Match! Use the links to go to our FB Page and click on the Donate button in the cover photo! The match will begin at 7AM CST. On #GivingTuesday, Facebook and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will be matching up to $2 million of funds raised on Facebook for US nonprofits. Facebook […]
We are excited to have the new school year in full swing! We have many new schools, teachers and programs this year. INCLUDING BtG classes now hosted at Space. With our first class with students from Lifeworks! New schools include Houston and Blazier Elementary, IDEA Allan college prep school, Rising Stars preschool and Beth Israel […]
We received this giant thank you card from the awesome kids at the Headstart program! We provided music entertainment and activities for their Family Day. So Much Fun!!!
What a great time at SXSW – Music Gear Expo. We were there from March 17-19, meeting all sorts of great people that were interested in supporting our mission. If you were someone we talked with, please contact us at info@beyondthegrade.org so we can followup on our discussion. THANKS!!!
Paredes students hanging with their instructor, Rachel “Spanky” Fuhrer.
Executive Director Mark Turk visited the TMEA Conference in San Antonio and the Austin Music Foundation Expo in Austin on Wednesday. Productive day!
Here’s a great picture with Chris and some of his Palm guitar students after their Christmas performance. They performed “Carol of the Bells”
Our friends Jimmie and Rachel with Denver Music Group are helping us spread the word at the Summer NAMM Convention in Nashville.
Heartbreaking news about this tragic loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with our brothers and sisters at Austin Soundwaves.We are heartbroken and devastated to hear of the loss of Draylen Mason, an incredibly talented bass player in Austin Soundwaves and a kind and courageous human being. Draylen Mason was part of the Austin Soundwaves program for 6 years. He joined us in our 1st summer program in 2012. Draylen had unmistakeable natural talent from day 1, but he didn't just rely on his natural abilities. He worked hard in music and in school and was a steadfast friend. He took advantage of every opportunity presented, performing in our jazz and mariachi groups, composing, and participating in programs like Austin Youth Orchestra and Austin Chamber Music Center.
Draylen was wise beyond his years and showed this by developing meaningful relationships with each Austin Soundwaves teacher and even professional musicians throughout Austin and the U.S. We've received calls and messages from professional musicians who only met or heard him play once, but didn't forgot the light and joy in his heart and his eagerness to learn.
Most recently, he had been accepted into top music schools, including the Butler School of Music and University of North Texas. We quietly wondered if one day Draylen could direct the Austin Soundwaves program.
In addition to music, Draylen expressed interest in fields like marketing, business, neuroscience. He stood up for what he believed in and was compelled to speak out against against injustice in the world. Draylen made his mark on our world and will be our constant remind of why we do this work and while we need to work tirelessly to provide opportunities for all kids and fight the evil that seeks to get in the way.
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