multicult

One more year of Summer Arts!

For the second straight year, The Multicultural Music group and The Yale Black Alumni association will partner this summer to provide 100 sixth graders with the experience of their lives. From July 18th through August 5th, 2011 The Summer Institute for the arts will take place at MS 223 in the South Bronx. Students will learn the basics of music theory, history and mechanics of most instruments in the different orchestra sections as well as the logistics of playing in an orchestra setting. After a week of learning the different instruments through master classes, workshops and performances, the students will chose their own instruments and will be given private instruction as well as ensemble opportunities.  Participants in the program will witness a vast array of performances such as a string ensemble, a woodwind ensemble, an RnB singer, a Broadway performer, a classical trumpet performance, Los Pleneros de la 21, Markus Schwartz (Haitian percussion), an interactive piano performance and several more. SIA students will also be treated to a visit to Lincoln Center, Merce Cunningham Dance Company and two Broadway Shows. The Multicultural Music Group would like to thank The Yale Black Alumni Association for their support and dedication to this project. We would like to give a special recognition to Jongnic Bontemps and Nicholas Lewis as well as the many Yale alumni that participated in last year’s program.

The MMG present at Vision Fest 2011

On Saturday June 12, 2011 MMG/Mott Hall high school students performed at the Vision Jazz Festival which was held at the Abrons Center in Manhattan. This is a very prestigious international festival and the students had the opportunity to represent their hard work and dedication. Percussion teaching artist, Juan Pablo Carletti, created a program that was very appropriate for this type of festival. The students played through a cycle of multi rhythmic patterns and mixed this with Tito Puente and John Coltrane themes. The audience was very appreciative and applauded loudly, especially after saxophonist Rodolfo Polanco’s solos. The students were invited to participate in the grand finale which was a performance by an 80 piece orchestra conducted by William Parker. In all, we had a great experience and the students were certainly inspired. Best of all,The Multicultural Music group was invited to perform in next year’s festival.

MMG rocks Telemundo

On Sunday, March 27, 2011, the Multicultural Music Group/Mott High School student band performed at the Telemundo/Universal Family Fair. The event took place at the Hudson Armory in Upper Manhattan. The students performed a six-song set consisting of material from, Tito Puente, Duke Ellington, The Temptations and The Beatles. The band was made up of MMG advanced students from Mott Hall High School. The students delighted the audience of about 2,000 and were rewarded with much applause and hollering. The MMG is very proud of our students and staff for representing our organization in such a grand professional manner. Thank You!

Papo Vazquez for MMG

This year, forty students from the MMG music program, were treated to a very special afternoon featuring the now legendary trombone player, Papo Vazquez. Trombonist, composer and arranger Papo Vázquez is more than thirty-five years into a career spanning the jazz Latin, Afro-Caribbean and Classical Music and recording worlds. His vast career has included collaborations with many artists including Eddie Palmieri, Ruben Blades, Shakira, Dizzy Gillespie and Ray Charles among many others. Papo’s original projects include famed Puerto Rican Band Batacumbele, The Fort Apache Band and the Grammy nominated Pirates and Troubadors band. MMG students were invited to attend an open rehearsal at the acclaimed Pregones Theatre. This was part of the Pregones March is music series. Mr. Vazquez and his band performed for the students and answered their questions. The youth from MS 223 and X296 were very inspired by this event. The MMG would like to thank Pregones Theatre and Mr. Papo Vazquez for providing this opportunity to our students.

Bomba y Plena for MMG!

On December 17, 2010 Students from the MMG program were treated to a morning of sizzling Bomba y Plena by Los Pleneros de la 21. The entertaining and educational event took place at The Central Park East school in East Harlem. Students learned about this important form of Puerto Rican folklore and were given the chance to participate by playing instruments and learning dance steps. One of the highlights of the event was the participation of our very own instructor Jorge Vazquez. A very well known percussionist himself, Jorge was invited to play in several numbers.  This event marks the beginning of a semester long collaboration between the MMG and LP21. With a grant obtained from The New York State Council on the Arts, Los Pleneros de la 21 are currently holding ten contact sessions at MS223 in the Bronx. The primary participants will be MMG music students. The semester long collaboration will culminate in a performance that will be open to the public.

MMG and Youth INC “Celebration”

The Multicultural Music Group and Youth INC hosted the much anticipated gala at the Waldorf Astoria hotel on November 15, 2010. “Celebration” is the culmination of a yearlong partnership with Youth INC. During this time MMG has taken part in several workshops, meetings and cultivation events with the purpose of improving our fund raising capabilities in order to provide better services to our students. Youth INC, a non-profit organization, dedicates its resources to improve other organizations who serve our city’s disadvantaged youth. 2011 will mark the 4th year that the MMG participates in the Celebration program. The event was very successful and involved 14 partner organizations. Over 2 million dollars were raised by all of the different non-profit groups. After the MMG reception, guests were treated to great music and dancing courtesy of the Hank Lane orchestra. On behalf of our Board, Staff and students, we would like to thank everyone that donated funds and time to enable us to surpass our goal.

MMG and Yale together in the Summer of 2010

The Multicultural Music Group and The Yale Black Alumni association partnered this summer to provide 60 sixth graders with the experience of their lives. From July 26th through August 6th, 2010 The Summer Institute for the arts took place at MS 223 in the South Bronx. Students learned the basics of music theory, history and mechanics of most instruments in the different orchestra sections as well as the logistics of playing in an orchestra setting. After a week of learning the different instruments through master classes, workshops and performances, the students chose their own instruments and were given private instruction as well as ensemble opportunities. 

Participants in the program witnessed a vast array of performances such as a string ensemble, a woodwind ensemble, an RnB singer, a Broadway performer, a classical trumpet performance, Los Pleneros de la 21, Markus Schwartz (Haitian percussion), an interactive piano performance and several more. SIA students were also treated to a visit to Lincoln Center, Merce Cunningham Dance Company and two Broadway Shows (Memphis and Phantom).  The Multicultural Music Group would like to thank The Yale Black Alumni Association for their support and dedication to this project. We would like to give a special recognition to Jongnic Bontemps and Nicholas Lewis as well as the many Yale alumni that participated in this year’s program.

MMG Presents MME VII "The Parsley Massacre"

The Multicultural Music Group promotes social justice projects through music commissions created to depict, to resemble or to illustrate a historical event in a particular culture. On Friday June 11th, 2010 The MMG presented their second event in the 2009- 2010 MME VII series at Pregones Theatre in the Bronx. Juan Colon, A renowned composer and saxophonist of Dominican origin, presented an original musical composition inspired by the horrific events that occurred in the Dominican/Haitian border in 1933. The presentation was composed of two parts: the panel discussion and the concert presentation of the commissioned work. Michele Wucker, Edward Paulino, Juan Colon and Dr. Carolle Charles, participated in the panel discussion moderated by Dr. Luis Mojica.

The concert presentation began with the participation of the MMG Youth Orchestra who delighted the sold out crowd with three selections from their repertoire. This was followed by a short award ceremony in which MMG honored students Jennifer Oliver and Amaryah Cancela as well as staff members Jorge Vazquez and Manuel Oquendo. The concert culminated in a stellar performance by Luis Columna and The MMG Orchestra together with the Bronx Arts Ensemble in the world premiere of the new musical work “The Parsley Massacre” by Juan Colon. There was a reception afterwards in which community, students, staff, board members and performers were able to interact and enjoy delicious food and drink. Thank you to everyone involved for making this a successful evening.

This presentation was possible thanks to the support from Union Square Awards, the New York State Council on the Arts, New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, The New York Council for the Humanities, The Bronx arts Ensemble, Councilwoman Carmen Arroyo and Assemblyman Adam Clayton Powell, IV.

Gold again for MMG at Six Flags!

For the third year in a row The Multicultural Music Group Youth Orchestra participated in the PAC Six Flags Music Festival. On May 21, 2010 we were once again honored with the festival’s gold plaque.  This year 50 MMG students participated in the contest and the band performed three contemporary selections to the delight of the crowd and judges. The percussion section was awarded an outstanding soloist award and the excited students were treated to a beautiful day at the theme park.  Four schools participated in this year’s event and grades six through twelve were represented. 

Congratulations Mott Hall High School, MS 223, MS 254 and X 296. A special thank you to Pete Miranda (orchestra director) and the rest of the MMG staff for all of their hard work and dedication.

MMG and Mott Hall for Haiti

In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti in mid-January, people in New York City, across the United States and around the world immediately asked themselves what they could do in the face of such an immense tragedy. Anyone who has viewed coverage on television or the internet of the horrors on the ground in and around the capital city of Port-au-Prince has a sense of the immense amount of destruction and the long term struggle to recover that Haiti faces. The Multicultural Music Group and Mott Hall Highschool music students joined forces with “X & Y Bridging the Gap” by participating in a fundraiser at the Hip Hop Cultural center on March 25th, 2010.  MMG students performed a full set of music in an event attended and supported by students from all five boroughs. The students have decided that the funds they raise will be donated to two not-for-profit organizations: Yele Haiti, Wyclef Jean's grassroots organization that includes education and reforestation among its initiatives, and Doctors Without Borders because the health care crisis in Haiti is so severe. These youth have a tremendous amount of love to bring to their endeavor, for it is their way to say, "We care and we will support Haiti in whatever ways we can."

MMG at MS 254 Library Re-opening

The day was full of celebration at MS254 and the MMG music program provided the sounds and rhythms.  On March 25, 2010, the long awaited Library re-opening took place at MS 254. Local government officials, teachers, School staff and students shared in the celebration as the MMG band opened the festivities with a contemporary rendition of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. The music students hold a special place in their hearts for the library as they often hold string rehearsals there.  Congratulations to MS 254 for their new state of the art facility.

MMG present at RUSH Holiday Party!

For the fourth year in a row the MMG Youth Orchestra was invited to perform at the much anticipated RUSH Philanthropic Hoilday Party. On December 18th, 2009 over 500 of New York City's youth came together to celebrate with great food, music and performances from several youth organizations. Participants also received stuffed gift bags and were awarded great prizes. The MMG Orchestra once again rocked the house and delighted all party goers at New York's legendary Irving Plaza. The event was hosted by Sway from MTV and many celebrities were in attendance including the Reverend Run and his family. MMG is very grateful to Mr. Russell and RUSH for all of their support throughout the years.

Bomba y Plena for MMG!

On November 13th students from the MMG program were treated to a morning of sizzling Bomba y Plena by Los Pleneros de la 21. The entertaining and educational event took place at the Julia de Burgos complex in East Harlem. Students learned about this important form of Puerto Rican folklore and were given the chance to participate by playing instruments and learning dance steps.

One of the highlights of the event was the participation of our very own instructor Jorge Vazquez. A very well known percussionist himself. Jorge was invited to play in several numbers.

Los Pleneros de la 21 are celebrating their 26th anniversary this year. They are the maximum expression of this form of music in New York City.

MMG featured at the Rush Philanthropic Art For Life Celebration

On Saturday, July 18, the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation celebrated their 10th annual Art For Life East Hampton benefit fundraiser at the home of media mogul Russell Simmons. Founded in 1995 by Simmons and his two brothers, Danny and Joseph "Rev. Run" Simmons, Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation is dedicated to providing disadvantaged urban youth with significant exposure and access to the arts, as well as providing exhibition opportunities to lesser known artists and artists of color.

The Multicultural Music Group was a featured youth organization this year and our students were invited to perform during the lavish cocktail hour. After walking the red carpet, the MMG Youth Orchestra performed three selections to the delight of the large crowd of celebrities and New York dignitaries. The MMG was also acknowledged during the fundraising program. Most important of all, MMG students had the time of their lives and were treated like celebrities by the Rush staff and party guests. The MMG wishes to thank RUSH Philanthropic for this event and everything they do for us and for the arts in NYC.

MMG presents MME VI "The Borinqueneers"

The Multicultural Music Group promotes social justice through music commissions created to depict, to resemble or to illustrate a historical event in a particular culture. On Friday, May 22, 2009, the MMG presented their second event in the 2008-2009 MME VI series at Pregones Theatre in the Bronx. Ray Santos, five time Grammy Award winner and Academy Award Nominee for Best Song in a Motion Picture, presented an original musical composition inspired by the Puerto Rican participation in the Korean Conflict. The presentation was composed of two parts: the panel discussion and the concert presentation of the commissioned work. Filmmaker Noemi Figueroa Soulet, 65th veteran Eugenio Quevedo and Partnership for the homeless representative Zoilo Torre, participated in the panel discussion moderated by Dr. Luis Mojica.

The concert presentation began with the participation of the MMG Youth Orchestra who delighted the sold out crowd with three selections from their repertoire. This was followed by a short award ceremony in which MMG honored students Eileen Garcia and Ansel Peters, staff members Mauro Satalino and Pete Miranda and board members Winston Brewster and Brian Hodge. A special recognition was made to Gayle Morgan from the Mary Flager Cary Charitable Trust. The concert culminated in a stellar performance by Ray Santos and the MMG Orchestra together with the Bronx Arts Ensemble in the world premiere of the new musical work "The Borinqueneers" by Ray Santos. There was a reception afterwards in which community, students, staff, board members and performers were able to interact and enjoy delicious food and drink. Thank you to everyone involved for making this a successful evening.

This presentation was possible thanks to the support from Union Square Awards, the New York State Council on the Arts, New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, the Aaron Copland Fund for Music, The Bronx Arts Ensemble, Councilwoman Carmen Arroyo and Assemblyman Adam Clayton Powell, IV.

A perfect day at Six Flags for MMG!

For the second consecutive year The MMG Youth Orchestra participated in the PAC Six Flags Festival and was awarded the gold plaque. On May 29, 2009, a select group of students from MS223, MS254, X296 and Mott Hall High School performed three selections at this year's competition. Under the direction of Pete Miranda the orchestra received high appraisals from the judges. Deshawn Robinson (MS223) and Dominick Monti (MHHS) were awarded outstanding soloist awards.

This was the culmination of a year of hard work and dedication and student's elation was priceless. Afterwards, students, staff and parents enjoyed the rest of the day at Six Flags theme park in Jackson, NJ. Thank you to all our staff and parents for making this a perfect day for MMG.

MMG at Lincoln Center Jazz

For the second consecutive year, students from the MMG music program participated in the acclaimed Lincoln Center concerts for young people series. On March 13, 2009 students were treated to the entertaining and informative concert/workshop titled "Improvisation is for everyone", featuring the Erica Von Kleist Quartet. In attendance were MMG participants from MS223, MS254, X296 and Mott Hall High School.

As part of the event, MMG instructors had previously attended a workshop dealing with the subject matter and in turn were able to inform students on what they would be experiencing.

The concert workshop featured a performance by a Jazz quartet and a workshop dealing with the concepts of musical improvisation. Students from the MMG program were able to participate and had a wonderful musical time. We are grateful to the staff of Lincoln Center for their attention and the unexpected tour of the Lincoln Center facilities.

The sounds of Haiti come to MMG

During the second week of February 2009 Marcus Schwartz, a renown percussionist, delighted our students by bringing his unique workshops to the MMG program. Markus specializes in Haitian music and percussion. Students were taught a bit of history, culture and rhythms of Haiti. Mr. Schwartz utilizes technology in a very innovative way. He builds complete songs by using looping technology, this allows students to better understand the complex rhythms and how they work together. Markus visited MS233, MS254, X296 and Mott Hall High School.

Born in Copenhagen, Denmark, and raised in a house full of jazz music in the United States, Markus Schwartz has spent the past 17 years deeply immersed in the world of traditional Haitian drum music.

Markus has traveled the world with his Haitian drums, performing at festivals and concerts across the U.S., throughout the Caribbean islands (Dominican Republic, Haiti, Cuba, St. Lucia, Martinique and Guadalupe), Canada, Mexico, Europe and Japan. As an educator, Markus has taught group and individual drumming classes in the San Francisco Bay Area and Santa Cruz, CA, Santa Fe, NM, Rancho La Puerta, Mexico, Hartford, CT, Vermont and New York City and has participated in lecture-demonstrations on traditional Haitian drum music at San Francisco State University, City College of San Francisco, Laney College, Mills College, St. Mary's College and the Caribbean Cultural Center, among many other locations.

MMG present at RUSH Philanthropic Youth Holiday Party!

For the second straight year The Multicultural Music Group was invited to perform at the RUSH Philanthropic youth holiday party. On December 9th, 2008 the awaited event took place at Fillmore New York at Irving Plaza. Over 500 New York City students were treated to a spectacular event which included entertainment, food, prizes and much more. This year our orchestra was composed of students from Mott Hall High School and MS 223 with a special intervention by Mr. Jarrall Blount.

We are proud of our students who had an amazing performance under the direction of Pete Miranda, Marcelo Cardozo and Juan Pablo Carletti.

RUSH Philanthropic is an organization founded by Russell Simmons, Danny Simmons and the Reverend Run. RUSH provides support to several youth organizations throughout New York City. MMG would like to give a very special thank you for for all their support throughout the years.

Union Square Awards honors MMG

The Multicultural Music Group and sixteen other New York City organizations were honored at the annual Union Square Awards celebration on Saturday, December 6th. Seven received the prestigious Union Square Award and a $50,000 grant for exceptional efforts addressing the critical social and economic issues facing New Yorkers. Ten received the Union Square Arts Award and a $35,000 grant in recognition of innovative work in the arts with youth and families in low-income communities.

"With minimal resources, these organizations

are making extraordinary contributions to local neighborhoods. Given the current economic situation, thier work is vital to New York City," says Executive Director Iris Morales.

This year's awardees work with diverse populations across the City including young people, new immigrant communities, the formerly incarcerated, and the disabled. They join 186 organizations that have previously received the Award since its founding in 1998. Awardees were recognized at a special ceremony at the historic Riverside Church in Manhattan. The MMG is deeply grateful for the recognition and contribution.

MMG and Youth INC together in "Celebration"

The Multicultural Music Group and Youth INC hosted the much anticipated gala at the Sheraton Hotel in New York on November 20th, 2008. "Celebration" is the culmination of a year long partnership with Youth INC. During this time MMG has taken part in several workshops, meetings and cultivation events with the purpose of improving our fund raising capabilities in order to provide better services to our students. Youth INC, a non-profit organization, dedicates its resources to improve other organizations who serve our city's disadvantaged youth.

The event was very succesful and involved 22 partner organizations. Over 2 million dollars were raised by all the different non-profit groups. After the MMG reception, guests were treated to the spectacular "Best of Broadway" revue. On behalf of our Board, Staff and students, we would like to thank everyone that donated funds and time to enable us to surpass our goal.

Bomba y Plena for MS223!

On November 19th MS223 students from the MMG program were treated to a morning of sizzling Bomba y Plena by Los Pleneros de la 21. The entertaining and educational event took place at The Julia de Burgos complex in East Harlem. Students learned about this important form of Puerto Rican folklore and were given the chance to participate by playing instruments and learning dance steps.

One of the highlights of the event was the participation of our very own instructor Jorge Vazquez. A very well known percussionist himself, Jorge was invited to play in several numbers.

Los Pleneros de la 21 are celebrating their 25th anniversary this year. They are the maximum expression of this form of music in New York City.

(photos by Jorge Vazquez)

Multicultural Music Group performs at the MFTA Halloween Party

One of the MMG's yearly highlights is to provide live music for the beautiful Halloween party hosted by Materials for the Arts.

This year was no different. On October 28th, the MMG student/faculty ensemble delighted party goers by providing an upbeat, dance set.

This year marked the 30th anniversary for Materials for the Arts and the event was very well concurred. In attendance was Mayor Bloomberg who provided the evenings opening remarks. The Multicultural Music Group is very grateful to the Deartment of Cultural affairs and MFTA for all their support though out the years.

MME VI concert as part of the Bomplenazo series at HOSTOS

The Multicultural Music Group presented the first concert of the 2008-2009 Multicultural Music Encounter series. The presentation consisted of a community dialogue and music presentation focusing on the development of the music brought to the United States by the Puerto Rican immigrants and how these musical genres were transformed into a new musical style as a result of their social and cultural encounters.
A panel of scholars and composers discussed the evolution of Puerto Rican Bomba y Plena from its roots to the present forms and the recent influence on the symphonic setting. The panel was composed of Papo Vazquez, Ray Santos, Juan Gutierrez, Ricardo Pons and George Mathew.

This presentation featured the innovative Bomba y Plena ensemble Viento de Agua together with the Bronx Arts Ensemble performing the world premiere of "El Origen del Recuerdo", composed by Ricardo Pons. The event took place at HOSTOS college in the Bronx on October 9th 2008 and was very well attended. This presentation was supported in part by the Department of Cultural Affairs, The New York State council on the Arts and The Bronx Arts Ensemble. A very special thank you to The HOSTOS Center for Arts and Culture for their support and dedication.

Mott Hall students encounter Majestad Negra

On October 10th, 2008 students from Mott Hall High School that are participants in our music program, took part in a workshop/performance by Majestad Negra. This is a world wide acclaimed youth Bomba dance troupe from Loiza, Puerto Rico. The students were very engaged by the outstanding performance and participated in the discussion pertaining to the dance steps, history and culture of Bomba (a folkloric art form from Puerto Rico).

The Multicultural Music Group provided this opportunity to coincide with our MME concert series which involved the commission of a symphonic piece utilizing Bomba rhythms. The presentation took place at the Julia de Burgos center in East Harlem (El Barrio). We would like to thank Los Pleneros de la 21 for producing this wonderful show.

Multicultural Youth Orchestra takes the gold at the PAC/Six Flags Festival!

On June 6th, 2008 our program-wide orchestra participated at the PAC/Six Flags festival. Directed by MS223 supervisor Steven Oquendo, the students played 3 selections to a large crowd of music students and aficionados from New York, New jersey and Pennsylvania.

The Orchestra was awarded the gold plaque and was highly praised by the panel of judges. Katherine Delgado, a tenor saxophone player and this Year’s salutatorian at MS223, was awarded the outstanding soloist trophy. We are very proud of our students and their hard work. The rest of the day was spent enjoying the rides at Six Flags amusement park.

The Multicultural Music Group program visits Jazz at Lincoln Center!

On Friday March 14th, 2008 over 50 students, program-wide, attended a wonderful master class on Jazz improvisation at the prestigious venue Dizzy’s club Coca-Cola located within Lincoln Center in mid-town Manhattan.

The class was conducted by veteran Jazz drummer Mat Wilson and focused on basic concepts of Jazz improvisation. Students were given the chance to participate in different demonstrations. Jose Velez, a 7th grade student from MS223 summed it up by saying: “Jazz basically lets you express how you feel at any given time”.

Kevin Jones – master percussionist performs a series of workshops for
The Multicultural Music Group program

Kevin Jones is a very accomplished percussionist. He has performed with Whitney Houston, The Isley Brothers and Luisito Quintero as well as many others. During the first two weeks of February 2008, Kevin conducted a series of workshops on African drumming and culture.

Students were taught different percussive patterns as well as their cultural and social significance. The workshops lasted 2 weeks and the schools involved were: MS223, MS254, X296, X298 and Mott Hall High School. Thank you Mr. Jones for an unforgettable experience.

Multicultural Music Group Youth Orchestra rocks Rush Philanthropic
(Russell Simmons) annual Christmas party!

This year The Multicultural Music Group was fortunate to be invited to perform at the much coveted annual event. The party took place on December 11th, 2007 at Irving Plaza in downtown New York City.

Besides over 500 children from different youth organizations, the Reverend Run and his family, Russell Simmons and many special guests were in attendance. Our youth orchestra performed 2 selections to a very enthusiastic crowd. The Multicultural Music Group is very grateful to RUSH for the opportunity and for all the years of support.