The voice message on Jee-Hoon Krska’s phone claimed to be from Luis Miranda and Luis Crespo, of TeeRico. They seemed to know about Keys 2 Success, the organization she founded to teach classical piano to children in Newark. She thought the call might be a hoax, or a joke of some kind. So before returning the call, she did a little online research.
Turns out, Mr. Miranda is the father of Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Luis Crespo is his son-in-law (married to Lin-Manuel’s sister, Luz Miranda-Crespo). TeeRico is Lin-Manuel Miranda’s official licensed merchandise store, and proceeds benefit creative artists as well as arts organizations. When Ms. Krska returned their call the next day, they told her that Keys 2 Success was their choice for the month’s five thousand dollar grant. And soon, the Keys logo and grant announcement appeared on TeeRico’s Twitter page.
Was this a dream? How did the Miranda family even know about Keys 2 Success?
The answer to that second question reflects the whole philosophy behind K2S and its mission: to bring quality music education to Pre-K to 8th-grade students in the most underserved areas of Newark. But what Ms. Krska hopes to create goes beyond music. “It’s about connecting communities,” she says. “Music is a means, but the end is much broader.”
In this case, the connections began between Ms. Krska and Lindsay Roberts, a singer, actress and arts educator who is active both in New York and New Jersey. Through the broader Newark arts community, they connected on social media and began considering ways to collaborate on behalf of the “Keys Kids.”
Ms. Roberts told her fiance, Tamar Greene, about Keys 2 Success. Mr. Greene happens to be cast as George Washington in the current Broadway company of Hamilton. Mr. Greene was the connection that brought K2S to the attention of TeeRico and the Miranda family. “Just before the pandemic started, we relocated to New Jersey from the city. As newer residents, we were both so excited to learn about organizations in the area doing work that we are so passionate about,” said Roberts. “I grew up playing the piano and both Lindsay and I studied classical music in college. We know first-hand how powerful access to arts learning experiences are because we both lived it” said Greene.
“We really appreciate the financial support from TeeRico. Even more, we appreciate their shining a light on the work we do, through their communication,” Ms. Krska said. The grant will allow them to rent recording and performance space in Newark, now that indoor spaces are opening up (albeit masked). This will give the students an opportunity to play together and with other musicians, including professional companies. It will also allow parents to experience the children’s progress.
But just as important as the grant was the next connection Mr. Greene and Ms. Roberts made: a connection with the students, in a virtual meeting one evening the following week. Ms. Krska hosted the session along with several members of her teaching staff. One by one, the 14 students in attendance introduced themselves and played a short piece on their home keyboard. Ms. Roberts and Mr. Greene offered praise, appreciation, and their own experiences.
Following the introductions and performances, the session opened up to a question and answer session. Nothing was off-limits. Questions ranged from the personal (“Mr. Tamar, with 10 children in your family, where did everyone sleep?”) to more professional (“How did you get the part of George Washington?” and “Ms. Lindsay, how do you like singing?”).
Then the two guests gave a short performance, each singing a solo for the students (and rapt adult participants). “Miss Lindsay,” as the students called her, sang part of the song “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” from Lion King. “Mr. Tamar” played piano and sang “History Has Its Eyes on You,” from Hamilton. The applause, though virtual, was enthusiastic.
Ms. Roberts and Mr. Greene spent an hour-and-a-half with the Keys group, and smiled every minute of it. “For our kids to have that time from these two adults, to talk directly to a professional performer, to hear about their struggles, their successes--it sends a really important message. It says, ‘You’re important in the world.’ Children hear that from their parents, and sometimes from their teachers. But to receive that kind of validation from Lindsay and Tamar is exceptional,” Ms. Krska observed. “They were both so affirming in their interactions. It’s inspiring.”
“The pleasure was truly ours. I smiled so much that my cheeks hurt!” said Roberts. “Both Tamar and I believe deeply in the life-changing impact that arts experiences like the programming at Keys 2 Success can have on young people and to be able to share time together was an honor.” said Roberts.
In total, the TeeRico grant and the time spent with Lindsay Roberts and Tamar Greene are turning this last phase of a difficult school year into a time of unforgettable and forming experiences. “The students at Keys 2 Success are already stars,” said Greene, “They blew us away with their talent, their confidence and their dedication. The staff is to be commended and the organization is truly special. We look forward to continuing a relationship moving forward.” said Greene. As Ms. Krska noted, music is a connector--and the connections shape us and our world. That’s especially true in the world of children.
