Speakers Randy Jackson and Tim Storey shared their personal stories and JD McCrary, John Lindhal and Tone Stith performed to kick off MUSIC UNITES DAY in partnership with REAL 92.3, an Tone Stith Station, H&M and Guitar Center on Wednesday, March 28th.
In celebration of Music In Our Schools Month, Music Unites Day launched the Music Unites partnership with the Compton Unified School District with an all-day celebration empowering youth through music education.
Music Unites is proud of the key partners for Music Unites Day including H&M, who supported in building programs in Music Unites Schools, and iHeart Media, Scholly, We Day and Music Center. More than 2,100 children were involved between Centennial High, Bunche Middle, and Kelly Elementary.
Along with performances by ten-year-old music sensation JD McCRARY, who stars as baby Simba in the new Lion King movie and performer Tone Stith, Music Unites hosted a series of 90 minute educational workshops in the auditorium/gymnasium across three schools: Centennial High, Bunche Middle School and Kelly Elementary. The three different programs at the schools happened at 9 AM, 12 PM and 3 PM. This marks the first time that the Compton Unified School District has granted an official day to celebrate music education. Music Unites programmed an impactful educational panel which the non-profit refers to as Music-Versities, where students heard from leading industry executives on the importance of leadership, mentorship and their careers behind the scenes in the music and entertainment industries.
As part of Music Unites Day, the Compton Unified School District committed $50,000 towards Music Unites work in Compton which goes towards the “Music Unites Academy” being built across all three schools and the funding of afterschool music programs across all three schools for the upcoming school year which will include instrumental, guitar and beats production.
“We believe as a district that the arts are absolutely vital to the development of the whole student,” said Dr. Darin Brawley, Superintendent of Compton Unified School District. “That is why we are so excited about this partnership with Music Unites. It will open doors to amazing opportunities for our students and help ensure that this is a district where the arts thrive!”
“As a child, my journey began in Los Angeles, CA. It was there that music become a very powerful part of my life. Sometimes called the Life Coach to the Stars, I’ve had the honor to sit and work with some of this generation’s most influential musicians, such as Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones, Kanye West, Smokey Robinson, and so many more. I am excited to be part of such an important and unique day. Music Unites Day will not only highlight the importance of music and the arts in education, but will provide a foundation for student’s to live a life full of creativity, inspiration, and strength.” – Tim Storey
“We are honored to receive an official day towards Music Unites and to be working with the Compton Unified School District and craft a custom scalable music program for our schools as this marks a priority initiative for our organization,” said Michelle Edgar, founder and executive director of Music Unites. “Our long-standing history in Compton has been over five years, and for Superintendent Brawley and the district to present us with the opportunity and commit resources to this shows that arts education is a top priority in the district and we hope to use this as a model to spread across the country.”
“Live young and fearlessly… No dream is too far to reach because of your age… #KidPower” – JD McCRARY
