Thanks to Daniel R. Lewis and M:X (Miami Experimental), more than 45 scholarships to attend Interlochen Arts Camp will be available to young musicians in the Miami Music Project for at least the next three years, with a gift valued at $1.2 million.
This renewed commitment comes after a summer wherein Miami Music Project students demonstrated being among the best young artists in the world. “We had hoped the Miami Music Project students would help enrich the global community that gathers at Interlochen Arts Camp, but we could not have imagined the impact they made,” said Trey Devey, president of Interlochen Center for the Arts. “Their artistic abilities, hard work and passion propelled their success, which inspired their peers, their faculty, and me.”Miami Music Project’s El Sistema-inspired programming is informed by the teachings of Venezuelan musician, economist, and activist, Jose Antonio Abreu, based on a set of inspiring ideals that seek to effect social change through the ambitious pursuit of musical excellence. El Sistema focuses primarily on children with the fewest resources and greatest need.
“Having Miami Music Project students experience the Interlochen Arts Camp means the world to us,” said Anna Pietraszko. Miami Music Project executive director. “There’s such little access to high quality opportunities like this one for students who, through no fault of their own, come from under-resourced backgrounds. It is unfortunate because the children we serve are just as talented as any other, but are restricted by their financial status.
‘Most underserved youth will not have a chance to attend high-quality, renowned summer arts and music camps which are proven to be a game-changer for many young musicians. Imagine if these barriers did not exist. Imagine if these kids could not just dream about such opportunities, but also know that these dreams can and do come true for kids like them,” she added.
The Interlochen dream became a reality thanks to the financial generosity of Miami-Dade County resident and philanthropist, Daniel R. Lewis. Lewis has been an active proponent of increasing access to arts education and training across cultural and socioeconomic lines. His belief in driving social change through the arts, specifically through youth music education, inspired an alliance between Miami Music Project and Interlochen Center for the Arts.“I have never felt better about philanthropic money I have spent,” Lewis said. Beyond his commitment to the camp collaboration, he also has agreed to help provide scholarships for any Miami Music Projects students who matriculate to Interlochen Arts Academy. After standing out among their talented peers this summer, three Miami Music Project students are attending Interlochen Arts Academy. Bobby Bush, Edrick Vivoni and Christopher Gonzalez received scholarships to join the 2018-19 Academy class.“Our sincere thanks to Dan Lewis, whose vision and commitment to these students is making life-changing opportunities possible,” Devey said.
