|
|
|
As we wind up the year, I am amazed at all we have accomplished together. Our students have wowed audiences and forged deep friendships. What began over eight years ago as a one-woman show, driven by a desire to pay forward the mentorship I received, has blossomed into a thriving community effort. With a small but dedicated staff supporting me, I am grateful for how far we've come. Our legacy is not about me; it began long before and will continue beyond my time. I am deeply thankful to all of you who have brought us this far, and I look forward to growing together in the coming years!
Jee-Hoon Krska, Executive Director
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Longing For A Better World
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
We are excited to share highlights from our recent Discovery Session, "Discover Longing." This concert, held on May 11, featured the first movement of the Afro-American Symphony, composed by William Grant Still, a Black American composer who created nearly two hundred works throughout his prolific career.
Hosting this event at the historic Twin Maples Estate, home of the Fortnightly Club, was truly special. This beautiful venue, known for many memorable events, was the perfect setting for bringing together communities dedicated to enriching our musical scene.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Phil Bingham, Keys 2 Success Board Member and Vice President of the Barry Harris Institute of Jazz, opened the event with a rousing activity that engaged the audience in collaborative music-making, teaching us the soul of Blues. It was an unforgettable experience that truly brought the music to life. George Marriner Maull from The Discovery Orchestra then guided us in learning to listen carefully, helping us connect deeply with the music.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In a typical Discovery Session, Maestro Maull leads an orchestra. For this event, the Keys Ensemble served as the orchestra for the very first time. Our students were joined on stage by four of Tricia Tunstall's private students. Tricia, an author, musician, and advocate for music education equality, helped create a wonderful display of talent and togetherness. We were also thrilled to have Elijah Souels, the composer of the arrangements performed at the event, present, adding a special touch to the evening.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Our Urban Fellows shared their perspectives on longing and yearning, discussing their aspirations and the deep connections music brings to their lives. Their insights highlighted the importance of mentorship and community in achieving their dreams. Finally, our founder, Jee-Hoon, shared her inspirational journey, illustrating how discovering and nurturing community intersections led to the creation of Keys 2 Success.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
We hope you enjoy this video recorded live at the Discover Longing event!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Perfect Day
By Darasimi Ajayi
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
It's 11:00 PM on a Tuesday night, and I am taking the bus home. I stare out the window searching for an escape from the cycle of hopelessness, but at first glance, all I see is a city plagued by addiction and violence. When I get to my front door, I take a deep breath before entering, knowing that home is not an escape from the hopelessness that exists outside, but an extension of it. I see it in my brother who hardly speaks, and my mother who carries the weight of the world on her shoulders. I walk into my room, shut the door, and allow myself to rest.
The sun comes up and I have to relive the day again, but this time, I decide to live it differently. I put all that I have into school, taking the most challenging classes offered. After school, I go to work at Keys 2 Success, tutoring young Newark students. In these students, I see hope despite the obstacles they face and the potential for greatness. I know that I have to exemplify the level of greatness that I want them to reach. To do this, I maintain hope despite all odds. I make long days of school and work even longer by staying up to practice piano, singing, and completing my schoolwork to the best of my ability. I do this to show my students, my community, and myself that there is more to life than the struggles we face.
Though not without struggles, each day is better than the last. I continue to learn new things, find new opportunities, and share hope and joy with my community. At first glance, Newark may look like a city with no drive, but when you look deeper, you’ll quickly see that is not the case. Newark is full of underfunded talents and gifts that aren’t able to flourish because of stereotypes that create barriers to success. On my perfect day, I’ll still teach Newark’s students, but I’ll have my voice heard on larger platforms, showing people the Newark that I know and love. Working towards education reform in inner cities will improve the lives of millions of people and create hope and prosperity for the entire nation. I have always said that building a community is like building chords: harmonizing unique elements together to create something truly magnificent.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Darasimi Ajayi is a sophomore at North Star Academy in Newark. She began taking piano lessons with Keys 2 Success in the summer of 2021. Her leadership qualities were evident from the start, and she eventually joined Keys 2 Success as an Urban Fellow the following year. Darasimi assists with digital media and teaches younger students piano.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In an insightful conversation with Chloe Cho, the founder of Solis and Luna Arts, Ms. Krska and Chloe explored how their organizations work in harmony to bring the joy of music to different communities. The conversation was uploaded onto the Solis and Luna podcast!
Chloe is a junior in high school in Bergen County, New Jersey. Her nonprofit organization started as a casual school club that organized performances for senior homes and hospital patients but has since expanded rapidly. There are now over 15 regions worldwide and student-run concerts every month! Although the two organizations serve very different communities, Ms. Krska and Chloe discovered they have very much in common. After a brief introduction, the two discussed the impact of their organizations. Both found that they used music to bond with their audiences. Chloe explained that she carefully picks repertoire that resonates the most with her audience. For example, when performing at senior homes, she carefully curates nostalgic oldies like “Can’t Help Falling in Love With You.” Despite the age gap between the student performers and their audience, everybody can connect through their shared love of music. Similarly, we have brought together people of all different backgrounds with music, especially during our recent Practice-A-Thon Event, which featured an amazing clash of cultures!
All in all, the interview was a success! Ms. Krska and Chloe shared their experiences and discussed the power of music as a uniting force. In fact, through this interview, we were able to unite Keys 2 Success and Solis and Luna with the help of Vivian, who works with both organizations! There will surely be more collaborations to come with Solis and Luna, and we are excited to see what the future holds!
|
Vivian Zhang, a sophomore at Millburn High School, is a classically trained pianist of 11 years who recently won the New York Young Performer’s Prize and performed at Carnegie Hall. She also plays violin and is the principal player in Millburn High's Symphonic Orchestra. Vivian volunteers weekly at Keys 2 Success, teaching piano (and sometimes violin) to our Urban Fellows and Junior Fellows, and organizing events such as the Practice-A-Thon and collaborations with Solis and Luna Arts.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Summer is coming! This summer, we will continue teaching in gardens and community centers all around Newark.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ways you can help:
-
Donate a Keyboard: As we expand to more locations, we need more keyboards. If you have a keyboard at home that needs a new home, we would gladly accept it. Your beloved instrument will help hundreds of students learn the joy of music-making.
-
Visit or Volunteer: Join us at one of our teaching sites in Newark for a few hours, Monday through Thursday. We always appreciate a helping hand, whether it's assisting our students with practice or bringing drinks and snacks for our campers. Additionally, this year, our Urban Fellows and Junior Fellows will travel to New Providence weekly on Fridays for leadership training. They will meet with professionals to discuss career pathways and learn skills in various topics beyond piano. If you’re available, we would love to have you visit us on Fridays.
Contact April Montgomery (april.montgomery@keysnewark.com) to donate a keyboard or schedule a visit this summer.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As a seed planted in fertile soil, Keys 2 Success has continued to grow, nurtured by the unwavering support of our donors. Our students' successes are at the heart of everything we do, and we couldn’t have achieved this without you. This year, nearly 250 donors joined us on this journey. Many became part of our recurring donors' River of Hope Circle, contributing $25 and up each month, providing 14% of our overall donations. Seven generous supporters joined our major donors' Pillars of Success Circle with donations of $10,000 and up. Your support has been the water that nourishes our growing children, helping them to flourish and thrive. THANK YOU!
|
|
|
|
|
|
