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My daughter once wrote, 'The word "American" is an umbrella term that includes every race, every culture, every belief, and everything unique about a person living in America; to be American is to be yourself.' At Keys 2 Success, we live by this vision. In a time when our country feels divided, we’re committed to building spaces where everyone—students, staff, volunteers, and friends—can thrive without fear. We connect with people who are different from us because that’s how we truly learn what it means to love, to listen, and to build bridges. Just as I once received unconditional kindness as a young, vulnerable immigrant, guided by my piano teacher, Ms. Fuschi, who made me feel I belonged until I did, we give freely without expectation. We may have different beliefs and backgrounds, but we agree on one thing: we must do everything in our power to protect our neighbors and ensure everyone has the chance to be their authentic selves. That’s what it means to be part of the Keys 2 Success family. This month, our family is continued to grow larger and closer at the same time. I hope you enjoy getting a glimpse of our life together in this month's newsletter.
Jee-Hoon Krska, Executive Director
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Pennington Court Hosts Newark Arts Festival for Kids!
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At Keys 2 Success, our students aren’t just learning to play classical music—they’re redefining what it means to succeed in this art form. This transformation was on full display at the Newark Arts Festival on October 12, 2024, where Pennington Court was chosen as a host site for the city-wide celebration. It was a real milestone, a powerful moment that showed how public housing can be a beacon of culture and creativity, not a place to be avoided but embraced.
When our young musicians performed, they weren’t just showcasing their skills; they were challenging long-held stereotypes about who belongs in classical music. Dressed up smartly and playing complex pieces with joy and confidence, they made a powerful statement that talent and excellence can come from anywhere. Their performances were a bold reminder that Newark’s public housing communities are filled with potential and brilliance waiting to be seen.
We believe in creating spaces where our students can thrive. At Pennington Court, we turned an ordinary room into a welcoming, air-conditioned environment where students can focus and feel uplifted. The transformation goes beyond aesthetics—it’s about showing our students they deserve the best, giving them a place where they can be their true selves and pursue their passions.
The Newark Arts Festival at Pennington Court was more than just a concert; it was a vibrant celebration of community resilience and creativity. By hosting this city-wide event in public housing, we sent a clear message: this is a place of talent, strength, and joy. The family-like atmosphere we cultivated reflected the traditions of Black community learning styles, where storytelling, music, and connection are interwoven.
Our dedicated staff, like Rex Parry and Shaughnessy Price, nurture these relationships daily, creating trust and a sense of belonging. It’s this consistent investment that transforms spaces and creates moments like the Newark Arts Festival—a celebration of what can happen when we come together to uplift our youth and their communities. Let’s continue to embrace the potential that thrives in places often overlooked, building a legacy of love, excellence, and opportunity.
Enjoy these photos and a video by Newark TV capturing the joy, talent, and community spirit of this unforgettable event!
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Keys 2 Unity
Music Sophistication Comes to New Providence
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On a beautiful fall day, Keys 2 Success hosted the Keys 2 Unity event at the New Providence United Methodist Church (NPUMC). This special gathering marked the conclusion of our 6th annual Practice-A-Thon campaign, which for the first time, united over 100 musicians from Newark and beyond. Each participant committed to practice their instrument for 1000 minutes over 2 weeks and also raise funds for Keys 2 Success. The event symbolized a powerful blend of music, community, and shared purpose.
As the New Jersey Symphony woodwind quintet took the stage with the Keys 2 Success piano ensemble, they were joined by talented young musicians from the neighboring suburbs - Justin Shen, Kevin Zhao, and Zixuan Alina Jiang on cello, alongside Derek Shen, Sarah Mayfield, and Vivian Zhang on violin - under the guidance of Phil Bingham, Keys 2 Success board member and Vice President of the Barry Harris Institute of Jazz. “The Practice-A-Thon Orchestra”, as we have casually called it amongst the staff, was a breathtaking blend of classical finesse and youthful passion. The concert hall was filled with heavenly melodies, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.
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The setting inside the church was as welcoming as the community itself. The space was thoughtfully adorned, featuring a backdrop of the American flag, which added a symbolic element of unity. The church, known for its inclusive spirit, provided an array of refreshments, making everyone feel at home, regardless of their background or beliefs. It was this sense of belonging that made the event truly remarkable—our students, many of whom have visited the church weekly for years, felt confident and at ease, knowing they were in a place where they belonged.
The afternoon opened with a heartfelt recital by two of our students, Yemisi Ogunderu and Yemisi Enilolobo, who performed a poem titled "Unity." Their words captured the spirit of the day:
Unity, the bond that binds us all,
Together we stand, never to fall.
In times of joy, in times of strife,
Our unity keeps us going in life.
Their message of togetherness resonated deeply, setting the tone for a day filled with moving performances that ranged from classical to contemporary. Darasimi Ajayi and the orchestra delivered an exquisite rendition of "Ave Maria," seamlessly blending Bach’s Prelude in C with the Ave Maria melody, a piece that brought a serene hush over the audience. Jaziah and Emely’s lively rendition of How Far I'll Go from Moana, accompanied by the orchestra, along with faculty member Taylor Souels and volunteer Celia Carnesi, brought smiles and energy to the room. The whole ensemble performed Piazzolla’s Libertango and a blues-inspired piece titled Longing, adding vibrant and dynamic flavors to the concert.
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A significant highlight of the event was hearing from our Junior Fellows—Ali Woods, Thaila Freitas, and Onya Vargas. They shared reflections on their journey through Keys 2 Success and their development as leaders. Their growth, from young learners to confident mentors, is a testament to the transformative power of our program. These Junior Fellows are the rising stars, many of whom have been nurtured by Keys 2 Success since kindergarten, and they have now become the pride of their communities.
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The most poignant moment of the afternoon was the presentation of the first annual Ethan Crasto Memorial Fellowship. This fellowship, named in honor of Ethan Crasto, recognizes an Urban Fellow who embodies Ethan’s love for music and generous spirit. Ethan’s untimely passing in June left a deep void, but his legacy lives on through the values he upheld—kindness, compassion, and a passion for music. Shayo Ogunderu was chosen as the inaugural recipient, and the award was presented by Ethan’s parents in a deeply moving ceremony.
The connection between Ethan’s family and Keys 2 Success runs deep. Ethan’s mother, Annette Crasto, was one of our earliest volunteers. Together with her cousin Sharon Ferro and their friend Sujatha Shan, she played a crucial role in our early days, providing patient and loving support to our students. Ethan, who was in college when he first visited Keys, brought a vibrant joy to every encounter, leaving a lasting impact on our community.
When I received the heartbreaking news of Ethan's passing, the outpouring of support from his family was profoundly moving. They chose to honor Ethan’s memory by asking friends and loved ones to support Keys 2 Success in lieu of flowers. This gesture speaks volumes about the values they instilled in Ethan, and we are deeply honored to continue his legacy through the Ethan Crasto Memorial Fellowship.
The fellowship will carry forward Ethan’s spirit, providing leadership opportunities for our most dedicated students. It will serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration, ensuring that his love for music and concern for others live on.
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As the event drew to a close, it was clear that this was more than just a concert. It was a celebration of what is possible when communities come together, united by a shared love of music and a vision for a brighter future. Keys 2 Success has built a long-standing relationship with NPUMC, and this connection has been instrumental in creating a space where our students feel valued and included.
The audience was visibly moved by the confidence and poise of our students—a confidence rooted in knowing they belong. This event was a powerful reminder of the impact that music and a welcoming community can have. It brought sophisticated music to New Providence, but more importantly, it brought people together, bridging gaps and creating lasting bonds.
The gifts given in Ethan's memory and the support from the New Providence area community will continue to inspire and nurture our students, helping them grow into leaders who will carry forward this legacy of love, excellence, and hope.
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Music at the Newark Mansion
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On November 1st, Keys 2 Success hosted an inspiring event at the historic Krueger-Scott Mansion, drawing guests into an afternoon of powerful performances by our talented young musicians. Set in this grand Newark landmark, the event celebrated a bright future embodied by Keys students.
Brendan Da Silva, lead of the DaSilva Real Estate team, opened the event with a captivating history of the mansion. Originally built in 1888 by brewer Gottfried Krueger, the mansion later became the home of Madame Louise Scott, Newark’s first African-American female millionaire. He eloquently connected the work of a real estate company with the arts by saying “It’s the role of artists to enlarge beauty in spaces. Our youth are an expression of beauty in Newark, and we are so grateful to host these wonderful gatherings and spotlight the great work that Keys 2 Success is doing every day."
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Throughout the event, attendees were deeply moved by passionate performances from Keys 2 Success students. In addition, the program featured remarks from Samuel McDonald, Education Manager at The New Jersey Symphony, and Tricia Tunstall, who spoke about the background and larger context of of El Sistema-inspired programs, of which Keys 2 Success is one.
Tricia is a writer, speaker, consultant, and teacher who focuses on music education and social change in the U.S. and around the world. Her book "Changing Lives: Gustavo Dudamel, El Sistema, and the Transformative Power of Music" won the 2013 ASCAP Award for outstanding music book of the year and the 2016 Prix Des Muses. "Changing Lives" has been published in five languages and has helped to catalyze the worldwide El Sistema movement.
Below is an excerpt from Tricia’s talk:
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I first learned about El Sistema in 2009 when I went to see the Gustavo Dudamel (current music director of NY Philharmonic) conduct in Carnegie Hall, and I was not prepared for what I saw. I saw an orchestra of all young musicians, playing huge pieces by Beethoven and Dvorak. All of them were from Venezuela and didn't speak English. For their encore, they played the mambo from West Side Story. The audience went wild as the students stood up, twirled their instruments around, and danced with each other as they played - flawlessly!
But where did this all come from? We're going to take a moment back to 1975 a man named José Antonio Abreu, who was the mentor and teacher of Gustavo. In addition to being a musicians, he was also an activist and politician. He saw that most Venezuelan kids never had any chance to get music education. So he and his friends started driving around the city, asking youth if they want to be in an orchestra. And lots of young people said yes, and they starting rehearsing in the parking garage. As they practiced together as a group, he saw that something else was happening - these young people, were beginning to get committed to each other. They were beginning to feel more joyful about their lives. They were beginning to feel more agency in their lives. The Venezuelan government started funding the program, and it grew to serve over 500,000 kids by 2010.
The essential ideals of of that model are:
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Kids play together and teach each other
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It is embedded in the community
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It is free and accessible
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It is intensive
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It is about developing the full child
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And I have never seen these ideals embodied stronger than at Keys 2 Success. There is an intense group ensemble ethic. Keys students help one another learn. Parents, the siblings, are all invited. Everybody's in there. It's free, it's accessible. Students can go to lessons more than once a week. It's not about musical perfection. It's really about reaching kids where they are, helping them build bonds, helping them build confidence, helping them build skills. And as our friend Brendan [DaSilva] said, it is “enlarging beauty in all forms”
As I was doing research for my book I learned that El Sistema-inspired programs was actually happening all over the world:
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We saw a program in a refugee camp in Greece that was being held in shipping containers.
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We saw a program in a city in Japan where the kids had, just a few years before, lost their houses and their families in the giant tsunami of 2011.
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We saw a program in Rio where there had been murders at night before, and so the system, the program was closed the day we were there. But the kids had ignored the fact that the program was closed, and came anyway and were rehearsing.
and there are many more. So I'd love all of you to know, especially the kids in the room, there is a large network of people all around the world now who are making music a transformative fact in kids' lives.
And I want to end by giving a shout out to Keys 2 Success, which is so such an amazing program. You have an unusually freewheeling way looking for partnerships everywhere. You are an amazing program that leads with imagination and passion and love. I've never seen anything quite like it!
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Tricia Tunstall has partnered with Keys 2 Success in many ways over the years. Her private studio students have performed alongside ours, creating beautiful moments of shared learning. Tricia and her husband, Eric Booth, also collaborated with Keys teaching artist Elijah Souels on the Black Composers Project, which features beginner-friendly piano arrangements of great orchestral themes by Black composers.
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As Keys 2 Success transitions from a startup to a mature organization, we envision becoming a model for strategic classroom placement and relationship-focused education—a standard worth replicating in other communities. To achieve this vision, we need your support to hire more teachers to offer more consistent staffing at every site.
Here’s how you can make a difference:
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Become a Major Donor: With a gift of $10,000 or more, you can directly impact the future of our students, helping us expand our teaching team and provide exceptional, personalized music education.
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Fund-A-Scholar: $3,600 covers a full year of weekly piano lessons for one child. Your sponsorship will nurture their talent and confidence, transforming their musical journey.
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Join as a Monthly Donor: With an average donation of $100, your ongoing support will sustain our efforts, allowing us to grow and adapt to our students' needs.
Your contribution will help us enrich not only our young musicians but also their communities. Be part of this transformative journey—support Keys 2 Success today!
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