NEW YORK, N.Y. – Students from Ann Street School’s Band delivered show-stopping performances on Wednesday, April 9, as they took the stage at Gotham Hall for the 2025 Music Will Benefit Gala. The unforgettable night saw the Ann Street School Spartan’s band share the spotlight with some of the biggest names in music and Broadway.
The gala featured several standout moments for Ann Street School’s talented young performers:
- Mia Lima (Grade 8) and Michael Caballero (Grade 4) performed a powerful rendition of Brave live on stage with Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles (Love Song).
- Kinze Fortes (Grade 7) and Maite Paucar (Grade 8) were red carpet interviewers, speaking with entertainment legends like Kristin Chenoweth (the original Glinda in the Broadway smash Wicked), Wyclef Jean (of the legendary hip-hop group, The Fugees), and Jackson Browne (songwriter of Doctor, My Eyes, Running On Empty, and others).
- Nickolas Pereira (Grade 8) delivered an electric drum demo performance alongside the Broadway House Band.
- Asaphe Araujo (Grade 6) inspired the audience with a moving speech about his musical journey and the vital role of music in public education.
“Our students continue to shine on some of the biggest stages in the world, and what they achieved at the Music Will Benefit Gala is nothing short of extraordinary,” said Superintendent León, who attended the event. “They brought talent, confidence, and heart to Gotham Hall. I commend their teachers and families for helping to nurture their gifts. This is why we invest in arts education. Every child deserves the opportunity to be seen, heard, and celebrated.”
Every student in the Spartan Band walked the red carpet in style, proudly representing Ann Street School with what Principal Isabel Marques described as “pride, passion, and power.”
“We couldn’t be prouder of these amazing young artists,” said Principal Marques. “They’re not just making music. They’re making history.”
Marques also recognized the dedicated team of educators who helped make this achievement possible: Music Teacher Claudia Escalante, Spanish Teacher Willan Saquicela, Social Studies Teacher Alexander Overzat, and Performing Arts Coach Margin Alexander. “Their dedication to our Spartans is out of this world!” Marques added.
“When young people from Newark take the stage alongside global icons and hold their own, it sends a powerful message: our students are second to none,” said Board of Education President Hasani K. Council. “Our Ann Street students stood tall among some of the biggest names in music and Broadway. I want to thank our Ann Street School Spartans, their families, and the educators who helped them soar.”
The Music Will Benefit Gala is hosted annually by Music Will, a nonprofit that supports music education programs in schools nationwide. Ann Street School’s participation this year highlights the powerful impact of music education in Newark Public Schools. Equally as important, the District and Superintendent León were highlighted at the start of the night with their unwavering commitment to arts education.
About Newark Public Schools The Newark Public Schools is the largest school district in New Jersey and dates back to 1676. The District currently enrolls over 40,000 students in 64 schools. After more than two decades of state operation and upon return to local control in 2018, the District has opened ten new schools under Superintendent León’s leadership with an additional portfolio of new options to be announced in the coming months and years. The Newark Board of Education serves as a beacon of educational excellence, dedicated to nurturing the potential of every student. With a commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and fostering a love for learning, the District continues to shape future generations and make a positive impact within the community.