The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation, in conjunction with Latin GRAMMY-winning and GRAMMY-nominated singer/songwriter Noel Schajris, will invest $40,000 in an educational experience, including a donation of musical instruments to Overton High School in Memphis.

This is the 41st time that the Foundation hosts a Latin GRAMMY In The Schools. The program will feature a musical performance with the Argentine Mexican singer/songwriter Noel Schajris, along with a Q&A session with students moderated by Jessica Rodríguez co-host of Univision’s top rated morning show, "Despierta América" (Wake-Up America).

"We all know how important art and music are in our lives; in my personal case, it has been a lifesaver, a friend, a love, and even the doctor during many important moments. This is an important opportunity for the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation to share with those who will undoubtedly carry that torch of hope, the kids, the future generations," said Schajris.

"I am honored to share my life experience and especially the last few years in charge of my own record label Dynamo Producciones and more recently with my own digital platform and App NSMUSIC. Surely we will draw wonderful conclusions and certainties from this event; always with truth and love as our banner," he continued.

The Creative and Performing Arts Program at Overton High School was developed to nurture artistic talent within its diverse student population. The program includes a wide range of offerings, including various bands, orchestras, choirs, dance, creative writing, broadcasting, and visual arts, each contributing significantly to students' artistic development and collaborative experiences.

This program provides students with invaluable opportunities they might not otherwise access. But to ensure its continual growth and enrichment, there's a pressing need for resources and educational experiences. The school will use the new instruments to grow its music education programming, enhancing and expanding the experience of future generations of music creators.

"We are beyond thrilled and ecstatic to receive this musical instrument donation and educational resources for the Overton Band Program," Juan Valdez, Overton HS Senior Band Director, said in a statement. "Through the students' hard work, we have many award-winning ensembles, including Wind Ensemble, CAPA Choir, Jazz Band, Orchestra, Piano, and Marching Band. This generous contribution will allow our students' work to continue to be seen and heard all across the Mid-South. ¡Muchas gracias!"

"As we celebrate the 41st Latin GRAMMY In The Schools, we're grateful for the ongoing support and partnership of our donors in making access to music education possible, positively impacting the lives of youth. It means a lot to count on the commitment of our partners, including Noel Schajris, as we guide the next generation of Latin music creators through unique educational experiences like these and empower communities through Latin music and culture," said Raquel "Rocky" Egusquiza, Executive Director of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation.

Since its inception the Latin GRAMMY In The Schools program has benefited schools in U.S. cities such as Aransas Pass, Dallas, Detroit, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, New York, and San Antonio; as well as internationally in Buenos Aires, Argentina; Mexico City, Mexico; Arecibo, Humacao, Yauco, San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Seville, Spain.

Latin GRAMMY In The Schools is an educational program that informs and connects music students with professionals in the Latin music industry and supports educational music departments that have financial limitations.

The Foundation invites artists and professional musicians to visit middle and high schools or music education institutions to share their personal stories and experiences with students that highlight the effort it takes to overcome career obstacles. The goal is for students to learn to optimize the educational opportunities presented to them, giving them an advantage and strong academic preparation to be able to compete in the music industry.

Previous artists who have participated in the program include: Ángela Aguilar, David Bisbal, Marilina Bertoldi, Miguel Bosé, Calle 13, Pedro Capó, Camilo, Chino & Nacho, Chiquis, Luis Coronel, Silvestre Dangond, Joss Favela, Fonseca, Luis Fonsi, El Fantasma, Becky G, Karol G, Kany García, Gente de Zona, Leslie Grace, Carlos Jean, Jesse & Joy, Natalia Lafourcade, Poncho Lizárraga, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mau y Ricky, Claudia Montero, Ednita Nazario, Christian Nodal, Laura Pausini, Ángel "Cucco" Peña, Mireya Ramos, Prince Royce, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Olga Tañón, Thalía, Christian Serratos, Diego Torres, Carlos Vives, Wisin, and Sebastián Yatra.

Keep watching this space for more information about everything Latin Recording Academy — and beyond!

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El Fantasma is the newest partner of the Latin GRAMMY In The Schools educational program. The Mexican superstar recently joined forces with the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation, the Latin Recording Academy’s charitable organization amplifying the contributions of Latin music and its creators through educational initiatives, and Ford Motor Company Fund, the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company, to invest $40,000 in an educational experience for Sidney Lanier High School in San Antonio, Texas.

Last month, El Fantasma visited the school to perform for students and chat with them about his experience in the Latin music industry and his journey to becoming one of the most-streamed Regional Mexican artists in the world. The school also received a donation of musical instruments, courtesy of Ford Motor Company. This most recent investment in music education marks the 27th time that Ford Motor Company Fund has supported a Latin GRAMMY In The Schools educational program.

Growing up in Mexico, El Fantasma didn't have the opportunity at a music education. Through his involvement with the Latin GRAMMY In The Schools educational program, which informs and connects music students with professionals in the Latin music industry and supports educational music departments that have financial limitations, he hopes to inspire the next generation to pursue their musical dreams.

In an interview with the Recording Academy, El Fantasma discussed his participation in the Latin GRAMMY In The Schools educational program, the importance of music education, and his future plans.

Learn more about the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation’s mission and how to donate to and support this groundbreaking organization.

Why did you want to participate with the Latin GRAMMY In The Schools educational program?

For me, it is very important to support the new generations, and this program is promoting and encouraging the education and training for these future musicians.

Why is a program like this one important for music education in schools?

It is important because this program helps our community and provides an opportunity for all those young people who want to venture into music.

What does music education mean to you? Did you have a teacher or mentor that showed you about music when you were growing up?

Music education in schools is very important because it reinforces the art for students from an early age. Since I was a child, I liked music, but I never had the opportunity to have a musical education at school. I only did music informally with friends and family. My family was my mentor. Music has been entwined in my family for generations. We carry it in our blood, as they say in Mexico.

When I was little, the only entertainment came from family members who had taught themselves to play various old instruments. The sounds were rough, but it came from the need to live together and forge moments of unity and family entertainment.

You worked as a landscaper in the U.S. before becoming one of Regional Mexican music's biggest stars. What do you think now looking back on that journey and how far you have come?

It was a journey of many challenges and a lot of work, but it was all worth it. It is important to fight for your dreams until you achieve them. It is nice to be at this point in my career and look back on the path I took to get here.

How do you feel to see Regional Mexican music becoming one of the biggest genres in the world now?

As an exponent of this genre, I feel proud that all this is happening with our Mexican music worldwide. I believe that each and every one of us contributed our grain of sand so that this explosion could finally happen.

You're going to tour the U.S. with La Séptima Vuelta Tour and you recently released your Xperimental EP. What do you want to accomplish next with your career?

I want my name to be part of the history of Mexican music, and I want the genre to continue conquering new frontiers.

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