Superintendent León Recognizes JAZZ HOUSE KiDS

NEWARK, N.J. – Millions of people saw Miguel Rodriguez Bermudez’s viral moment last June when Superintendent León offered him a teaching position as he walked the graduation stage.

In that moment, Bermudez was a young man who appeared to have everything – a high school diploma, an acceptance to William Paterson University, and even a job lined up for after college. There was one thing he didn’t have: a saxophone – a significant problem for a music major who is supposed to teach music in four years. He had to return the baritone sax he had played as a student to his alma mater, Arts High School.

Enter JAZZ HOUSE KiDS, a nationally renowned jazz instruction program, whose founder + president, Melissa Walker, was recently profiled on CNN. Until his graduation in June, Bermudez was a long-time student in the JAZZ HOUSE Music Scholars Program embedded at Science Park High School under direction of band director Mario Banks. Through Banks’ referral and the support of the JAZZ HOUSE Give An Instrument, Build A Musician program, Bermudez now has been provided a brand-new baritone saxophone from R.S. Berkeley Musical Instruments, turning access into a college pathway and a future music educator who plans to give back to Newark schools. 

“At JAZZ HOUSE, we believe every young musician deserves the tools to pursue their passion,” said Walker. “When we heard Miguel’s story, we knew we had to step in.  Through our Give an Instrument, Build a Musician program, started by underwriters Janet Shapiro and Philip Bryd, we have put more than 1,200 instruments in the hands of students who need them.  We are thrilled to add a new baritone sax for Miguel to that number and we know his journey will continue to uplift the next generation. This instrument isn’t just a gift—it’s a promise of the music he’ll make and the students he’ll mentor. We can’t wait to hear the powerful sounds he’ll bring to life and the ripple effect of his teaching in classrooms and communities to come.”

“I’m so grateful to JAZZ HOUSE KiDS for believing in me and giving me this incredible saxophone,” said Bermudez. “It means the world to know that so many people support my dream of becoming a music teacher. I can’t wait to make music with it and to pass that same inspiration on to my future students.”

“As a mother, there are no words to describe how grateful I am for the love and support shown to Miguel,” said Betsy Bermudez Crespo, Miguel’s mother. “Seeing so many people come together to make sure he can follow his dream of becoming a music teacher has filled our hearts with joy. Thank you to Superintendent León, Jazz House Kids, and everyone who believed in him.”

“After Miguel and I had our viral moment on the graduation stage, the media coverage was enormous,” said Superintendent León. “We are so grateful that JAZZ HOUSE KiDS responded with their generosity. They have been steadfast in their commitment to student achievement in Newark and because of their help, Miguel now has the instrument he needs to turn that promise into reality. This partnership shows what is possible when our community comes together to support our students’ dreams.”

“Miguel’s journey represents the very best of Newark: talent, determination, and a community that rallies behind its young people,” said Board of Education President Hasani K. Council. “We are deeply grateful to JAZZ HOUSE KiDS for investing in his future and showing our students that their aspirations are worth every note.”