Thank You for an Unforgettable Pitch Perfect Evening with Ben Folds
On Tuesday, March 25, we celebrated with music, community, and the bright future we’re building together. From the incredible performances by Ben Folds and the Kidznotes Abreu Orchestra, and the heartfelt words of our keynote speakers, every moment was a testament to the power of music.
Ben Folds performed for the attendees and engaged with the Kidznotes Orchestra.
One of the most inspiring highlights was hearing from Zanadia, a violinist within our Kidznotes Abreu Orchestra. She shared how music has shaped her journey and fueled her passion for neuroscience and medicine. She is proof of how music education empowers young minds and helps shape futures.
Thank you to everyone who joined us in supporting Kidznotes and its mission to provide access to music education for the next generation of changemakers.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who attended, donated, and participated in the live and in-person auctions. Your support empowers our young musicians, helping them grow, connect, and inspire change through music.
It was a night filled with unforgettable moments, and we celebrate the impact of your generosity. Your support brings our talented students closer to achieving their dreams and making a difference through music.
We deeply appreciate the City of Durham Mayor Leonardo Williams for joining us throughout the evening and for his inspiring message.
Gratitude to our sponsors—The Murgitroyd Foundation, Yamaha, CBRE, Notasium, and The InnoActive Group—whose involvement made this event even more meaningful and impactful.
Together, we’re empowering youth through music education, fostering personal growth, deepening community engagement, and driving social change. Thank you for making this night possible and for helping us create a brighter future for our students!
If you were unable to attend or feel moved to support Zanadia and other students like her, please consider making a donation. Every contribution helps provide life-changing musical education.
“Now more than ever, our young people need the harmony that music offers — to learn, to communicate, and to be inspired in all that they do.”
~ Dr. Thomas Howard, Kidznotes Executive Director
“I’m a big fan of KidzNotes’ work, empowering youth from low to moderate-income families through music education, fostering personal growth, deepening community engagement. Which in turn drives positive social change.” ”
-Ben Folds
About our honoree: Ben Folds
Ben Folds is widely regarded as one of the major music influencers of our generation.
The Emmy-nominated singer-songwriter-composer has created an enormous body of genre-bending music that includes pop albums with Ben Folds Five, multiple solo albums, and numerous collaborative records.
His latest pop solo album was released in 2023 to rave reviews and sold-out performances. He recently released his first Christmas album for the 2024 holiday season and has recorded a LIVE album with the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) at the Kennedy Center in DC, slated for release in 2025.
He currently tours as a pop artist while also performing with some of the world’s greatest symphony orchestras and served for 8 years as the first-ever Artistic Advisor to the NSO.
A New York Times Best Selling author and former podcast host, Ben is also working on new compositions for film, tv, and theatre. He also frequently guest stars in films and TV.
In 2022, Ben launched a music education charitable initiative in his native state of North Carolina entitled “Keys For Kids,” which provides funds and keyboards to existing nonprofits that offer free or affordable piano lessons to school-age children from economically disadvantaged households. He continually advocates for improving public policies for the arts and arts education nationally as a member of Americans For The Arts and the Arts Action Fund.
How to Get Involved
Kidznotes empowers youth through music education, fostering personal growth, deepening community engagement, and driving social change.
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