Screening Brings Community Together in Support of Music Education

On September 26, 2024, CCEF had the pleasure of co-hosting a screening of the Academy Award-Winning Documentary Short, The Last Repair Shop, at the Robert Frost Auditorium. The evening developed into much more than a screening – as an opportunity to showcase both the incredibly robust music education programs across CCUSD and also highlight the ongoing needs to sustain and grow these programs. 

Guests gathered for a beautiful pre-screening reception while entertained by the CCHS AVPA Jazz Combo, a string quartet, and piano student musicians. After a welcome by School Board President Kelly Kent and Creative Director of Music & Executive Director for the Culver City High School Academy of Visual & Performing Arts (AVPA) Dr. Tony Spano, the audience heard from high school junior Indie Carbo. She shared that her desire to play an instrument was made a reality thanks to being able to use an instrument at no cost to her and her family.

Tami Fitzkoff, a CCMS parent, served as Emcee for the event – enlightening the audience that there is a great need for additional funding to support our incredible music programs. She and CCEF Executive Director Wendy Hamill encouraged everyone to help fill the nearly $150,000 gap between the state funding CCUSD receives and what must be raised each year by CCEF, the AVPA Foundation and other private sources to cover all the music education program costs.

After watching the emotional film featuring the dedicated people who repair LAUSD’s musical instruments, guests had the unique opportunity to hear from a panel of music industry professionals, moderated by CCUSD parent Martin Garner. A highlight for all included hearing from Co-Director and Composer of the film, Kris Bowers, about his experience in bringing this inspiring project to life. He, along with CCUSD parent Greg Jamrok and panelist Vincent Womack, gave great insight into what it took to bring the music of the film together from composition to orchestration and conducting the group of LAUSD alumni on set. 

Martin also engaged two CCUSD alumni on the panel, Patrick Gardner and Ian Lecheminant, who went through the district’s music program and now actively work in the industry. The panel reminded everyone in attendance how interdisciplinary learning through the arts can lead students on the path to a successful future – in the industry or elsewhere. And this is why CCEF must continue on its mission to raise vital funding for exceptional educational opportunities for every CCUSD student. 

The event culminated with a tremendous live musical performance of a piece from The Last Repair Shop entitled “The Alumni,” arranged by Greg Jamrok for 85 talented CCUSD student musicians. View the video to see why our guests were moved to raise more than $7,000 that night – plus a generous $5,000 contribution from local realtor and longtime music educator Dr. Luther L. Henderson, III! A huge thank you to everyone who attended and donated, and to the incredible event team: Tami Fitzkoff, Bronwyn and Greg Jamrok, Lisa and Martin Garner, Heather Moses, JD Sargeant, Dr. Tony Spano, our wonderful student performers and music educators, guest panelists, and event volunteers! Our deep gratitude to Kris Bowers, Ben Proudfoot, and Breakwater Studios for granting use of their film The Last Repair Shop to support music education in our Culver City public schools.