November 21, 2025 I Philanthropy
Hal Leonard Chooses Charity Over Holiday Gifts, Donates $7.5K to Local Music Program
From left: Hal Leonard's Derek Byrne, Chad Johnson and Trish Dulka; Chad Smith Foundation's Brad Smith and Lewis Smith; and Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee's Mark Knapp.
Hal Leonard employees demonstrated their commitment to community music-making this holiday season. When parent company Muse Group offered staff the option of receiving a holiday gift or donating the equivalent value to a local charity, Hal Leonard employees chose to give back — directing more than $7,500 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee and its expanding after-school music program.
The donation supports a rapidly growing initiative developed in partnership with the newly established Chad Smith Foundation, which works to bring music education and instructors to youth programs nationwide.
Employees formally presented the check at Hal Leonard’s Milwaukee headquarters.
“I’m not at all surprised by our team’s choice,” said Derek Byrne, Hal Leonard’s Milwaukee office manager. “Our employees live and breathe the belief that music changes lives — especially for young people who are seeking connection, confidence, and creative expression. It’s a powerful reminder that the spirit of giving resonates strongly with our team — and that supporting young musicians can be the most meaningful gift of all.”
Hal Leonard has a longstanding relationship with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, having helped establish the organization’s first after-school music-making program, which is now a blueprint for similar programs nationwide. Its former CEO, Keith Mardak, remains a major donor to the Boys & Girls Clubs, particularly supporting their music programs. Another former Hal Leonard employee, Brad Smith, is now a board member of his brother Chad Smith’s foundation. Many Hal Leonard employees have served as teachers at the B&GC music programs.
“The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee is grateful for Hal Leonard’s support of our new music teacher placement program in partnership with the Chad Smith Foundation,” said Mark Knapp, assistant vice president of development of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee. “This support will provide Club members with access to lessons on a variety of instruments, group music classes, and expert teachers. It ensures that the young people who need us most can experience the well-documented benefits of music education — helping them build toward a great future.”
