About MWP School Programs

Since its founding, MusicWorks for Peace has been dedicated to bringing
the transformative power of music to a diverse group of elementary, middle
school and high school students. As music programs in schools nationwide
are increasingly being cut or scaled-back due to budget issues and shifting
academic priorities, MusicWorks for Peace has begun to make a notable
difference in New Jersey schools.

In just over a year, we have held workshops in select Newark, New Jersey
schools led by world class musicians, but we can't do it without your support.
If you'd like to learn more about how you can help please contact, bbloom@musicworks4peace.org

MusicWorks for Peace has consistently received the support from a group of world class musicians and educators.

Alan Stepansky

Alan Stepansky is recognized as one of the most gifted cellists of his generation. Whether performing as soloist, recitalist, or chamber musician, “he plays with great inward concentration and intensity, utter authority, and a beautiful, warm tone” (Strings Magazine). Mr. Stepanskyrecently completed a distinguished nine-year tenure as the New York Philharmonic’s associateprincipal cellist and made his solo debut with the Philharmonic under Kurt Masur during the1992–93 season. Increasingly in demand as a teacher as well as a performer, he is currentlyprofessor of cello at the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University and at Manhattan

Cyro Baptista

Since arriving in the U.S. in 1980 from his native country Brazil, Cyro Baptista has emerged as one of the premier percussionists in the country. Cyro’s credits read like a “Who’s Who” of modern music. He toured extensively with Yo-Yo Ma’s Brazil Project, Trey Anastasio’s Band (of Phish), John Zorn’s Electric Masada, Herbie Hancock’s Grammy award winning“Gershwin’s World”, Sting and Paul Simon’s “Rhythm of the Saints”.

Eli Yamin

Eli Yamin is a jazz and blues pianist, singer, composer, educator, broadcaster, and Steinway artist. He is also Artistic Director of The Jazz Drama Program and head of Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Middle School Jazz Academy. After participating last spring in the first White House Jazz Studio hosted by First Lady Michelle Obama, Eli was invited back thrice to perform music from his latest CD, You Can’t Buy Swing, in the East Room. Eli has also performed at top concert halls and festivals in Western Europe and the United States and in Mali, India, China and the Balkans as a cultural ambassador touring on behalf of the U.S. Department of State. Eli has played and taught with Barry Harris, Illinois Jacquet, Wynton Marsalis, Walter Perkins, Perry Robinson, Kate McGarry, Claire Daly, Evan Christopher

Joyce Kornegay

Founder of Newark Educators Community Charter School, Ms. Kornegav has extensive experience in Newark schools as a principal, assistant principal and teacher working with a wide range of students including English Language Learners and special education students. From 1995 – 2006, Mrs. Kornegay served as Principal of the Newark Public Schools District’s Fifteen Avenue School, which services students in pre-school through grade seven.

Bill Bloom – MWP President

Bill Bloom is president of MusicWorks for Peace. Bill is composer, producer and performer for film, television and recording artists including: Aztec Two Step, Dave Brubeck, Imo Jah, David Bromberg and many others. In 1993 Bill teamed with George Small to compose and perform the soundtrack for “The Search For One Eye Jimmy” starring John Turturro, Sam Jackson, and Steve Buscemi. In 2006 Bill again teamed with George Small and Sarah Larsen to compose the soon to be released “Garcia Inventions.”

MusicWorks for Peace, Testimonial - Cyro Baptista

I have been conducting music workshops for students for the past 20 years. I deeply believe that when music is incorporated into a curriculum, students achieve better results in math, science and the language arts.
I am pleased to partner with MusicWorks for Peace, enabling me to bring music to students in underserved communities. Our results so far have been excellent. I look forward to continuing to work with MWFP and I am certain that our efforts will benefit students and their communities as a whole.
– Cyro Baptista, world renowned percussionist

About Music Works For Peace

Who We Are

Since its founding, MusicWorks for Peace, has been dedicated to bringing the transformative power of music to a diverse group of elementary and middle school students. As music programs in schools nationwide are increasingly being cut or scaled-back due to budget issues and shifting academic priorities, MusicWorks for Peace has begun to make a difference in New Jersey schools by providing the resources and talent to develop or enhance elementary and middle school music programs. With programs started in three Newark Schools, we look to significantly grow our offerings in 2010 – 2011.