All Newton Music School's Blog

Newton-Kenya Exchange: Enriching Sounds of Music

2010-02-01T09:23:00.000-08:00

January 5, 2010 by Sean Smith, special to the BIR

It seems so natural, such an everyday event, says Lindsay O'Donovan, for an adult to share music with a child, to sing and dance together – as O'Donovan has, whether with her own four children or the kids of relatives and friends.

But there are far too many children in the world who seldom, if ever, know the pleasure of sharing music, and O'Donovan hopes to change that, even if it's just in a little corner of Africa.

This April, O'Donovan will bring her musical mission to One Home, Many Hopes (OHMH), a home for orphaned and abandoned girls in Mtwapa, Kenya. The organization provides not only shelter and care for the girls, but also gives them an education and – perhaps most importantly – the support and motivation to be agents of change in their community and help end the cycle of poverty and desperation. [The organization's website is at ohmh.org]

In addition to spending a month at OHMH, O'Donovan and her family will host a concert in their Newton home on Feb. 6 to raise funds that will go toward the construction of a new, improved house for the girls. The performers – all Boston area residents – will be Long Time Courting, an all-female quartet that combines impeccably harmonized songs with stirring traditional Irish tunes, and Hanneke Cassel, who plays traditional, contemporary and original Scottish fiddle music.

For O'Donovan, her involvement with OHMH, and the willingness of local musicians to support the cause, exemplifies music's power and place in the community: a means to unite, form a connection, and serve as a force for good. Music is not something just to be listened to; it makes things happen.

"Some who go to help out at One Home have special skills, like carpenters, electricians, or teachers," says O'Donovan. "I am not any of those. But what I can do is to give the children my time, my attention, and share the music I know and learn music from them. And I can tell them about this concert, and that these Boston women are there for these Kenyan girls.

"It seems like a small thing, and perhaps in the great scheme, it is," says O'Donovan. "But if one kid thinks someone loves them enough to sing and dance with them, talk with them, listen to them, they can carry that with them – and maybe it will help empower that child to help others. And if you do the same with other children in need, who knows what can happen?"

That is precisely the message One Home Many Hopes is built on, says OHMH founder Thomas Keown, a native of County Down now living in the Boston area. In a world full of desperation and want, reaching out to a few dozen girls in Africa may seem like the smallest of steps up the tallest and steepest of mountains. But to do is an affirmation, he explains, and a way to personalize the act of giving.

"When we watch the news and hear about people who are living in need, it's easy for us to feel numb - it's all too big, too far away for us to imagine," says Keown, who founded the organization after a 2007 trip to Kenya during which he met the journalist Anthony Mulongo, who started the orphanage with his own time and resources.

"When you see the situation first-hand, as I did, the feeling is very different. I look at it this way: If my friends in Boston saw a child who was starving, or who was being taken away by someone to be abused or exploited, they'd want to help. Being an orphan is tough enough, but in Kenya orphans tend to be stigmatized and marginalized from society.

"So how can the help we offer do any good? In the long term, these kids will be the lawyers, doctors and teachers in their country; they will be the ones who can build their nation and improve lives. In the short term, we can help them have a normal childhood: a home, food, school, and people to care about them, so that they can grow up believing they can make a difference - as others made a difference for them.

"We're very happy that Lindsay will be coming to One Home Many Hopes, sharing the gift of music and using it to help build community. After all, how many generations of Irish have sat around and enjoyed music together? Music is such a foundation for so many of us, we often take it for granted. To the girls, music is very powerful, very important, and they love having the opportunity to enjoy it with someone."

Music has been a significant part of O'Donovan's life, too, not only inside but outside home: A pianist and vocalist, she has taken part in many performances, notably with "Christmas Celtic Sojourn" - the creation of her husband Brian, host of WGBH's "A Celtic Sojourn" - and has supported, formally and informally, countless musical endeavors.

O'Donovan will bring along brand new recorders - contributed through the All Newton Music School - which she plans to teach the children to play. In addition, she is arranging for a keyboard donated by her four children to be shipped to the home, providing another musical resource for the girls.

But O'Donovan reiterates that this will be a mutual learning experience: She expects to get an education herself. "I am taking manuscript paper along so I can write down their music and bring it home to learn," she says. "Who knows - maybe I can teach it to some of our musician friends and we can record the songs to send back to them.

"I just think one of the best things you can do is to give children the gift of learning to express themselves through music. If you have music in your life, you can use it to make yourself happy, and to make others happy. No matter what else happens, no one can take that away from you."

House Concert Feb. 6

The benefit concert for One Home Many Hopes will be held at the home of Lindsay and Brian O'Donovan in Newton on Sat., Feb. 6, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $45, and include a lasagna dinner with wine preceding the concert at 6:30 p.m. Space is limited. For reservations and information, e-mail Lindsay O'Donovan at lindsay@ardfield.com.

Long Time Courting's four members are all accomplished musicians and singers who have cultivated success and acclaim well beyond Boston. Shannon Heaton (flute, whistle, accordion) is one-half of a popular duo with her guitar-playing husband Matt. Liz Simmons (guitar) is a member of the "alt-trad" quintet Annalivia, which has gained a following with its imaginative mix of Appalachian, Irish and Cape Breton music; Ellery Klein (fiddle) is perhaps best-known for her stint with the folk-rock band Gaelic Storm; Ariel Friedman (cello) has performed with Hanneke Cassel, Lissa Schneckenburge,r and Childsplay (as has Heaton), among others, as well as her sister Mia. [See longtimecourting.com]

Hanneke Cassel, a former US National Scottish Fiddling Champion, is widely viewed as one of the best performers, composers, and innovators in the Scottish fiddle style. She has given concerts and taught across North America, Europe, New Zealand, Australia, and China, and in addition to her own band has appeared with Childsplay, Cherish the Ladies, Alasdair Fraser and The Wayfaring Strangers, as well as Joey McIntyre (New Kids on the Block). She has played on numerous albums and released several of her own, including her newest, "For Reasons Unseen."

Cassel will be spending a week with O'Donovan at One Home Many Hopes. "I've played at orphanages in China, and meeting the children and hearing their stories really changed my perspective – my whole life," she says. "Nobody can solve the world's problems on their own. But when you make that connection to a child who needs to know somebody cares about him or her, you are changing that child's life."

If you cannot attend the house concert but would like to contribute to One Home Many Hopes, you may make an online donation at ohmh.org, or send a check to: Lindsay O'Donovan; 58 Adella Ave., Newton, MA 02465.

Newton Brownie Troop Visits ANMS

2010-01-11T09:27:00.000-08:00

ANMS Director Paulette Bowes welcomed members of the Newton Brownie Troop on Friday, January 8, 2010. The Brownies were given an information talk about music. String, winds and brass faculty demonstrated and performed.

Pianist Kevin McGinty will give recital

2009-12-09T13:04:00.000-08:00

Please join us at ANMS on Sunday, January 10, 2010 at 4:00 pm for a recital by pianist Kevin McGinty. The concert is free and a reception is held afterwards. This is a great event for families. Certificate Program candidates will get a head start on their requirements by attending this concert and writing a review.

Mr. McGinty has chosen to perform works by Mendelssohn, Liszt, Haydn and Brahms.

Give the gift of MUSIC!

2009-12-03T11:11:00.000-08:00

All Newton Music School offers the best music lessons for young and old and everyone in between! The teachers are highly qualified, very talented and most play in orchestras, ensembles and bands! If you or someone you know has been thinking of taking lessons-guitar-piano-strings-winds-It's a great gift and very reasonable. Call ANMS at 617-527-4553 to talk to our Department Coordinators. We can find you the right time and teacher. Music is for All!

Cool Stuff at the ANMS Music Marketplace

2009-11-17T07:49:00.000-08:00

Every year ANMS celebrates the holiday season with special treats! Enjoy a cookie on the way to your lesson or as a reward after a good one. And look for cool stuff at the Music Marketplace every day from Tuesday, December 1-23. Tee shirts, bags, stuffed animals and more! All purchases benefit ANMS.

Amper & Hodgkinson Four Hand Piano

2009-11-12T12:45:00.000-08:00

Join us at ANMS on Sunday November 22, 2009 at 4 pm when we we welcome Leslie Amper & Randall Hodgkinson in a wonderful program of works for Four Hand Piano. (Mozart, Faure, Mendelssohn, Schubert). For Tickets and Info please call 617-527-4553.

CoN BRIo Performance Luncheon Series

2009-11-09T10:10:00.000-08:00

This Friday, November 13 at 11 am, Pianist Ross Petot will discuss The Great American Songbook with examples he will perform accompanied by Kim Petot on vocals. CoN BRIo at ANMS is a wonderful venue where people can meet and socialize around music during the daytime. The hour long performance is followed by lunch catered by Bakers Best. Tickets $20 include lunch. Please call for more information and to reserve: 617-527-4553 ext. 106.

ANMS Summer Creative Arts Program

2009-11-05T10:28:00.000-08:00

It's not too early to plan for summer!Our wonderful summer creative arts program for boys & girls 5 to 8 years old will be accepting applications beginning November 30th. Two 2 week sessions are offered this year during the month of July. Details coming soon.

Great American Songs featuring Ross Petot, piano & Kim Petot, vocals

2009-11-02T09:11:00.000-08:00

Upcoming on Friday November 13 at 11 am ANMS faculty member Ross Petot will guide us through the Great American Songbook. Ross, assisted by his wife Kim, have put together examples of many familiar songs by composers such as Gershwin and Arlen. The hour long program is followed by lunch catered by Bakers Best.

CoN BRIo is a favorite Friday morning music series at ANMS. It is held five times each season. Individual tickets are $20 and include lunch. Please join us! Do call to reserve: 617-527-4553 ext 106.

Laura Sanders, Soprano & James Busby, Piano perform in two venues

2009-10-27T12:54:00.000-07:00

Laura and James have collaborated before. They have chosen works by Purcell, Handel, WOlf, Vaughn Williams and Messiaen.

They will perform at ANMS on Friday, November 6 at 8 pm and at Newton Free LIbrary on Sunday, November 8 at 2 pm. Both concerts are free.

Laura Sanders' Boston area chamber music performances include: concerts in King's Chapel, The Busch-Reisinger Museum, The Museum of Our National Heritage, Brandeis University, St. Paul's Cathedral (Episcopal),The Harvard Musical Association, The Herter Center, The Institute of Contemporary Art, Lasell College, The Newton Senior Center, and The Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help.

James Busby, is in demand as a vocal coach, collaborative pianist, and organist throughout the Northeast. Recent performances include appearances with singers at Seiji Ozawa Hall, Tanglewood and Weil recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, New York, where he performed song cycles by Ned Rorem and Scott Wheeler with the composers in attendance.

Review

2009-10-27T12:50:00.000-07:00

The Mockingbird Trio was handsomely welcomed by their audience last Sunday at the Newton Free Library! The contemporary pieces were intriguing and uplifting as the trio celebrated the voices of nature.

THE MOCKINGBIRD TRIO at NEWTON FREE LIBRARY

2009-10-21T08:14:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, October 25 at 2 pm ANMS Faculty member Scott Woolweaver, viola will perform at the Newton Free Library, 330 Homer Street in Newton Centre with Elizabeth Anker, Contralto and John McDonald, Piano. As THE MOCKING BIRD TRIO the group will perform contemporary works on the theme of Birds: "Backyard Birder" by Francine Trester, "Fall of the Sparrow" by John McDonald, "A Wren" by Howard Frazin and works by Janice Giteck, Elizabeth Anker and Rebecca Sacks. This is a FREE concert. This concert is sponsored by the Aronson Foundation.

Piano teacher Patricia Smith honored

2009-10-21T07:45:00.000-07:00

Sunday, October 18th was the occasion for much musical celebration at ANMS. At 3 pm students, friends and colleagues gathered to hear Mr. Robert Muse and his wife Mary formally establish the Muse Family Scholarship Fund in honor of Patricia Smith. Mr. Muse dedicated the fund to Pat for her outstanding teaching and praised her for encouraging him to play. He cited teaching as a most important vehicle for passing knowledge and culture to the next generation.

At 4 pm the audience was treated to the wonderful performance of Violist Kim Kashkashian in an All-Schumann program. Mr. Peter Nagy was her pianist. The duo provided a most complete afternoon of musical enjoyment for all.

Music Explorers Trial Class

2009-05-29T09:02:00.001-07:00

ANMS Early Childhood Education Coordinator, Kim Petot will be holding a series of free Music Explorers "trial classes" September 10,11,12 . This is an opportunity for parent and child to attend a class prior to registration for the 2009-2010 academic year. Attending families who register following the trial class will be receiving a free class.

Trial class dates:
Thursday 9/10 - 2, 3, 4 year olds and Xylophone
Friday 9/11 - 2, 3 & 4 year olds
Saturday 9/12 - 2, 3, 4 year olds and Xylophone

Music Explorers 2009-2010 regular class start dates:
Monday 9/14 - Keyboard I & II
Wednesday 9/9 - Keyboard I
Friday 9/11 - Keyboard I
Thursday 9/17 - 2, 3, 4 year olds, and Xylophone
Friday 9/18 - 2, 3, 4 year olds
Saturday 9/19 - 2, 3, 4 year olds, and Xylophone

Actor Singer Class Auditions

2009-05-15T11:50:00.001-07:00

The ACTOR SINGER for students ages 14-18

Laura Backley and Michael Becker bring their vast knowledge of vocal skills and audition techniques to this class. If you are a singer studying voice and are looking to grow as a performer, this setting will give you the tools to succeed.

An audition will be held in the fall TBA. The first Actor Singer class of the 2009-2010 semester is Sept. 8 at 5:00 pm. Call the ANMS office (617 527 4553) to schedule an appointment. A faculty member will follow up with information on what to bring to the audition

Faculty: Laura Backley, singer. Michael Becker, piano
Tuition: $550 for 30 one hour sessions

Summer Creative Arts Program

2009-05-14T09:49:00.000-07:00

The Summer Creative Arts Program begins June 29! Openings in both sessions! Call today.

Boys and girls ages 5-8 years old will enjoy exploring art, music, movement and drama.

Through the Creative Arts Program, ANMS Early Childhood Development Director and Music Teacher, Kim Petot introduces children to the arts, cultivates individual expression, encourages group participation and provides a supportive nurturing environment.

Monday-Friday 9:00am-2:30pm

Two Week Sessions:
Session I June 29-July 10
Session II July 13-24

Fees:
2 wk. session $875
4 wk. session $1,6000

Call Kim Petot at 617.527.4553 ext. 103

ANMS Alum Constantine Finehouse performs on the Wolf Series

2009-05-12T07:54:00.000-07:00

ANMS Alum Constantine Finehouse will perform on the Andrew Wolf Concert Series March 7, 2010.

It’s been a long journey from his native St. Petersburg Russia to Café St. Petersburg, Newton for 30 year-old pianist, Constantine Finehouse. A journey Finehouse calculated each step of the way.

Even before immigrating to the US at age 13, Finehouse devoted his life to becoming a career musician. While living in Newton, Finehouse studied piano at the All Newton Music School with Fred Wanger. Through Wanger, Finehouse landed his first professional playing job as accompanist for a Newton ballet studio. The rest of the Finehouse’s young story – although not quite history – includes studies at the New England Conservatory, Julliard, Yale, CD recording, and some impressive collaborations.

Tickets on Sale in September 2009.

You've Got a Friend With ANMS

2009-04-08T13:45:00.000-07:00

Check out our new photo gallery, "You've got a Friend With ANMS."

New Website is here

2009-04-08T08:55:00.000-07:00

After weeks of designing, cropping and illustrating, All Newton Music School is happy to announce the launch of our brand new website. Go to www.allnewtonmusicschool.com to check it out!

ANMS is Blogging!

2009-04-08T08:35:00.000-07:00

Welcome to All Newton Music School's new Blog!