Wendy for SFCPA

What The SFCPA means to me

The SFCPA was born out of two challenges - Lack of accessibility to arts engagement in our area of West Kendall and Brandon's MS diagnosis. With foresight into how MS would affect his ability to perform and teach in the future, Brandon pivoted to creating a place where his impact within his musical world would multiply by investing heavily in youth, artists, and community. Since opening its door in 2013, the SFCPA has brought close to $900K in grants and awards to fund low cost music education, performances, and community events in our area and throughout the county. Every dollar has gone directly to impacting students, artists, and the general community - instruments, literature, teachers, performances, technology, and our awesome space! As well as outside local services such as photographers, videographers, sound engineers, and graphics. 

At the personal level, the SFCPA is an organization at the center of our family's life. It is were my children have grown surrounded by passionate individuals that have encouraged and inspired them to be the determined and kind people they are. 

Please read our 2025 Give Miami Day goals below and consider supporting the work we do! 

What You Are Supporting:

When you give to SFCPA, you fuel life-changing experiences for young people through the power of drums and percussion. This year, donor support helped us accomplish something extraordinary: for the first time ever, we brought our Advanced Percussion Ensemble to PASIC—one of the largest percussion events in the world. These students, who have been rehearsing together every week since the ensemble launched in 2024, spent four inspiring and transformative days in Indianapolis learning from world-class artists, seeing what’s possible for their future in music, and how far their dedication can take them. Now, we’re dreaming even bigger — and we need your help to make it happen.

Our 2025 Give Miami Day Goals:

1. Bring More Students to PASIC 2026

This year’s trip changed lives. Next year, we want to double the number of students who can experience this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Your gift helps fund flights, lodging, meals, registration, staff support, and the ability to ensure every deserving student can participate, regardless of financial circumstances.

2. World-Class Artists, Concerts & Workshops 

In 2026, we plan to bring legendary percussionists — including dream-guest artists to Miami for masterclasses, special events, and community concerts. These transformative experiences ignite passion, expose students to excellence, and build the cultural vibrancy of our community.

3. Strengthen SFCPA’s Core Mission

Like many arts organizations in today’s shifting funding landscape, SFCPA is navigating reduced grant opportunities and increased operational costs. Your support helps us sustain the essentials: instruments, teaching artists, classroom resources, rehearsal space, program materials, and accessible tuition-free offerings. This is the foundation that allows everything else — including trips like PASIC — to be possible.

Your Give Miami Day contribution keeps Miami’s percussion community strong, joyful, and growing. Together, we can keep opening doors for Miami’s young musicians like me, inspire young artists, and build a future where every child has access to transformative musical experiences — in our classrooms, on our stages, and and out in the world.

Will you join me today in supporting South Florida Center for Percussive Arts?