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Throughout this anniversary year, we highlight aspects of the school’s 40-year history. CMS Music Director and piano, percussion, and jazz instructor Tom Briggs sat down with us recently to reflect. CMS: Tell us about your association with CMS over these 40 years. Tom: I joined the faculty in 1984 soon after the school was founded and … Continue reading “CMS at 40- Tom Briggs”

Congratulations to saxophonist Julian Mardjekaj and trombonist Annamarie Mueller, winners of Fall 2023 Carolyn Greenleaf Scholarship Awards! Julian Mardjekaj is a rising freshman at Valley Regional High School, and has played saxophone since third grade. He was accepted by competitive audition into the Connecticut Music Educators Association (CMEA) Southern Region Honor Band. Julian participates in a wide variety of activities, but regarding music’s … Continue reading “Fall 2023 Carolyn Greenleaf Award Winners”

Throughout this year, we’ll highlight aspects of the school’s history… starting here with an interview of Paddy Hurley, who founded CMS 40 years ago, and continues today as CMS New Horizons Band Director and trumpet instructor! CMS: What prompted you to start CMS? Paddy: I had the idea to start a music school while teaching … Continue reading “CMS at 40- Founder Paddy Hurley”

Congratulations to pianist Matthew Serviss, recipient of the Spring 2023 Carolyn Greenleaf award! Matthew is an aspiring pianist and high school freshman at Queen of Heaven Academy. At a young age, he began his musical experience by participating in a variety of Community Music School’s programs. After exploring different instruments, Matthew focused on playing the guitar, … Continue reading “Spring 2023 Carolyn Greenleaf Award Winner”

On Tuesday Dec 13, 2022 Community Music School was highlighted on WFSB Channel 3 TV’s “Great Day @ 9A” morning show. CMS Executive Director Rick Wyman appeared as guest, chatting with hosts Nicole Nalepa and Scott Haney about the school, private lessons, Music Together classes, and that evening’s Holiday Concert by the String Orchestra and … Continue reading “CMS Highlighted on WFSB Channel 3 TV”

Congratulations to CMS flute student Ava Gilbert, who was accepted as a sophomore flute major into Interlochen Arts Academy, a world-renowned arts boarding school located in Michigan! This big decision was inspired by her summer camp experiences at the New England Music Camp in Maine and most recently at Interlochen’s own Arts Summer Camp, where … Continue reading “CMS Flute Student Accepted to Prestigious Arts Boarding Academy”

“What I Did on My Summer Vacation” by Rita Christopher I like to say amusing things, but the funniest thing I said this summer was totally serious, completely unexaggerated and guaranteed to get, if not an outright laugh, at least a bemused guffaw. What could be so funny? It was just a simple declarative sentence: … Continue reading “What I Did on My Summer Vacation”

Dear Friends, School’s back in session! It’s exciting to see everyone begin “new adventures” this month. Here at Community Music School, we’ve begun a new semester of lessons and ensembles. The daily buzz of private lesson students of all ages flowing in and out of the school has been energizing! The String Ensemble has begun its … Continue reading “Back to School”

The BEST WAY to learn music?  Study with a good teacher (like the professionals at Community Music School) AND attend/listen to good concerts!   A few years ago, I served as a judge for a state’s High School band festival (somewhere else-I’ll withhold the name of the state). Band after band played, and I was to provide … Continue reading “Learning the Language”

In the last newsletter, I wrote about my musical heroes; professionals and students who dedicate themselves to music. Every one of these musician’s development has been nurtured by a special brand of musical hero: a teacher! These teachers, accomplished musicians themselves, dedicate themselves to helping others realize their potentials in music and life. Aspiring music … Continue reading “Musical Heroes Part 2”