News of Note 12/21/2022

Happy Holidays! We’ve got a lot of information coming at you as we close out the year and the first term, so read on. Also, just a friendly reminder that DSM is closed for lessons, classes, band, jams from December 23 through January 2nd. We will see you in the new year! And please be sure--if you haven't already--to donate to DSM.

Did you know that Term 1 continues through January with makeups occurring Jan 16-27? Please arrange makeup lessons with your teacher directly. If you didn’t miss any lessons, you can always take 1 or 2 additional lessons during this time since you will have just had a break over the winter holidays. Please reach out to your teacher and let the office know so that we can arrange the schedule and bill accordingly.

-Did you know that we earned $596.15 for our Harmony Fund for Financial Aid through your support of the Fair Trade Fundraiser, plus additional donations? Thank you so much.

-Did you know that we have over 100 students taking private lessons in piano, voice, violin, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, percussion, guitar, and ukulele?
-Did you know that our students range in age from 4-80+?! 
-Did you know that 11% of our students receive financial aid? 
-And did you know that there’s still time to make a tax deductible donation to Dedham School of Music before the end of 2022? Be it $5, $50, $500, or $5000, any gift to the school is greatly appreciated so that we can continue to bring music to all who desire it regardless of age, ability, or means. 
-Did you know that we are continuously grateful for your support?

-Did you know that we offer drop-in bluegrass jams for beginners or intermediate players twice a month? Every second Tuesday and fourth Sunday of the month at First Church. It’s free of charge with a pass-the-hat for those willing to make a contribution. There’s no jam on Dec 25th!  The next one is Tuesday January 10th for beginners and Sunday Jan 22nd for the intermediate jam. Both at 7PM. 

-Did you know that our Dedham Community Band had 5 performances in 16 days to ring in the holidays from ECEC to the Dedham Holiday stroll to Oakdale Square to University Station and Legacy Place malls?

-Did you know that DSM runs a ukulele class at the Dedham Council on Aging? Contact us at info@dedhamschoolofmusic.org for more information.

-Did you know that we have partnered with the Dedham Housing Authority to bring music to residents and have already had 5 performances since this summer: the latest was our holiday sing-along at the O'Neill residence?
-Did you know that  on February 4th, our board member Sam Gillman and piano faculty Adam Merrill are putting on a dueling piano concert at 7:30PM? Well you do now, so save the date. Details to come.

-Did you know that we have an amazing board of directors who volunteer their time and talents to keep our music school running smoothly and are always attentive to the needs of our community? You can inquire about joining them! Contact Jody Pongratz or Caroline Angel Burke  our board president to see how.
-Did you know that we have amazing faculty who are not only dedicated teachers who share their love of music with their students but are also highly educated with most having advanced degrees at the masters and doctorate levels, and are also composers and performers?
-Did you know that our Executive Director Jody Pongratz can’t believe that the first year and a half has flown by and that school enrollment has increased and that she’s always thrilled at every recital to see students share all that they have learned in their lessons?

As always, you can find us on Amazon Smile– Music Access Group, Inc.. With every purchase you make with Amazon Smile, a little bit comes to us so we can keep costs down for all families.