Famous Producer Donates Music Gear To His Old School In Newark

NEWARK, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of the Newark Board of Education. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

Multi-Grammy-winning producer and West Side High School alumnus Jerry “Wonda” Duplessis returned to the school recently to donate professional music-technology equipment and work directly with students in the Digital Music Technology program.

Wonda – whose legendary production credits include Lauryn Hill, Mary J. Blige, Whitney Houston, Wyclef Jean, The Fugees, DJ Khaled, Rihanna, Justin Bieber, Beyonce, Carlos Santana, John Legend, and Shakira – arrived with keyboards, software, and musical instruments for the students. After spending two days at West Side High School, Wonda brought a group of students to his Platinum Sounds recording studio in New York City.

For Wonda, the visit was personal. “When I was a teenager, actually, I came to this school when I first came from Haiti,” he said. “Whenever I come to West Side, it always takes me back.”

He told students why giving back matters to him: “It wasn’t easy. I didn't have a Jerry Wonda in a classroom. I want to give back what I didn’t have to the young students today.”

Superintendent León expressed his appreciation for the donation.

“Jerry Wonda’s generosity and commitment to the students of Newark Public Schools is extraordinary,” said Superintendent León. “He is providing cutting-edge equipment and opening doors for our young people to see themselves as creators, producers, and innovators. What makes this partnership so powerful is that he is giving back to the next generation. This is exactly what our 10-Year Strategic Plan envisions: authentic reciprocal relationships, real-world learning, and opportunities that prepare our students for college, careers, and life.”

Board of Education President Hasani K. Council echoed the Superintendent’s sentiments.

“Jerry Wonda’s willingness to invest in our students ensures that they are learning on industry-standard equipment and developing the skills they need to thrive in today’s music and technology landscape,” said Council. “We are incredibly grateful for his vision and his heart. Partnerships like this show our students that their dreams are possible and that the world is within their reach.”

Digital Music Technology teacher John Thomason said the impact was immediate.

“He’s bringing value that cannot be put to a price,” Thomason said. “When somebody comes in and talks about how they’re from the same streets… and they can talk about how they tour the world… that dream becomes a belief system.”

Thomason added that the donation changes instruction dramatically. “This was just beyond a blessing,” he said.

District Career Technology Supervisor Colleen Troiano said the partnership strengthens the district’s career pathways.

“He has graciously donated music technology equipment to bring us the latest and greatest for our students,” she said. “Not only do we want to provide education around music technology… we like to bring in industry partners that are going to provide that up-to-date experience and knowledge.”

Troiano said students share that Wonda teaches more than music. “They talk about the musicality, but they also talk about all the other skills – building confidence, understanding what it's like to work as a team, understanding the professional side.”

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