Music for Nikhil
Nikhil had a passion for music from an early age. He excelled at piano, but especially loved his trumpet. At age 11, Nikhil had auditioned for and been accepted to play the trumpet for the prestigious Youth Orchestras of Essex County (YOEC). One of the requirements of the YOEC Orchestra is that students accepted into the program take private lessons in addition to their school music program. Nikhil’s first individual trumpet lesson was scheduled for June 15th, and he was extremely excited to start. Unfortunately, he did not make it to that first lesson.
In the wake of this tragedy, we realized that while Nikhil was unable to further his trumpet education, there are many talented and capable musicians who cannot participate at a similar level due to financial constraints. Thus emerged the idea to form a foundation that offers individualized lessons to underserved children at no cost.
Currently lessons are offered in band, orchestra instruments and voice to middle and high school students in the West Orange school district. Individualized lessons are provided to students who demonstrate talent, commitment and passion for music. The weekly hour-long lessons are provided at no cost to need-based students and at a reduced cost to other students. The lessons are held after school hours at the school. The lessons culminate with a performance by the students at the end of the school year.