The Los Angeles Music and Art School 's Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Tahnee Freda as the School's next Executive Director. Freda has served as Interim Executive Director of the organization since August of last year, and has been part of the LAMusArt team since 2016, beginning as a Development Associate. Before taking on the interim role, Tahnee was the Development and Communications Manager of the School, and a Dance/Drama Teaching Artist. In her tenure as a development professional and instructor for LAMusArt, Tahnee has raised over a million dollars in foundation, corporate and government support for the institution, and has taught over 200 young East LA students in drama, playwriting and dance.
"I could not be more thrilled to lead the organization into a new era. Access to the arts changed the trajectory of my life, and I'm honored to continue the work of providing access to artistry at the Los Angeles Music and Art School. I've seen LAMusArt grow exponentially in my seven years here, and I look forward to more growth, innovation, and creativity." Freda says.
Tahnee started in the non profit sector at the 52nd Street Project in New York City's Hell's Kitchen neighborhood, a non profit dedicated to uplifting underserved youngsters through original dramatic works, as a Development and Management Associate and managed both development duties and day to day office operations. Prior to that, she worked at Hello Junior Productions. Tahnee is a graduate of the University of Southern California's School of Dramatic Arts, and holds a BA in Visual and Performing Arts Studies with a concentration in Playwriting.
Tahnee succeeds former Executive Director, Manuel Prieto, who left the organization to head the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts' Education department last year. Freda's appointment concludes an eight month search led by the Board of Directors.
"Tahnee's vision for LAMusArt, deep understanding of the School, our students, and our community, and dedication to the arts make her the perfect fit to lead our organization into the future. The Board is inspired by Tahnee’s commitment to LAMusArt’s mission and impressed by her experience and achievements in development, programming, operations, and, certainly, leadership. We are so excited to welcome Tahnee as Executive Director. With her at the helm, LAMusArt will build on its nearly 80-year legacy toward a very bright future," Board President, Cynthia Pearson, says.
Please join us in congratulating Tahnee on her new role!