We're thrilled to announce the exceptional lineup of performers for the Celebration of Philanthropy at the National Building Museum on March 21, 2024. To secure your tickets for this extraordinary event, please visit www.thecommunityfoundation.org/celebration
American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras
Founded in 1964, AYPO is one of the nation’s leading youth orchestra organizations. AYPO’s mission is to provide a prestigious and transformational set of growth opportunities in classical music performance for young musicians from all backgrounds in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.
Each year, AYPO provides conservatory-quality orchestral training and performance experience for more than 625 talented musicians ages 7 to 19 from the Greater Washington region. Nearly 70% of AYPO students identify as people of color. Over the past decade AYPO has grown to its current size, with eight orchestras, six instrumental ensembles, the Summer String Academy, and the Music Buddies outreach program for underserved children. This evening we present a group from our senior Chamber Ensemble, and a group from the Junior Chamber Ensemble.
Since 2007, Spur Local (formerly the Catalogue for Philanthropy) has recognized AYPO as one of the best small charities in Greater Washington.
The Northeast Performing Arts Group
The Northeast Performing Arts Group (NEPAG) is an award-winning, culturally based arts and education program with a mission: “To develop and foster the creative talents of youth in the Northeast/Southeast corridors of Washington, D.C. through performing and visual arts, as an alternative to street life and to teach the invaluable lessons of discipline, commitment and team motivation.” NEPAG has trained over 9,000 youth and helped more than 400 enroll in college. Forty-four years later, the center and arts studio has evolved into a haven where young people, ages 3 - 18, can prepare for life while exploring the arts after school, on weekends, and during the 9-week Summer Performing Arts Camp. The NEPAG is currently under the executive direction of Carrington Lassiter.
The NEPAG will provide dance performance excerpts from its most notable productions, "The Lion King: RELOADED",” The Wiz,” and "On Broadway". The dance styles will include ballet technique, African, Broadway jazz, liturgical, modern, and hip-hop.
Prince George’s Arts & Humanities Council
The Prince George’s Arts and Humanities Council is guided by a goal to promote artistic achievement and creative expression in all of its forms. PGAHC support life-long learning through the arts and humanities, particularly in arts education initiatives geared toward young people. It is their belief that the arts and humanities are the catalyst to bridge racial, cultural, social and generational gaps. It is with this in mind that the PGAHC builds stronger communities through education, government, business and private funding partnerships.
PGAHC is proud to present Saniya Pearson, the 2024 Prince George's Youth Poet Laureate. Saniya is a 16-year-old International Baccalaureate student at Central High School, where she is the president of her 10th-grade class, a Mock Trial defense attorney, a Green Team contributor, and a varsity tennis player. As Prince George's County's Poet Ambassador, Saniya has performed her socially conscious and uplifting pieces nationwide.
Montgomery College
The MC Jazztet offers an impressive mix of Latin Jazz, Fusion, and Modern Jazz in their performances. This talented group seamlessly blends Modern and Traditional Jazz, covering a wide range of styles including Early Jazz, Swing, Bebop, Latin Jazz, and Jazz Fusion.
Made up of students, community members, and home-schooled students, the ensemble has entertained audiences at various community events and private functions across the Washington DC metro area. Many members of the MC Jazztet have been accepted into top music schools and conservatories nationwide.
They've had Notable performances at venues like the Glen Echo Ballroom, Blues Alley Jazz Jam, Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival, and The Smithsonian Museum of American History.
Under the direction of Alvin F. Trask, the Montgomery College Jazz program nurtures musical talent and fosters artistic development.
Batalá Washington
Batalá Washington is an all-women percussion band with a mission to empower women through drumming and expose communities to Brazil’s dynamic Afro-Bahian culture and Samba-Reggae music. Joining this nonprofit band is free of charge, regardless of musical experience or background.
Playing rhythms typical of northeastern Brazil, Batalá’s heavily syncopated music is rooted in traditional African drumming and accented with Brazilian samba and Caribbean reggae. The women of Batalá play this music on five different drums, creating a powerful, dynamic sound that has captivated audiences in the DC area for over 15 years. The music, combined with colorful costumes and energetic dancing, creates a memorable visual and auditory experience.
All proceeds go towards providing instruments and costumes to members, who are all volunteers. Batalá’s instruments and clothing are manufactured in Salvador, where the band operates a social program providing jobs for low-income families.