named programs · 4 · from sources
What they call their work
Arts on the Square
Summer concert series in Union Square Park, offering free performances by the Gramercy Brass Orchestra as part of the park’s cultural revitalization.
Community and Educational Outreach in Freehold, NJ
Satellite program offering arts camps, music instruction, and instrument access to youth and families in partnership with the Reformed Church of Freehold and local food pantry.
Flatiron Festival of Music
Lunchtime concert series in Madison Square Park, providing free public access to live brass music in partnership with local businesses and the 23rd Street Association.
Gramercy Brass Band Camp
Annual week-long summer music institute for brass and percussion students in grades 6–12, held at Montclair State University, offering ensemble performance, masterclasses, and instrumental instruction.
activities · 5 groups
What they do
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Music Education and Training Programs 3 activities
- Deliver music education through an annual brass band campRuns the Gramercy Brass Band Camp, an annual week-long summer music institute launched in 2005 at Montclair State University, where student musicians learn performance techniques and repertoire alongside principal members of the orchestra.
- Operate a day program for student musiciansRuns a structured day program for brass and percussion students from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, offering instruction in three levels of brass bands and a percussion ensemble, along with water, snacks, and Friday pizza lunches.
- Provide music instruction and access through satellite arts programsOffers a satellite program in Freehold, New Jersey, launched in 2017, that provides arts camps for young children, music instruction for older students, and instrument access for families in need.
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Classical and Chamber Music Performances 3 activities
- Host commemorative and anniversary concertsOrganizes and performs in special concerts to mark milestones, including a 40th-anniversary commemorative concert and debut performances at significant venues such as Alice Tully Hall.
- Offer ensemble performances for public and private eventsProvides concert performances by the full Gramercy Brass Orchestra and smaller ensembles such as quintets or "Gramercy Brass and Friends" for intimate settings, including weddings, graduations, and corporate events.
- Operate a professional brass orchestraManages and performs as a 28-member professional brass and percussion ensemble based in New York City, presenting concerts in public parks, festivals, corporate events, and cultural venues across the New York/New Jersey region and beyond.
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Free Outdoor Music Concerts 1 activity
- Present free public concert series in NYC parksProduces a recurring series of free public performances in New York City parks, including Union Square Park (up to twelve annually), Bryant Park, Battery Park, Madison Square Park, and Theodore Roosevelt Park, often in collaboration with city agencies or local organizations.
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Nonprofit Music Recording and Distribution 1 activity
- Produce and release commercial music recordingsProduces and releases commercial albums on the Koch International Classics label, including themed recordings such as "Christmas Time is Here," "American Anthems," "Brubeck: Bold and Brassy," and "A Gramercy Brass Christmas," distributed internationally.
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Uncategorized 1 activity
- Broadcast performances on radio networksShares live and recorded performances through broadcasts on major radio networks including WNYC, Sirius Classical, Bloomberg Radio, WOR Radio, and The Catholic Radio Channel.
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financials · form 990EZ · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$60K
Contributions & grants——
Program service revenue$60K100%
Investment income——
Other revenue—
expenses
Total expenses$68K
Program expenses—
Admin / overhead—
Fundraising—
Salaries & benefits—
Grants paid out—
balance sheet
Total assets$3K
Cash—
Investments—
Liabilities—
Net assets$3K
5 years on record · 2020–2024 · YoY revenue -20.9%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
board members · 5
- Amy Dwyer — Board Member
- Cathy Markoff — Board Member
- Jeana Catena — Board Member
- Logan Poelman — Board Member
- Steve Matthews — Board Member
relationships · 27
Who they work with
- 23rd Street Association Partner — Supported lunchtime concert series at Madison Square Park and co-produced the Flatiron Festival of Music.
- Amazon Partner — Sponsored the 40th anniversary concert and related events.
- American Endowment Foundation Partner — Collaborated with the American Endowment Foundation on events, including performances featuring Barbara Walters and Bud Light.
- Bloomberg Radio Partner — Radio network on which the quintet has been broadcast.
- Brotherhood Synagogue Partner — Hosted early performances and maintained a long-standing collaborative relationship rooted in community service and shared history with the Lambert family.
- Chuck Scarborough - Ch. 4, NYC Partner — Performed for Chuck Scarborough of Channel 4, New York City.
- City Parks Department Government — Recruited Gramercy Brass Orchestra to perform in multiple NYC parks including Bryant Park, Battery Park, and Theodore Roosevelt Park.
- Freehold Area Open Door Food Pantry Partner — Partnered with Gramercy Brass to support community outreach, connect with families in need, and integrate cultural services with life-sustaining programs.
- Friends of Gramercy Brass Orchestra of NY Funder — Provided financial support for the 40th anniversary concert.
- Gramercy Brass of NY, Inc. Network — Organization presenting music performances and education programs.
- Gramercy Brass of NY, Inc. Partner — Organization itself, referenced in self-description
- John J. Cali School of Music at Montclair State University Partner — Hosts Gramercy Brass Band Camp at its facility in Montclair, NJ
- Koch International Classics Records Partner — Label partner for commercial recordings, including "Christmas Time is Here" and an upcoming Brubeck album.
- Lincoln Center Partner — Performed at Lincoln Center.
- Met Life Stadium Partner — Performed at Met Life Stadium in New Jersey.
- National Arts Club Partner — Collaborated with Gramercy Brass Orchestra of New York on a public concert for its 125th season celebration.
- Office of NYC Council Member Carlina Rivera Government — Presented a proclamation honoring the 40th anniversary of Gramercy Brass Orchestra of NY.
- Reformed Church of Freehold Partner — Provided facilities for Gramercy Brass Orchestra’s satellite program in Freehold, New Jersey.
- Sirius Classical Partner — Radio network on which the quintet has been broadcast.
- The Catholic Radio Channel Partner — Radio network on which the quintet has been broadcast.
- The National Arts Club Partner — Hosted post-concert receptions and provided performance opportunities, maintaining a sustained partnership since the 1980s.
- The National Arts Club Partner — Sponsored the 40th anniversary concert and related events.
- Thrivant Financial Partner — Sponsored the 40th anniversary concert and related events.
- Union Square BID Partner — Funded and supported the "Arts on the Square" concert series in Union Square Park.
- Volvo Yacht Race at The World Trade Center, NYC Partner — Performed at the Volvo Yacht Race held at the World Trade Center in New York City.
- WNYC Partner — Radio network on which the quintet has been broadcast.
- WOR Radio Partner — Radio network on which the quintet has been broadcast.
strategies · 5
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Arts Engagement Through Performance and Educationmethodology: arts-engagement-through-performance-and-educationBy combining high-quality musical performances with education programs, Gramercy Brass fosters community joy and lasting engagement with music, because shared artistic experiences and accessible learning deepen cultural participation.
- Community Engagement Through Sustained Local Presencemethodology: community_engagementBy hosting post-performance receptions, building relationships with local institutions, and establishing annual community events, the organization deepens neighborhood integration, because consistent, relational engagement sustains cultural relevance and public investment.
- Culturally Responsive and Inclusive Programmingmethodology: culturally_responsive_programmingBy curating repertoire from diverse and culturally significant composers and adapting programming to local community needs, Gramercy Brass strengthens community ties and representation, because music that reflects lived experiences fosters deeper connection and inclusion.
- Immersive Training with Professional Musiciansmethodology: side-by-side_trainingBy placing emerging brass players in side-by-side musical instruction with professionals, the organization accelerates skill development and artistic growth, because direct mentorship in authentic performance settings builds competence and confidence.
- Structured Music Education and Audition-Based Advancementmethodology: music_education_outreachBy offering intensive training through a summer institute and using auditions and director-assigned placements, the organization ensures both equitable access and high artistic standards, because structured progression supports individual development within a cohesive ensemble.