CMS News

HDC MidAtlantic began construction of a four-story apartment building on the parking lot directly east of the CMS building in September 2023.  The project is expected to be completed before the end of 2024.  Throughout the construction, HDC and their contractor, EG...

🍁 Fall is flying!  CMS has been approved for PA's EITC program, we recently welcomed two new teachers, and the construction of the apartment building next to CMS is nearing completion.  Catch up on all this exciting news and learn more about holiday party rentals,...

Longtime CMS violin teacher Linda Kistler has been selected to speak at the American String Teachers Association National Conference.  The conference will be held March 19-22, 2025, in Atlanta, GA and is titled: “String Synergy:  Sparking Artistry, Innovation, &...

CMS Teacher Daniel Gonzalez Appears on Good Day Uncut: with Michel Labaki and the Labex Funk Project Marcus Espinoza stops by and gets an ear full of funk vibes with internationally known bass guitar player Michel Labaki and the Labex Funk Project, which includes CMS...

Allentown, PA (November 6, 2024) – Community Music School Lehigh Valley & Berks (CMS) is pleased to announce the nonprofit organization's approval for participation in Pennsylvania's Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program.  Through the EITC program,...

We are pleased to announce that Andrew Portz has joined our guitar faculty.  Andrew holds a B.A. in Music Performance, with honors, from the University of the Arts, Philadelphia, PA, where he studied jazz, ear training, voice, and the art of improvisation.  Hailing...

Carole M. Houghton March 25, 1933 ~ October 24, 2024It is with great sadness that we share that longtime CMS piano teacher and accompanist, Carole Houghton, 91, of Whitehall, passed away at her home on Thursday, October 24, 2024.  Born in Brooklyn, NY, Carole...

At the Palmerton Area High School vs. Notre Dame High School football game on Friday, October 18, 2024, CMS teachers and fellow marching band directors Matthew Blanchard (Palmerton) and Chris Klump (Notre Dame), surprised the crowd with a joint performance of their...

After 44 years of operations, the East Allen Township Volunteer Ambulance Corps (East Allen EMS) closed its doors in July 2023.  As part of the dissolution process, the East Allen EMS Board of Directors is donating its final funds to area nonprofits, including...

We thank Sister Carol Ann Nawracaj OSF for sharing her knowledge on best practices for inclusive and accessible education with an engaged audience of CMS teachers, parents, board members, and community members on Saturday, September 7.  Her interactive presentation...

Registration for our performing ensembles and fall classes is now open!  Sign up today! Ages 0-4KindermusikSession 1 begins Wed, Sept 11, @ 10:00 AM & 11:00 AMSpaces are still available in the 11:00 am session!Teacher:  Lena Sandulova-Baeza Ages 4-7Melody Minis:...

We are pleased to announce that Laurel Nolin has joined our piano faculty.  Laurel holds a Master of Arts Administration (M.A.A.) with a concentration in Music Leadership from Ohio University (Athens, OH) and double major from Wheaton College (Wheaton, IL) with a B.M....

We had a blast sharing our musical instrument “petting zoo” with the community at The Udder Bar Community Day on August 11, and the Allentown School District’s Back to School Bash on August 13.   We send a very special thank you to our dedicated volunteer - Ceiran...

As you will see below, it has already been a busy summer here at CMS and there is still so much more to come!  Sign up for the Vocal Prep Workshop or Kindermusik Free Demo Class, volunteer for a musical instrument petting zoo, and join us for our annual performance at...

CMS took our musical instrument petting zoo to the PPL Center on Wednesday, July 24, for the first-ever meLVin's Camp Day with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.  We made music with over 350 enthusiastic campers who explored a variety of woodwind, brass, string, and...

During the week of July 8, CMS was back with our friends at the Cancer Support Community of the Greater Lehigh Valley in Allentown.  The CSCGLV provides professional programs at no charge, including emotional support, education, and hope for people affected by cancer,...

PHOTO:  David Voellinger looks on as his wife Lona Farr speaks during the CMS Spring Brunch and Silent Auction fundraiser at Lehigh Country Club on April 28, 2019.David V. Voellinger August 22, 1938 ~ July 15, 2024It is with great sadness that we share that longtime...

On Saturday, July 6, we braved the heat to share the joy of music with our “Musical Instrument Petting Zoo” and information table at the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival (PSF) Community Day at DeSales University.  We thank our dedicated volunteers, Ceiran Magee and...

We are excited to announce that Executive Director Jeff Reed and Assistant Director, Operations & People Laura Burcaw have been accepted to represent CMS in The CORE Fellowship at the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation. The CORE Fellowship Program is a two-year...

We are pleased to announce that Ryan Hill has joined our piano faculty.  Ryan Hill holds a B.M. in Music Education with a concentration in piano, summa cum laude, from Bucknell University.  He holds his Pennsylvania PreK-12 Music Certification and is an experienced...

CMS Assistant Director, Operations & People Laura Burcaw will represent CMS in the inaugural Leadership Transformation cohort with the Community Arts Education Leadership and Intercultural Institute (CAELII).  The Leadership Transformation Cohort is a...

2024 was a busy summer at CMS with our exciting lineup of summer music camps and workshops in musical theater, piano, violin, ukulele, percussion, & music production.  Check out the highlights below:2024 Summer Camp HighlightsOn Friday, August 2, we wrapped up our...

On Friday, June 21, we wrapped up a busy week of art, music, dance, and theater with the City Arts Camp showcase performance at Miller Symphony Hall.  This year’s theme was “Colors of the World”.  We send a special thank you to CMS teachers Chris Klump, who taught...

On Saturday, June 22, 2024, longtime CMS student and 2024 high school graduate Ceiran Magee presented his senior recital in the Dorothy H. Baker Recital Hall at CMS.  He performed works by Mozart, Bach, Debussy, Pieczonka, and more, on piano and violin. Kelly Hooper...

It's summer at CMS!  Sign up for one of our exciting summer camps, volunteer for a musical instrument petting zoo, and join us for our annual performance at Musikfest. This Saturday, 2024 high school graduate, Ceiran Magee will present his senior recital at CMS....

We wish our high school graduates success and happiness as they head off to college and future careers. Even if these students do not pursue music as a career, we hope that music will continue to be an important part of their lives. All three of this year’s seniors...

CMS student Alex Bernini gave a solo piano performance of “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Freddie Mercury (Queen) during the Catasauqua Middle School end-of-year student talent show.   Alex is a student of Dr. David Saturen and has been taking online lessons at CMS for almost...

We congratulate all our students and their teachers who prepared for and participated in our Certificate of Musical Achievement in Piano Program.  This is a wonderful opportunity for CMS students to receive written comments on their performances and to note their...

CMS student Matthew Brandle has been nominated for a Freddy Award in the “Outstanding Featured Performance by an Actor” category.  Matthew is a piano and voice student of CMS teacher Kathy Anthony.  He performed the lead role of “Uncle Fester” in Moravian Academy’s...

Allentown, PA (May 17, 2024) – Each spring, CMS faculty recommend their highest performing students at all levels for an audition before an independent panel of judges. The three judges evaluate each student’s musical performance and determine a total audition score...

We are pleased to announce our 2024 Gala Recital performers!Everyone is welcome to attend the Gala Recital and Scholarship Awards on Saturday May 11, at 4:00 PM, as we honor these students who have worked so hard all year to audition for and perform in the Gala...

US Teacher Appreciation Week 2024 In honor of U.S. Teacher Appreciation Week, we send a sincere THANK YOU to all our CMS teachers!

We are pleased to announce that Katie Mitchell is joining the faculty at CMS Berks.  Katie holds a Bachelor's of Music in Music Education degree from Mansfield University, with a concentration in violin.  She is a music teacher and orchestra director in the Reading...

PHOTO:  C.J. Ray, tuba, and Liam Ray, trombone, pose outside Parkland High School with their PMEA medals.  Liam was selected to participate in the All-State Band concert at the Warner Theatre in Erie, PA on Saturday, April 20, 2024.  We congratulate the CMS students...

CMS is blooming with musical opportunities this spring!  Please save the date for one or more of our upcoming student recitals, including our Gala Recital, Scholarship Awards, & Reception on May 11.  Check out all the accomplishments, opportunities, and new faces...

As a nonprofit, CMS is fortunate to receive regular donations of previously loved sheet music* and instruments. In December, our newest voice and piano teacher, Evan Nelson, took on the enormous task of sorting our most recent sheet music donations and re-organizing...

Joshua Vazquez, a voice student of CMS teacher Abigail Zuckert, performed the lead role of “Prince Eric” in Lehigh Christian Academy’s production of Disney's “The Little Mermaid.”  The show ran from March 14-16, 2024. Eric shared that what he enjoyed most about the...

On March 25, 2024, CMS drum teacher Daniel Gonzalez led a percussion workshop with students and parents from Reach Cyber Charter School.  Students enjoyed two hours of hands-on experience with a variety of percussion instruments. 

Matthew Brandle, a piano and voice student of CMS teacher Kathy Anthony, performed the lead role of “Uncle Fester” in Moravian Academy’s production of “The Addams Family: A New Musical Comedy.”  The show ran from March 1-3, 2024, and was sold out on opening night. ...

We are pleased to announce that a one-time CMS student of violin, Leah McCann, will soon join our growing roster of talented string and piano teachers.  In May, Leah will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Music and Spanish from Gettysburg College.  During her...

Two CMS students performed in the Young Musicians of the Allentown Music Club’s “Springing Into March Music” program on Saturday, March 16, 2024, in Zentz Hall at Fellowship Community Center in Whitehall.  Shouri Gudimetla, alto saxophone (student of Seval Kanik) and...

We had a blast on sharing our musical instrument petting zoo at the Parkland Community Resource Fair event on Saturday, March 16, at Parkland High School.  We thank our volunteers David, Ceiran, Charlie, and Ollie for their help spreading the word about all the fun...

Allentown, PA (March 19, 2024) – Community Music School - Lehigh Valley & Berks (CMS) is pleased to announce that John Wittenbraker was elected to the CMS Board of Directors by unanimous vote on March 11, 2024.  Wittenbraker will serve a three-year term with the...

On March 18, CMS piano and clarinet teacher Griffin Woodard made another appearance on WFMZ Channel 69 News for Music Monday.  This time, he was joined by his longtime bandmate, drummer Hugh Kline.  Check out the duo’s interview with Eve Russo and their performances...

Friday, March 8 was a spirited day of fun and learning at CMS, as our Music Explorers embarked on a journey through the world of music.  The young students enjoyed learning about music theory, singing, violins, keyboards, percussion, xylophones, and a number of...

It was a rainy day full of art, music, and fun at the Lehigh Valley Arts & Cultural Alliance 2024 Young at Art Expo on Saturday, March 9, at Penn State Lehigh Valley.   Our musical instrument petting zoo volunteers helped dozens of children (and adults) try out a...

  Maanya Gope (2nd from right), a voice student of CMS teacher Julia Walsh, will be performing the lead role of “Evie” in Springhouse Middle School’s production of Disney's “Descendants: The Musical.” Maanya likes the theme of friendship in this musical.  She...

We congratulate piano student Victoria T. for being selected as one of two piano accompanists for the 2023-2024 Berks Junior County Chorus!  Victoria is a piano student at our CMS Berks studio at Goggleworks in Reading, PA.  She is 13 years old and attends Muhlenberg...

CMS violin teacher Carolyn Gaul shared the healing power of music with our new friends at the Cancer Support Community of the Greater Lehigh Valley in Allentown on Thursday, February 1.  The CSCGLV provides professional programs at no charge, including emotional...

The weather is chilly, but the jazz is hot at CMS this February!  On Saturday, February 10, CMS hosts “getJazzed” Day in partnership with Berks Arts.  Students ages 12-18 are invited to discover the world of jazz with this afternoon of free clinics and jam...

Community Music School - Lehigh Valley & Berks (CMS) is pleased to announce that Vicki Ferrence Ray of Allentown was elected to the CMS Board of Directors by unanimous vote on January 22, 2024.  Ferrence Ray will serve a three-year term with the 42-year-old...

We are pleased to welcome Ellsbeth Hvizdak to our front office administrative team.  As an Administrative Associate, Ellsbeth will assist our Administrative Coordinator, Jas Adamson, in providing front-line support for our students and families in the afternoon and...

We congratulate three CMS students who participated in the District 10 PMEA Band Festival on January 13, and who were selected to progress to the Region V PMEA Band Festival on February 24.  Felicity Lui, flute Liam Ray, trombone C.J. Ray, tuba Felicity is a student...

Raul Amador of Bass Musician Magazine chats with the Philadelphia-based band Labex Funk Project, via Skype.  The group includes CMS drum teacher Daniel Gonzalez (drums), Michel “Labex” Labaki (bass guitar), Kinyon Linyar (vocals), Pablo Batista (piano), and Jake...

More full-length videos of select student performances from the 2023 Holiday Recital are now available in our “Student Spotlight” playlist on the CMS YouTube Channel.  

Happy Holidays from the CMS Board of Directors!We thank our dedicated Board of Directors for their leadership and financial support of Community Music School and our mission.  Members of the CMS Board of Directors in attendance at the December meeting, from left...

It's been a busy holiday season at CMS, and we look forward to an exciting new year of music and unique opportunities for our students!  If you are able, please consider a 2023 year-end gift to support financial aid for our students.  Please enjoy the highlights from...

We are pleased to welcome Evan William Nelson to our piano and voice faculty at our main studio in Allentown and our CMS Berks satellite studio at GoggleWorks.  Evan holds a B.M. in Vocal Performance, with a minor in Historical Performance from The Peabody Institute...

We congratulate the CMS students who have been selected to the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) District 10 ensembles: District 10 Orchestra 2023-2024 Shriya Chitta, Violin (Southern Lehigh High School), student of Linda Kistler Liam Ray, Trombone...

Lily Kubala, an adult guitar student of Joe Wagner, wrote and recorded a Christmas song in the recording studio here at Community Music School.  The original lyrics and arrangement for “The First Gift of Christmas” are based on the traditional tune of “The Twelve Days...

We are pleased to welcome Matthew Blanchard to our CMS brass faculty. Matthew holds a B.A. in Music Education, with a minor in vocal performance from The Pennsylvania State University, where he studied under Eric Henry, David Yinger, and Velvet Brown. While at Penn...

It's been a busy fall at CMS, with energetic ensembles, exciting new classes, and 63 students performing in our annual Monster Concert and costume contest.  As we come to the end of 2023, please consider a generous #givingtuesday gift to support financial aid for our...

Our Fall 2023 Intro to Piano Class presented a mini recital in the Hess Lounge on Saturday, November 18, to commemorate the end of the class.  Pictured here are student Michelle M., teacher Kelly Hooper, student Naya A., and student Mikayla A..  Great job, everyone!

The CMS Board of Directors welcomed our most generous donors, recital season sponsors, and guests to an evening of drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and music on Friday, November 10.  The event coincided with what would have been the 101st birthday of the late Martha Maletz,...

“Love Grows Where Music is Rooted” are the words that now greet students and their families as they arrive for their music lessons in our Allentown building.  The permanent installation is located at the end of the main hallway on the way to the studio suite.  The...

A painting by Russian artist Ivan Zolotukhin was on display in the Judith Ruhe Diehl Entrance Hall at CMS during the donor reception that was held on Friday, November 10.  The 2020 oil on canvas piece, entitled “Piano and the Bouquet of Lilacs” (Пианино и букет...

It was an incredible summer at CMS!  Please enjoy some of the performance highlights from Musikfest, Art in the Park, and our Faculty Showcase below.  Fall is now here and we are excited to continue to welcome so many new students for music lessons and classes.  Join...

CMS Executive Director Jeff Reed, a lifelong choral singer, will perform with Lehigh University’s Choral Union and a full orchestra on October 21 and 22, as Lehigh University Choral Arts presents “Sacred and Profane” at Zoellner Arts Center.  The 200-plus singers of...

Jasmine Adamson, Administrative Coordinator We are excited to share the news of Jasmine's well-earned promotion to the role of full-time Administrative Coordinator. Since starting as an Administrative Associate at CMS in 2021, Jas has played a crucial role in our...

We are pleased to welcome another talented piano accompanist to CMS.  Vincent holds a B.M. in Composition from Boston University, where he studied piano with Anthony di Bonaventura and composition with Girolamo Arrigo, Betsy Jolas, Robert Sirota, and Joyce Mekeel. ...

We are fortunate to have so many multi-talented teachers here at CMS.  Next week, two of our teachers will take to regional stages in major theatrical roles.   Voice, piano, and ukulele teacher Abigail Zuckert will appear as “Mrs. White” in the Reading-based Genesius...

Glass Garden Art Fundraiser for CMS:  At Art in the Park, Martha Reitz of Glass Garden Art held a fundraiser to benefit CMS and raised over $500 designated for financial aid for our students.  Martha is a retired educator who uses recycled glassware to create glass...

We are pleased to welcome Lauren Curnow to our voice faculty!  Ms. Curnow holds masters degrees in Music and Opera Performance from The Juilliard School and The Curtis Institute of Music, respectively, and a Bachelor of Arts from Muhlenberg College in Theater Arts and...

As you may have heard in the news, HDC MidAtlantic has announced the start of construction of a new four-story, apartment building on the parking lot directly east of the CMS building.  Construction began on September 18, 2023.  HDC and EG Stoltzfus are working...

Our admin team, along with student and board member volunteers, brought our musical instrument “petting zoo” and information table to numerous community events this summer including the PSF’s Community Day at DeSales University, Allentown’s National Night Out at Cedar...

We congratulate CMS student Josh Trotter on his recognition as “Student of the Year” at William Allen High School. See the Facebook Post.  Josh studies piano with Kelly Hooper at CMS.   Check out Josh’s performance at Musikfest, as he and his sister, Justina, perform...

It's been a busy summer at CMS, but it isn't over yet! Join us at Musikfest on August 10, and check out everything else happening at CMS in our latest e-newsletter here:In This Issue - Musikfest - Thursday, Aug 10 - Faculty Showcase - Aug 16 - Art in the Park - Sept...

It has been an exciting summer at CMS!  Dozens of students participated in a variety of introductory summer camps in piano, ukulele, violin, and recording technology.  On June 21, we celebrated Make Music Day with our new Music Explorers Camp.  Campers had a full day...

CMS Board of Directors member Elyse Pillitteri, an attorney at Fitzpatrick, Lentz, & Bubba P.C. was recently recognized as one of  the“Forty Under 40” honorees for 2023 by Lehigh Valley Business magazine.  The Forty Under 40 awards recognize the future leaders of...

We are pleased to welcome another new teacher to our growing roster of talented faculty members!   Marissa (Broome) Amphay recently relocated to the Lehigh Valley from Texas, and she is available for violin, viola, cello, double bass, and piano lessons in Allentown. ...

It's a busy summer at CMS! Join us for new camps, faculty showcase, and Musikfest!In This Issue- 2023 Gala Recital & Scholarships- "Year-End" Recital Highlights- Spring Recital Highlights- Spring Season Sponsors- Piano Achievement Recipients- Welcome New Teachers ...

Abigail Zuckert is a prolific and experienced musical performer who has a passion for educating people of all ages in voice, piano, and ukulele. Originally from Connecticut, Abigail received a Bachelor of Arts in Music and Theatre with concentrations in Vocal...

{A LEGO likeness of piano teacher Kelly Hooper, created by one of her students, Valentino Marte} 

CMS piano teacher, Griffin Woodard and his quartet were selected to perform at the T.U. Jazz Fest in Toronto. The 9th annual T.U. Jazz Fest takes place on Labor Day Weekend, September 1-4, 2023, at Mel Lastman Square in Toronto. The event features the best...

Naomi Herrera (center) was recognized as the 2023-24 Amaranth Scholar for her outstanding dedication to her studies in piano, violin, and voice, here at CMS.  Also pictured are Executive Director Jeff Reed (left), and Naomi’s piano teacher, Kathy Anthony (right). The...

We are pleased to welcome Mikaela Krall as a teacher in our Berks Studio at Goggleworks Center for the Arts in Reading, PA.  Mikaela, nicknamed Mikki, holds a B.M. in Audio & Music Production and a B.A. in Music Composition, both from Lebanon Valley College. She...

The Community Music School Certificate of Musical Achievement Program in Piano allows students of all levels to demonstrate their yearly progress and set goals by performing two pieces (3-15 minutes) & technical studies for a panel of judges, who provided...

We brought the CMS musical instrument petting zoo to the ASD Brigadier General Anna Mae Hays Elementary School Year-End Carnival on Wednesday, May 24, 2023.  There was a bit of wind and a little rain, but there were lots of students excited about making music! ...

Allentown, PA (May 24, 2023) – Each spring, CMS faculty recommend their highest performing students at all levels for an audition before an independent panel of judges. The three judges evaluate each student’s musical performance and determine a total audition score...