The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation®, Miami-Dade County and the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau join forces to offer a live educational program
The Mayor of Miami-Dade County, Daniella Levine Cava, attended the program
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Credit: John Parra/Getty Images for the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation
MIAMI (NOVEMBER 8, 2024) — The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation®, in partnership with Latin GRAMMY® and GRAMMY®-winning artist and 2024 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year™ Carlos Vives, hosted an educational experience that included the donation of musical instruments at Miami Senior High School in South Florida.
The event, presented in partnership with Miami-Dade County and the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB), marks the 42nd time that the Foundation hosts a Latin GRAMMY In The Schools™ program. It featured opening remarks from the Mayor of Miami-Dade County, Daniella Levine Cava, a musical tribute from the students who performed “La Gota Fría” in honor of Vives, and a Q&A session with the artist moderated by renowned journalist Lili Estefan, co-host of Univision’s El Gordo y La Flaca.
The band program proudly associated with Miami Senior High School—which was established in 1903 and is the oldest high school in Miami-Dade County—stands as a beacon of musical excellence and cultural representation. With a rich history deeply rooted in the community, the band has captivated audiences across borders, performing in countries such as Canada, Mexico, Venezuela, Cuba, and throughout Europe, as well as all across the United States.
In addition, Dollar Tree and Family Dollar joined the celebration as Official Sponsors, with added support from the Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation. Further support was provided by Sony Music Group’s Beyond the Instrument initiative, a grant dedicated to accelerating equity and access to cutting-edge music technology education for students in high-need schools, located in historically excluded communities.
“The instruments we received will not only enhance our students’ musical experience but also open doors for creativity, collaboration and personal growth,” said Santiago Hernández, Band Director of Miami Senior High School. “Each instrument represents a new opportunity for our young musicians to express themselves, develop their talents, and create beautiful music that resonates beyond the classroom.”
“We are incredibly grateful to Carlos Vives for joining us as we celebrate another successful Latin GRAMMY In The Schools program with the talented students of Miami Senior High School,” said Raquel “Rocky” Egusquiza, Executive Director of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation. “And, of course, none of this would be possible without the generous support of our sponsors, as we continue to advance our mission of expanding access and opportunities for the next generation of Latin music creators.”
Since its inception, the Latin GRAMMY In The Schools program has benefited schools in U.S. cities such as Aransas Pass, Dallas, Detroit, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, New York, and San Antonio; as well as internationally in Buenos Aires, Argentina; Mexico City, Mexico; Arecibo, Humacao, Yauco and San Juan in Puerto Rico; and Seville, Spain.
Latin GRAMMY In The Schools is an educational program that informs and connects music students with professionals in the Latin music industry and supports educational music departments that have financial limitations. The Foundation invites artists and professional musicians to visit middle and high schools or music education institutions to share their personal stories and experiences with students that highlight the effort it takes to overcome career obstacles. The goal is for students to learn to optimize the educational opportunities presented to them, giving them an advantage and strong academic preparation to be able to compete in the music industry.
Previous artists who have participated in the program include: Ángela Aguilar, David Bisbal, Marilina Bertoldi, Miguel Bosé, Calle 13, Pedro Capó, Camilo, Chino & Nacho, Chiquis, Luis Coronel, Silvestre Dangond, Joss Favela, Fonseca, Luis Fonsi, El Fantasma, Becky G, Karol G, Kany García, Gente de Zona, Leslie Grace, Carlos Jean, Jesse & Joy, Natalia Lafourcade, Poncho Lizárraga, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mau y Ricky, Claudia Montero, Ednita Nazario, Christian Nodal, Laura Pausini, Ángel "Cucco" Peña, Mireya Ramos, Prince Royce, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Noel Scharjris, Olga Tañón, Thalía, Christian Serratos, Diego Torres, Carlos Vives, Wisin and Sebastián Yatra.
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ABOUT CARLOS VIVES:
With a career spanning more than 30 years, Carlos Vives is one of the most respected artists in Spanish-language music and a pioneer of a new Latin American sound, redefining traditional Colombian vallenato by incorporating pop and rock. He is an 18-time Latin GRAMMY® winner and two-time GRAMMY® winner—the first Colombian to win the latter award—with more than 10 billion streams on digital platforms, 20 million albums sold, and hits like “La Gota Fría,” “Pa' Mayte,” “La Tierra Del Olvido,” “Fruta Fresca” and “Volví A Nacer”. Vives has become an ambassador of Colombian and Latin American culture around the world, and his commitment also transcends the musical realm. In 2015, he created the Tras La Perla initiative to promote the sustainable development of Santa Marta and its ecosystem. In addition, he created the Escuela de Música Río Grande to offer artistic experiences to children and young people and founded the record label Gaira Música Local to promote new Colombian talent. As part his ongoing commitment to music education, Vives has been a strong advocate and generous supporter of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® since its inception and sponsored its annual Prodigy Scholarship in 2018.
ABOUT THE LATIN GRAMMY CULTURAL FOUNDATION:
The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization established by The Latin Recording Academy® in 2014 with the vision of becoming a global champion of music education and empowering communities through Latin music and culture. The Foundation provides educational opportunities through scholarships, education programs and grants that advance Latin music and celebrate its rich cultural heritage, and to date has donated more than $10 million with the support of The Latin Recording Academy’s members, artists, corporate sponsors and other generous donors. For additional information, or to make a donation, please visit latingrammyculturalfoundation.org or our Facebook page. And follow us @latingrammyfdn on X and Instagram, and at Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation on Facebook.
MEDIA CONTACT:
The Latin Recording Academy
Nathalie Alberto
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