We could not be more proud of our graduates. Learn what some of them are up to next!

An ArtSmart site ambassador retires from teaching to be Executive Director of the Philadelphia Boys and Girls Choirs. In this interview, Michelle Frank discusses her background, mentorship, and access to the arts for urban students.

When Michael brought the idea of ArtSmart to him, Mr. Della Fave suggested starting ArtSmart at Eastside High School in the Ironclad section of Newark because it was where Michael’s grandmother Marie Fabiano graduated. For Mr. Della Fave, this would be the return of the prodigal grandson. Marie was a talented concert pianist, whose accolades included performing at Carnegie Hall, and had a major influence on Michael.

Kathryn Moran ('23) was one of the first students to receive virtual voice lessons in the Adirondacks, where there is a lack of teachers for extracurricular activities due to geographical barriers

ArtSmart Students Perform “True Colors” at Jersey City Public School's District-Wide Showcase. Music Mentorship Builds Community and Increases School Attendance

George Shirley, famed soprano Latonia Moore, and NYC School Principal Rosemary Vega join ArtSmart Board

I had to decide at a certain point whether to major as a violinist or a singer...being a music major in college was never a doubt for me. I became a voice major at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. However, that wasn’t the end of my violin career. I played with the Conservatory Orchestra, the Early Music Ensemble at Manhattan School of Music and to this day I still play violin for various gigs and with a few local ensembles.

Edinson has participated in Solo and Ensemble competitions and the youth music ensemble, Musicality, outside of school. Not only has music been a big part of his high school career, but Edinson is planning to pursue music education after high school.

"Outside of his high school choral teachers, who definitely encouraged and mentored him within their 8am to 3pm capacity, Sam had no one else to help him navigate all that was needed to prepare for, apply to, and audition for colleges, as his parents are immigrants and not attuned to the norms and practices in this country. It was my first experience as not only a teacher but a mentor, and both he and I were both rewarded in so many ways..."

"I am a rostered chorus member for Opera Philadelphia and will participate in two workshops for which I am part of the process of making brand new operatic works. I now teach about 30 students, half privately and half through ArtSmart. One of the most important developments over the past year is that I fully support myself financially on a freelance salary of 99% music related activities. I am also the happiest I have been in 10 years. And I feel I am truly contributing to my community through music."