Music Lessons, Ensembles, and Classes in Centerbrook, CT

Summer Ensemble

July 9-30, 2026; Thursday mornings, 10:00 am-12:00 pm.

Directed by Ray Smith and Patricia Hurley
Trinity Lutheran Church, 109 Main Street, Centerbrook
Tuition: $100 (10% discount for students 65+)

A fun musical experience for intermediate and advanced instrumentalists of all ages.
 
Improve your skills or maybe try a new instrument? (Additional instruction available).
 
Repertoire to include jazz, pop, rock, etc.
 

To Register:

  1. Click here to register online, or
  2. Call or email Elizabeth Carl at 860-767-0026 x 1 or ecarl@cmsct.org.

FACULTY FOR THIS PROGRAM

Ray Smith

Ray Smith is Assistant Director of the CMS New Horizons Band. Now retired after teaching Band and Music Electives in the Clinton Public Schools for 36 years, Ray brings his vast music teaching experiences to Essex.  Originally from the Finger Lakes region in Upstate New York, Ray received various music degrees from SUNY Morrisville, CCSU & UCONN.  Ray still keeps himself busy as the Auditorium Support Technician for The Morgan School and is also a seasonal Stage Manager for the North Pole Express Essex Valley Railroad.  Ray resides in Colchester with his wife Johanne and enjoys golf, biking and boating on the Long Island Sound. 

Faculty for this Program

Patricia Hurley

Patricia Hurley, Paddy, founded the Community Music School in 1983 in response to the need for expanded music education in the community. The Founding Board included current Board President Margaret Very and Old Saybrook resident Nancy King. A teacher for 38 years, Patricia was  Band Director at John Winthrop Middle School and Valley Regional High School for 18 years and subsequently in Scarsdale, NY for 14. A graduate of Cornell, she holds degrees from Eastman (MM Music ed) and UCONN (trumpet performance).  She was a founding member of the Fair Winds Brass Ensemble, served as co-principal trumpet of the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra and performed regularly with several other Connecticut orchestras as well as Salt Marsh Opera and Cappella Cantorum. Patricia founded the Community Music School chapter of the New Horizons Band in 2009 with current members Bob Johnson, Rolf Peterson and Tony Carrano. She also teaches trumpet at the school as well as at the Adult Band Camp at the New England Music Camp in Maine. Paddy teaches on Tuesdays.


Phone Number

(860) 767-0026


BUSINESS OFFICE HOURS

September through June
Mon. – Thurs. 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. | Fri. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

July and August
Mon. – Thurs. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. |


Mailing Address

PO Box 387
Centerbrook, CT 06409


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Essex Location

90 Main Street
Centerbrook, CT 06409

The Community Music School, Inc. is a tax-exempt 501(c) (3) organization as recognized by both State and Federal governments. The school admits students and administers its educational and financial aid programs without regard to race, color, religious belief, age, gender, nationality or ethnic origin. The Community Music School is an equal opportunity employer.