Julia Williams
Julia Williams
Editor-in-Chief
Sounds of joy, eloquence and instrumentation were all that could be heard Saturday evening, Aug. 24 — in a crisply decorated room of the 1900 building (1900 Shawnee Mission Pkwy) — as the Northeast Community Center and Harmony Project KC hosted its eighth annual “Night in Napa” fundraiser.
Rooted in Symphony
Operating out of Northeast Community Center (544 Wabash Ave), Harmony Project KC was founded in 2015 with a mission to unite the Northeast through music as its universal language. With 390 students currently involved within its program, Harmony Project hosts a multitude of instructional offerings — including free instruments and lessons, regular performance opportunities in a variety of ensembles, workshops from internationally renowned artists and its Path to College program, among others.
A Napa Ballad
Saturday evening, hors d’oeuvres including — but not limited to — assorted cheese, sliced meats, crackers and spreads were offered prior to various stations serving courses from fish and steak to ravioli. Beverages including alcoholic and non-alcohol were also available.
| Photo by Julia Williams
Conversation was welcome, speeches were given by Kyla Pitts-Zevin — Northeast Community Center executive director — and additional faculty. Attendees had an opportunity to get their hands on a string instrument and receive on-site instruction from Harmony Project students. The evening concluded with enchanting performances from current program musicians.
Normando Ayala and Brenda Vargas — Harmony Project volunteers and program parents — were in attendance at Night in Napa. Having three kids who participate with Harmony Project, Ayala and Vargas mentioned the musical instruction, along with project benefits, has helped improve their kids’ behavior — including increasing individual involvement within regular school courses, respectfully.
Rhythmic Comradery
The family said they first joined the program around 2017 and have since enrolled two other children.
“We’re very glad to have found [Harmony Project],” Vargas said in a conversation, Saturday. “Our kids started learning at no charge. [It’s] a huge help rather than having to pay to play.”
As a non-profit organization, it has annual fundraisers such as Night in Napa, which aid in allowing families this opportunity.
Program scholars conclude annual ‘Night in Napa’ event with a slew of orchestra performances, Saturday evening. | Photo by Julia Williams
This Night in Napa fundraiser provides dollars from a multitude of avenues back into its program. It is a ticketed event, with an online auction as well as this year’s $25 wine pull. One auctioned-off item was a taste and tour of J. Rieger and Co., Pitts-Zevin said in a conversation, Saturday.
“We’re here to recognize achievements of students and show support of the organization and community,” Pitts-Zevin said. “The hard work students put in day in and day out, they take care of each other.”
Pitts-Zevin said it is the people within the organization and the community that has kept her involved.
“There’s a sense of community,” Ayala shared in a conversation, Saturday. “Relating to other kids in the community the same age of different demographics can be difficult to find, there’s a lot to learn.”
To learn more about Harmony Project KC or Night in Napa, visit its website: https://www.necc-kc.org/our-model.
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