A MESSAGE FROM OUR BOARD CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR On behalf of the board and staff of Capital
Harmony Works, we are very pleased to report that during this year of leadership transition, our mission at Capital Harmony Works remains stronger than ever. Following the strategic merger of the longstanding community organizations Trenton Music Makers, Trenton Children’s Chorus, Music for the Very Young, and Learning Academy two years ago, we have expanded both in numbers and scope.
In the nonprofit sector, strong missions endure unexpected challenges. We remain deeply grateful for the invaluable service of longtime music educator and leader Paul Chapin, who stepped down as CEO in June. The Board of Trustees is now focused on finding the next leader for Capital Harmony Works, someone who can guide us into the bright future that lies ahead. Interim Executive Director Carolyn Biondi has been instrumental in easing this transition, allowing the Board to thoughtfully consider the right leader for this pivotal moment in our organization’s journey. Our greatest assets at Capital Harmony Works are our dedicated teachers and program leaders. With a committed staff of 23 teaching artists—many of whom have been with us since our founding—we are shaping the futures of over 500 young people in Trenton and surrounding communities. As we look towards 2025 and beyond, we are determined to serve even more children in additional locations, providing them with the joy of music and the countless benefits it brings, including cognitive development, social and emotional resilience, and a sense of community and belonging. We invite you to join us on this journey. Your support is essential as we continue to expand our impact and cultivate the next generation of musicians. Together, we can make a remarkable difference in our community through the power of music education. Our current enrollment exceeds 100 students grades K - 12 in the orchestra and chorus, and our early childhood music education now reaches 400 preschoolers annually. Highlighted here in our annual report are local performances that enrich our community and many opportunities for our students to broaden their horizons with performances outside of the Trenton area. Not only did the discipline of regular rehearsals and practice develop our students' musical talents, but we supported 9 students with scholarships to summer camps and university education. And the benefits of our programs are not limited to music education: from hot meals that nourish their bodies to a caring community that nourishes their spirits, Capital Harmony Works supports the well-being of our students through and through.
With our gratitude, Genevieve Thayer and Mathias Hemberger
It has been a true honor to serve as the Interim Executive Director over the past 6 months. While I have longtime experience as an executive director, this is my first leadership experience in the area of youth arts education. What a joy it is to see the children focused on developing their skills and having fun making music together! The staff at Capital Harmony Works, many exceptional musicians themselves, are passionately committed to teaching our students and ensuring that they reap all of the cognitive, social, and psychological benefits that music education provides. It will be my pleasure to ensure a smooth transition for the next leader of this fine organization, and I look forward to witnessing the exciting next chapter in store for Capital Harmony Works! A NOTE FROM OUR INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
-Carolyn Biondi
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