“ETM was founded 30 years ago to advance equity in NYC schools, driven by the belief that every student deserves access to high-quality music education,” said Richard Bernstein, Chair of ETM’s Board of Directors. It takes an ensemble of passionate people to ensure our work continues to impact the lives of countless students who would otherwise have no music education at school,” he said.

The highlight of the evening, with a standing ovation, was an emotional performance of three songs by 45 choral and orchestral students from MS180. They were joined by Season 11 contestant of The Voice, Wé McDonald, who was a guest artist this year for ETM.

In his acceptance speech, Riguardi commented, “Music has been an important part of my life and is essential to a well-rounded education. ETM’s efforts positively impact a student’s social and emotional learning. We need more music not less,” he said.

“We are providing children and school communities opportunities to grow, to heal, and most critically at this time, to unite,” said Janice Weinman Shorenstein, Executive Director. “This gala brings us together in a common mission to sustain and grow this organization so that we can impact the development of thousands more students who flourish under our teaching and tremendous support,” she said.