In-person Private Lessons Resume
Our new semester is well underway! Since resuming in-person instruction on Sept 2, CMS has been a beehive of activity (in a socially distanced way, of course). Temperatures of all students, faculty and staff are checked upon arrival, masks are worn at all times in the building (except when playing a wind instrument or singing, for which distancing and room ventilation are drastically increased), and only large rooms are used. We closely follow all state guidelines and coordinate with the Essex Health Department to ensure safe and enjoyable music instruction for all! Beyond our many returning students, a number of new students have joined us as well, ranging in age from 3 to 80! It’s not too late to sign up! In-person lessons are available with selected instructors at our Centerbrook location, or piano lessons with Patrice Newman at our East Lyme studio. Contact our office at (860) 767-0026 or reply to this email.
New Horizon Band reunites
Like many musical organizations, the New Horizons Band of Community Music School has been under an extended COVID-induced hiatus. During its 6 month period without making music together, members gathered weekly via Zoom to share musical ideas and individual performances. Never-the-less, this dedicated group of musicians was “chomping at the bit” to get back together in-person. After plenty of work to implement the full suite of safety protocols needed for wind instrument activity, the band’s silence was broken on September 14, 2020 when members finally convened to play again! The Band’s Director Paddy Hurley says, “The band and I are beyond thrilled to be making music together once again after a six month hiatus. Eighteen of the twenty-one band members elected to return with confidence due to the due diligence of Rick Wyman and the support staff, the only exceptions being those with previous health issues. We hope that we will be able to play outdoors in public before the snow flies.”
String Ensemble Resumes Rehearsals!
The CMS String Ensemble is a musical gem in our area! With members ranging in age from 8 to 80, this incredible group features string instrument-playing youth and adults from all walks of life (including 3 world-class opera singers, a Priest, and a First Selectwoman)! We’re so thrilled that after many months apart, this wonderful ensemble also resumed rehearsals recently, with masks, social-distancing, and a large well-ventilated rehearsal room. Special thanks to the Clark Group and Centerbrook Properties LLC for their gracious hospitality providing space for the ensemble to rehearse! Check out video from their first post-lockdown rehearsal.
