Phil & Marty Juravel
Phil and Marty Juravel are long-time supporters of the Atlanta Music Project. Phil, an accoutant by trade, is the organization's founding Board Treasurer, and has been the Board Chair since 2012. Marty recently retired after a career in nursing. Phil and Marty have been to many AMP concerts and events, and have seen the organizations go from start-up to one of the largest youth arts organizations in Metro Atlanta. Here, they share their thoughts on AMP, the arts in Atlanta, and some advice for AMP alums.
Phil, why did you decide to initially get involved with AMP?
I saw on 60 minutes the profile on the El Sistema movement and how it was being brought to Atlanta. When someone brought to my attention that they were starting AMP here, I immediately wanted to be part of the new organization. My mother was a piano teacher and growing up music was a big part of my life. Lots of my friends were into music, one neighbor was Billy Joel’s original Bass Guitar player. While living in Saratoga Springs NY i always attended the Saratoga Performing Arts Center listening to the Philadelphia Orchestra and “I WENT TO WOODSTOCK’ in the summer of 1969.
Phil, what is your favorite thing about being the AMP board chair?
Getting to meet many of our students and their parents and especially seeing how the parents are so happy with what we are doing for them and the opportunities that we are providing them, especially in the way of college preparation and scholarships.
The two of you have been involved in charitable organizations in Atlanta for many years. Why is this work so important to you?
Giving back to the community feeds the soul and gives us a sense of purpose. Music has been part of my life since I was knee high to a grasshopper.
Marty, you are a retired nurse and nurse administrator. We have AMP alums that are pursuing nursing degrees. What advice do you have for them?
Healthcare is a field that changes everyday. It is probably the largest source of employment. Nursing is ever changing, always rewarding, flexible, and very challenging. There are many specialties and I would recommend that a nursing student try not to become locked into one specialty too quickly. There was never a day I did not learn something new.
What are your favorite arts-related activities in Atlanta?
We love what ever we are able to attend from local artist nearby to concerts and theater. When traveling we try to experience what is offered.
What is your favorite AMP concert that you've attended together?
We both loved how Karen Slack related to the students as well as her Opening Night Concert at the 2025 AMP Summer Series. Marty’s personal favorite though was the very first one attended at Gilbert House.
