Long Beach Airport, Southwest Airlines, and Mayor Fly Young Musicians to Carnegie Hall Dream
Long Beach students flew to NYC for a Carnegie Hall performance, supported by community fundraising and free flights from Southwest Airlines. Long Beach Airport, Southwest Airlines, and city officials led a fundraising campaign to fly over 75 student-musicians from Jordan High School to Carnegie Hall, New York City. The fundraising effort was led by Mayor Rex Richardson and the Mayor’s Fund for Long Beach, with Southwest Airlines contributing free air travel. Additional funds were raised through a benefit concert in late 2023 to cover the students' expenses, including their flight vouchers and hotel stays. The student group returned to Long Beach on March 13 after their performance and a special event hosted at the airport. These efforts represent a community effort within Long Beach known for its strong community bonds and community engagement.
Published : 2 months ago by Juliette Kessler in Travel
In a heartwarming testament to community spirit, Long Beach Airport, Southwest Airlines, and city officials collaborated to make a group of young musicians' dreams come true. Over 75 student-musicians from Jordan High School were flown out to New York City to perform at the prestigious Carnegie Hall, thanks to a robust fundraising campaign led by Mayor Rex Richardson and the Mayor’s Fund for Long Beach, with Southwest Airlines chipping in free air travel.
The low-cost carrier gifted the students flight vouchers, with a total estimated value of $32,000, to swiftly ferry them to the Big Apple for their once-in-a-lifetime performance. "Getting these young musicians from Long Beach to New York City was a true community effort," Mayor Richardson said, as reported by the City of Long Beach website.
Additional funds were raised through a benefit concert in late 2023 to ensure the students were covered not only for their flight, but also hotel stays, workshops, and other associated expenses. Southwest Airlines' move to cover the flights amplified their community support ethos. "To realize their dream at Carnegie Hall is exactly why Southwest exists, to connect these talented musicians with their moment," Southwest Airlines' Southern California Leader of Corporate Responsibility Kayla Valencia was quoted saying.
The student cohort, along with their educators from the Long Beach Unified School District, embarked on their journey on March 9 and returned on March 13 after a successful outing. In celebration of their achievement and to firmly send them off, the airport hosted a special event. These efforts underscore a deep commitment within the community to not only uphold but to also actively nurture the artistic talents of its youth. “It’s music to my ears to see young talent take flight,” remarked Airport Director Cynthia Guidry in a supportive nod to the students’ success.
The collaborative endeavor isn't an isolated incident for the coastal city that prides itself on strong and diverse community bonds. Long Beach frequently garners accolades for community engagement and operational excellence, such as Long Beach Airport's recognition among the Top Ten airports by Condé Nast Traveler magazine. This flight of musical ambition stands as a fitting representation of what can be achieved when a community jointly rises to compose opportunities for its younger generation, efforts that had everyone involved singing a harmonious tune of support.
Topics: Aviation, Airlines