Photo by Wilbert Gutierrez
(WEEHAWKEN, NJ) -- United Children's Music Project (UCMP) honored key community partners and celebrated the region's most inspiring young musicians at its annual "A Night on the Hudson" fundraiser on November 12, 2025 at Weehawken's Chart House.
One of Hudson County's most inspiring arts gatherings, the gala event highlighted UCMP's transformative impact by providing affordable music education for local children, while honoring the people and institutions that help make fulfilling that mission possible.
UCMP recognized its 2025 honorees—Ponce Bank, Hudson County Executive Craig Guy and the county's Local Arts Program, and the New Jersey Symphony and its President and CEO Terry D. Loftis—for their unwavering support of youth arts and UCMP's mission. The evening was generously sponsored by Ponce Bank, NJ's Office of Faith-Based Initiatives, and Mayor Richard F. Turner and the Weehawken Township Council, whose partnership ensures that high-quality music education is accessible to Hudson County children.
Photo by Wilbert Gutierrez
The 13-year-old Hudson County nonprofit also celebrated a major achievement: seven UCMP students have been accepted this year into NYC's Juilliard School's Music Advancement (MAP) and Overture Programs—a milestone rarely seen in community-based programs. Their success reflects UCMP's growing reputation for excellence and the dedication of its teachers, families, and young musicians.
Underscoring the life-changing impact that UCMP has on families, Ana Mejia, mother of UCMP student Michelle Argueta, shared her emotions about her daughter's acceptance into the prestigious MAP program. "I never imagined that my daughter would have this type of opportunity," said Mejia. "I am from a very humble village in El Salvador. This could have never been possible without UCMP."
Musical offerings that evening included a vibrant performance by UCMP's Latin Jazz Ensemble—talented musicians ages 7-to-15—who filled the room with rhythm, energy, and joy. The audience was also captivated by UCMP's Cello Trio's exquisite performance of David Popper's "Requiem for Three Cellos", as well as a virtuoso solo by New Jersey Symphony's Brazilian violinist, Thierry de Lucas Neves.
Another highlight was a tribute to UCMP's 2026 graduating seniors—Lucas Oyarzun, Joeliz Correa, and Nailah Gutierrez—the last members of UCMP's 2012 "founding class". All three began studying music through UCMP at age three; now, after 14 years of commitment, they're preparing for college. Their journey represents the long-term impact of sustained, accessible arts education like that offered by United Children's Music Program.
"UCMP shows what becomes possible when a community invests in its children," said Melina Garcia, UCMP Founder and Executive Director. "Every Juilliard acceptance, every senior we honor, every performance we share reminds us of why this work matters."
Founded in 2012, United Children's Music Project (UCMP) provides affordable, high-quality after school orchestral and choral music education to children and youth from throughout Hudson County. By offering free instruments, intensive low-cost instruction, and regular performance opportunities, UCMP equips local kids with the tools to succeed academically, socially, and artistically.
UCMP's accomplishments have been featured on PBS, NPR, Univision, and in Symphony Magazine, among other media. UCMP was just named "2025 Nonprofit of the Year" by the Hudson County Chamber of Commerce and HOLA, and received the Russell Berrie Foundation's 2019 "Making a Difference" Award.
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