So excited to see one of our clients share their passion for motivating kids to find their passion now!
KVNO recently published a profile of Dana Murray, the executive director of North Omaha Music & Arts.
From the story by Gabriel Escalera:
After graduating from Omaha South High School in 1989, Murray chased his dream of becoming a professional drummer. He studied at Berklee College of Music and later moved to New York City, where he performed with jazz greats including Jimmy Witherspoon, Donald Byrd, and Wynton Marsalis. He toured internationally with Wax Poetic, which featured a then-unknown Norah Jones.
But in 2004, Murray’s path shifted when he became a single father. “People say that was such a sacrifice,” he said. “But it was my son. Music shaped me, but it was never more important than family.”
Back in Omaha, Murray poured his energy into teaching and building music programs. His philosophy, rooted in access and excellence, eventually led him to found NOMA, where no student is turned away for lack of funds. “It would be counterproductive to have any fiscal barrier in what we do,” Murray said. “Everything’s attainable.”
Sunflower Grant Writers is working with NOMA on grant research, writing new grants and creating a three-year strategic plan.
For more information on NOMA’s programs, visit northomahamusic.org.
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