The Latin GRAMMY ® Cultural Foundation—in partnership with Latin GRAMMY winner, GRAMMY and The Latin Recording Academy ® 2024 Person of the Year, Carlos Vives—presented an educational experience, which included a donation of musical instruments at the Miami Senior High School in South Florida.
The event, held in collaboration with Miami-Dade County and the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau (GMCVB), is the 42nd Latin GRAMMY In The Schools™ program organized by the Foundation. The program included a keynote address by Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, a student musical tribute performance of “La Gota Frida” in honor of Vives, and a question-and-answer session with the artist, moderated by renowned journalist Lili Estefan, co-host of Univision’s El Gordo y La Flaca.
The band program, proudly associated with Miami Senior High School—which was established in 1903 and is the oldest high school in Miami-Dade County—is a model of musical excellence and cultural representation. With a rich history deeply rooted in the community, the band has captivated international audiences, performing in countries such as Canada, Mexico, Venezuela, Cuba, and throughout Europe, as well as the United States.
MIAMI, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 08: Carlos Vives (2nd from L) poses with students of Miami Senior High School during Latin GRAMMY In The Schools during the 25th Latin GRAMMY Awards on November 08, 2024 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by John Parra/Getty Images for The Latin Recording Academy )
Additionally, Dollar Tree and Family Dollar joined the celebration as Official Sponsors, with additional support from the Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation. Additionally, Sony Music Group’s Beyond the Instrument initiative provided additional support in the form of a grant dedicated to accelerating equity and access to music technology education for students in low-income schools located in historically excluded communities.
“The instruments we receive will enhance our students’ musical experiences and open the doors to creativity, collaboration and personal growth,” said Santiago Hernández, Miami Senior High School band director. “Each instrument represents a new opportunity for our young musicians to express themselves, develop their talents, and create beautiful music that resonates beyond the classroom.” “We are very grateful to Carlos Vives for joining us as we celebrate another successful edition of the Latin GRAMMY En Las Escuelas program alongside the talented students of Miami Senior High School,” said Raquel “Rocky” Egusquiza, executive director of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation . “And of course, none of this would be possible without the generous support of our sponsors, as we advance our mission to increase access and opportunities for the next generation of Latin music creators.”
MIAMI, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 08: Carlos Vives attends Latin GRAMMY In The Schools during the 25th Latin GRAMMY Awards on November 08, 2024 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by John Parra/Getty Images for The Latin Recording Academy )
Since its creation, the Latin GRAMMY En Las Escuelas program has benefited educational institutions in cities in the United States such as Aransas Pass, Dallas, Detroit, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, New York and San Antonio, as well as internationally in Buenos Aires, Argentina; Mexico City, Mexico; Arecibo, Humacao, Yauco and San Juan in Puerto Rico; and Seville, Spain. Latin GRAMMY En Las Escuelas is an educational program that provides information and connects students with professionals in the Latin music industry, in addition to supporting music departments at educational institutions with limited resources. The Foundation invites professional artists and musicians to visit middle and high schools or music institutions to share their story and personal experiences with students, highlighting the effort required to overcome professional obstacles. The goal is for students to learn to optimize the educational opportunities presented to them and thus give them an advantage and solid academic preparation so that they can compete in the world of music.
Among the artists who have participated in the program are: Ángela Aguilar, David Bisbal, Marilina Bertoldi, Miguel Bosé, Calle 13, Pedro Capó, Camilo, Chino & Nacho, Chiquis, Luis Coronel, Silvestre Dangond, Joss Favela, Fonseca, Luis Fonsi , El Fantasma, Becky G, Karol G, Kany García, Gente de Zona, Leslie Grace, Carlos Jean, Jesse & Joy, Natalia Lafourcade, Poncho Lizárraga, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mau y Ricky, Claudia Montero, Ednita Nazario, Christian Nodal, Laura Pausini, Ángel “Cucco” Peña, Mireya Ramos, Prince Royce, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Noel Scharjris, Olga Tañón, Thalía , Christian Serratos, Diego Torres, Carlos Vives, Wisin and Sebastián Yatra.
