristen Bell joins the Choir Ensemble

In honor of Beck, Frozen star Kristen Bell performed the song “More Than Just the Spare” which was cut from the original film and “holds a very special place in my heart.” Gala host, Bell’s Do, Re & Mi collaborator Jackie Tohn engaged the rapt crowd with her witty delivery. Heartfelt thanks to additional artists Kait Dunton Band, Melodica Men, and ETM-LA Alum Brooke Bailey, along with presenters Award-Winning Actor Bryan Cranston, Director Chris Columbus, and Pam Pouliot.

Conducted by Lee, ETM-LA ensembles from Payne P-8 STEAM Academy, Rio Vista Elementary, & Providencia Elementary, and Lee's choir Imaginations from John Muir Middle School (accompanied by Westley Steele, ETM-LA alumni, & faculty) shone brightly on "Do You Want to Build a Snowman?" and "Can't Stop the Feeling."

A longtime champion of the mission, Beck stated, “One of the reasons why what ETM-LA does is so important is it reaches kids [with music] when they’re young at an age when they’re just exploring…it is with my whole heart that I get behind ETM-LA who is helping open the same path [I had] for so many kids.” Bell proclaimed, “Music is imperative – it is vital; music is a language we all deserve to speak.”

Thank you for helping to make this an unforgettable gala! Your support will help ETM-LA provide comprehensive music education to approximately 19,000 students in 40 schools this year. Together, we can further equity and access for students in under-resourced schools and give them hope for a brighter future.

Now that's music to our ears!

ETM-LA Gala in the Press!

The Standard

Variety

The Hollywood Reporter

Photo Credits: Danny Moloshok / Moloshok Photography

Education Through Music-Los Angeles' mission is to provide and promote music in under-resourced schools as part of a well-rounded education for every child in order to enhance students' academic achievement, creativity, and overall development.

www.etmla.org