“Music as a core part of a holistic, well-rounded education is critical to a child’s development,” ETM-LA Executive Director, Victoria Lanier
By Angela Redding | Los Angeles, CA | Hollywood Beat magazine | December 11, 2023
Photos: Education Through Music-Los Angeles
Education Through Music-Los Angeles (etmla.org) recently held its 18th Year Benefit Gala at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles on Tuesday, December 5, 2023. It was a star-studded event with attendees from the music, film, business, and education communities, all coming together to support ETM-LA’s mission of bringing the gift of music to local under-resourced schools.
The gala also served as a platform to recognize and honor the remarkable contributions of individuals like Christophe Beck, the renowned composer behind Disney’s Frozen, Frozen II, and Marvel’s Ant-Man. Lydia Lee, a dedicated music educator at John Muir Middle School, was also celebrated for her outstanding work as a Vocal Music Director.
Additionally, the gala paid tribute to SEL4CA (Social Emotional Learning Alliance for California), an organization making a significant impact in promoting social and emotional learning. It was truly a night filled with music, appreciation, and the collective effort to make a positive difference in the lives of students.
Executive Director Victoria Lanier shared, “We’re grateful to have champions come alongside our vision to ensure that all students, in particular those from marginalized communities, have equitable opportunities to thrive. Music as a core part of a holistic, well-rounded education is critical to a child’s development.”
Kristen Bell Pays Tribute to Christophe Beck & Joined Music Students in a Delightful Performance of, “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?”
To pay tribute to Beck, the talented Kristen Bell took the stage and delivered a heartfelt rendition of the song “More Than Just the Spare.” This beautiful melody, unfortunately, didn’t make it into the final cut of the original film but holds a deeply meaningful spot in Bell’s heart. In addition to this, Bell granted the wishes of music students by joining them in a delightful performance of the beloved Disney tune, “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” As a strong advocate for ETM-LA’s mission, Bell emphasized the importance of music, stating that it is not only essential but also a language that every single one of us deserves to express ourselves in.
Beck remarked, “One of the reasons why what ETM-LA does is so important is it reaches kids [with music] when they’re young at an age when they’re just exploring…it is with my whole heart that I get behind ETM-LA who is helping open the same path [I had] for so many kids.”
(ETM-LA) 18th year benefit gala at the Skirball Cultural Center on Tuesday, December 5, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.
Dr. Amy Cranston Praised as a True “hero” by Her Brother Bryan Cranston
At ETM-LA’s gala, the charismatic host Bell’s Do, Re & Mi collaborator Jackie Tohn captivated the audience with her clever delivery. The night was filled with prestigious award presentations, including Director Chris Columbus presenting an award to Beck, Actor Bryan Cranston honoring Dr. Amy Cranston & SEL4CA, and Music Educator Pam Pouliot receiving an award from Lee. Cranston praised his sister as a true “hero” and emphasized the lifelong impact of music, stating, “When you’re introduced to music early on, it becomes a lifelong companion. It’s a source of creativity and inspiration.”
$500,000 Raised for ETM-LA
Performances by Melodica Men (Joe Buono & Tristan Clarke), Kait Dunton & Band, and ETM-LA Alum Brooke Bailey & Choir Ensembles rounded out the gala which raised over $500,000.
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