CMS News

In September 2025, the Community Music School Board’s Strategic Direction Task Force reconvened to review the strategic objectives that the Board had approved in 2021 and to develop a recommendation on new strategic objectives. The five new Board-approved objectives...

CMS Program Coordinator Kelly Hooper led two Family Music Workshops in partnership with Community Services for Children (CSC) on Wednesday, December 10, and Tuesday, December 16.  Over 30 families attended Kelly’s interactive presentations about CMS group classes,...

CMS voice and piano student Naomi Herrera performed with the William Allen High School Chorale at the Kiwanis Club of Allentown’s annual foundation grant award luncheon on Thursday, December 4, at the Shanty on 19th.  Naomi studies voice with Julia Walsh and piano...

CMS piano student Samuel Truong demonstrated his skating skills with the Penguin Figure Skating Club on the WFMZ 69 News morning show on November 25, 2025.  Sam studies piano with Kelly Hooper and is this year’s Martha Maletz Scholar.  He performed with the PFSC in...

CAPTION: Walter Fritz, of Emmaus, gets a basic violin lesson from Community Music School board member and South Whitehall resident Nanditha Mudigonda at the CMS booth at the 2025 “Art in the Park.”  The Allentown-based school provided attendees a chance to try out a...

We are thrilled that 17 CMS students participated in our first “Free To Be” music sharing opportunity on Sunday, November 16!   It was a fun afternoon that included students of all ages; for several students, this was the first time they’ve shared their musical...

On Saturday, November 8, adult piano student Jacqueline Ott-Tran held a private recital at her home with two special guests: fellow CMS adult piano student Brandon Boyle, and their teacher, Kelly Hooper.  The program featured a wide range of musical repertoire,...

We love sharing the joy of music with Kirkland Village residents on the first Wednesday of each month!  On November 5, students Liam Pammer, Jacqueline Ott-Tran, and Brandon Boyle joined their teacher Kelly Hooper to continue our monthly performance residency at the...

We had a fantastic day of musical instrument “petting zoo” fun on Saturday, November 1, at the Family Fun Day at Zoellner Arts Center!  We thank our amazing student volunteers, Alex Bernini and Adrienne Kipp, for sharing their musical talents.  If you are interested...

In This IssueWe congratulate all our students who performed in the Gala Recital on Saturday!It was an amazing afternoon of music and community!  Be sure to check out all the exciting news about our merit scholarship recipients, students, and alumni below.   Join us on...

PHOTO: Jim Warfel (center) holds the commemorative photo collage of CMS memories presented to him by CMS Board President Michael Yeager (left) and Executive Director Jeff Reed (right). The board recognized Jim’s retirement with a luncheon and accolades at its final...

Community Music School has been awarded a $15,000 capacity-building grant through the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation CORE Fellowship to support the 2025-2026 Allentown School District Community Music Scholarship Program at CMS. Along with other Lehigh Valley...

Community Music School is pleased to announce that Ken Laliwala was elected to a three-year term on the CMS Board of Directors by an unanimous vote on September 19, 2025. As Executive Director of Tax at Air Products and Chemicals Inc., Ken Laliwala oversees Europe,...

If you missed the pre-order opportunity, we have selected swag items available for purchase in the front office in Allentown.  To reserve your items, make your payment here and email lisa@cmslv.org.Large Canvas Tote bag... $25Bella & Canvas T-shirt... $15 Black...

We are pleased to welcome back Lou Czechowski to our distinguished piano faculty.   Lou has been playing the piano for many years, having started lessons as a child.  He  has been a teaching artist since 1996 and previously taught piano at CMS for over 20 years. ...

We are pleased to announce that Anita DeChellis has joined our distinguished voice faculty.  Anita will be available for in-person voice lessons in Allentown on Monday and Thursday evenings, beginning on September 22.  She holds a M.M. in Voice Performance from...

Sharing the Joy of Music in the Community! Our staff and student volunteers brought the joy of music to numerous community events this summer, including Kratzer Elementary School, Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, The Udder Bar, Allentown School District Back to...

We are pleased to announce that Dan DeChellis has joined our distinguished piano faculty.  Dan began teaching piano and composition here at CMS on Monday this week. Dan holds a M.M. in Piano Performance from Duquesne University, a B.M. in Piano Performance from...

During her senior year of high school, Mary Capilitan-Pulanco enrolled in clarinet lessons at CMS to prepare for college.  As an adult, and then an elementary music teacher herself, she returned to CMS to continue her clarinet studies with John Schwartz.  Last summer,...

As most of our students head “back to school,” we wish our 2025 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...

CMS guitar teacher Andrew Portz  recently took second place in the 17th Annual Pennsylvania Heritage Songwriting Contest (PHSC) with his original folk song, “Mahanoy City.”  Andy says the song “grapples with the achievements and the struggles, past and present, of...

Musikfest, the nation’s largest non-gated free music festival, kicks off its 42nd year in Bethlehem on Friday, August 1.  In addition to our CMS student and faculty performance on the Plaza Tropical stage on Thursday, August 7, we are excited to announce that several...

View the Build-Your-Own Ukulele Camp Photos in the Morning Call Our Build-Your-Own Ukulele campers had a blast building and playing their own instruments.  We send a huge THANK YOU to our instructor Andy Portz and volunteers DeAnna Portz and Abby Portz for their help...

Liam Pammer, piano student of Kelly Hooper, recently released a new video on his Einaudi's Protégé YouTube Channel.  Liam says, “This is my felted piano rendition of “Luminous” from Ludovico Einaudi’s album, Underwater. The felt creates a softer, muted tone, perfect...

CMS teacher Joe Wagner has been elected to the Board of Directors of the William Allen Arts Alliance, a nonprofit organization that supports and promotes the arts at William Allen High School.  The WAAA Board is composed of community arts leaders, educators, artists,...

The Trotter family invites everyone to join them on Sunday, June 22, at 2:00 PM, to remember and celebrate the 16th birthday (on June 23) of former CMS student Emmanuel Trotter, at the Cedar Creek Parkway Rose Garden Pavilion (Honochick Dr, Allentown, just west of Ott...

Our operations team worked hard behind the scenes this summer to bring our students and families Opus1, a new and much-improved online system for scheduling, payments, communications, and learning resources.  We are very excited to bring you this best-in-class online...

Community Music School is pleased to announce that Nanditha Mudigonda was elected to a three-year term on the CMS Board of Directors by an unanimous vote on June 6, 2025.   Nanditha Mudigonda is Head of Enterprise Portfolio at Guardian Life Insurance, where she leads...

C.J. Ray, a tuba student of Matthew Blanchard here at CMS, will be marching with the Reading Buccaneers this summer.  C.J. is a rising senior at Parkland High School and was selected to advance to the All-State Wind Ensemble for 2025. Congratulations, C.J.!   He is...

Our staff and volunteers had a great time sharing the joy of music with our friends at Kratzer Elementary School’s Kountry Fair (Parkland School District) on Friday, June 6.  Students:  If you are interested in volunteering at fun events like this, watch our weekly...

On Wednesday, June 4, our very talented piano student Liam Pammer made his debut performance at Kirkland Village.  Liam joined his teacher Kelly Hooper to continue our monthly performance residency at the senior living community in Bethlehem.  We love sharing the joy...

CMS teacher Katie Mitchell performed on contra-alto clarinet in “Legendary Composers” with the Commonwealth University of PA - Mansfield Concert Wind Ensemble on the Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage of Carnegie Hall (in New York City) on May 23, 2025.  The lineup also...

In This IssueWe congratulate all our students who performed in the Gala Recital on Saturday!   It was an amazing afternoon of music and community!  Be sure to check out all the exciting news about our merit scholarship recipients, students, and alumni below.   Join us...

Photo Caption:  On Saturday, May 10, 2025, Community Music School (CMS) held the annual Gala Recital & Scholarship Awards in the Dorothy H. Baker Recital Hall at CMS.  Pictured are (l-r) Siddharth Chitta, violin; Annette Kim, violin; Kayla Huynh, violin; Naomi...

We are pleased to announce that two CMS students were nominated to participate in the PMEA District 10 Elementary String Orchestra Fest that was held on Tuesday, May 13. Laina Roque Hernandez (left photo, far right), violin student of Sunny Murthy is in 5th grade at...

The congregation of St. Timothy Evangelical Lutheran Church, located on Ott Street in Allentown, selected Community Music School as their “Ministry of the Month” for April.  CMS founder Martha Maletz was a long-time active member at St. Timothy, prior to her passing...

On Wednesday, May 7, CMS teacher Kelly Hooper, piano, continued our faculty performance residency at Kirkland Village, a senior living community in Bethlehem.  Our faculty members love sharing the joy of music with Kirkland Village residents on the first Wednesday of...

A former CMS violin student, 20-year-old Brianna Herrera, has played violin with El Sistema Lehigh Valley, a program of the Allentown Symphony Association, since its inception 14 years ago.  As she prepares to graduate from Kutztown University this spring, she...

We are pleased that several CMS students took to the stages in their high schools’ spring musicals!Naomi Herrera (fourth from left) performed the lead role of “Kate Monster” in William Allen High School’s production of “Avenue Q – School Edition” from April 10-12....

A CMS Alumnus Profile: Sean Riedy From Performing with the Moravian Orchestra to a Semester in Vienna We love hearing from our CMS alumni!   CMS alumnus Sean Riedy was a piano student of Dr. David Saturen for four years and was the first recipient of the Martha Maletz...

Our winter/spring Intro to Violin class held their End-of-Session Concert on Tuesday, April 8, in the Dorothy H. Baker Recital Hall.  Led by teacher Leah McCann, the three students, Loujane, Sahar, and Alianny, performed Rolling Along, Good King Wenceslas, and Lightly...

CMS students who participated in our 2024 Music and Film Lab summer camp had their short film “Delivery” accepted into the third annual Allentown Film Festival, to be held April 10-13, 2025.  We congratulate students Effie Toole, Annika Schreiner, Ella Wikander, and...

In This IssueHappy Spring!  Check out all the exciting news about our teachers, board members, students, and new neighbors below.   Be sure to order your CMS T-shirt, sweatshirt, or tote bag by April 14.  Join us this Sunday, April 13, for the Spring Recital and save...

John Schwartz began playing the clarinet at age 11, and went on to receive a bachelor’s in music from West Chester State University and a master’s from Temple University.  His principal clarinet teacher was Anthony Liberio, a protégé of Gino Cioffi, former principal...

We are pleased to announce that the 2025-26 financial aid application is now open! Please note that CMS has adjusted the financial aid cycle to align with our fiscal year, shifting from a September–August cycle to a July–June cycle. This means that financial aid...

We are proud to announce that longtime CMS student Naomi Herrera will be performing the lead role of “Kate Monster” in William Allen High School’s upcoming production of “Avenue Q - School Edition”.  The show will take place on Thursday, April 10, at 7:00 PM, Friday,...

We are excited to announce that Dr. Matthew Morrow has joined our piano faculty.  Beginning in April, he will be available for in-person private piano lessons in Allentown and piano accompaniment for CMS recitals. Dr. Morrow holds a Ph.D. & M.A. in Musicology from...

In September 2023, HDC MidAtlantic began construction of a four-story apartment building on the parking lot directly east of the CMS building.  Construction is now complete, and “1528 West” is open for tenants.  A ribbon cutting was held on Friday, March 21, 2025, in...

On March 15, we had a super-FUN day at the Parkland Community Resource Fair and LVACA’s Young at Art expo!  Our musical instrument “petting zoo” was a hit at both events.   We thank all our “petting zoo” volunteers who helped share the joy of music with our community:...

We are excited to offer this selection of quality custom items to help you show your CMS pride.  T-shirts, crewneck sweatshirts, large canvas tote bags, and water bottle stickers are now available for preorder by April 14.  Car magnets are available through the form...

We are proud to announce that Community Music School has received an Advancement of Music grant from The Presser Foundation. This grant provides general operating support and will help fund our mission to successfully provide the inspiration and opportunity for anyone...

It is never too early to plan your summer!  We are pleased to announce our full lineup of one-day, one-week, and multi-week camps in piano, violin, ukulele, music production, & rock band performance.  Camps begin on June 17.  Space is limited, so reserve your spot...

CMS Board of Directors member, Michael Horvath, a business attorney at Gross McGinley, was recently featured in a Lehigh Valley Business news article about Pennsylvania’s recent change to annual business reporting.  The full article is available to read or listen on...

We are excited to announce that Vicky Serrao has joined our CMS faculty as a piano accompanist for intermediate and advanced students.  Ms. Serrao holds a B.M. Music Education from Moravian University and is a K-12 certified teacher. She also studied at Westminster...

CMS piano student Liam Pammer recently launched his own YouTube channel with technical assistance from his father, John.  Liam is nine years old and studies with Kelly Hooper.  He started learning piano on an app and has now been studying piano at CMS for almost two...

In This Issue- Remembering Emmanuel Trotter- Faculty-Student Recital - Mar 2- Students Advance in PMEA- Welcome Aylor Scandola- CSCLVG Class Holiday Recital- CMS Faculty Kirkland Residency- Covenant Brass Quintet Donates- Kindermusik Next Session 3/19- 1528...

Attention all students who need to log volunteer hours!   Join us for a “musical instrument petting zoo” in the community! Our spring community event season kicks off on Saturday, March 15, with both the Lehigh Valley Arts and Cultural Alliance (LVACA)'s Young at Art...

Pictured: CMS students Liam Ray, Felicity Lui, and CJ Ray, pose with the PMEA banner at the District 10 Band Concert that was held at Catasauqua High School on January 25, 2025.  All three attend Parkland High School.We congratulate the CMS students who have been...

On Wednesday, February 5, CMS teachers Abigail Zuckert (voice) and Kelly Hooper (piano) kicked off our faculty performance residency at Kirkland Village, a senior living community in Bethlehem.  The audience of about 40 residents, families, and staff enjoyed an hour...

We are pleased to welcome Aylor Scandola to our front office operations team.  As an Operations Associate, Aylor will assist our Operations Coordinator, Jas Adamson, in providing front-line support for our students and families in the afternoon and evening hours. ...

During their Christkindlmarkt performance on December 22, 2024, the Covenant Brass Quintet placed a horn case in front of the group for tips.  Over the course of the Quintet’s two-hour performance in front of the Christmas tree in the PNC Plaza Courtyard at...

CMS Program Coordinator and piano teacher, Kelly Hooper led a six-week adult group piano class for our friends at Cancer Support Community of the Greater Lehigh Valley, here at CMS.  The program culminated with a Holiday Sing-Along Recital for family and friends in...

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...