UPBEAT NYC INC

Inspired by the philosophy of Venezuela's "El Sistema," husband and wife team Liza Austria and Richard Miller established UpBeat NYC in 2009. UpBeat began its work in Central Brooklyn working in partnership with the BedStuy Campaign Against Hunger and in the South Bronx at the Promised Land Church. Initially, the staff included just four instructors: Richard, Liza, her mother Chris and younger brother John. As the volunteer staff grew, so did the program, yet UpBeat retained its original family feel. UpBeat now operates year-round in Mott Haven, five days per week with an enrollment of 150 students and 18 staff and volunteer instructors.

As UpBeat has grown, more performing ensembles have formed. UpBeat now boasts a Jazz and Latin Big Band, a Children’s Orchestra, and a Children and Parent’s Choir that perform regularly in addition to UpBeat’s many chamber and class ensembles.