musiConnects started out ten years ago with the vision of chamber musicians using their abilities as artists and teachers to create a community and make a positive difference for their neighbors and themselves. I remember visiting the Family Fiddle Food Fest in the Chittick Elementary School's modest gymnasium, and seeing the clear sense of warmth and connection between the professional musicians, their young students, and the students' families. There was music-making, dancing, and laughter, and everyone was included. In that one experience, I could see the vision becoming a reality, and I felt proud that I had agreed to serve as a founding board member.
I met Betsy when she was in the earliest stages of building musiConnects. I was inspired by her commitment to creating access to high quality music education for all children, regardless of their family resources, and by her aspiration to make chamber music the vehicle for her mission of social change. Ten years later, it is amazing to look back at how far the organization has come, and it is exciting to imagine the next ten years. With such a terrific team now in place, the potential for significant social impact is being realized: an entire community--including the Resident Musicians themselves--is being transformed through music performance and education. This kind of transformation is made up of millions of tiny interactions in private lessons, orchestra rehearsals, pizza parties, and backstage before performances. Sometimes it takes a big milestone--like a 10th anniversary--to be able to step back and see just how far we have journeyed from Betsy's initial efforts with nine kids in 2007..
I met Betsy when she was in the earliest stages of building musiConnects. I was inspired by her commitment to creating access to high quality music education for all children, regardless of their family resources, and by her aspiration to make chamber music the vehicle for her mission of social change. Ten years later, it is amazing to look back at how far the organization has come, and it is exciting to imagine the next ten years. With such a terrific team now in place, the potential for significant social impact is being realized: an entire community--including the Resident Musicians themselves--is being transformed through music performance and education. This kind of transformation is made up of millions of tiny interactions in private lessons, orchestra rehearsals, pizza parties, and backstage before performances. Sometimes it takes a big milestone--like a 10th anniversary--to be able to step back and see just how far we have journeyed from Betsy's initial efforts with nine kids in 2007..