Press Release

June 16, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Resounding Music Education & Celebration Take Summer Stage, Courtesy of Nat King Cole Generation Hope

Palm Beach County-based Nonprofit Carries on Summer Music Programs & Resources for Under-Served Youth and Their Dedicated Teachers

PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL — June 16, 2021

At a time when so many children face a post-COVID journey of unprecedented challenges — mentally, emotionally, academically and socially — summer music education and celebration has never been more essential and urgently needed. Recognizing that all children are entitled to transform their lives and empower their spirits through music, Palm Beach County-based charity Nat King Cole Generation Hope (NKCGH) proudly sponsors summer programming and resources for underserved youth and their dedicated teachers.

The organization has just debuted the song, “Can We Talk to the World?” — an anthem of hope for children emerging from the pandemic, about the power of music to nurture their spirits, souls and minds. Visit www.natkingcolegenerationhope.org/can-we-talk-to-the-world.

“Research has been indisputable: music learning fuels children’s hearts with self-esteem and their minds with vital cognitive skills,” said NKCGH co-founders Timolin and Casey Cole, twin daughters of iconic entertainer Nat King Cole. “Not just a salve and tool for keeping youth engaged, music instruction is proven to develop well-rounded, critical thinkers. With pride, we offer these summer programs and mentoring opportunities, to empower children for fall and beyond, but we always look for more funding and advocates to expand our reach.”

SUMMER 2021 Programs, presented by Nat King Cole Generation Hope
For more information, contact info@natkingcolegenhope.org or call 561-213.8209.

June 28 – July 2, 2021 — Summer Strings
for elementary school students
Mizner Park Cultural Center

Now in its 14th year, this one-week summer music camp dedicated to elementary-level string students serves children in the Palm Beach County area with the greatest need and fewest resources. The Summer Strings program is led by NKCGH, Palm Beach County School District teachers and music mentors from Lynn University, and generously supported by the Cultural Council for Palm Beach
County, Boca West Children’s Foundation, The Mark and Mary Freitas Foundation, Honda Classic Cares and Palm Beach County.

TBA — Summer Jazz
for middle and high school students
Florida Atlantic University

This one-week summer music camp for middle and high school-level band students is embarking on its second year, focusing on children with the greatest need and fewest resources in Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade Counties. The Summer Jazz program is led by NKCGH, Florida Atlantic University’s Dr. Courtney Jones, public school teachers and music mentors from FAU; and generously supported by Boca West Children’s Foundation, The Mark & Mary Freitas Foundation and Honda Classic Cares.

July 28 – July 30, 2021 — Music Educators Conference
Virtual

Hosted by NKCGH and attended by music educators from across the U.S. and beyond, this three-day conference is now in its second year and under the direction of Dr. Edrick Rhodes of The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. This year’s theme: Accessibility and Equity in Music Education. The Music Educators Conference is generously supported by The Selz Foundation.

PROJECT ENCORE! Instrument Donation Program
Year round

Give the gift of music! Nat King Cole Generation Hope welcomes tax-deductible donations of musical instruments, to be refurbished and delivered to schools and organizations serving children in need, those for whom buying a guitar or clarinet is not financially feasible. This is a rewarding, hassle-free opportunity to contribute pianos, strings, horns, wind instruments or percussion that remain unplayed in a closet, attic or living room. NKCGH connects as many children as possible with needed instruments, putting musical joy in a child’s hands and heart.