2025 YOUNG MUSICIANS BALL
RECAP
The 2025 Young Musicians Ball: A Night to Remember
On May 31, 2025, the Heartbeat community came together for an unforgettable evening of music, celebration, and inspiration at the Young Musicians Ball. Held in honor of our students' hard work and artistry, this special event brought together families, supporters, and friends for a night that truly struck a chord.
From soulful performances to heartfelt speeches and dazzling style, the Ball was more than a fundraiser — it was a showcase of what’s possible when young people are given the tools, support, and encouragement to shine.
As we gather photos and videos from the evening, we’ll continue adding memories to this page. Check back soon to relive the music, the magic, and the moments that made the 2025 Young Musicians Ball such a standout night.
2025 Graduate
Shawn Young
Presidential Leadership Award
Kamryn Thomas
Heartbeat Student of the Year
Malachi Century
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Our Ball is a central component of our Annual Campaign, which focuses on raising funds for the upcoming operational year.
With your invaluable support, we can continue providing our high-quality performing
arts programming at little to no cost for families who need it most, ensuring that our community remains strong and thriving.
MARCH WITH US TO THE BEAT OF SUCCESS!
HOW FUNDS WILL BE USED
The funds raised will be allocated to cover various expenses of our program, including but not limited to:
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PROFESSIONAL INSTRUCTORS
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PERFORMANCE TRANSPORTATION
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EQUIPTMENT COSTS
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UNIFORMS
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EDUCATONAL MATERIALS
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SCHOLARSHIPS
By donating to our fundraising efforts, you'll directly contribute to our students' personal and artistic growth, providing them with life-changing experiences and opportunities.
GUEST KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Orlando Jones
Actor | Writer | Producer | Showrunner Futurist | Brand Architect
Orlando Jones is a cultural force—an award-winning actor, writer, producer, and visionary storyteller redefining how entertainment, fandom, and technology converge. Known for standout performances in American Gods, Drumline, Sleepy Hollow, and the legendary MADtv, Jones first rose to fame with the now-iconic Make 7 Up Yours campaign. He helped launch the FX Network into 18 million homes with Sound FX and went on to build a résumé that spans comedy, drama, animation, and cutting-edge immersive content .
In 2026, Jones stars in Empire at Sea, a groundbreaking augmented reality installation commissioned by Lincoln Center. This Solarpunk narrative explores climate reckoning and generational struggle aboard a floating utopian colony, with Jones portraying “The Father”—a visionary whose ideals face challenge from within.
In television, Jones is a series regular on The Family Business: New Orleans (BET+), recently greenlit for Season 2. He also headlines two new nationally syndicated educational shows—Orlando Jones Takes On History and The Hot List—produced and distributed by Hearst Media across ABC, NBC, and CBS as part of their
Saturday morning programming .
On the big screen, Jones will appear in the 2025 feature film Trouble Man alongside Michael Jai White, Mike Epps, Lala Anthony, and Method Man. The film is being released by producer Samuel Goldwyn Mayer. Beyond performance, Jones is a pioneer in fan culture and immersive storytelling. He co-founded Legion of Creatives (LOC), earned the first-ever Virtual Reality Emmy, and wrote the foreword to Seeing Fans, the seminal book on fandom studies. He lectures at MIT, UCLA, Oxford, and Princeton, and has worked alongside Henry Jenkins to shape the field of Fan Studies .
Jones also champions emerging talent and healthy living. He’s a brand ambassador for SpaceMilk, a clean, next-gen protein brand free of dairy, soy, or heavy metals—and serves as Ambassador, Mentor, and Instructor for the Heartbeat Music & Performing Arts Academy in San Diego, supporting youth through music, arts, and college prep. Whether on stage, in the classroom, behind the camera, or in the metaverse, Orlando Jones remains a singular voice shaping the future of entertainment.
OPENING REMARKS GUEST SPEAKER
Supervisor Monica Montgomery-Steppe
Monica Montgomery Steppe is a dedicated public servant and community advocate, currently serving as the San Diego County Supervisor for District 4. A San Diego native, she earned her law degree from California Western School of Law and has worked in civil rights and criminal justice reform.
Previously, she served on the San Diego City Council, where she championed equity-driven policies. Sworn in as County Supervisor in 2023, she is the first Black woman elected to the Board and continues to focus on improving services and quality of life for District 4 residents.
THIS YEAR'S GRADUATE - 2025
Shawn Young
2025 HONOREES
Honoring Excellence at the 2025 Young Musicians Ball
We celebrate the heart and soul of Heartbeat Music & Performing Arts Academy—the students, staff, and parents whose dedication, passion, and unwavering support make our community truly extraordinary.
Each honoree tonight is a testament to the power of music and community. We are honored to celebrate you and the magic you bring to the Heartbeat family.
Congratulations to all our 2025 honorees! Your dedication is the melody that keeps our academy thriving.
Student Honorees: The Heartbeat of our academy, these young musicians have demonstrated outstanding growth, perseverance, and artistry. Through countless hours of practice, fearless performances, and a deep love for their craft, they continue to inspire us all. Their music is not just heard—it is felt.
Staff Honorees: Our dedicated educators and mentors go beyond teaching—they ignite creativity, foster confidence, and shape the next generation of artists. Their commitment to excellence, patience, and encouragement empower our students to reach new heights. Tonight, we recognize their tireless efforts in making dreams a reality.
Parent Honorees: Behind every young musician is a family that cheers the loudest, sacrifices the most, and believes the strongest. These parents have played an instrumental role in their children’s artistic journeys, providing love, encouragement, and an unwavering commitment to their success.
SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES
Bronze Sponsor
$500
Acknowledgement in our monthly newsletter
A special thank-you certificate from our students
Silver Sponsor
$1000
All Bronze Sponsor benefits
Your logo on our website with a backlink to your website
A personalized video thank-you message from our students
Gold Sponsor
$2500
All Silver Sponsor
benefits
Logo inclusion on all Young Musician’s Ball Promo
Two tickets to the HBMPAA Young Musicians Ball
Platinum Sponsor
$5000
All Gold Sponsor benefits
A dedicated blog post on our site highlighting your contribution and support
Exclusive recognition on our social media pages
1 table reserved at the HBMPAA Young Musicians Ball (seating 8 guests total) with company and sponsorship acknowledgment
Diamond Sponsor
$10,000+
All Platinum Sponsor benefits
A customized promotional landing page for your business, built within the hbmpaa.org website, with a backlink to your social media and website.
2 tables reserved at the HBMPAA Young Musicians Ball (seating 8 guests per table, 16 guests total) with company and sponsorship acknowledgement
Option to customize package
Sponsorship package purchases can be made via mail, made out to Heartbeat Music & Performing Arts Academy, or by emailing heartbeat@hbmpaa.org for an electronic invoice.