Bill Gerstel Scholarship
Donation protected
Bill Gerstel was a beloved NYC character and musician – a flaming-haired, loudly dressed, bicycle flying, drumming wizard. He was a drummer for numerous bands spanning decades and an inspiring teacher to new drummers just getting started, notably through his collaboration with the Bandwriting Collective. In 2014, he was profiled by E.V. Grieve, the East Village blog, and a reader commented, “I know Bill and he's The Man! I'm so glad he held still long enough for you to talk to him.”
As a P.S. 3 parent in the 2000s, with characteristic gusto, he shaped the school community through his non-stop PTA volunteer work and through his music - playing drums at Spring Fling and the Auction, and DJing Field Day. He inspired many to “P.S. 3 their minds” through his devotion to the school and boundless positive energy, which continued even after his son, Sawyer, moved on to middle and high school.
In 2016, while back in his hometown of L.A., Bill received a terminal cancer diagnosis, having battled with pancreatic cancer some years earlier. He passed away in October 2016. The memorial celebrations drew hundreds, and his many fellow musicians, including his students, performed – in some cases, with set lists prepared by Bill himself. His spirit filled the room.
In honor of that spirit, and of a wish that Bill shared before he died, we are asking for contributions to help fund the Bill Gerstel Music Scholarship to Bandwriting Collective Summer Program. The scholarship will be awarded each spring to a musically gifted 4th or 5th grade student at P.S. 3, and will provide an opportunity for the student to write and create music in state-of-the-art rehearsal and recording facilities. Our fundraising goal is $12,000, which will fund the scholarship for 10 years. Please consider giving something so that Bill’s memory and music will live on.
Click here for more info on Bandwriting Collective http://www.bandwritingcollective.com/
Please note that monies will be held and distributed to the Bandwriting collective by Camille and James Habacker...dear friends of Bill and Robin.
As a P.S. 3 parent in the 2000s, with characteristic gusto, he shaped the school community through his non-stop PTA volunteer work and through his music - playing drums at Spring Fling and the Auction, and DJing Field Day. He inspired many to “P.S. 3 their minds” through his devotion to the school and boundless positive energy, which continued even after his son, Sawyer, moved on to middle and high school.
In 2016, while back in his hometown of L.A., Bill received a terminal cancer diagnosis, having battled with pancreatic cancer some years earlier. He passed away in October 2016. The memorial celebrations drew hundreds, and his many fellow musicians, including his students, performed – in some cases, with set lists prepared by Bill himself. His spirit filled the room.
In honor of that spirit, and of a wish that Bill shared before he died, we are asking for contributions to help fund the Bill Gerstel Music Scholarship to Bandwriting Collective Summer Program. The scholarship will be awarded each spring to a musically gifted 4th or 5th grade student at P.S. 3, and will provide an opportunity for the student to write and create music in state-of-the-art rehearsal and recording facilities. Our fundraising goal is $12,000, which will fund the scholarship for 10 years. Please consider giving something so that Bill’s memory and music will live on.
Click here for more info on Bandwriting Collective http://www.bandwritingcollective.com/
Please note that monies will be held and distributed to the Bandwriting collective by Camille and James Habacker...dear friends of Bill and Robin.
Organizer and beneficiary
Sandra Schwartz
Organizer
New York, NY
Camille Habacker
Beneficiary