a fond farewell
Susan Forte
Many of you will be surprised to hear that I’m retiring on April 1st. I hope that’s because you think I’m much too young to retire! If I wait until I’m “older”, I’m afraid I’ll be too old to really enjoy it!
Of course it will be hard to break away from CMS. Serving as Executive Director for over 7 years has been my privilege and pleasure. One thing I can say with total assurance – the job has never been boring! I suspect it will take me a while to stop thinking 4 months in the future, as we are constantly looking ahead. The pace has been busy, and occasionally even bordering on “frantic”, but that’s been fun, too.
The school has changed over the years, both in areas you have been able to see and behind the scenes. Higher enrollment, broader programming, improved facilities and equipment, wider reach within the community, and stronger organizational structure all serve to support our nonprofit mission to enrich the life of the community with music. I’m confident that will continue in the decades to come.
Personally, I’ve enjoyed having a first-hand view of the transformative power music can have in people’s lives. For some, it’s the major influence on a child’s path to adulthood. For others, it provides a useful tool for personal well-being. Sometimes, it’s the vehicle for building self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment. Often, it’s the focus for groups to work together with a common goal. I’ve both watched and participated in the joys of music, and loved doing so.
So as a “job”, working at CMS has been great. “Music people” are people I’ve enjoyed knowing and working with, and it’s been very rewarding to see our efforts pay off in so many positive ways. I’m sure I’ll be seeing many of you, and will look forward to watching CMS continue to thrive. I hope you’ll all stay active in the CMS community and continue to enjoy the benefits of studying and performing.
p.s. The Board of Trustees would be happy to receive applications for the position of Executive Director. The job description and contact information is posted on the CMS website:
Executive Director job posting
studio 15
Susan Forte
We’ve called our new summer program “Studio 15” after our large multi-purpose classroom. We think it’s a great alternative to summer camp, and sure to appeal to music-loving kids.
Our faculty members have enjoyed designing their Studio 15 programs because it gives them an opportunity to be really creative. Each will incorporate a variety of musical activities, including singing, playing instruments, movement or dance, role-playing, games and crafts. For example, Martha Herrle has planned a session jam-packed with music making and dancing. The children will learn some of America’s folk music, try their hand at performing as a jug band, and learn some of the basics of contra dancing. Chantal Hovendick’s program introduces all of the instruments in the orchestra. Tom Briggs will bring his collection of drums from around the world, and the kids will raise the roof. Johanna Lamb’s focus is patriotic music, and no doubt there’s a parade in the works. Christine Coyle will lead some fascinating science experiments to help them understand how sound and music is produced, and then they’ll build their own instrument. Joni Gage’s “Jungle Fever” theme promises mystery and excitement!
Each week, the children will have 5 different programs covering 5 completely different topics. This engaging introduction to the wide variety of music past and present is sure to build lasting memories and new friendships, offering learning with the accent on FUN. To encourage you to give it a try, we will offer a nifty free t-shirt (a $10 value) to the first 15 children who are enrolled. We hope you’ll forward this email to your friends and sign your children up for a week of Studio 15!
June 28 through August 4, $135 per weekly session.
Mornings, Grades 1-3 Afternoons, Grades 4-6
WHERE DOES IT BEGIN?
Susan Forte
Some of my clearest and most special childhood memories are of attending the theater with my father. Starting when I was about 5, these daddy-and-me occasions were wonderfully exciting. I grew up in New Jersey, so most of these were trips into New York City.
With me dressed in patent leather Mary Janes and my Sunday best hat and coat, we'd take the train into the city on Saturday morning. I remember seeing "My Fair Lady" on Broadway (with Edward Mulhare and Sally Ann Howe) and having a backstage visit because Daddy knew one of the actors. We also saw "La Bohème" at the Metropolitan Opera (I was 8 and absolutely loved it) and a number of NY Philharmonic symphonic concerts. We "dined" at Schrafft's, Horn & Hardart's Automat or the restaurant at the Museum of Natural History. My love of music certainly began and was nurtured on these wonderful adventures.
This trip down Memory Lane is meant to show you how seemingly-small slices of ancient history can have much larger effect. Take your children to musical performances! This community is full of opportunities – Musical Masterworks (this weekend), Essex Winter Series (finished for this season), high school musicals (this month), Con Brio and Cappella Cantorum concerts (April), and on and on. They are not too “stuffy” for children. Sure, some may be a little long for young children, but you could leave at intermission if necessary. Let them see what live musicians look like and feel the special feeling of acting grown up. Throw in a trip to the ice cream shop or a restaurant. Build memories for your own kids, and nurture their love of music at the same time.
I hesitate to add this because I’m not trying to burden you with a guilt trip, but it’s true – my father died just before my 9th birthday. I’m very glad to have these memories.