Juan Alonso for Dranoff 2 Piano

I recently was elected to serve on the board of Dranoff 2 Piano this year. What drew me to this organization was that it has launched the careers of some of the world's greatest pianists, commissioned new works, presented inspirational concerts, and developed Piano Slam to promote awareness in a new generation of students of the transformational power of music and the arts through a multi-disciplinary, educational, and inspirational concert and creative writing program. 

Piano Slam is a ground-breaking STEAM performance program for youth that uses music to enhance core subject learning, such as English and science in about 75 classrooms annually. The program culminates in a poetry competition open to students in all middle and high schools in Miami Dade County Public Schools.  Finalists compete on the Knight Concert Hall stage of the Adrienne Arsht Center for cash prizes each April, but more than just a competition, this program changes lives. 

University of Miami senior and Piano Slam alum Brenis Bostick says it best:

"Nearly five years ago, my participation in Piano Slam sparked a profound love for poetry, music, and the arts. That passion has flourished, opening countless doors. Piano Slam came at a turning point in my life. It truly saved me when my father was incarcerated, and I felt there was nothing left to live for. Then, my teacher recognized my pain and encouraged me to write about it. Shortly after, I attended my first Piano Slam concert and vividly remember saying to her, “I want to be on that stage next year. I want to be part of Piano Slam.”

Piano Slam is more than just a concert or program. It’s a platform where students like me are seen, heard, and given the opportunity to share their stories. It amplifies the voice of change, ensuring that our stories inspire others."

Piano Slam’s impact since 2009 is profound.

•    14,890 poems submitted to the districtwide poetry competition. 

•    100 schools from homestead to Miami Gardens received live programming.

•    1,000 students per year benefited from live programming.

•    246 Piano Slam competition finalists performed on stage. 

Besides this incredible arts education program, Dranoff's innovative performances feature piano duos in every music style that are frequently joined by musicians from Europe, South America, Africa, and the Caribbean. Its annual core programming includes Piano Slam, Classical Classics, Latin 2 Piano, and West African Beats, with World Jazz launching next season, not to mention a collaborative performance with Dimensions Dance Theatre this summer. 

In short, if you love music, believe in the power of arts education or just want to support me in my efforts to help this great organization, please give whatever you can. With funding cuts coming from every possible direction, a little bit goes a long way toward the sustainability of Dranoff 2 Piano Fusion and many other non-profits like them.