art-music-and-community

Art, Music, and Community: Celebrating the PS321 Art Auction Success!

May 01, 20268 min read

What a night it was! If you were anywhere near the PS321 Art Auction last week, you could feel the electricity in the air. As the founder of Musicolor NYC, I’ve attended many community events, but there is something truly special about the energy at PS321. It’s a mix of creativity, dedication, and that unmistakable Brooklyn spirit that reminds us why we do what we do.

We are still buzzing from the excitement, and I wanted to take a moment to celebrate the incredible success of the event, the people who made it happen, and the wonderful community we are so lucky to be a part of.

A Night to Remember: Music, Art, and Alumni

At Musicolor NYC, we believe that music is the heartbeat of any great gathering. For this year’s auction, we were honored to provide the musicians who set the tone for the evening. But the real highlight for us? Sponsoring the alumni singers. Seeing these talented young people—many of whom grew up walking the very halls of PS321—return to share their voices was a full-circle moment that brought a tear to more than a few eyes.

The auction is the school's largest fundraiser, often aiming for ambitious goals to keep the arts alive and well. This year was no exception. From the silent auction items donated by local businesses to the high-energy live bidding, every dollar raised goes directly toward supporting the PTA and, most importantly, the arts programs that make PS321 a beacon of creativity in our neighborhood.

Three Musicolor NYC teachers performing outdoors at the PS321 Art AuctionMusicolor NYC teachers next to a Musicolor Method banner with children's artwork at the PS321 Art Auction

A Personal Connection: The PS321 Journey

For me, this event wasn't just a professional sponsorship; it was personal. My own son attended PS321, and our family had a fantastic journey there. I remember the morning drop-offs, the school plays, and the way the teachers nurtured his curiosity. It’s a school that truly understands the value of the "whole child," ensuring that science, math, and literacy are balanced with a healthy dose of music, art, and dance.

Being back in that environment felt like coming home. It reminded me of why I started our story at Musicolor NYC—to bring that same sense of joy and discovery to music education. We don't just teach notes; we teach confidence, community, and the courage to express oneself.

Gratitude for Leadership: Principal Liz Phillips

None of this would be possible without the incredible leadership at the helm. We want to extend a massive, heartfelt thank you to Principal Liz Phillips. Her vision and dedication to the students and staff at PS321 are nothing short of amazing. Leading a school of over 1,300 students is no small feat, yet she does it with grace and a steadfast commitment to the arts.

Principal Phillips understands that a science lab is just as important as a music room, and her support of the PTA’s fundraising efforts ensures that every student gets a rich, diverse education. We are so grateful for her partnership and her leadership.

Musicolor NYC Recital Group Photo

Why the Arts Matter

Events like the Art Auction are vital because, in many public schools, arts programs are the first to face budget cuts. The PS321 PTA works tirelessly to bridge that gap, funding everything from poetry magazines to chess clubs and, of course, music and art.

When a child picks up an instrument or a paintbrush, they aren't just making something "pretty." They are learning problem-solving, discipline, and emotional intelligence. At Musicolor NYC, we see this every day in our piano lessons and guitar lessons. We are proud to stand alongside PS321 in championing these essential experiences.

Looking Ahead: Future Stars and the Spring Recital!

The energy from the auction is the perfect "warm-up" for our next big community events, and we’ve got an especially fun one coming up first: Future Stars, our teen/tween family concert and talent show.

  • What: Future Stars teen/tween family concert and talent show

  • When: Mother’s Day afternoon, May 10th, from 3 to 5 p.m.

  • Where: Da Nonna Rosa on Seventh Avenue

This event is a fundraiser for our scholarship fund, and honestly, it’s also a pretty perfect Mother’s Day gift—kids singing for their moms! We’re currently looking for performers ages 9–18, and yes, we’d love to have parents join in too. It’s all about family, community, and giving young performers a warm, welcoming stage to shine on.

If you’d like to perform, attend, or learn more, head to Musicolor.nyc to grab tickets and get all the details.

We’re also officially counting down the days to our Spring Recital.

  • When: Saturday, June 6th

  • Where: PS321 Lower School Building

Our students have been working incredibly hard, and we can’t wait to show you what they’ve accomplished. From our youngest beginners using the color-coded Musicolor Method to our more advanced players, it’s going to be a day filled with music and pride. These recitals are the highlight of our year, giving students the chance to perform in a supportive, friendly environment.

Piano Recital Student Performance

Join the Musicolor Family

Whether you are a PS321 family or a neighbor looking to bring more music into your home, we’d love to meet you. We offer everything from ukulele lessons to voice lessons, all designed to be fun, engaging, and effective.

If you’ve been thinking about starting your child on a musical journey, now is the perfect time. We even offer summer lessons for those looking to keep the momentum going during the break!

Ready to get started?
Click here for a FREE consultation and let’s chat about how we can bring the joy of music to your family.


Versión en Español

Arte, Música y Comunidad: ¡Celebrando el Éxito de la Subasta de Arte de PS321!

¡Qué noche tan increíble! Si estuviste cerca de la Subasta de Arte de PS321 la semana pasada, pudiste sentir la electricidad en el aire. Como fundador de Musicolor NYC, he asistido a muchos eventos comunitarios, pero hay algo realmente especial en la energía de PS321. Es una mezcla de creatividad, dedicación y ese inconfundible espíritu de Brooklyn que nos recuerda por qué hacemos lo que hacemos.

Todavía estamos emocionados por el éxito del evento y quería tomarme un momento para celebrar a las personas que lo hicieron posible y a la maravillosa comunidad de la que tenemos la suerte de formar parte.

Una Noche para Recordar

En Musicolor NYC, creemos que la música es el corazón de cualquier gran reunión. Para la subasta de este año, tuvimos el honor de proporcionar a los músicos que ambientaron la noche. Pero el verdadero punto culminante para nosotros fue patrocinar a los cantantes antiguos alumnos (alumni). Ver a estos talentosos jóvenes—muchos de los cuales crecieron caminando por los pasillos de PS321—regresar para compartir sus voces fue un momento emocionante para todos.

La subasta es el mayor evento de recaudación de fondos de la escuela y apoya directamente a la PTA y, lo más importante, a los programas de arte que hacen de PS321 un referente de creatividad.

Musicolor Method NYC Student Recitals Flyer

Una Conexión Personal

Para mí, este evento no fue solo un patrocinio profesional; fue personal. Mi propio hijo asistió a PS321 y nuestra familia tuvo un viaje fantástico allí. Estar de vuelta en ese ambiente se sintió como volver a casa. Nos recordó por qué nuestra misión en Musicolor NYC es tan importante: brindar esa misma sensación de alegría y descubrimiento a la educación musical.

Agradecimiento Especial a la Directora Liz Phillips

Nada de esto sería posible sin el increíble liderazgo de la Directora Liz Phillips. Su visión y dedicación a los estudiantes y al personal de PS321 son simplemente asombrosas. Estamos muy agradecidos por su colaboración y su liderazgo.

Próximos Eventos: ¡Future Stars y el Recital de Primavera!

¡La energía de la subasta es el "calentamiento" perfecto para nuestros próximos eventos comunitarios! Y el primero será Future Stars, nuestro concierto familiar y show de talento para tweens y teens.

  • Qué: Future Stars, concierto familiar y show de talento para tweens y teens

  • Cuándo: La tarde del Día de las Madres, 10 de mayo, de 3 a 5 p.m.

  • Dónde: Da Nonna Rosa en Seventh Avenue

Este evento será una recaudación de fondos para nuestro programa de becas y también una idea preciosa para celebrar el Día de las Madres: ¡niños cantándoles a sus mamás! Estamos buscando artistas de 9 a 18 años, y también nos encantaría que algunos padres se animen a participar.

Si quieres presentarte, asistir o conocer más detalles, visita Musicolor.nyc para conseguir boletos y más información.

También ya estamos contando los días para nuestro Recital de Primavera.

  • Cuándo: Sábado 6 de junio

  • Dónde: Edificio de la Escuela Primaria (Lower School) de PS321

Nuestros estudiantes han estado trabajando increíblemente duro y no podemos esperar a mostrarles lo que han logrado.

¿Listo para empezar?
Haz clic aquí para una consulta GRATUITA y hablemos sobre cómo podemos llevar la alegría de la música a tu familia.


Thank you, PS321, for letting us be a part of your story. Here’s to many more years of art, music, and community success!

Stay tuned to our gallery for more updates and photos from our upcoming events. See you on May 10th and June 6th!

Founder and Director, Andrew Ingkavet

Andrew Ingkavet

Founder and Director, Andrew Ingkavet

Back to Blog