“This year was pretty amazing,†starts an essay written by Josh Bailey, a senior at Hamilton High School on Robertson Blvd. After a year in the eye-opening Fox Music Mentoring Program at his high school, Josh is now packing his bags for a trip to Hong Kong, in honor of his outstanding service to the nonprofit organization Education Through Music-Los Angeles (ETM-LA).
Bailey, a young violinist, has been tutoring violin students after school at ETM-LA partner school St. Sebastian for the last 4 years. ETM-LA partners with Los Angeles schools like St. Sebastian to create music programs that bring general music, instrumental, and choral lessons into the school day of children who may not have formal music instruction available. In June, ETM-LA won a grant from Cathay Pacific Airlines as part of the airline’s 20th Anniversary of service from LAX to Hong Kong. Among the items awarded to the organization was a free trip to Hong Kong, to be gifted to its Volunteer of the Year.
“I never thought I would have a chance to go to China. When I heard the news my mom and I were jumping up and down,†said Bailey.
Bailey has decided to bring his mother, Brenda, along with him to Hong Kong in March, to say thanks for being such a huge supporter of his musical endeavors. He says she’s the obvious choice, because “she’s never seen China, and she’s a hero of mine.â€
According to Victoria Lanier, Executive Director of ETM-LA, choosing Bailey was an easy decision. “Josh is always willing and ready to take on any task. He brings such joy and enthusiasm into whatever he is doing – and truly has been a model volunteer,†Lanier says of Bailey.
“Working with Education Through Music-Los Angeles was such blast,†said Bailey. “I got to see how things would play out if I was to become a teacher and I liked it…it wasn’t just a learning experience for the kids, but for me also. This is one of the best experiences I’ve ever had.â€
Cheryl Mollicone, the Director of the Fox Hamilton Music Mentoring Program, says that Bailey was able to hear real-life stories about making music, which can make young musicians aware of countless possibilities they might never have imagined. “We’re certain that he will have an amazing life, and look forward to hearing about all of his terrific experiences,†said Mollicone
Education Through Music–Los Angeles (ETM-LA, Inc.) makes music education a reality for thousands of children who would otherwise have limited or no exposure to the arts.
For more information, visit us at www.ETMLA.org.
