(above) The students of Keys 2 Success (K2S) and the musicians of The Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey (BONJ) performed together on June 12, 2020 via Facebook Live.
JLS Grant Funds the Commission of Piece
Performed by Keys 2 Success Students
Submitted by Dana Felmet
Not to be stymied by the quarantine necessitated by COVID19, the students of Keys 2 Success (K2S) and the musicians of The Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey (BONJ) performed together as planned on June 12, 2020 – only it was virtual via Facebook Live! The Newark students and the professional musicians of BONJ, premiered a piece co-composed by Maestro Robert Butts, director of BONJ and Elijah Souels, a native Newarker and K2S faculty member. A grant from the Junior League of Summit provided the funding for the composition and performance. The presentation included interviews with the composers and a joint ensemble performance of the piece by over 20 musicians from BONJ and K2S. The collaboration, which started in 2019, has been a groundbreaking experience connecting diverse communities. BONJ musicians volunteered their time working with K2S students to reach a wider audience while passing on their know-how to enthusiastic, young musicians.
Keys 2 Success is a non-profit founded by Dr. Jee-Hoon Krska that provides music education to children in Newark public elementary school and public housing. This rigorous piano-based program centers on three principles: 1) children are taught at school or at their public housing so the environment is familiar; 2) training is provided in ensemble setting to emphasize teamwork; 3) students have 150 minutes per week of instruction in music theory and piano performance.
The Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey was founded in 1996 by Maestro Robert Butts who has developed it into New Jersey’s leading collaborative ensemble, working closely with a breadth of arts and social organizations. True to its name, the Baroque Orchestra performs music from the Baroque period, but it also performs music spanning all periods. Maestro Butts was named 2019 Exemplary Leader by the Morris County Chamber of Commerce and 2019 Artist of the Year by the New York Classical Music Society. His compositions have been performed across Europe and Asia, and has been featured on broadcasts of Performance Today on WQXR.
The Junior League of Summit is thrilled to support Keys 2 Success in its mission to use music education as a vehicle for social change in areas that are underserved by more traditional programs. “Keys 2 Success is an important community partner for the JLS. The work they do and the lives they touch leave an indelible mark on the community. We are proud to support them through our grants program and look forward to their continued success,” says JLS President, Erika Melchiorre.
The Junior League of Summit is a nonprofit, charitable, and educational organization of women who are committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. For more information about the Junior League of Summit or to inquire about becoming a member, please visit the website at jlsummit.org or contact the office at 908-273-7349.
