Ben is executive director of the Upper Valley Music Center, a community music school based in Lebanon, NH serving more than 1,000 children and adults each year. Under his leadership, UVMC has thrived as a center for participatory music making. Ben has led multiple capital campaigns, including a campaign to create a permanent home for UVMC that acquired and renovated an historic building situated in a vibrant downtown arts district. UVMC has increased its commitment to making music education accessible by more than doubling the amount of tuition assistance awarded, piloting a program to serve at-risk youth, and recognizing multiple paths to access. Because diversity leads to the best education, Ben initiated diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging work with the goal to invest in the strength of a diverse learning community.
Ben holds a M.M. in Violin Performance from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he studied violin with Elizabeth Chang and viola with Kathryn Lockwood, and a B.A. in Music from Vassar College.
Ben thanked Rotary for supporting the summer program UVMC is holding. Ben spoke with us in “the before times” back in 2019
UVMC – NFP founded in 1995. Provide and promote best in music education and ensemble opportunities. Serve more than 1,000 students each year by providing individual lessons, group classes, ensembles workshops and special events. UVMC awarded more than $30,000 in tuition assistance in the past year. Thousands of audience members through student recitals and guest artist performances.
UVMC started in the homes of its founders; then moved to the Mall in Lebanon; 2008 the took space at 63 Hanover Street next to Hirsch’s. In 2017, the organization raised more than $1 MM to acquire and renovate a home across from the Lebanon Opera House. UVMC has invested more than $800,000 into preserving and renovating the Kendrick-Wood home which dates back to 1816.
During the pandemic
Quick pivot – we were doing programming the first week after we closed our doors; continued music lessons on line
Maintaining connections – 2021 school year was on-line instructions across the board because ventilation wasn’t where it needed to be.
Continually adapting – Learned a lot about technology, kept our eye on what it’s like to play music together, to blend our voices.
New HVAC system - In the middle of 2021, board installed a new, modern HVAC system. Conceived in January and on line in November. Catalyst for return to in-person. 2022 – we’ve done in-person but also hybrid when necessary; practiced flexibility.
Outdoor programming was a key way to bring musicians together during the pandemic.
Return to indoor in-person once the HVAC system was ups and functioning
Hybrid flexibility continues to be part of the plan. Some in person gathering, some over zoom using some of the latest technology.
Understanding our community in new ways – who we interacted with and didn’t interact with in the past; reaching folks through technology and bringing them in-person
Shows a video “Year In Review” (here’s a link to the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4J4gmFVbCQ that encapsulates a lot of this. Some of our journey through Covid. Listen to the music which was one of our pandemic projects – all UVMC students.
HVAC system – created space to allow us to gather together. Got rid of steam heat system and invested in cutting edge “3-pipe system” that allows movement of heat from one room to another. Functional for us but also a model for others.
An outgrowth of the HVAC system was cleaning out the basement where we realized and accomplished a huge clean-out and turned it into a space where we can store a whole lot more music. Many other music organizations have contacted us asking for storage – we enjoy helping to support other music organizations.
Faculty Showcase – beginning of April. First in person since 2019. Benefit for tuition assistance. Was sold-out and raised the most ever. Our faculty are a huge asset and the reason UVMC can do what it does, great resource for students. Being able to employ so many top-notch educators and musicians means more music throughout the community.
Summer Camp Music Program will continue this year.
Create access to music education for children during the summer
Began partnerships with Lebanon Recreation and Parks, and Special Needs Support Center in 2019
In 2021, expanded to 6 weeks of music classes at Camp K
Funded by grants
Ingredients for Summer Music Fun
UVMC’s music instruction designed to support the Camp K program goals of Fun, Skill building and Citizenship
Mix of music and movement to develop foundational music skills
Keeping a beat
Singing a melody
Basic not reading
Playing with an ensemble
Listening skills
Games, songs, dances, maintaining hi energy and fun atmosphere of camp
Encourages future engagement in school and community music programs
Incorporates songs from a range of cultures and communities
Summer 2022
Expanding participation
Camp K to CCBA
UVMC music teachers visit daily teaching 2-3 classes/day
2, 45-minute group music classes per week for each child
Camp K's4th year of partnership;
Kids 5-12, 6 weeks out of 7;
projecting 185 kids/week;
Partnering with CCBA
Kids 5-11, 6 weeks out of possible 9
Estimated 150 kids/week,
Looking at how to make this sustainable over time
Music with Special Needs Support Center
ASPIRE
Program for children who have disabilities that would make it challenging to participat in other camp programming
UVMC provide music for a one week program in 2019
Program expanding to 4 weeks with 1-2 classes per week in 2022
Music in the year ahead
Regrowth of ensembles (chorus, youth ensembles, chamber music)
Return to community performances
Responding to demand for lessons & classes
New Programs like DJ Academy
Early childhood music education research
QUESTIONS:
Ed: DJ Academy?
Ben: Disk Jockey program. We had a pilot program to work with at-risk youth, we had to work with programs serving such youth. Sean Hay is a DJ who’s made a career of using music to bring people together. Wanted to help kids see how they could create program with similar skills. Group class targeted at middle schoolers – something cool for kids who love music but havne’t started an instrument to get involved.
Phil: Encourage anyone not to miss the faculty showcase each year. The video was impressive – Phil attempted to put 2 tracks together and failed miserably, so amazing that so many tracks could be organized. Tech skills at UVMC have expanded during the pandemic. Might you offer classes for older, technically-challenged folks who want to do home recording?
Ben: That’s a possibility. I’m a violinist by training and tech stuff wasn’t anywhere near my own background.
BOOK IN HONOR OF OUR SPEAKER:
The Life of the Buddha, by Heather Sanche, illustrated by Tara Di Gesu
“In the full bloom of spring, in a beautiful garden, in a place called Lumbini, a prince was born.”
So begins the extraordinary story of the life of Siddhartha Gautama, the prince who would become the enlightened Buddha, the Awakened One. This classic tale follows Prince Siddhartha’s journey of truth-seeking and discovery, including his life-altering encounters with human suffering and his realization of the Four Noble Truths. Today, millions of people all over the world follow the Buddha’s teachings on meditation, selflessness, and compassion. Rendered here in exquisite original watercolor illustrations, this inspiring story is brought to life for young readers curious about one of history’s most monumental and influential figures.
Present: Dave Crandall, Bruce Pacht, JoAnn Lemieux, Phil Bush, Marilyn Bedell, Ron Bedell, Steve Whitman, Jim Damren, Ed Friedman, Will Koppenheffer, Cal Wolfe, Phil Rentz, Tim Guaraldi, Dean Cashman, Ernst Oidtmann.
Pre-meeting Prattle:
Marilyn shared her broken heart at Bob Gasser’s death.
Ron reported that he gained 13 pounds on their recent cruise.
John Yacavone was hit with a strong Covid reaction but is taking medication and feeling better.
Marilyn and Ron are heading to Pennsylvania to be with Marilyn’s sister who is recovering from a pratfall.
Our Meeting
12:03 PM – Vice president Dave Crandall brought the meeting to order.
Guests and introductions
Tim recited the 4-Way Test of the Things We Think Say or Do.
Dave informed the club that Rotarian Bob Gasser passed away on May 11. His wife died just a couple of months ago. Here’s a note from Phil Bush:
“Bob's daughter Jennifer Gasser let me know that Bob died yesterday. After I sang a song at Rotary last month, Bob came over and asked me to sing at his wife's burial next month in Quechee. Jennifer let me know that they hope to now have both burials the same day, June 4. I know the intent was for the burial service to be family only. I'm not sure if that will change. I'll ask Jennifer to let me know about a memorial service, if there will be one.”
Bob Gasser
Club business
Golf – Ed: 2 weeks away; had 20 teams but one dropped out this morning. Still seeking sponsorships. Also looking for raffle prizes. Next week we will put together work assignments for the day of the event. Watch for a Doodle poll.
100th Anniversary Project
Harmony Park layout was presented to the City Council. City will work with the available space but these are the instruments – 2 xylophones, 2 benches in the middle. May modify as we go forward.
Cost: $48,875 including installation
Upcoming Service Projects and Fund Raisers
Hold the following dates for 2022
Listen Community Dinners to Begin Again, June 14, 2022!!
Styrofoam Collection — Pictures from Saturday, April 16, 2022
We are dedicated to enhancing your Rotary experience by supporting what is important to you, our members. You have consistently told us that you want Rotary to be a place that celebrates diversity, that fully represents our communities, and that offers all members equitable opportunities to thrive.
You also recognize that embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) will allow us to do more meaningful work while engaging with people who know they’ll be valued for the qualities that make them unique. These sentiments were reinforced last year by the more than 31,000 members around the world who responded to our first DEI survey.
To ensure that the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion are ingrained in everything we do, the RI Board of Directors, guided by the DEI Task Force, has strengthened our commitment to DEI and is taking action in response to the survey findings.
Our DEI Code of Conduct
What we say and how we behave matter. Although free expression is important, we must take responsibility for how our words and actions may affect others. The Board has approved a new DEI Code of Conduct to help Rotary members create and maintain an environment that is collaborative, positive, and healthy for everyone.
Simply put, the DEI Code of Conduct asks you to:
Use respectful language
Be supportive
Foster a welcoming and inclusive environment
Celebrate diversity
All Rotary leaders, from club presidents and district governors to directors and trustees, are expected to apply the DEI Code of Conduct uniformly to help members recognize the impact that their words and actions can have on other people.
If you experience behavior that does not align with the DEI Code of Conduct, you have ways to respond:
If the situation can be resolved through discussion, please talk to the person directly. Often, the person who said something or acted in a way that made others feel excluded, marginalized, or targeted did not do so intentionally. Although there might be mistakes, missteps, and uncomfortable conversations along the way, having this dialogue will lead to a better and stronger Rotary.
If a discussion is not possible or the situation involves someone in a leadership role or another club, contact Rotary’s Club and District Support staff, who will review the information and follow up appropriately.
If you are in danger or your safety is in doubt, contact local law enforcement officers and notify Club and District Support staff.
As an organization, we are stronger when we embrace the diversity found in our clubs and communities. We are more effective when we offer a valuable, inclusive experience that provides equitable opportunities for people to serve, to lead, and to participate with us. To grow Rotary and become a more dynamic organization, we must take DEI seriously. And with your support, we are doing that.
Sincerely,
Shekhar Mehta, RI President
and the 2021-22 RI Board of Directors
By Oksana Havryliv, Rotaract Club of Lviv International
Oksana Havryliv takes a selfie with some of the volunteers bringing medicine, food and other relief supplies to be reloaded and distributed. Photo by Oksana Havryliv
Before the war, I was a student in international relations at the university in Ukraine and had been pursuing a master’s degree in political science through the University of Vienna. I dreamed of becoming a diplomat and representing Ukraine. I was busy with studies, planning my life, and hanging out with friends, especially those in Rotaract. That all changed on 24 February when Russia invaded my country and the bombs began to fall.
Children woke up not to the bright rays of the sun, but to the sounds of rockets and bombs falling in Odessa and Kyiv, the country’s capital. The war came knocking at our door. Almost overnight, we forgot the normal rhythm of our lives and became a united front with a clear purpose, to resist the aggression and help the people of our country.
My life has changed drastically, and I feel it will never be like it was. Before all this, I actually loved the subject of history in school, and believed that the world had learned from its two bloody world wars in the 20th century. History wouldn’t repeat itself with another brutal war in Europe, right? Sadly, no.
Living in Lviv and Lemberg, a wonderful city in the western part of Ukraine, I didn’t experience any of the bombing that central and eastern parts of the country felt at the beginning of the war. But I was highly motivated to act knowing my fellow Ukrainians in those affected areas were living in basements, shelters, and subways.
My mother and I decided to act by creating a hub to funnel humanitarian aid. The bureaucracy of communicating with non-governmental organizations in Europe and the U.S. was daunting and took a lot of time. But it didn’t stop us from our goal of helping civilian populations that were suffering from the war.
We are driven by the conviction that the participation of each and every Ukrainian will lead us to victory
Thankfully, I am a very communicative person and have many contacts in other countries. I started by asking Ukrainian friends in Germany to help collect warm clothes and durable food. They sent almost 60 tons of relief supplies to us.
My relatives and other volunteers began sorting items in the yard of our farm. But we ran out of space, so we found a warehouse. I wrote to all my friends worldwide asking for their help, and I was very surprised with the positive response and how many were willing to assist.
The logistics of funneling supplies from European countries as well as to Ukrainian cities was difficult. Buses filled with our relief supplies were in constant danger from attacks by Russian military. The bus drivers knowingly risked their lives. They are heroes.
Each passing day in the warehouse, our team became more and more efficient. Everyone did their own part, bringing us closer to our goal.
On 26 March, my city was targeted by Russian aggression with missiles fired from the occupied city of Sevastopol. But we’re alive and still doing our thing.
And so the story goes on. I have decided, as a true patriot, to stay in Ukraine. I have set aside everything: my job, my studies in Vienna, ordinary everyday life, and time with my own family. We spend almost 20 hours a day in the warehouse. But we are driven by the conviction that the participation of each and every Ukrainian will lead us to victory. Because “The truth is with us.”
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