NEW YORK, NY – May 19, 2026 — Music, philanthropy, and community leadership came together in spectacular fashion as Education Through Music (ETM) hosted its highly anticipated 2026 “Making Minds Sing!” Gala at the iconic 583 Park Avenue. Celebrating the nonprofit’s milestone 35th Anniversary, the event brought together influential executives, entertainment leaders, philanthropists, and advocates dedicated to ensuring that quality music education remains accessible to students in underserved New York City public schools.
The evening proved to be one of ETM’s most successful celebrations to date, surpassing fundraising expectations and reinforcing the organization’s growing impact across the city. Funds raised during the gala will directly support ETM’s mission of expanding music education programs across its network of 51 under-resourced schools, where more than 18,000 K-12 students currently receive instruction in music as a core academic subject.
From the moment attendees arrived, the atmosphere reflected the spirit of celebration and purpose that defined the night. Guests were welcomed by the booming rhythms and synchronized energy of the Mount St. Ursula Bucket Drummers, whose dynamic entrance transformed the ballroom into a vibrant showcase of youth talent and artistic expression. Hosting the evening was Xavier “X” Jernigan, the renowned AI DJ, official Voice of Spotify, and Lincoln Center Hip-Hop curator, whose charisma and enthusiasm guided the event from start to finish.
Celebrating 35 Years of Lasting Educational Impact
At the center of the gala was ETM’s enduring commitment to empowering students through music education. During the evening, ETM CEO Dr. Janice Weinman reflected on the organization’s remarkable legacy and the measurable impact music programs continue to have on young people throughout New York City.
“External evaluations show an increase in our students’ social and emotional development, their attendance, in their discipline and focus on learning that transfers to the other subjects they learn and therefore result in significant increases from year to year in their academic performance,” shared Dr. Weinman. “But, by far the greatest impact we have is on the independence they gain, the pride they feel, and the joy they receive from participation in learning about music.”
The organization’s achievements were further recognized with an official New York City Council proclamation, honoring ETM’s decades-long contribution to arts education and youth development. ETM Board Co-Chairs Heidi Stamas and Rob Weisstuch also highlighted the scale of the nonprofit’s influence, noting that since 1991, ETM has provided more than 8 million hours of instruction to over 300,000 students citywide.
A Night Filled with Powerful Student Performances and Major Giving
The gala’s fundraising efforts reached an exciting peak during a spirited live auction and paddle raise led by auctioneer Pat Tulley. Guests enthusiastically bid on premium entertainment experiences, including highly coveted tickets to sold-out performances by Ariana Grande at Barclays Center and chart-topping singer-songwriter Noah Kahan. The competitive bidding directly fueled ETM’s fundraising campaign, helping the organization exceed its financial goals for the evening.
While philanthropy drove the event’s mission, the students remained the undeniable stars of the night.
Following an emotional ETM mission video presentation, the P.S. 206 ETM Student Choir delivered a heartfelt performance that moved the audience to its feet. Their performance captured the transformative impact of arts education and served as a living example of ETM’s work in action.
Later in the evening, Fat Beats President Chris Atlas introduced the electrifying Mount St. Ursula Rock Band, directed by former ETM Teacher of the Year Alfredo Hernandez. The group energized the crowd with a thrilling three-song performance packed with confidence, musicianship, and undeniable stage presence.
The night’s headline performance came from critically acclaimed Republic Records R&B trio FLO, whose exclusive live set delivered a stunning finale and left attendees captivated.
Industry and Business Leaders Honored for Advocacy and Leadership
The gala also recognized three distinguished honorees whose leadership and advocacy continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people.
Jim Roppo Recognized for Industry Leadership and Philanthropic Commitment
Jim Roppo, Chairman & CEO of Republic Records, was honored for both his groundbreaking influence within the music industry and his dedication to supporting educational initiatives. Introduced by Joe Borrino, Live Nation Merchandise CFO and ETM Board Member, Roppo made a remarkable personal commitment to raise $500,000 for ETM through the gala and ultimately exceeded that ambitious goal.
During his remarks, Roppo emphasized the importance of music education in preparing students for future success.
“Music brings a lot of essential skills in the workplace: creative collaboration, discipline, practice, creative thinking, are all vital to success in any career I think today. And this program helps build those skills for young people at an early developmental age that’s critical to their future success,” said Jim Roppo, Chairman & CEO, Republic Records. “Many children in New York public schools do not have access to music education, and the work of Education Through Music is vital to providing the resources in the classroom to bring that opportunity to hundreds or thousands of children across New York City schools.”
Peter Rosenthal Honored for Dedication to Youth Opportunity
Peter Rosenthal, Co-President of Rosenthal Capital Group, was celebrated for his long-standing support of initiatives benefiting New York City students. Introduced by Heidi Stamas, Rosenthal reflected warmly on a classroom visit with ETM students that left a lasting impression.
“One particularly observant young girl in the class that day turned to me and commented, ‘You’re not normally a soprano, are you?’ Well, I may not be able to sing, but I can spot a worthy cause when I see one, and I am truly honored to be recognized tonight by Education Through Music.”
He continued:
“Every child deserves that same chance to discover their own creativity, confidence, and voice through music, regardless of their circumstances. This is the opportunity that ETM provides.”
Deborah Romano Applauded for Community-Focused Leadership
Deborah Romano, Executive Managing Director of JLL Project & Development Services, was also recognized during the gala for her leadership and commitment to strengthening future generations through education and community investment. Introduced by Gabe Hernandez, Principal & Co-Founder of Design Republic and ETM Board Member, Romano spoke about the value of seeing ETM’s programs firsthand.
“Education Through Music does important work connecting young people with arts education and the creative skills that stay with them throughout their lives. At JLL, we believe strong communities are built through institutions that invest in the next generation. Organizations like Education Through Music play a vital role in that foundation. The skills students gain through music education including discipline, collaboration, creative problem-solving, extend far beyond the classroom. They’re the same qualities we value in building successful careers and contributing members of our communities. I had the opportunity to visit one of the classrooms, and that experience was invaluable. Seeing the program in action brings the mission to life in a way nothing else can,” Romano noted in her acceptance speech.
An Inspiring Finale for a Growing Mission
As the celebration drew to a close, Xavier “X” Jernigan returned to announce the evening’s final milestone: the gala had officially exceeded its fundraising target.
The achievement marked a major victory for ETM and its supporters, ensuring that even more students across New York City will gain access to instruments, music educators, and programs that foster academic growth, self-confidence, creativity, and emotional development.
With unforgettable performances, heartfelt speeches, and extraordinary generosity, the 2026 “Making Minds Sing!” Gala stood as a powerful reminder of music’s ability to inspire opportunity, transform lives, and strengthen communities for generations to come.
About Education Through Music
Education Through Music (ETM) partners with under-resourced schools to provide sustainable, high-quality music education as a core academic subject for all students. Through comprehensive curricula, teacher training, and school-wide arts integration, ETM helps improve academic achievement while supporting students’ social-emotional development, confidence, and creativity.