(Courtesy of Kaplen JCC on the Palisades) The JCC Thurnauer School of Music has announced its 36th annual Gift of Music Gala Benefit Concert, celebrating an extraordinary milestone—40 years of inspiring music education and excellence under the leadership of Dorothy Kaplan Roffman, director of the music school. This highly anticipated event, the school’s largest fundraiser of the year, will take place on Sunday, Feb. 2 at 4 p.m. at the Bergen County Academies Auditorium, 200 Hackensack Ave. in Hackensack. The music gala will feature world-renowned saxophonist Steven Banks and will honor esteemed piano faculty member Steven Masi for his 30+ years of dedication to music education.
Since its founding in 1984, the JCC Thurnauer School of Music has championed the belief that music education is essential to the lifelong well-being of individuals. Each year, the school provides over 400 students from diverse backgrounds the opportunity to immerse themselves in the transformative power of music, regardless of economic or life circumstances.
The Gift of Music Gala directly supports scholarships, ensuring no child is denied the chance to pursue their passion for music. In 2024 alone, 40% of students taking private lessons received need-based financial assistance, thanks to the generosity of supporters.
In addition to Banks, the evening will showcase remarkable performances by the accomplished Thurnauer ensembles, joined by the Young People’s Chorus of New York City, to celebrate music’s profound impact on our lives. The program will include the world-premiere performance of a new work composed for this occasion by Francisco J. Núñez, founder and artistic director of the Young People’s Chorus of New York City.
The JCC Thurnauer School of Music honors the unwavering support of The Russell Berrie Foundation, The Kaplen Foundation and The Richard H. Holzer Memorial Foundation, whose generosity has been instrumental in their mission to make music education accessible to all.
For tickets or sponsorship opportunities please visit: https://www.jccotp.org/giftofmusic or call 201-408-1466
