Miami recently witnessed an extraordinary night of philanthropy and music as Young Musicians Unite (YMU) hosted its 12th Annual Gala, setting a new fundraising record that promises to profoundly impact arts education across the Miami-Dade area. Held at the iconic Mana Wynwood, the event successfully garnered over $1.6 million, a significant leap from the previous year’s $1 million, underscoring the growing support for youth music programs in South Florida. The gala, themed “Studio 54 Glamour,” brought together more than 700 guests, including philanthropists, community leaders, and music industry professionals, all united by a common goal: to empower the next generation of artists.
A Resounding Success for Youth Music Programs
The 12th Annual Gala for Young Musicians Unite, held on April 26, 2025, at Mana Wynwood, was more than just a fundraising event; it was a vibrant celebration of creativity and community. The “Studio 54 Glamour” theme transformed the venue into a disco-chic wonderland, complete with electrifying performances by YMU’s talented student musicians and alumni. Attendees were treated to a diverse lineup, including live jazz ensembles, rock hits, and classic disco anthems, culminating in a high-energy drumline finale that captivated the audience. Performances of classics like “Let’s Groove Tonight” and “Forget Me Nots” showcased the students’ impressive skills and the tangible impact of YMU’s programs.
The over $1.6 million raised at this record-breaking event will be instrumental in Young Musicians Unite’s mission to expand its reach. The non-profit aims to serve more than 12,000 students across 74 Miami-Dade schools during the upcoming 2025-2026 school year. This expansion signifies more instruments in students’ hands, more music in classrooms, and countless opportunities for young artists to shine. Furthermore, the funds will bolster YMU’s burgeoning Studio program, providing young artists with free access to professional recording and production tools, fostering their creative development beyond traditional classroom settings.
DAS Audio: Amplifying Talent and Community
A critical partner in the gala’s resounding success was DAS Audio, which served as a Gold Sponsor for the event. The global leader in professional sound systems provided a comprehensive audio setup, including their cutting-edge ARA Series, SARA line arrays and subwoofers, along with EVENT Series front fills and ACTION Series point source speakers. This state-of-the-art system was meticulously designed to deliver both power and precision, ensuring exceptional clarity throughout the venue and truly amplifying the student performances. Severina Yotova, CEO of Music Avenue and Marketing Consultant with Young Musicians Unite, praised DAS Audio’s contribution, noting that the sound quality made the students “sound incredible” and demonstrated the company’s commitment to YMU’s mission.
DAS Audio’s involvement with Young Musicians Unite is not a new development. The company has been an ardent supporter of the organization, consistently providing sound solutions for YMU events, including the annual Miami Gardens Youth Music Festival. In a testament to their dedication to music education, DAS Audio also collaborated with YMU to donate full ALTEA loudspeaker systems to two local Miami-Dade county schools, directly enhancing the learning environment for students. Michael Rodriguez, Director of Operations and Marketing for DAS Audio of America, emphasized that their support extends beyond mere branding, focusing on giving back to the community and ensuring the next generation has every opportunity to develop a love for music.
Young Musicians Unite: A Decade of Transformation
Founded in 2013 by musician and educator Sammy Gonzalez Zeira, Young Musicians Unite has grown from a humble initiative with eight students and borrowed instruments into Florida’s largest in-school music education non-profit. The organization’s core mission is to bridge the access gap, ensuring that every student in Miami-Dade, regardless of their socio-economic background, has the chance to explore the transformative power of music. YMU collaborates closely with Title I schools, providing essential resources such as expert instructors, tailored lesson plans, quality instruments, and structured programs.
Over the past decade, YMU has made a profound impact, having served over 35,000 students across South Florida since its inception. As of the 2024-2025 academic year, the organization supports more than 9,000 students across 61 schools, offering diverse programs including jazz bands, rock ensembles, drumline, orchestral strings, and music production. These programs are designed not just to introduce music, but to build sustainable infrastructure within schools, provide culturally responsive curricula, and offer mentorship and performance opportunities that empower students.
Notable individuals who lent their support to the gala included host Kunya Rowley, Gala Chair Kaisa Levine (founder of Fridababy), and actress Gabrielle Anwar. A kickoff dinner, hosted by Michael and Stephanie Rosen, and featuring Miami-Dade County Commissioner Kionne L. McGhee, also contributed to the fundraising efforts, showcasing broad community endorsement for YMU’s vital work.
A Future in Harmony
The record-breaking success of Young Musicians Unite’s 12th Annual Gala is a testament to the power of community collaboration in fostering arts education. The funds raised, amplified by the unwavering support of partners like DAS Audio, lay the groundwork for a future where even more Miami-Dade students will have access to high-quality music programs. This news marks a pivotal moment for music education in the region, promising to inspire confidence, foster creativity, and unlock the full potential of thousands of young lives through the universal language of music.
