Community Music School

This annual event honors the late Tom McGuire's passion for music and his dedication to children's welfare. Tom was committed to building a better world through his philanthropy.

Featured Artist: Taylor Eigsti

Two-time GRAMMY® Award-winning NYC-based pianist and composer Taylor Eigsti started playing the piano when he was four years old. Growing up in Menlo Park, CA, Eigsti was quickly labeled a prodigy, and has since released 9 albums as a bandleader, in addition to appearing on over 80 albums as a sideman.

In February 2025, Eigsti won his second GRAMMY® Award for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album for his ninth album “Plot Armor” (2024, GroundUP Music), following a 2022 GRAMMY® Award win for his eighth album “Tree Falls” (2021, GSI Records) in the same category.

His career includes performances at world-renowned venues such as Carnegie Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, and Lincoln Center, as well as collaborations with legendary artists across jazz, classical, and popular music. Eigsti’s journey, from early access to music education to global artistic recognition, underscores the mission of Community Music School and the lasting impact of nurturing young talent.

Guest Artist: Gabby Marcano

Gabriela “Gabby” Marcano is a prominent Venezuelan singer and performer based in North Carolina, known for her contributions to the state's Latin music scene. Originally from Mérida, Venezuela, she specializes in rock, pop, R&B, and Venezuelan merengue. She began studying drums and singing at 14 years old, and participated in her first singing competition at 16, where she won first place. She later appeared on the television show, “Rugemanía” and Venezuela’s first reality tv show, “Estrellas de la Música.” In Venezuela, she formed part of the pop rock group, “Las Cherries”. You may listen to Gabby's music at https://www.youtube.com/@gabbymarcanomusic

Guest Musicians: Agustín Gonzales (Cuatro) Eber Morales (Bass) Larry Bellorin (Harp)

Graduations

Performing tonight in our strings section are:

Lois Fabre, who will be studying Music at Meredith College
Vivian Owens, who will be studying Peace, War and Defense at UNC Chapel Hill

Thanks to our good friends at Wake Tech Community College, who were here in the lobby tonight along with Durham Tech. The following students will be attending Wake Tech:

Cyrus Barbour and Bryan Sanchez, to study Engineering
Morgan Davis to study Business
Helen Ibrahim, to study Business IT
Jerrell-Martin-Utley, to study Animation
Nyah Tapia Hernandez, to study Forensic Psychology

Congratulations also to graduates

Nicholas Phillips, who will be studying engineering at A&T
Jessica Prince, studying biology at NC State
Uriah Howard, who will continue to produce his own music while he considers college

Community Music School Mission

Community Music School's mission is to enrich and inspire youth and children through access to and delivery of high quality music instruction.

Community Music School meets the community need for affordable music lessons and provides all the instruments. Fundraising makes that possible. Our financial model operates on donations from individuals and through grants. Give the gift of music with your donation today.

Text to Give: 980-575-0900 text MUSIC

Bios

Emcee: Madison Lane

CMS Featured Students

Student & Faculty Performers

Event Committee

Thank you to our Committee Members