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01Dec 2022

Playing Together for the GRAND Campaign

PI Parent Info Docs, School News, Suzuki Parent News

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.

Created using the Donation Thermometer plugin https://wordpress.org/plugins/donation-thermometer/.$240,000Raised $238,000 towards the $240,000 target.$238,000Raised $238,000 towards the $240,000 target.99%

Now it’s our turn to pull together the finishing touches.

Buy Your Key

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.

23Nov 2022

Music Together with Pakachoag

MT Parent Info Docs, Program Updates

Join us for Music Together classes

  • Six Locations
  • Ages birth to five.

We also offer Rhythm Kids for ages K-2.

Music Together Reg Form Rhythm Kids Reg Form

Here are quick links for more information:

About Music Together at Pakachoag

School Year Schedules, including online options for Winter 2023

Tuition Information

Locations

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.

22Nov 2022

Music Impact 2022

Arts Inspiration, School News

Annual Report  – 40th Anniversary Special Edition.  2021-2022

As not-for-profit institutions centered on mission, we all talk about how we change lives as part of mission.

In the case of Pakachoag Music School, how we change lives looks (and sounds) a little different.  As teaching artists and early childhood music specialists, with the support of our donors and grantors, we’re nurturing life-lasting change.  No matter the age – from birth into retirement; no matter one’s background, we know that the impact of music on social/emotional development and learning lasts for life.

Read our latest annual report  to learn how we’re bringing music to community.

If you are new to the research surrounding music and brain development, here’s a great article which shows direct correlations between music learning and brain development.  USC Five Year Study

Thank you for your interest in our work.  We know:  #MusicMatters  #MusicForLife  #MusicHeals

ANNUAL REPORT 2021-2022

The Vo siblings play at the 40th Anniversary Gala

The Vo Siblings – Ethan, Evan and Evelyn – played their latest piece at the 40th Anniversary Gala at Tuckerman Hall.

Donate Online Today
02Nov 2022

Give Today

Sarah's Blog, School News

Thank you for your interest in supporting high quality music teaching and learning for persons of every age and cultural background with Pakachoag.

Give Online Here

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

Ways to Participate

All that the School has been and has become, combined with the thousands of students served along the way, has been and is only possible thanks to the on-going generosity of donors and grantors.  While tuition is a large portion of our annual budget, tuition alone is never enough to keep the wheels turning and the music playing.

The Annual Harmony Fund

We accept donations to the Annual Harmony Fund throughout the year.  Gifts of all sizes are welcome.  You can learn more, print a form, or make a gift online here:

Individual Giving

**

Music Matters!

A gift of $100 to $10,000 to the Music Matters Program brings music instruction to students in need.  This includes fully free after-school, off-site small group music classes, as well as financial aid for traditional programs and the all-new Quinsigamond Youth Theatrical Company starting Fall 2022.   Your gift supports every student in experiencing music success, as we work to inspire on-going music learning for enjoyment and life-long health and well-being.

To make a gift, please visit the Individual Giving page here.  You can designate on the printable form or online that you would like your gift to support Pakachoag’s Music Matters out-of-school/after-school learning program.

Individual Giving

**

Sponsor a Student

With a gift of $500 to $1500, you can Sponsor-A-Student.  Gifts allow a child or teen of low-income to experience the thrill of becoming a musician.  Each student receives up to 40 weeks annually of one-on-one instruction, accompanied by at-home practice, under the tutelage of one of the School’s 30 teaching artists.

To learn more or to sponsor a student, click here.

Sponsor a Student

**

40th Anniversary GRAND Campaign

The 40th Anniversary Gala & Campaign continues!  Following the September 2022 Gala, we have raised $180,000 toward our $240,000 goal.  A gift to the campaign positions the school for long-term sustainability, AND you’ll be helping us make the dream of a Steinway performance piano and endowment a reality.

The 40th campaign continues through FY2023.

Please email Sarah@pakmusic.org for more information about the 40th Anniversary Campaign.

Endowment, Planned Giving (Wills, Trusts, Estates)

We welcome larger gifts as part of a will or your own “planned giving”.  We can provide more information upon request. Please email Sarah@pakmusic.org.

 

09Sep 2022

40th Anniversary Parking

Special Events

Event DETAILS for September 17th – 40th Anniversary

Thank you very much for supporting Pakachoag Music School’s 40th Anniversary celebration event on Saturday, September 17, 2022 with the purchase of your ticket or sponsorship.
Please note that all tickets should be purchased in advance; NO sales At the Door.

PARKING and Entry

Click below for a map of parking options.   If you are arriving as a volunteer or after 5:30 pm, please allow extra time for parking and entry.

Tuckerman Hall Parking Map

Table Ticket holders qualify for early entry starting at 5:00 pm.   Light hors d’oeuvres available in the lower level Dean Hall.

Balcony ticket holders – entry begins at 5:30 pm.  Seating is unreserved.

Entry is via Salisbury Street.

Are you on our Event E-mail list?

Additional detailed information is going out by email to ticket holders.  If you are attending as a guest and are not on our email ticket list, feel free to email us at admin@pakmusic.org to receive email updates.

***

We look forward to a wonderful evening of celebration and music.  We are emailing persons who have purchased tickets with event details starting September 9th.  If your name/email is not in our ticketing system (most likely because you are attending as someone’s guest), feel free to email admin@pakmusic.org so we can add you to the confirmation list.

06Sep 2022

40th Tickets

School News, Special Events

Raffle, Desserts, Entertainment, Celebration!  – Ticket sales open through Friday, September 16, 2022, assuming seats remain available.

Please note..

  • Seating is limited.  Tickets NOT available at the door.
  • $10 balcony seats – unreserved.  Entry for balcony seats begins at 5:30.
  • Individual table tickets:  $50 at table – SOLD OUT
  • Table of 8 – $400.  (Discounts now closed.)  SOLD OUT
  • At the top of the order page, you may notice a ‘login’ and ‘create account’ option.  We welcome you to create a donor and event account with Pakachoag, but this is not required to purchase tickets.

If you wish to combine/purchase both balcony tickets and table tickets, you will need to submit two separate orders, accordingly.

If you wish to purchase both a full table and additional individual seats, you will need to submit two separate orders.

We are unable to accept requests for seating individual ticket purchases at any specific table.  If you wish to be seated with friends/colleagues, please submit one order.  We will make every effort to seat group purchases at one table or adjacent tables.

Event is recommended for adults.  Children in audience should be at least age 8 and we recommend they be comfortable sitting for up to two hours 15 minutes.

 

10May 2022

Song Writing with Ayla & Brenda

School News, Special Events

Express Ourselves!

With Boston’s Ayla Brown! and Pakachoag Music School

A Guest / Faculty Special Event for Grades 2 to 5 Ayla Brown Singer Songwriter

Sponsored by AllWays Health Partners.  Your Health is Everything To Us

UPDATE:  Friday, June 10th:  We have just three spaces still available for this workshop.  Can’t come but interested?  Please check out our Summer Songwriting Class.

Singer, songwriter, morning show co-host at Country 102.5, Ayla Brown is coming to visit!

You’re invited to join our own Brenda Lau, winner of Panama’s Viva la Musica 2010, and Ayla Brown, 2006 semi-finalist with American Idol, for an exciting hour of singing, songwriting and sharing.

Express Ourselves will offer an hour of uplifting music, tips on how to create your own song, time for questions with Ayla and Brenda, and a taste of some of what you can learn if you sign on for Pakachoag’s Express Yourself summer songwriting class for ages 8 to 10.

What:  Express Ourselves Songwriting Sampler
When: Monday, June 13
Time:  5:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Where: Pakachoag Music at 10 Irving Street
The 2nd floor Vinton Hall

Brenda Lau, Singer / Songwriter

Ages:  Recommended for students in or entering grades 2 to 5, with parent or caregiver.

Space is limited.   Registration open until all seats taken.  Due to rising COVID cases at this time, we are unable to accommodate siblings for this workshop.

Cost: $12 / Family

If you are an ‘engagement partner’ family (Elm Park, Boys & Girls Club, ACE, Centro) or already approved for financial aid, you can note this on the registration form and the registration fee will be waived.

Register

For a taste of Songwriting, you may enjoy this video of a recent visit with High Schoolers at the Boys & Girls Club of Worcester.

Why Music with AllWays Health Partners?

Music and self-expression impacts our mental health.  Singing, playing or listening to music can improve well-being and quality of life.  It  can be a way of connecting to a community of people, and be therapeutic with both physical and psychological benefits.

Express Ourselves Song Writing  is made possible with the generous support of AllWays Health Partners

About AllWays Health Partners

AllWays Health Partners, a Member of Mass General Brigham, is a health plan designed to support a healthier you – because to them, your health is everything.

Whether you’re looking for a therapist, need help managing a chronic condition, or working to get back to healthier habits, their goal is to help you meet YOUR goals.

To start living your healthiest self today, follow AllWays Health Partners on Instagram @allwayshealthpartners

19Apr 2022

40th Gala Sponsorships

Special Events

Special thanks to our 40th Anniversary Event Sponsors [to date]:

Catherine Z. and J. Christopher Collins

ALLISON ENGINEERING



For more information about sponsorships, and the 40th Gala and Campaign, please email sarah@pakmusic.org

The 40th Anniversary Gala

  • Saturday, September 17th, 6:00 pm Program
  • Hors D’oeuvres (with ticket) 5:00 pm
  • At Tuckerman Hall, Worcester
  • Tickets on Sale NOW!

We have opportunities for creating even greater impact for community music-making and education, as part of

SAVE!  Purchase your tickets now.

  • Early Bird:  $40 / $10 balcony.  Use code ‘Gala40‘ to apply discount at purchase.
  • Open Price:  $50 / $10 balcony
  • At the Door:  $60 / $15 balcony

Sincerely, Sarah Smongeski, Executive Director
March 2022

1982-2022

Life is a Cabaret! Come hear the music play!

For Forty Years, Pakachoag has been making music with and for community.  Observing this milestone is our way to say thank you….

  • To the thousands who have made music with us, of every age and background, during these 40 years
  • To the hundreds of donors, grantors, teachers, staff, board and volunteers who have lent their support in fulfilling the School’s mission
Gala Details
23Mar 2022

Music Together Spring 2022

MT Parent Info Docs, Parent News, Program Updates

Come Explore Spring Music Together ® with Pakachoag!

Fun. Fabulous. Uplifting. Magical. These are just a few of the ways that parents describe Music Together.  Come nurture your child’s inner musician and meet other families.

SPRING 2022:  We’re IN-PERSON / INSIDE (Sometimes Outside)

  • We currently have multiple open spaces in our
    Thursday 9:30 Auburn class; and
    Saturday 10:30 Emanuel Lutheran class.

Make new friends or invite your friends to join you!

Find complete Schedule Information here.

Want to know what class includes?  Learn About Music Together here.

More detailed information here.

Health and Safety policies are here.

Tuition information here.  AND…

Register Here

Registering less than one week ahead?  PLEASE ALLOW two to three business days for us to confirm your registration.  We will follow up as soon as possible.

 

 

 

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