Ten Years Strong, and Just Getting Started
BUILDING ON OUR FIRST decade of music and joy!
In 2024, we celebrated a remarkable milestone, we crossed the ten year mark of inspiring students, strengthening community, and creating life-changing experiences through music. Our 10th anniversary year was filled with gratitude for the people, stories, and partnerships that shaped our first decade.
Now, as we step into our second decade, we carry forward the same vision: to foster joy, connectedness, and well-being through music. Guided by our three-year strategic plan, we’re now in year two of building programs that are more inclusive, accessible, and impactful than ever before.
The first ten years proved what’s possible when a community comes together with passion and purpose. The next ten are about expanding that vision by nurturing new generations of musicians, connecting across cultures, and celebrating music as a force for unity and transformation.
To everyone who has been part of our journey so far, thank you! Your support fuels our mission, and together, we’re building the next chapter.
Stories of Music & JOY
As we begin our next decade, read along as we continue sharing the stories that make MCMC what it is. Stories of students discovering their voice, teachers inspiring growth, and music sparking joy in every corner of our community.
Celebrate with Us
Our 10th anniversary year was filled with performances, community gatherings, and moments of connection that reminded us why we do this work. And the celebrations aren’t over, they’ve simply evolved into the start of our next chapter. From student concerts to community events, every gathering is a chance to connect, inspire, and support our shared mission.
Whether you’re a current student, alum, teacher, or neighbor, there’s a place for you here. Your presence and participation keep the music alive and ensure it reaches more people every year.
Our Journey
2015-2016: Growth and Expansion
As community interest grew, we expanded our offerings with more instruments, ensemble programs, concerts, and workshops. Thanks to generous grants and donations, we secured funding to strengthen our scholarship program. Partnerships with local schools and organizations extended our reach, bringing music programs to daycares, public schools, and eldercare centers — ensuring access for all ages and backgrounds.
2017-2019: Community Engagement and Recognition
We deepened our connection with the community through new performances, outreach concerts, and benefit events featuring students and faculty. Our growing reputation earned continued local recognition and grant support, solidifying MCMC as a vital cultural institution.
2020-2022: Adapting to Challenges
Facing the global pandemic, we quickly adapted with virtual and hybrid lessons to keep music accessible. Collaborating with local nonprofits, we responded to rising social needs for connection. Our tuition-free summer camp, funded by a multi-year federal grant, welcomed new families and teachers, helping us emerge stronger.
2023-2024: Celebrating a Decade of Impact
In 2023 we began planning, and throughout the 2024-2025 academic year we marked our 10th anniversary with special events: a bustling holiday open house and two very special benefit performances that featured our students and faculty. These celebrations were also a springboard for launching new initiatives designed to expand our reach and deepen our impact in the coming decade.
Looking Ahead
Our first decade was a powerful beginning. It was an introduction to the work we now see in front of us, informed by so many voices, successes and challenges we’ve overcome together. Now, we’re building toward a future where music education is accessible to all, and every student and family can experience its transformative power.
Guided by our 2024–2027 Strategic Plan, we are:
Expanding programs to reach more students in and beyond our community
Growing our scholarship fund to ensure cost is never a barrier
Increasing community outreach and forging new partnerships to deepen our impact
Developing the infrastructure needed to support sustainable growth and excellence
This plan reflects the insights and hopes of over 100 students, families, educators, partners, and donors — and it’s our roadmap to a future where music connects, inspires, and transforms.
Read Middlebury Community Music Center’s 2024-2027 Strategic Plan
A Note of Gratitude
To our students, parents, caregivers, teachers, partners, donors, and friends: thank you. You’ve helped shape MCMC into a place where music and community flourish. Together, we’ll make the next decade even more powerful than the last.