On behalf of the Musicians at Play Foundation, I want to welcome you to check out our new “look.” Today, we launched a new website to showcase our incredible mentors, students and music education partners throughout Greater Los Angeles. I invite you to look around, stay awhile and immerse yourself in how we’re changing lives for students with the act of mentorship.
A Dream Come True
When I started this organization six years ago with my husband Don Williams, we only dreamed that we could one day say that we were supported by the most coveted Arts Education funder, the National Endowment for the Arts. Our dream came true, as this year, MAP received a grant in support of the organization’s Masters and Mentors Music Education Programs.
Established by Congress in 1965, the National Endowment for the Arts is the independent federal agency whose funding and support gives Americans the opportunity to participate in the arts, exercise their imaginations, and develop their creative capacities. Through partnerships with state arts agencies, local leaders, other federal agencies, and the philanthropic sector, the Arts Endowment supports arts learning, affirms and celebrates America’s rich and diverse cultural heritage, and extends its work to promote equal access to the arts in every community across America.
Growth During the Recent Challenges
Another dream came true this year as we reached a milestone of 18,000 students, teachers and community members supported through our MAP programming. Each student, teacher, mentor and administrator who has supported or participated with MAP programming knows that our commitment to building an inclusive diverse community, social justice breakthrough programs and engagement in local music education programs is paramount to our mission. And, while 2020 was a challenging year, we immediately pivoted and performed over 400 hours of virtual coaching to Burbank Unified, Los Angeles Unified and Simi Valley students. A personal thank you to our team of professional accredited instrumental and choral Mentors for continuing to support our youth while sequestered to distance home learning environments. We look forward to the exciting new technology advances we’ve made with our digital streaming and offerings that will eventually build out our programming on our website.
Our Bright Future
Looking ahead, we see a bright future for MAP, our mentors, our incredible board of directors, and most of all, our students. I encourage you to join us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter and follow our progress as we continue to drive the needle in making a difference. You will see several new programs including membership drives and new school initiatives, as well as new collaborations with the California Arts Council, the LA County Department of Arts and Culture and more. We thank you in advance for your support, as every financial contribution on our site goes directly to our programming here in Los Angeles.
Wishing you all a healthy, happy and exciting summer, and please sign up to stay informed on our forthcoming Summer Concert Series.
Sincerely,
April Williams
(She/Her/Hers)
