Playing Together for the GRAND Campaign
The Piano is Coming
Will the piano arrive with all keys intact? !
Our 40th anniversary dream is centered on acquiring a Steinway Grand Piano. Help us put some finishing touches on the piano. We are seeking 95 gifts to make sure the piano is ready to play when it arrives.
Choose:
- a white key: $25 for each of 52 keys
- a black key: $50 for each of 36 keys
- a pedal: $100 for each of 3 pedals
- a piano leg? $150 for each of 3 legs (SOLD OUT)
- The Lid! $500 for one piano lid
ALSO
- Damp-Chaser Humidifier System: $750
- A special custom-made storage case to keep the piano comfortable when not being played (e.g., humidified /dehumidified and temperature controlled). $1500
For students and families, alumni too, let’s see if we can buy a piano with all the 88 keys, pedals, legs and lid in tact! (A two legged piano? oh no!)
All of this means 97 opportunities to participate!
Our generous lead donors have ensured that all of the inner working are in place, from the critical sound board to strings and hammers. We also will be investing in drapes for windows (acoustical improvement as well as for visual appeal), curtain rods for the windows, a custom built piano case (to contain humidity and temperature), a grand piano dolly for ease of movement without stressing the instruments, and a Damp Chaser grand piano humidifier system.
AND as of December 13, 2022 the thermometer has taken a big tick up thanks to the very generous support of the Arthur M. and Martha R. Pappas Foundation. As of January, thanks to parents rallying for the Grand, we are now just $2,000 away from our goal !!!
Why the GRAND Campaign
A good piano is the hub of music-making for every musician, student to professional. Our dream is for every child and teen of Greater Worcester to play (or be accompanied by) this world class instrument, raising the bar for teaching and learning at Pakachoag.
Funds raised will support the purchase of a Steinway (or similar) performance grand piano. The campaign also includes investment funds for annual instrument maintenance (humidity/heat control, tunings and repairs); also facilities costs and enhancements connected with performances and teaching activities.
The Goal: $240,000
- As of December 1, 2022: $182,000 raised
- As of January 13: $238,000
Many thanks to the donors who have made this dream reality.
Music Together with Pakachoag
Join Us for a Music Together Class
- Six Locations
- Ages birth to five.
We also offer Rhythm Kids for ages K-2.
Other Information
About Music Together at Pakachoag
School Year Schedules, including online options for Winter 2023
Rhythm Kids: About, Schedule, Tuition, Register
While COVID-19 is present, the School observes a set of Health & Safety Protocols to ensure that in-person and indoor classes are as safe as possible.
Give Today
Thank you for your interest in supporting high quality music teaching and learning for persons of every age and cultural background with Pakachoag.
As Executive Director, with a team of 30 committed faculty, board members, education and music enthusiasts alongside me, I am both excited and humbled to be leading Pakachoag Music School as we celebrate our 40th Anniversary Year.
Every student who comes to Pakachoag, whatever their age, has a story. For many students, this is their dream. For some, learning to play an instrument would never otherwise be possible.
Chris, a recorder student this past year, writes:
This is my first year studying the recorder. I really like the recorder, whether I’m playing for my grandparents, or just goofin’ about. I hope to be an architect when I grow up, but I also want to play the clarinet, that’s why I am doing the recorder. I also like maths. Thank you for your support [of my lessons]. Chris.
As teachers, we know that playing an instrument brings fulfillment, contributes to self development and supports academic success. Every gift opens a door that begins with music but which also provides a unique experience that continues with each student through life.
Thank you for visiting us on the web! Below are ways that you can make a difference in the life of a child or teen.
Sincerely, Sarah Smongeski, Executive Director
How Sound Can Heal
Too Much Noise.
“Hearing Too Much in a Noisy World: Even ordinary levels of background din can drown out the meaning our brains seek from sound.” From an op-ed by Nina Kraus in the Wall Street Journal.
Dr. Nina Kraus, Professor of Audiology at Northwestern University, has dedicated her research life to understanding the power of sound, and how sound is processed in the brain.
Not Only for The Music Together/Early Childhood Community
“Nina Kraus is a brilliant communicator in her explorations of music and the brain. Of Sound Mind is an engaging and entertaining read. With lively analogies and diagrams, the book is accessible for those just getting their ‘ears’ wet, but has much to offer for musicians and researchers as well.” Renée Fleming, world renowned Soprano and arts and health advocate.
