This spring, in partnership with the New Jersey Symphony and the Music Performance Trust Fund, Save The Music helped bring live chamber performances directly to students across six Northern New Jersey Title I school districts — including East Orange Public Schools, Jersey City Public Schools, Passaic Public Schools, Paterson Public Schools, Elizabeth Public Schools, and Orange Public Schools.
Together, we reached more than 3,300 students in grades 2–8, introducing young people to the woodwind family, inspiring future band students, and creating unforgettable moments through live music performed by professional union musicians.
Through generous funding awarded by the Music Performance Trust Fund (MPTF), Save The Music Foundation collaborated with the New Jersey Symphony to remove barriers to access and bring the Symphony directly into schools and communities where students may have limited opportunities to experience live orchestral music firsthand.
A Dynamic Musical Experience for Students
Produced by the New Jersey Symphony Chamber Players, the Woodwind Quintet delivered twelve high-quality educational performances designed to spark curiosity, deepen musical understanding, and create meaningful connections through live performance.
Students experienced the full range of the woodwind family through a dynamic cross-genre repertoire that blended classical music, jazz, and global musical traditions. Interactive moments throughout the performances — including a hands-on bassoon demonstration and student Q&A sessions — encouraged participation and allowed students to engage directly with professional musicians.
One highlight of the program included a special arrangement of Peter and the Wolf by Sergei Prokofiev, which brought musical storytelling to life for young audiences. Students also experienced Umoja: Anthem of Unity by Valerie Coleman, a powerful work reflecting themes of unity and connection through African and African American cultural traditions. Contradanza by Paquito D’Rivera showcased a vibrant fusion of classical, jazz, and Afro-Cuban influences.
Together, these works created an engaging and stylistically diverse musical experience that introduced students to the many ways music can tell stories, celebrate culture, and bring communities together.
Reaching More Than 3,300 Students Across Six Districts
The residency brought two performances to each participating district, totaling twelve performances overall and engaging 3,359 students throughout Northern New Jersey.
District Impact Breakdown
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- East Orange Public Schools
1,100 third and fourth grade students representing 12 public schools - Jersey City Public Schools
350 students in grades 3–8 from Dr. Charles P. DeFuccio School #39 - Passaic Public Schools
600 students in grades 3–8 from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. School No. 6 - Paterson Public Schools
534 students in grades 2–8 from Fine & Performing Arts School 24 - Elizabeth Public Schools
495 students in grades 2–5 from Terence C. Reilly School No. 7 and William F. Halloran School No. 22 - Orange Public Schools
280 students in grades 3–7 from Cleveland Street School, Lincoln Avenue School, and Rosa Parks Community School
- East Orange Public Schools
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A Growing National Partnership Expanding Access to Live Music
This initiative builds on more than five years of collaboration between Save The Music and the Music Performance Trust Fund. Since 2019, together, we have developed similar programs designed to introduce thousands of students in culturally rich communities across the United States to the transformative power of live orchestral music.
Past residencies and performances have taken place in partnership with orchestras and public school districts nationwide, including:
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- Santa Cruz Symphony and Pajaro Valley Unified School District in Watsonville, California
- Mississippi Symphony Orchestra and Jackson Public Schools in Jackson, Mississippi
- Columbus Symphony and Columbus City Schools in Columbus, Ohio
- Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra and Dayton Public Schools in Dayton, Ohio
- West Virginia Symphony Orchestra and public school districts across West Virginia
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Through each of these collaborations, students have been given opportunities to experience live orchestral music up close, engage directly with professional musicians, and discover new pathways for creativity, self-expression, and learning.
Inspiring the Next Generation Through Live Music
These concerts became powerful catalysts for inspiration and connection, giving students meaningful exposure to professional musicians while demonstrating that curiosity, dedication, and consistent practice are the true foundations of mastery.
Through thoughtful Q&A sessions, students were encouraged to ask questions not only about the music itself, but also about the musicians’ personal journeys, training, and advice for young people interested in pursuing music of their own.
For many students, these performances offered a rare opportunity to see themselves reflected in the world of professional music-making — helping them imagine new possibilities for their futures both inside and outside the classroom.
At the same time, the partnership strengthened relationships between the New Jersey Symphony and participating school districts, providing Visual & Performing Arts supervisors with direct access for future collaboration opportunities and expanding the Symphony’s engagement within communities that previously had limited exposure to live orchestral performances.
Save The Music was proud to support these district-wide music education initiatives and continue advocating for the transformative power, joy, and necessity of music education for all students.
We’re deeply grateful to the Music Performance Trust Fund and the New Jersey Symphony for their partnership and shared commitment to expanding access to meaningful music education experiences for students across New Jersey. 🎻✨
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