Winter Highlights from UCMP!
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- 3 min read
Even in these cold days of winter, the warmth of music filled our halls at UCMP. Every rehearsal, every note, and every performance for us is more than just music—it’s confidence, creativity, and community coming together. Our students continue to amaze us with their dedication and joy, showing that when children are given the tools and support to express themselves, incredible things can happen—even on the chilliest of winter days!
Latin Night Thursdays Are Back!
We’re excited to announce the return of Latin Night Thursdays on February 26th at 7:30 PM, featuring the Diego Hedez Quintet!
Latin Night Thursdays is UCMP’s vibrant concert series held at our program site, 4710 Park Avenue, Weehawken, NJ, celebrating the rich and diverse sounds of Latin music while showcasing outstanding musicians from our community and beyond. Latin Night Thursdays take place on the last Thursday of each month from February through May 2026.
This month's special evening will feature Diego Hernandez, UCMP’s own brass teaching artist, presenting music from his album Distante, promising an unforgettable night full of rhythm, energy, and culture. Joining Diego on stage will be Arthur Alvarez (piano), Raul Reyes (double bass), Keisel Jimenez (congas), and Yandy Garcia (drums). To keep the energy going, we’ll have DJ Sumeet spinning music between sets, so bring your dancing shoes and get ready to move!
🎟 $15 donation at the door👔 Proper attire required🔞 Ages 13 and over (must be accompanied by an adult)🍸 Cocktails and appetizers available for purchase
Mark your calendars, invite your friends, and get ready to enjoy great music while supporting UCMP! Buy your tickets here. All proceeds directly benefit UCMP's programs. For more information, email us at info@ucmusicproject.org.
Latin Jazz Ensemble Shines at HudPost’s 10th Year Anniversary
On January 31st, our talented Latin Jazz Ensemble gave a fantastic performance at HudPost’s 10-year anniversary celebration, which took place at Art House Productions in Jersey City. HudPost is an online publication that curates, creates, and celebrates content relevant and native to the people of Hudson County, New Jersey. Our students were one of the performers invited to this wonderful event and dazzled the audience with their energy, skill, and passion—truly a night to remember! Thank you James de los Santos for all your work and for inviting us!
UCMP Kids Visited by NJ Symphony's Global Grooves Musicians
We were honored to welcome musicians from the New Jersey Symphony’s Global Grooves program. They performed for our Beginner Orchestra and even joined our Latin Jazz Ensemble for a collaborative session. It was a very inspiring and fun experience for our students. A huge thank you to the NJS not only for this inspiring visit but also for providing our families and students with free tickets to see Romeo & Juliet at NJPAC in Newark on January 30th. Experiences like these expand our students’ musical horizons and leave lasting memories.
Performing with Simanof NYC Tour
On December 18th, our students had the incredible opportunity to perform with the Simanof NYC Tour at the Riverside Church Theater in New York City.This unforgettable experience allowed them not only to showcase their talent, but also to connect and collaborate with peers from different countries and several cities across the United States. Moments like these expand their horizons, strengthen their confidence, and remind them that music has the power to unite us across cultures and communities.
Holiday Concert Highlights
Our Holiday Concert on December 15th truly brought the spirit of the season to life. Students from every level took the stage with joy and confidence, filling the room with music and creating a warm, festive atmosphere for families and friends to celebrate not only the holidays, but the growth and accomplishments of our young musicians.
We were especially proud to welcome back UCMP alumni Alicia Umaña and Andrés Márquez, who performed alongside our students to inspire and support this next generation of young musicians.
A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated teachers, whose patience, talent, and unwavering commitment guide our students every step of the way. The confidence and artistry we witnessed on stage are a direct reflection of your hard work and belief in every child.
Thank you as well to Mayor Richard F. Turner, Gio Ahmad, and Councilman David Curtis for joining us, and to the Weehawken Board of Education for graciously hosting this special evening. Your continued support makes moments like these possible.
Every note played and every performance shared is a testament to the dedication, hard work, and passion of our students and teachers. Thank you for supporting UCMP and helping us continue to provide transformative music education to children in our community.
With gratitude,The UCMP Team
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