CMS News
MUSIC NOTES: WHAT’S HAPPENING AT CMS – APRIL 2024
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...
CMS “Pays It Forward” to Music School in Patagonia
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...
CMS Student Has Lead Role in “The Little Mermaid” – March 2024
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...
Percussion Workshop with Reach Cyber Charter School
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.
CMS Student Has Lead Role in “The Addams Family”
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. ...
Welcome New Teacher, Leah McCann
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...
CMS Students Perform with Allentown Music Club
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...
Musical Fun at the Parkland Community Resource Fair 2024
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...
CMS Board of Directors Welcomes John Wittenbraker
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...
CMS Teacher Makes Another Appearance on WFMZ’s Music Monday
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...
Music Explorers: A Spirited Day of Musical Discovery
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...
YOUNG AT ART EXPO – MARCH 9, 2024
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...
CMS Student Has Lead Role in “Descendants: The Musical”
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...
CMS Student Selected as Accompanist for the Berks County Jr. Chorus
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...
Sharing the Healing Power of Music
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...
MUSIC NOTES: WHAT’S HAPPENING AT CMS – FEBRUARY 2024
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...
CMS Board of Directors Welcomes Vicki Ferrence Ray
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...
Welcome New Administrative Associate Ellsbeth Hvizdak
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...
CMS Students Advance to PMEA Regionals 2024
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...
Thomas & Daniel Jam at CMS
Thomas K. shows off his drum skills with his teacher, Daniel Gonzalez. Rock on, Thomas!
CMS Teacher Daniel Gonzalez & Labex Funk Project Interviewed by Bass Musician Magazine
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 Holiday Recital Performance Highlights
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
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...
MUSIC NOTES: WHAT’S HAPPENING AT CMS – DECEMBER 2023
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...
Welcome New Teacher Evan William Nelson
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...
CMS Students Selected to 2023-2024 PMEA District 10 Ensembles
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...
Student Records Holiday Song in CMS Recording Studio
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...
Welcome New Teacher, Matthew Blanchard
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...
MUSIC NOTES: WHAT’S HAPPENING AT CMS – NOVEMBER 2023
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...
Intro to Piano Class Presents Mini-Recital – Nov 2023
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!
CMS Board Holds Donor Reception – Nov 10, 2023
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,...
New Quilted Wall Hanging Donated by Kathy Long
“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...
Ivan Zolotukhin Painting on Display at CMS
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...
MUSIC NOTES: WHAT’S HAPPENING AT CMS – October 2023
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 ED Performs with Lehigh University Choral Arts – October 21 & 22, 2023
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...
CMS Staff Advancement Announcements – Oct 2023
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...
Welcome New Accompanist, Vincent Trovato
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. ...
CMS Teachers Take to the Stage – October 2023
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 – Sept 2023
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...
Welcome New Voice Teacher Lauren Curnow
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...
IMPORTANT: Construction Begins & New Parking Plan
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...
Musical Instrument Petting Zoo Fun at Community Events – Summer 2023
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...
CMS at Art in the Park – Sat, Sept 16, 2023
Saturday, September 16, 2023 Performance... 10:30 - 11:30 AM Event... 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Art in the Park at Allentown's West ParkSaturday was an absolutely beautiful day of art and music with our neighbors in West Park! We thank all our student and faculty...
Faculty Member Griffin Woodard Performs – Fall 2023
Thursday, September 14, 2023 12:00-1:00 PM Dorothy H. Baker Recital Hall at Community Music SchoolOn September 14, faculty member Griffin Woodard, bass clarinet, and his bandmate Hugh Kline on drums performed at CMS as part of our Faculty Showcase Series. The...
Student News: Josh Trotter Honored as Student of the Year
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...
Musikfest – Thr, Aug 10, 2023
Thursday, August 10, 2023 1:30 - 3:00 PM Musikfest's Plaza Tropical Bethlehem, PA (under the bridge)Join us for an afternoon at the 'fest! We are excited to again give our students the opportunity to perform on Musikfest’s Plaza Tropical stage (northside Bethlehem) on...
MUSIC NOTES: WHAT’S HAPPENING AT CMS – August 2023
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...
Summer Camp Fun at CMS – 2023
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 Member Honored in ‘Forty Under 40’
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...
MONSTER CONCERT – SUN, OCT 29, 2023
Sunday, October 29, 2023 4:00 PM Dorothy H. Baker Recital Hall at Community Music SchoolCMS students of all ages are welcome to perform in this spook-tacular recital. Costumes are encouraged, but not required. Students and non-students are welcome to participate in...
HOLIDAY RECITAL – SUN, DEC 10, 2023
Sunday, December 10, 2023 2:00 PM & 4:00 PM Dorothy H. Baker Recital Hall at Community Music SchoolAs always, CMS recitals are free for students to perform and for the public to attend; however, CMS is a nonprofit organization and there is substantial cost...
FACULTY-STUDENT RECITAL – SUN, MAR 3, 2024
Sunday, March 3, 2024 4:00 PM Dorothy H. Baker Recital Hall at Community Music SchoolWe thank all our students and faculty who performed in our Faculty-Student Recital on Sunday, March 3, 2024. It was an absolutely beautiful day, and our Dorothy H. Baker Recital Hall...
Welcome New Teacher Marissa Broome Amphay
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. ...
MUSIC NOTES: WHAT’S HAPPENING AT CMS – June 2023
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 ...
CMS Welcomes New Teacher, Abigail Zuckert
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...
Student Creates LEGO Minifigure of Piano Teacher
{A LEGO likeness of piano teacher Kelly Hooper, created by one of her students, Valentino Marte}
CMS Teacher is Finalist at T.U. Jazz Fest
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 is 2023-24 CMS Amaranth Scholar
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 Welcome Mikaela Krall to our Berks Studio
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...
2023 PIANO ACHIEVEMENT CERTIFICATE RECIPIENTS ANNOUNCED
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...
CMS Instrument Petting Zoo at Hays Elementary
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! ...
Community Music School Announces 2023 Gala Scholarship Recipients
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...
2022-2023 Year-End Update & Appeal
May 8, 2023 Dear Friends of CMS, As you may have heard, Community Music School is thriving this school year. Since we reopened our building for in-person music lessons and ensembles, we have more than doubled our student enrollment, from 159 to 337. Our base of...
CMS Welcomes New Piano Teacher, Lynda Chen
We are pleased to welcome Lynda Chen to the CMS piano faculty. Lynda is an accomplished pianist, specializing in collaborative piano, solo work, orchestras, and various ensembles. She holds a B.M. Piano Performance and a M.M. Collaborative Piano from Ithaca College....
CMS Student Films in Inaugural Allentown Film Festival – April 2023
Four CMS students who enrolled in our pop-up Music and Film class had their short films accepted into the inaugural Allentown Film Festival, which was held April 13-16, 2023. Under the direction of our resident sound engineer, Joe Wagner, these students learned the...
MUSIC NOTES: WHAT’S HAPPENING AT CMS – APRIL 2023
What's Happening at CMS this Spring? Check out video highlights from the Faculty-Student Recital in our April e-newsletter and save the date for all our upcoming spring recitals and new summer camps! In This Issue- Faculty-Student Recital Highlights- Summer...
CMS Teacher Daniel Gonzalez To Perform at NAMM Show – Apr 12, 2023
CMS drum teacher Daniel Gonzalez (at far left) has been selected to perform with his band at the 2023 NAMM Show, “Bringing the Future Into Focus.” The show runs from April 13–15, at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, CA. Founded in 1901, NAMM (National...
CMS Teacher Griffin Woodard To Perform at Deer Head Inn – April 2
CMS piano teacher, Griffin Woodard, will perform and record with his jazz quartet at the Deer Head Inn on Sunday, April 2 from 5-7:30 p.m. In addition to Griffin Woodard on bass clarinet, the group features Cameron Campbell on piano, Miles Gilbert on bass, and Hugh...
Student & Faculty News – March 21, 2023
Felicity Lui, flute student of Elaine Martin, advanced three chairs in her Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) District 10 Band reaudition and was accepted into Region V Band. Felicity is a sophomore at Parkland High School. The Region V Band festival...
CMS at Parkland Community Resource Fair on March 18, 2023
We had a marvelous morning sharing the joy of music (and all our new summer camps) with families at the Parkland Community Resource Fair on Saturday, March 18, at Parkland High School. We thank all our talented students, parents, and board members who volunteered for...
Alex Radus Concert at Ice House, Donations for CMS – Fri, May 26, 2023
Singer/Songwriter Alex Radus and IceHouse Performing Arts Collaborative present a community-based celebration of original, locally grown music on Friday, May 26 Original music from the greater Lehigh Valley region will take the spotlight at the IceHouse in Bethlehem,...
CMS Welcomes New Guitar & Trumpet Teacher
We are pleased to welcome Chris Klump to the CMS string and brass faculty. Chris holds a B.A. in Music from Moravian University. He is an experienced brass and folk musician on guitar and trumpet, arranger, conductor, and music educator with all levels of learners. ...
CMS Teacher Nick Conti Directs Rock Musical at Lehigh University
CMS brass teacher Nick Conti is the director and music director of the Mustard & Cheese Drama Society’s production of “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical” at Lehigh University’s Fowler Black Box Theatre (in the Zoellner Arts Center) on March 23, 24,...
Young at Art Expo – A Fun Day of Art, Culture, & Music – March 11, 2023
After a three-year hiatus, it was great to be back at the Young at Art expo on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at Penn State Lehigh Valley with the Lehigh Valley Arts & Cultural Alliance. It was an exciting day full of art, culture, and, of course, MUSIC! We thank...
CMS Car Magnets Are Back – March 2023
CMS car magnets are back! These heavy-duty magnets are designed for indoor or outdoor use. Show off your CMS pride and get yours today! Magnets are available in the front office during normal lesson hours for a suggested $5 cash donation. You can also order one by...
Two CMS Students to Perform in School Musicals
We are pleased to share that several CMS students are participating in their schools’ musicals this spring: Maanya Gope is in 7th grade at Springhouse Middle School and studies voice with Julia Walsh and viola with Carolyn Gaul at CMS. She will be playing ‘Pigtails’,...
CMS Teacher Releases “My Funny Valentine” Single
CMS piano teacher Griffin Woodard made an appearance on WFMZ Channel 69 News for Music Monday on February 13, 2023. Check out Griffin’s interview with Eve Russo and his performances of “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” by William M. Runyan and Thomas Chisholm and “As Time...
Music Notes: What’s Happening at CMS – February 2023
New events, classes, and workshops! Plus, new teachers and new board members! Don't miss all the fun things happening at CMS this month! Read more in our February E-Newsletter!
CMS Board of Directors Welcomes Andrene Brown Nowell and Michael Horvath
Community Music School - Lehigh Valley & Berks (CMS) is pleased to announce that Andrene Brown Nowell of Allentown and Michael S. Horvath, II of Upper Macungie Township were elected to the CMS Board of Directors by unanimous vote in January 2023. Brown Nowell and...
Macungie Minstrelaires Donate to CMS
On January 23, members of the Macungie Minstrelaires presented a $500 donation to CMS. This generous gift resulted from the proceeds of the Minstrelaires’ show ‘Singing is Out of this World’, held at Macungie Middle School in October of 2022. Pictured here receiving...
Berks Arts Announces Second, Expanded “getJazzed Jams on the Road”
January 18, 2023 Justin Heimbecker, Executive Director Berks Arts info@berksarts.org 610-898-1930) Attention: Music faculty, band leaders, teachers and students! Jazz, America’s classical music, was born and still thrives in clubs and on front porches and other...
CMS Student Selected for PMEA Elementary Bandfest
CMS student Melina Kremus was selected to participate in the PMEA Elementary Band & Orchestra Festival on January 13, 2023, at Parkland High School. Melina is in 6th grade at Springhouse Middle School and was one of only four Springhouse music students chosen to...
Nick Conti is New Co-Director of CMS Big Band
CMS brass teacher Nick Conti is now co-directing the CMS Big Band, along with longtime CMS teacher and band director, Cliff Tracy. Nick holds a M.M. in Bass Trombone Performance from Arizona State University and a B.A. in Bass Trombone Performance from West Chester...
CMS Welcomes New Voice Teacher – Jan 2023
We are pleased to welcome William Marshall to our CMS voice faculty. William is a graduate of the Peabody Institute at Johns Hopkins University, where he earned a Master's of Music in Historical Performance. He also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education and Music...
CMS Welcomes Two New Teachers – Dec 2022
In December, CMS added two teachers to our talented faculty of professional musicians. We are happy to welcome Denise Williams and Jessica Mitchell to CMS! Denise Williams, piano, holds a B.M. in Music Therapy and Music Education from Misericordia University. She...
2022 Holiday Medley
As you celebrate the holidays, we hope you enjoy these sounds of the season featuring some of our very talented CMS students.
MUSIC NOTES: WHAT’S HAPPENING AT CMS – DECEMBER 2022
December continues to be an exciting month at Community Music School! Check out all the happenings in our monthly e-newsletter here.
CMS is Focus of Muhlenberg Capstone Project
A team from the Muhlenberg College School of Continuing Studies Bachelor’s of Business Administration accelerated program worked with CMS for their final Multidisciplinary Capstone Project. Leveraging their knowledge from the previous modules of the 22-month program,...
Laura Attieh Joins the CMS Board of Directors
CMS is pleased to announce that Laura M. Attieh of Lower Nazareth Township was elected to the CMS Board of Directors by unanimous vote on December 14, 2022. Attieh will serve a three-year term with the 40-year-old Allentown nonprofit that provides the access and...
CMS Students Selected to 2023 PMEA District 10 Ensembles
We congratulate the CMS students who have been selected to the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) District 10 Band and Orchestra: District 10 Orchestra 2022-2023 Shriya Chitta, Violin (Southern Lehigh High School), student of Linda Kistler Rachele...
Giving Tuesday 2022
Tuesday, November 29 is GivingTuesday, a global day of giving. In 1981, Martha Maletz and the other founders of Community Music School set out to provide equitable access to high-quality music education, especially for urban youth in Allentown. Today, at CMS, all...
CMS Teacher’s Album is #2 on Roots Music Report Chart
CMS teacher Griffin Woodard’s album, Completion, is currently ranked #2 on the Roots Music Report Chart. Griffin teaches piano, clarinet, bass clarinet, and composition here at CMS. The modern jazz album was released on October 14, 2022 under the Griffin Woodard...
MUSIC NOTES: WHAT’S HAPPENING AT CMS – November 2022
Dear CMS Friends: As we head into the busy holiday season, I feel very grateful. I am grateful for Martha Maletz and our other founders; 40 years ago, she envisioned the jewel that Community Music School has become. I am grateful for our dedicated Board volunteers,...
Clarinet Recital – Fri, Nov 18, 2022
Friday, November 18, 2022 7:30 PM Dorothy H. Baker Recital Hall at Community Music SchoolMary Pulanco, an adult clarinet student of John Schwartz, gave a recital in the Dorothy H. Baker Recital Hall at CMS on Friday, November 18, at 7:30 PM. Selections included pieces...
CMS Teacher is Guest Lecturer on the “Art of Mathematics” at Penn State Lehigh Valley
Penn State Lehigh Valley recently welcomed CMS teacher and Program Coordinator Kelly Hooper as a guest lecturer in its Art of Mathematics course, held in the Markowitz music room. Offered for the first time this fall, Art of Mathematics is the creation of Larry...
MUSIC NOTES: WHAT’S HAPPENING AT CMS – OCTOBER 2022
Dear Friends, The 40th “back-to-school” season at CMS has been a very busy one! In September, we welcomed 38 new students for individual lessons, relaunched our performance ensembles, and expanded our group classes. Our Kids Choir is already full, but we are still...
Intro to Recording Class Students Create Music Track for a New CMS Commercial
Music inspires… and transforms! Under the guidance of resident sound engineer Joe Wagner, the "Intro to Recording Class - Fall 2022" students at Community Music School wrote and produced the music track for a new television commercial to promote CMS. The students...
CMS Performs at ‘Art in the Park’ – Sept 17, 2022
Saturday, September 17, 2022, was a beautiful day of art and music in West Park! We thank all our student and faculty performers who performed at West Park Civic Association’s 47th Annual Art in the Park event: StudentsAlexis Gabay-Ratner, voiceAndrew Colon-Rodriguez,...
Health & Safety Plan
SUMMARY 9/21/22 UPDATE: The Health and Safety Committee of the CMS Board of Directors has approved the following revised Health and Safety policy for all persons in the 1544 Hamilton Street building. This revised policy is effective September 21, 2022. Community Music...
CMS Board of Directors Announces New Roles
Community Music School - Lehigh Valley & Berks (CMS) is pleased to announce that Michael Yeager of Allentown was elected President of the Board of Directors at the nonprofit's board meeting on September 12, 2022. Yeager assumes the role previously held by...
The Press: CMS Plays a New Tune at Allentown’s Former Lehigh Valley Club (1/2/19)
The Morning Call: A New Home for CMS (10/18/18)
Community Music School leaving Allentown Arts District (1/19/18)
50-plus years: Allentown Symphony musicians…John Schwartz Jr. (9/18/15)
Reading Eagle: CMS Expansion in Reading (8/9/15)
Community Music School Announces Expansion to Berks County (8/3/15)
Phantoms Charities Makes Donation to CMS of the Lehigh Valley (7/2/15)
Professor David Livert Joins Community Music School Board (5/18/15)
CMS HOLDS ANNUAL BRUNCH TO SUPPORT MUSIC EDUCATION (5/8/15)
PICTURES: Community Music School recital at Miller Symphony Hall
4/10/15 – Discover magic at Community Music School (4/19/15)
Community Music School ‘Holiday Recital’ in The PRESS (1/5/15)
Former CMS Director George R. Schermerhorn Passes Away (12/8/14)
Community Music School in Allentown offers piano master class (3/1/14)
CMS provides education and financial help for those who want to learn (12/7/13)
National Guild form Arts Education: ADVOCACY: EMBRACING A CAUSE!