From the desk of the
President and Executive Director
We have just finished our first month back at Liberty Place. The Academy is making beautiful music, in every sense of the word. We have gone from 125 individual students to 167 at last count. People still continue to come in and sign up for instruction and classes. Our ensembles and chamber music programs swell in size. The spirit and camaraderie of the faculty and staff are wonderful to experience. Drop by and see for yourself.
We finally moved all our boxes and stored items into the proper spaces and are hanging pictures and artwork. The common room is usually filled with students and parents by 5 p.m. Next door, Room 2 is also filled with the sound of strings or singing. Some of the memorabilia from John Darrenkamp’s wonderful career at the Metropolitan Opera and other great houses around the world is present for admirers to see.
Our string department has launched the fall program with Washington and King Elementary Schools — a wonderful contribution to the community. Our first fall concert will be our Thank You Concert for Church of the Apostles, who hosted us this summer. Students and faculty will perform there Friday night October 15 at 7:30. (see below for more information). Please put it on your calendar.
In response to recent reports and letters in the paper, I have assembled, with the help of our faculty, staff and Board, 20 frequently asked questions and answers about the Academy. I invite you to look it over and share it with friends. Also please find a link to a piece from the Sunday News written by Dr. Holmes Morton, chair of our Board of Trustees, who stepped forward courageously last February to keep this educational institution alive for the community. In addition you can read an editorial from the Intel/New Era written by Dean Ju-Ping Song, who is putting her own stamp on the musical life of Lancaster and the Academy with her thoughtful advocacy.
On their behalf, I would say thank you for the kind words and letters of support we have received through the past six months. It is a challenging time for all nonprofit organizations, as you are hearing. Many community educational organizations have struggled and failed. The task of keeping these quality musical resources available for students here has not been easy. The ‘course through the woods,’ as I frequently call it, has been dark, rocky and uncertain, but we are still moving ahead, looking for a brighter tomorrow. Your sincere friendship has been greatly appreciated along the way.
–Tom Godfrey
Which Jamanis is on the board? Why did you choose to hide that?