Rubi started with Music Will back in 2014 at Miramonte Elementary School in Los Angeles, CA. The program has been apart of most of her life, so she often reflects on her modern band teacher, Mr. Vergara. She shares, “he was the one who raised me in a way, I grew up with him.” After receiving her acceptance letter to the Thorton School of Music at USC, she even sent him a thank you because he helped inspire her to continue her musical studies. This was Rubi’s “I made it moment” as he Thorton School of Music is the third best music school in the country.

Rubi reconnected with Music Will recently at the 2023 Benefit where she sang lead vocals alongside Grammy nominated singer and songwriter, Allison Russell. Rubi opens herself up to all the opportunities that come her way and finds pride in performing in different places with different people, whether well-known or not.

2023 Music Will Benefit Concert in Los Angeles, CA (Jeff Lewis)

If she were to give music students a words of wisdom she shares, “no matter how old you are, there will always be people trying to bring you down but at the end of the day you have to get back up.” She enjoys giving back to her community and wants to be able to give younger students the opportunities that she received from Mr. Vergara.

Help students like Rubi thrive by supporting Music Will’s efforts to bring music education to all. Learn more about our work and support here.

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After moving to the US and struggling with English as a small child, Nancy connected deeply with her teacher Mr. David Wish through his ability to speak to her in Spanish as she was learning English. This connection meant the world to both Nancy and her family as they navigated life in a new country. 

When Nancy was in elementary school, Mr. Wish brought music into the classroom through his after school guitar program, which would later become the Modern Band curriculum we know today. Nancy has fond memories of learning guitar, playing concerts for her family in the living room, and the strong lasting friendships music created between her classmates which have lasted to today, over 20 years later.

One of Nancy’s favorite memories of her time in Mr. Wish’s after school music program was when the Carlos Santana Foundation gifted each of the students their own electric guitar and amp. She still has the electric blue guitar today and loves to take it out to relive the memories of her excitement to receive it. 

The Carlos Santana Foundation gifts each of the students their own electric guitar and amp.

Years later, Nancy reconnected with her old music teacher when she stumbled upon an article in Time Magazine covering Mr. Wish’s music non-profit, Music Will. She was also able to join the program’s 20th anniversary celebration in New York in 2022, of which she says, “I could just see how happy the kids were and they’re getting to express themselves with all the music. And so that impact I got to see it firsthand 20 years later and it was just very motivating.”

Nancy and Dave at the 20th Anniversary Re-Brand Benefit

While Nancy did not continue her music studies beyond Mr. Wish’s program in elementary school, she credits music as the spark for her life-long love of music. Whether it is listening to music on the radio or attending live concerts now as an adult, she says music shows her “others feel the same way I do emotionally” and has helped get her through challenging times in her life in both high school and college.

Help students like Nancy thrive by supporting Music Will’s efforts to bring music education to all. Learn more about our work and support here.

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After graduating from Middle Tennessee State University with a BS in Music Business, she’s made a successful music career for herself as a guitarist, multi-instrumentalist, and producer in Nashville, TN. Some highlights for her have included working with artists and producers like Mike Will Made It, Keith Urban, and Offset, as well as brands including Red Bull and HP.

Kelley credits her success to her experience in the Music Will Modern Brand program, which she participated in starting in second grade and continued on through elementary school. Under the guidance of her teacher, Mark Hale, she was able to discover her passion for music starting at an early age.

Mr. Hale gave Kelley the opportunity to truly explore music by engaging in songs she loved. She fondly remembers coming into class after trying to learn the Ozzy Osbourne song Crazy Train on her own and performing it in class. Mr. Hale took her personal interest and turned it into an educational lesson for the entire class, helping all of the students engage in relevant music that they loved. 

Not only did she love exploring different styles of music through her guitar classes, Kelley has fond memories of the remarkable performance opportunities that she was able to participate in during her time in the Music Will Modern Band program. Her class was invited to perform on stages like B.B. King’s Monthly and the Ryman— giving Kelley her first taste of what it truly feels like to be a professional musician.

Kelley is a shining example of the importance of music education starting in elementary school where she found a passion for music that has lasted her into her adult years. She encourages all students, “Continue to have that interest in learning music. Never lose that passion and that drive and the motivation that you had in the classrooms!”

Help students like Kelley thrive by supporting Music Will’s efforts to bring music education to all. Learn more about our work and support here.

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These extraordinary people harness their time, energy, passion, and resources to shape the future of our children through their invaluable contributions. 

David Smith of Graystone Builders, Inc. of New Hampshire is one of these individuals, and the impact of dedicated donors like him is beyond measure. They help establish music programs, donate instruments, and fund scholarships. They create positive change in their communities and cultivate a generation of well-rounded individuals who can pursue their dreams. These visionary philanthropists give generously not only in terms of financial support but also through their steadfast commitment to sharing their passion and expertise.

The importance of music education is not lost on Smith because music has played such an instrumental role throughout his life. “Music is my life,” he explains. “I would not be able to function without music.” Driven by a desire to preserve the essence of the beloved music icons he grew up listening to, the donor recognized the importance of cultivating young talent who could carry the torch and keep the Blues alive through future generations.

Smith’s work in New Hampshire with Carlos Santana’s Milagro Foundation and Music Will first began in 2017 at a Santana concert in St. Louis of which the proceeds from benefitted kids. After some research, he became a supporter of the Milagro Foundation and later launched the “New Hampshire Rocks!” program with his company, Milagro Foundation, Music Will, and the New Hampshire Department of Education to bring music education to 13 New Hampshire schools in 2020 – impacting nearly 6,000 kids.

Today, the program continues to expand students’ educational opportunities by allowing them to create, perform and connect through music by providing Music Will’s modern band curriculum and training to teachers. Many of these teachers also receive instruments for their classrooms. “New Hampshire Rocks!” has expanded from 13 to 32 schools in the state and counting, with 41 registered Music Will teachers receiving the training and resources to provide culturally responsive music education to thousands of New Hampshire students.

But it wasn’t easy, and Smith met many challenges along the way to make this possible for his community. It took a substantial amount of time and energy to forge the connections needed to get the program off the ground with the Department of Education and state legislature. But in the end, his hard work paid off. “The success was that the first round of funding benefitted 1,000 children, and the second round 10,000 children,” reflects Smith. “The New Hampshire Legislature now contributes on an ongoing basis and ‘New Hampshire Rocks!’ is embedded in the state’s curriculum.”

“Watching the growth of music education in my home state over the past several years has been exciting!” continues Smith. Teachers, students and families have come together around music, and “New Hampshire Rocks!” has provided kids with the opportunity to experience Music Will’s modern band program which they never would have been exposed to otherwise. “It allows kids to experience rock music they can relate to, and it has opened up a whole new world of music for kids,” Smith concludes. 

The impact of David Smith’s efforts is immeasurable, and our work wouldn’t be possible without the dedication and passion of such donors. “David’s ongoing contributions have created opportunities for aspiring musicians to discover their own unique voices, empowering them to express themselves and unlock their full potential,” affirms Music Will Interim CEO, Janice Polizzotto. “We are so grateful for his commitment which has had an enduring impact on our mission and the lives of children we serve in New Hampshire.” 

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In our “Where Are They Now?” series, we catch up with former students who participated in the Music Will modern band program. We are excited to reconnect with Yancy Garcia, a talented musician known by her fans as Yancyabril, hailing from New York. Her journey in music is an inspiring testament to the lasting impact of music education. 

Beginning in 2008, Yancyabril participated in the Music Will program for seven years, attending P.S. 98 and P.S. 52 schools in New York City. During her time in the program, she was fortunate to have the guidance and mentorship of Ms. Edwards and Mr. Moore, her modern band teachers who left a lasting impact during her studies. Ms. Edwards stood out as the teacher who had a profound impact throughout her journey. She pushed Yancy to reach her full potential, believing in her abilities and instilling the confidence needed to pursue her passion for music. 

One cherished memory stands out vividly in Yancy’s mind, where she and her fellow students crafted and performed a compelling song centered around the theme of saving the planet. This collaborative experience not only showcased her talent but also highlighted the power of music to inspire change and foster teamwork. 

Reflecting on the profound impact of the program on her personal growth, Yancy emphasizes the invaluable lesson of embracing one’s true self. She candidly shares, “I had always struggled with insecurities about my personality and sense of identity… but thanks to the program, I learned to embrace who I truly am and be unapologetically myself.” Through her involvement in the Music Will program, she discovered her unwavering passion for music, an undeniable calling that has shaped her artistic journey. Additionally, the tools of discipline and focus she learned during her time in the program have been instrumental in her personal and professional growth.

Since her time in Music Will’s  modern band program, Yancyabril has achieved remarkable milestones. She proudly graduated from Purchase College as an Ella Fitzgerald Scholar, an honor determined by a student’s artistic strength and personal work ethic.  Yancy has also been a part of The Woodshed network program with Dee Dee Bridgewater, served as an AmeriCorps member with City Year, embarked on a mini tour for her second EP, received a $10,000 grant, and even made it to the Top 8 on The Voice Dominicana! 

Yancyabril’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of music education. From her early days in the Music Will program to her current accomplishments, her story exemplifies how music can spark inspiration and shape lives. Her dedication, talent, and unwavering passion for music continue to inspire others to pursue their dreams. Music will forever be an integral part of Yancyabril’s life, and her journey serves as a shining example of the profound impact that music can have on individuals and communities alike. 

You can learn more about  Yancyabril by watching the video below, and check out her music on her website. https://linktr.ee/yancyabril 

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“My student was not engaged in music class… at all. He told me he hated music and never came close to even picking up an instrument. After years of attempts, I had accepted the fact that I tried everything I could. “I’ll never forget the first day we played the instruments that Music Will had donated. This was the first time my classroom was equipped with ukuleles and I could already imagine this student smashing the new instrument on the floor, rock star style. Instead, there he was–ukulele in hand and strumming along to ‘Put The Lime In The Coconut.’ On his way out, he said something to me that changed my outlook on every kid just like him. “He said, ‘I’ve always wanted to play guitar and this is close enough. Are we playing again tomorrow?’ I was gobsmacked — he felt compelled to make music after seeing a familiar instrument. Every day following that class, we had hands-on instruments including ukuleles, guitars, basses, keyboards, and drums. His demeanor and his energy changed. “He entered music class enthusiastically, volunteered to perform, and put himself out there in front of his peers. The behavioral issues were gone and he was collaborating with his peers; fellow teachers agreed that this was carrying over into his other classes. His attendance improved. His academics improved. His attitude about school improved. “Succeeding with the ukulele allowed him to show up more fully as a student, musician, and classmate. This experience has proven to me that music is transformational.”

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My name is Clayton McIntyre. I’m a proud husband and father, the founder of a music production and songwriting company, a member of a live band, and the Teaching and Learning Assistant at Music Will. I’m certain music changes lives, knowing how it has inspired me. It changed my life from the day I began taking Music Will classes back in eighth grade, and the fact that I have come full circle from being a Music Will student to now working for the organization is a major source of pride for me.

I was raised with a very strict school, home, church, home schedule. I did not spend a lot of time socializing. That was Mom’s way of keeping us safe and out of trouble. See, gang activity was quite common around Orange, New Jersey. Some of my classmates affiliated with those gangs even brought that culture to school. I grew up in an environment where being quiet and less known was the safest bet to avoid trouble and drama. So, I became very good at that. I grew up with strong morals and values instilled by my mother and the teachings of the church.

In eighth-grade, my curiosity brought something that would shape my school journey in a big way. I saw students carrying mysteriously large instrument cases to a classroom after school and followed along. Mr. Alan Christian, the instructor of what I would soon learn to be the Music Will program, welcomed me to a lesson to explore my interest. I was shy and intimidated, but there was something about the way Mr. Christian taught that caused me to feel at ease almost instantly. I could feel his love for teaching.

I found myself in a room full of unfamiliar faces, holding a strange instrument (soon to learn an acoustic guitar), hoping to learn the awkward finger positions. Mr. Christian guided us through three notes, A, D, and E, and introduced a simple strumming pattern. It had only been 30 minutes and I was playing the guitar!

To my surprise, when the lesson finished, it got even better. My classmates and I were told to take our guitars home to practice. This never happens and all I could think was, wow! The feeling of encouragement prompted me to advance through the booklet of chords over that very weekend. I became engrossed in learning and practicing every chance I could.

After graduating from the eighth-grade and throughout high school, I continued to explore music through marching band, church, and friends. When I moved to the campus of Rutgers University for undergraduate studies, I met a variety of artists. I connected with other musicians to produce music and became the musical director for a band that hosted open mic shows across major NJ cities. By this time, I was convinced that I should pursue a career in music. I had to depart from Rutgers earlier than anticipated, due to unforeseen circumstances. Though that period in my life was uncertain, music was and continues to be, a source of joy and comfort.

My passion for music remained and I decided to move to Jamaica to pursue a professional career in music production. Thankfully, I was successful in my endeavor. I had the privilege of working with a multi-platinum artist and talented touring artists. I provided music production services, live performance preparation, and traveled to play shows. In 2015, I returned to NJ, founded a music production and songwriting company, and continue to produce and play live music professionally.

As I reflect on my journey as a musician, I think to my instructor, Mr. Christian. He believed in me and demonstrated that by taking extra time to nurture my young talent. Mr. Christian went above and beyond to facilitate learning. He spared time to tutor me and enthusiastically listened to any and all ideas I proposed. I recall when he surprised me with a thumb pick to help me practice Chet Atkins’ song, Classical Gas – I could not wait to go home and practice! On my middle school graduation day, Mr. Christian and my English teacher, Mr. Curtis Matthews, joined forces to surprise me at home with an alto saxophone. It is rather challenging to summarize what that moment means to me briefly. However, their generosity and selflessness created a transformative moment in my life that I will never forget. To this day, I consider Mr. Christian one of the best mentors and friends I ever had.

In 2018, Mr. Christian passed away. It was then that I reconnected with Dave Wish, founder of Music Will. I was thrilled to see that Dave was as vibrant and passionate as I remembered him as a student. I was presented with the opportunity of joining the Music Will as a Special Projects Assistant — a position where I would be able to strengthen the organization’s impact on our country’s youth. To be frank, I have never experienced a more fulfilling job over my years of professional experience. I am now a proud contributor to bringing the mission of Music Will to life. I am privileged to have a full circle view – witnessing how excited and involved teachers are in bringing music to their students.

This organization is much larger than when I started my first lesson in the eighth grade and I believe that to be a testament to the importance and impact of our work. It is beyond us – beyond the staff members, beyond the teachers, and beyond the students. It echoes for ages… and I am a living testament to that truth. Mr. Christian is no longer with us, but the passion he had for music and his students, and the joy he experienced by sharing with us lives on forever. That’s the thing about music: It changes the world, one interaction at a time, one note at a time, one brilliant mind at a time. The fruit of our labor lives on, even after we are long gone. That’s why I believe we can truly make the world a better place through music.

Simple Man, Maplewoodstock, July 2019

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