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 educator Bridget Haines (profiled below) told me how long-time CMS instructor Martha Herrle profoundly influences her life and career ambitions. CMS is so fortunate to have 23 incredible faculty members who have similarly influenced the lives of so many members of our community and beyond. This year, these amazing faculty have worked particularly hard to provide meaningful educational and musical experiences for our students, despite many obstacles (masks, distancing, protocols, Zoom, etc.!) The Community Music School’s faculty are my heroes. Happy Holidays, and here’s to a wonderfully musical 2021! —- Rick
—Dr. Richard Wyman, Executive Director, CMS
p.s. The work of CMS faculty and their students fills the internet, but here are performances by a few of my heroes…
Andy Sherwood (clarinet) and Tom Briggs (drums) play “Indiana”
Patrice Newman (piano) plays Debussy “Petite Suite”
Joni Gage (voice) sings “Genius”
Important CMS Dates
DEC 23- JAN 3 – Holiday Break- CMS Closed
JAN 22 – Fall semester ends
JAN 25 – Spring semester begins
Private Lessons
Spring Semester Registration
Spring semester private lessons begin January 25
Lessons are available via Zoom with any of our faculty. Additionally, in-person lessons (with robust safety protocols) are offered on many instruments.
Registration resumes Jan 4 (after the holiday break), but in the meantime start the process rolling by replying to this email with your availability (and for new students: age, instrument, and level… and we’ll set you up with an instructor). Or leave us a message at (860) 767-0026. We accept students of all ages and abilities!
Alumni Profile: Bridget Haines
CMS made me!
About to embark on a career in music education, Viola player Bridget Haines reflects on the big role Community Music School has played in her life…
CMS: Tell us about your time at Community Music School.
Bridget: I attended music programs at CMS from the time I could first speak (and sing)! First, attending Kindermusik (early childhood) classes with Nancy Thomas, then studying viola with Martha Herrle starting in third grade. I studied privately with Martha for about 10 years– all the way through High School! In fourth grade, I joined her Youth String program, then the CMS String Ensemble a few years later. As I proceeded through Middle School and High School, I also attended, then helped with, the programs Martha led at the Kate’s Camp. That’s when I knew I wanted to become a teacher! Martha has been such an influence on my life; I’ve learned a lot by watching her and being taught by her!
What have you been up to since you graduated High School, and what are your plans for the future?
I’ve been studying Music Education at Gettysburg College in PA. It’s been really cool to study all the instruments (although I felt like I had a good head start because I also played saxophone and sang when I was at Nathan Hale Ray High School), and also take classes in “Elementary and Secondary Teaching Methods.” This Spring I’ll student teach, then graduate in May 2021 with certification to teach K-12 music. I’ll look for a job as a school music teacher (ideally orchestra and/or general music). I’d love to find a job up here, or along the coast somewhere!
Any other thoughts?
I can’t imagine what my life would be like if it weren’t for CMS. There was no orchestra at my high school, so CMS gave me a special “place of study” to do what I love. That place made me.
