Saving the Heartbeat of Brooklyn: How a Century-Old Music School Rallied the Community to Secure Its Future

In a heartwarming display of community support, a century-old music school in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, has raised over 0,000 in recent weeks to keep its doors open amidst severe financial challenges. The Brooklyn Music School (BMS), founded in 1909, has been a beacon of arts education for generations, offering a diverse range of programs to both children and adults. This remarkable fundraising effort not only ensures the school's immediate survival but also underscores the deep-rooted connection between the institution and the community it serves.

Preserving the Harmony of a Cherished Institution

Weathering the Storm: BMS Faces Mounting Challenges

The Brooklyn Music School has long been a pillar of the local arts community, providing affordable and accessible performing arts programming to individuals of all backgrounds. However, the school has faced a perfect storm of financial difficulties in recent times. From the constant need for building repairs and maintenance to the delayed funding from the Department of Cultural Affairs and their local city council district, BMS has had to make tough decisions to keep its operations afloat.

The school's executive director, Brian Adamczyz, explains that just to keep the building safe and compliant has been a significant expense, with the school having to replace all of the classroom doors at a cost of around 0,000. Additionally, the school has had to contend with numerous pipe bursts, further straining its resources. These infrastructure challenges, coupled with the rising costs due to inflation, have put immense pressure on the school's finances.

In a move to cut costs and ensure the school's survival, BMS was forced to furlough the majority of its employees and cancel the final three weeks of classes for the spring semester in June. "It was out of absolute, dire necessity to just keep cutting costs to bring expenses down," said Adamczyz, reflecting on the difficult decisions the school had to make.

A Community Rallies to Save a Cherished Institution

Despite the grim financial outlook, the Brooklyn Music School refused to give up. Recognizing the need for immediate action, the school turned to the public for fundraising efforts, setting an ambitious goal of raising at least 0,000 by the end of the month to move forward with its summer programming.

The school's efforts were met with an overwhelming response from the community. Spearheaded by a benefit concert on June 26th, the event featured a star-studded lineup of performers, including Meshell Ndegeocello, Mark Kelley and Captain Kirk Douglas of the Roots, Peter Gunz, members of Living Colour, Gordon Chambers, and DJ Logic. The concert alone raised ,000, with the performers donating their time and talent to support the cause.

But the community's generosity didn't stop there. After hearing about the school's plight through an ABC report, New York Presbyterian offered BMS a substantial donation of 0,000, exceeding the school's initial goal. Additionally, an anonymous donor contributed 0,000 through a memorial fund managed by Brooklyn.org, further bolstering the school's financial position.

The online fundraiser also proved to be a resounding success, reaching its 0,000 goal on the final day, thanks in part to a ,000 donation from PLUS1, an arts nonprofit. The outpouring of support left BMS's executive director, Brian Adamczyz, both relieved and humbled. "I truly didn't know if I was going to be opening the school the next week, or closing the doors and trying to understand if the school would survive at all," he said. "It's just been a rollercoaster of uncertainty and achievement."

A Lifeline for the Next Generation of Artists

The successful fundraising efforts have not only secured the immediate future of the Brooklyn Music School but also provided a sense of hope and stability for its students. Sterling Savage, a high school senior and a BMS student for the past 10 years, expressed his excitement at the news, saying, "I've always seen Brooklyn music school as a part of my life that would never not be there. It's just so exciting that I know we have enough money to continue on and support not only mine, but other families."

With the summer programming now underway and the furloughed staff returning to their roles, the school is taking a cautious yet optimistic approach to the future. Adamczyz acknowledges that while the immediate crisis has been averted, the school will need to continue fundraising efforts to ensure its long-term sustainability. "The money is going to be used very carefully," he said, explaining that the funds will go towards operating costs, payroll, and debts, as well as be set aside for future emergencies.

The resilience and determination displayed by the Brooklyn Music School and its community have been truly inspiring. As Adamczyz eloquently stated, "The community truly stepped up and wasn't going to let the school just close without fighting." This remarkable display of support not only secures the future of a beloved institution but also serves as a testament to the power of community and the enduring importance of the arts in shaping the lives of individuals and the fabric of a city.