At the December 3rd meeting, Sara Smongeski from the Pakachoag Music School of Greater Worcester spoke to Rotarians about the programs and philosophy of the music school. Newly located at All Saints Church in Worcester, Pakachoag Music School is a non-profit organization providing a variety of musical programs and instruction for everyone from young children through adults.
Their Music Together program is designed to introduce babies, toddlers and preschool age children and their caregivers to music as a way to accelerate brain development in the areas of intellectual, social, emotional, motor skills, speech and language, literacy and memory. As children grow older, they are able to continue their participation in classes for older students, by taking private instrument lessons through the Suzuki program, or enrolling in musical theater classes, private piano lessons, ensembles, and summer programs.
The Pakachoag Music School strives to be a community partner and offers a significant amount of financial aid to families that want their children to have the experiences offered through Pakachoag but are unable to afford the cost. Last year, Pakachoag provided $20,000 in financial assistance to students and hopes to increase that amount this year. Additionally, free music lessons are taught weekly by high school students enrolled in the Pakachoag Schooll and children at the Boys and Girls Club of Worcester are offered free guitar lessons through their outreach program.
Community building is part of the philosophy at Pakachoag. Three special event concerts are planned for 2019 that are free and open to the public. The concerts are scheduled for Saturday, January 12th, Saturday, March 9th and Saturday, March 16th. All will take place in the Sanctuary at All Saints Church.
For more information, visit their website www.pakmusic.org.