Concord Conservatory Teaches Ukulele at the Boys and Girls Club in May

On Thursday afternoons, the Boys & Girls Club of Assabet Valley (BGCAV) in Maynard is filled with kids playing games, doing homework, and taking advantage of their athletic space. If you listen closely, you’ll hear a new sound, the sound of ukuleles and kids singing.

BGCAV offers after-school, summer, and recreational programs to youth in the community. While programming is varied and enriching, a notable gap was in music education. Recognizing this, the BGCAV Executive Director, Annalisa Campaneli, decided to augment their current program offerings to include music. “Talking with the Concord Conservatory of Music cemented the idea that the ukulele would be a great instrument for Club kids to start with. Aside from all the research that shows that playing an instrument helps develop the area of the brain that handles cognitive tasks, research shows that most children respond to music with joy!” This fall, CCM introduced a music program for kids ages 6 – 11 at the Club, marking the first time that Club has had music as a program option for the kids.

CCM instructor Cathy Marks leads two classes, teaching the kids the ukulele and general music. For most of these kids, it’s their first opportunity to have instrument lessons, learn foundational music skills like rhythm, play in unison as a group, and sing while playing. “Over the last few weeks, we have seen the ukulele lessons, under the tutelage of Ms. Cathy, draw out feelings of pride, self-confidence, and pure enjoyment. We plan on offering the ukulele lessons in the winter and may expand to include drums next year. Our partnership with CCM has been wonderful.”

The classes are free for the kids and the BGCAV and are made possible by our generous supporters in our community. The kids will share what they’ve learned with their families and the rest of the Club with a performance. “I am so excited that the BGCAV was receptive to piloting our music classes for their kids. They are so proud of what they have accomplished, and we’re looking forward to continuing to bring music to the Club next semester,” says Kate Yoder, CCM Executive Director.

Concord Conservatory of Music is the area’s non-profit community music school, located at 1317 Main Street in the West Concord Union Church. Financial assistance is available. ConcordConservatory.org 978-369-0010

About CCM

Concord Conservatory of Music is an energetic community of people who are passionate about music education. CCM enrolls more than 400 students annually and offers programs for all ages and abilities. As a non-profit school, CCM serves Concord, MA, and 15 surrounding communities. Its curriculum includes private instruction, group classes, and performance opportunities. Financial assistance is available.