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June 2026 Newsletter:
Following the Thread
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Welcome to the June 2026 edition of our monthly newsletter!
On letting a story lead, and where it has taken us this year.
When I started inTUNE 8 months ago, inexperienced and unsure, I made the decision that I would not force a theme onto this podcast, and that I would let the story unfold on its own terms, following every thread wherever it led. I did not know, at the time, how far that thread would travel.
I started close to home. Our first guest was Lew Evangelidis, Sheriff of Worcester County. What stood out to me most in our conversation was his passion for music. That passion, it turns out, is the reason he believed in the work of OpporTUNEity from the start. We talked about how music creates balance for him in the day-to-day weight of his career, and what it means to bring that belief into an environment as demanding as the House of Correction. Hearing him reflect on it reminded me why this work matters — and made me curious about everyone else doing it.
That curiosity led me, first, to the people who had lived it. Marc Recor brought his own story to the conversation, one thread in a tapestry I am still learning to see whole. John Edward Keough, lyric writer, poet, and founder of Hollywood Film Group, taught me that access to music inside a facility is not just a reward, it's a reason to stay the course. And John Wayne Cormier, who was in the very first cohort when we launched at the jail in 2019 — his path from a difficult childhood, homelessness, and addiction through incarceration and sobriety and into the work he now does with recovering adults is one of the clearest pictures I have of what this work is actually for. Their stories are the reason any of the rest of this exists. And across all three conversations, one theme kept surfacing: access to music while incarcerated was an oasis. It kept them on course, and when they got out, it helped them stay there.
That curiosity also led me to research, down a path toward people who have spent their careers studying what we live day to day. It led me to Dr. Larry Brewster, Emeritus Professor at the University of San Francisco, whose research on prison arts programs has shaped how institutions understand the power of creative expression in correctional settings. Larry's work led me to Dr. Mary Cohen, the choral music educator and scholar at the University of Iowa whose Oakdale Prison Choir has become a model for what is possible when music and incarceration intersect with dignity and rigor. And Mary’s story led me to Maggie Wheeler, a place I simply could not have predicted.
Maggie — yes, THE Maggie Wheeler, beloved for her iconic role as Janice on FRIENDS— composed a choral work that the Oakdale Prison Choir performed, and she flew to Iowa to be part of that performance. When Mary connected us, I felt strongly compelled to pursue a conversation. What began as a request to use a recording became a 90-minute conversation, shaved down to a 51-minute podcast, that wandered from campfires to motherhood, from the mystical pull of music-making to the long, winding road of finding one’s own voice. Maggie’s generosity, her intellect, and the depth of her spirituality — rooted entirely in music — will stay with me forever. You can hear it all on this month’s episode of inTUNE.
A single thread, pulled gently, can take you from a sheriff, to the men who lived this work, to a global research community, to a household name, and somehow every step makes sense in hindsight. This is exactly why I let the story lead.
This issue carries more good news along the same thread. Please join me in welcoming Mike Reed to our Board of Directors, and in welcoming our two new interns from the College of the Holy Cross, Catherine Cox and Janna Hindawi, both of whom you will get to know in the newsletter below. We are also grateful to share that OpporTUNEity has just received a $12,000 grant from the Fletcher Foundation to bring portable music production stations to our youth programs and to our Songwriters Circle community across multiple partner sites. Threads, all of them, that I expect to follow for a long time.
A personal note to close. For the past decade, I held a full-time, tenured position at Anna Maria College — work I loved, and which meant OpporTUNEity had always lived alongside it as something I built in the margins, during office hours, early mornings while my kids were asleep, on nights and weekends, and everything in between. This past month, Anna Maria College closed its doors. It was sudden, and while it was not the path I would have chosen, there is a blessing tucked inside the disruption, as it has propelled me toward giving OpporTUNEity my full, undivided attention. For the first time in over a decade, this work gets to be my whole job. I am grateful, and I am ready.
Thank you, as always, for following this thread with us.
With gratitude and excitement,
Dr. Melissa Martiros
Founder & CEO, OpporTUNEity Community Connections
www.opportuneitymusic.org
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This Month on inTUNE: Maggie Wheeler
| | You know her as Janice from FRIENDS — but this conversation goes so much deeper. Maggie joins us to talk campfires, motherhood, music as a mystical force, and the long road to finding your voice. Generous, funny, and surprisingly spiritual — this is 51 minutes you won't want to miss. | | "Personal power that comes from ... finding your voice ... is a long journey" | | |
This month's Pulse — our segment offering something practical for educators, teaching artists, and advocates — draws straight from our conversation with Maggie Wheeler, who described how singing together makes people "instantaneously interdependent," dissolving isolation through harmony built from silence. Her insight translates into three strategies for anyone building community through music: lower the barrier to entry, use call and response not just as instruction but as a tool for connection, and let the music travel. You can find this discussion starting at the 47:45 timestamp.
Have any questions for Melissa? Each episode, Melissa will answer questions about music education, inclusion, and more on a segment called “The Pulse.” We want to hear from parents, students, musicians, community leaders, and educators.
Click the button below to submit a question for Melissa to answer on inTUNE!
| | We're Growing: A New Grant, A New Site, and More Music This Fall | | |
We are proud and honored to announce a $12,000 grant from the Fletcher Foundation in support of our music production programming.
These funds will allow us to acquire portable music production stations that will expand our reach across the community, including at our Songwriters Circle sites at Everyday Miracles, Community Compass Open Sky, and Community Justice and Support Center, and with students at Lincoln Street School. We're especially excited that this equipment will help launch programming at Norrback Elementary School, a brand-new site joining the OpporTUNEity family this September. This investment will also help us stay connected to the adults we serve — people in recovery, returning from incarceration across the region, and working to rebuild their lives — giving them a place to keep creating and growing through music.
We are deeply grateful to the Fletcher Foundation for their support of this work and the people at the heart of it!
| | A Year in Review with popMATICS | | |
For the past two semesters, we’ve been lucky to have Tony Parlapiano of popMATICS teach courses at the Worcester County House of Correction and at our JOMP after-school program. We asked Tony to reflect on the past year. Below is what he sent us…
Music Has No Waiting Room
The piano might be the most accessible instrument for proving that “music has no waiting room.” Press a key, get a note. Anyone can do it.
At popMATICS, we believe music is as easy to play as it is to listen to. Teaching in a jail and the JOMP after-school program put that belief to the test.
For many of these students, this was their first experience with music. And that’s actually a huge advantage — they weren’t coming in with preconceived ideas about what they could or couldn’t do, which makes it really easy to just get down to making music. The bigger challenge was that most didn’t own an instrument or have access to one between sessions. Attendance wasn’t always consistent, and at the jail, the roster could change from week to week without context. Keeping everyone engaged while making sure nobody feels lost is a real challenge. Every class had to stand on its own.
Those challenges demand creative solutions. That’s what led to the Campfire experience being brought to OpporTUNEity. Campfire is what we call our creating classes. We begin in a land before mistakes were invented — two fingers, two keys, two notes — and the adventure quickly develops into exploring the full range of the instrument. The instruction is delivered entirely through storytelling because storytelling is the most powerful way to preserve a memorable learning experience. Just as many of my own core memories come from singing songs and sharing stories around a campfire, that’s the energy and spirit I’m bringing to these students: learning to share the space, listening to others, and having plenty of time to create in a world of their own imagination.
One of my favorite memories from JOMP was meeting the students in person for the first time. I told them I knew I wanted to be a music teacher since the first day of seventh grade. And then one by one, they started sharing what they wanted to be. Every single one of them had a vision for their future. That kind of clarity, the belief that you can do anything and be anything, is something I know can be nurtured through creative outlets.
Early in one of the jail sessions, before anyone touched a keyboard, I asked everyone in the room to close their eyes and imagine there was a radio nearby playing a song they knew. This was followed by a simple question: "Can you hear it?"
Most people can. And that right there proves that everyone is a musician. Most of us just get convinced somewhere along the way that we’re not. But the ability to create a sound in your mind that no one else can hear but you...that’s the musician thing. Once you learn to put that through an instrument, whether it’s your voice or the piano, you’re already doing it. Music lives in the mind, in the hands, and in the heart. Once it’s in all three places, you own it. It’s a part of you, and no one can take that from you. In a place where it feels like so much has been taken away, that can be an incredibly powerful experience.
A few classes in, one of the students asked if I could teach him Happy Birthday. He wanted to play it for his daughter. It’s a song we’ve all sung dozens, if not hundreds, of times — it already lives inside us. I handed him a keyboard and told him to just pick it out.
First thing he said: I don’t know what note to start on.
You can start on any key, I said. He didn’t believe me. So I showed him — same song, two different keys. Then I pointed him to a starting note and told him he could play the whole thing using just the white keys. Just follow your voice. Then I went on with the rest of the class.
A little while later, headphones out: I got it.
He played Happy Birthday for the whole room. Stumbled a few times. A couple of the guys razzed him for it, but none of that shook his confidence. He had set his mind to a goal, and he achieved it. I could see how accomplished he felt. And that’s really what I took away from this — how breaking music down into small, achievable goals can make something that can seem so intimidating become accessible so quickly. And how much joy you can find in making music just to make it.
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Creative Expressions Story Project
Spring 2026
| | Our Spring 2026 Creative Expressions after-school students did it all! Under the guidance of teaching artist and Board Certified Music Therapist, Catie Verostick, they wrote, illustrated, narrated, and composed the music for their original video project, "Sour Saurus Goes on Vacation." It is a wonderful showcase of collaboration and skills learned in our popMATICS program at the Joy of Music Program. | | New Board Member - Mike Reed | | We are excited to announce our newest board member, Attorney Michael Reed. Mike is a trial attorney at the Law Offices of Reed, Jodrey, & Associates, specializing in complex civil litigation and estate planning, and a member of the Worcester County Bar Association. Over his 40 year legal career, Mike has also served as president of the Shrewsbury Rotary Club, Coes Pond Watershed Association, and the Massachusetts-USSR Bridges for Peace Organization. He has also been a member of the Pernet Family Health Service Board of Directors and the Massachusetts Bar Association. Mike holds a BA in political sciences from Clark University and a JD from the University of Miami Law School. | |
| We are thrilled to bring such a distinguished community member onto our Board of Directors. As OpporTUNEity grows and looks ahead to the next year of change, Mike’s legal background and passion for Worcester County will be integral. | | Join Us in Welcoming our Summer Interns! | | We are thrilled to introduce our two summer interns: Catherine and Janna. Catherine and Janna worked with us in January for the 2026 Nonprofit Careers Conference (NPCC) at the College of the Holy Cross. They developed solutions for our case study, which challenged participants to identify ways to better involve Holy Cross students in our work. We love that their thoughtful engagement has resulted in their own involvement with OpporTUNEity. Catherine and Janna are testaments to the fresh ideas and energy Holy Cross students continue to bring to OpporTUNEity as researchers, teaching artists, and case study partners. We cannot wait to see what they bring to the team! | | |
Catherine Cox is a sophomore at the College of the Holy Cross, majoring in sociology with a minor in urban studies. She is also enrolled in the Social Entrepreneurship Certificate Program. Outside of the classroom, Catherine is involved in a number of activities that connect her to the larger community. She hosts a weekly radio show on Holy Cross WCHC-88.1 FM and serves as art director on the WCHC-88.1 Executive Board. Catherine plays alto saxophone on the Holy Cross wind ensemble, jazz ensemble, and jazz combo, and serves as social media director on the Wind Ensemble/Orchestra Executive Board. In addition to her passion for the arts, Catherine is also an advocate for inclusion, volunteering for Eye-to-Eye, a program where she mentors neurodivergent middle school students.
A longtime resident of Boston, Catherine is a 2025 graduate of the Boston Latin School, where she developed her passion for the arts. She played alto saxophone and clarinet in Big Band, wind ensemble, and symphonic band. Her involvement in the music program afforded her the opportunity to perform in the Charles Mingus High School Competition in New York City, on stage at the Hatch Shell, and at numerous MICCA festivals where her band earned gold medals.
In her free time, Catherine enjoys reading, traveling, attending concerts of any kind, and collecting vinyl of all genres.
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Janna Hindawi is a rising junior at the College of the Holy Cross, majoring in music and political science. She is enrolled in the Entrepreneurship Certificate Program and serves as secretary for the Arab Student Association, marketing and advertising coordinator for the Residence Hall Council, and associate editor for The Purple Literary Magazine. Janna is a volunteer at Why Me & Sherry’s House through Student Programs for Urban Development (SPUD) and was awarded the Richard M. Long Esq. ‘57 Merit-Based Scholarship in January 2025, given to one student attending Holy Cross from her high school.
Janna is involved in many clubs at Holy Cross, including The Agency (a marketing club), Women in Business, and College Choir. She works part-time as an online tutor for WorldTutorsAcademy and participates in business workshops, including the 2026 Non-Profit Career Conference (NPCC).
This fall, Janna will take on new roles. She will be an orientation leader for the incoming Class of 2030 and a Writer’s Workshop consultant. She will also start as a social media manager for her all female a cappella, The Delilahs, before departing for a semester abroad in Spain for the spring semester.
Janna attended Lawrence Academy, where she was awarded the Kaitlyn Nguyen Community Service Society Award for being the only fourth year student to complete over 100 hours of community service and the Francis A. Head Award for Excellence in Journalism.
Outside of school, Janna enjoys singing, playing the piano, traveling, swimming, reading, writing, and spending time with her friends and family.
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Why did Janna want to join us at OpporTUNEity this summer?
I wanted to work with OpporTUNEity because after being able to work so closely with this amazing organization in January, I realized how passionate I am about music education, the importance of the arts in education, and the quality of education that should be accessible to everyone, a social issue I really want to focus on throughout my career. I believe OpporTUNEity will help me gain the experience of what a non-profit trying to tackle this problem looks like, and allow me to grow in the Marketing and Media world as a striving entrepreneur.
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Worcester Summer Music Institute 2026 Registration
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This August, Worcester becomes the destination for some of the most exciting musical talent in the country — and it's all here for our students.
We are proud to present the seventh annual Worcester Summer Music Institute, led by Artistic Director Jeff Conner, founding member of Boston Brass and valued OpporTUNEity Board Member. The Worcester institute is an immersive week-long program for all high school musicians from Worcester County.
From the very beginning, Jeff has believed that world-class musical training should be accessible to every student who wants it, not just those who can afford it. That conviction is at the heart of how we've built this program. Tuition is intentionally kept affordable, and Jeff works tirelessly to secure additional scholarship funding for students who need it, ensuring that no talented young musician across Worcester County is left out because of cost.
This year's Guest Conductor is Matthew M. Marsit, Chair of Instrumental Studies at Boston Conservatory at Berklee and Artistic Director of the Charles River Wind Ensemble. Marsit brings a wealth of experience as both a conductor and clarinetist, having led ensembles and performances across the country. What makes him a perfect fit goes beyond his résumé — Marsit has dedicated his career to using music as a force for good, supporting underfunded arts programs and donating instruments to schools. He doesn't just understand our mission. He lives it.
Students will take part in masterclasses, rehearsals, and workshops that develop their musical and leadership skills. And the guest artist lineup this year is nothing short of remarkable. Participants will have the rare opportunity to learn from and perform alongside:
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Lee Loughnane — trumpet legend and founding member of the iconic rock band Chicago
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Tom "Bones" Malone — trombonist, arranger, and producer best known for his work with The Blues Brothers, the David Letterman Show, and Saturday Night Live
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Emilio Castillo — saxophonist, composer, and founder of the legendary funk and soul band Tower of Power
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Alex Iles — acclaimed Hollywood trombone recording artist whose credits span film, television, and concert stages worldwide
This is the kind of faculty that students travel across the country to learn from. This summer, they're coming to Worcester, because of Jeff's efforts and for our kids.
| | Join Our Songwriters Circle! | | |
Whether you're an experienced musician or exploring songwriting for the first time, we welcome you to take part in this unique, community-driven experience.
Join us at one of our upcoming weekly sessions:
- Wednesdays 11:00 A.M. - 12:30 P.M. all summer long at Community Compass at Open Sky Community Services, 199 Chandler St., Worcester
- Community Justice Support Center--will resume in September, 2026
- Everyday Miracles Peer Recovery Center--will resume in September, 2026
If you are interested in learning more about our program offerings, please use the sign-up button below or email opportuneitymusic@gmail.com.
We look forward to welcoming you!
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We shared the video from our Spring 2026 Creative Expressions class project, "Sour Saurus Goes on Vacation." This video showed our after-school students presenting a story that they worked on this year. They learned the importance of story telling and how music can be used to help tell a story! | | | | |
We posted a clip from an original written by one of our Songwriting Fundamentals students at the Worcester County House of Correction. The student entitled the piece "Halloween" The fall of 2023 course was taught by Paul Boisvert and John W. Cormier Jr with the support of intern Aedan Madden. | | | |
Interested in supporting inclusive and transformative music education in Worcester? Your gift of any size is greatly appreciated by all of us at OpporTUNEity. Click the button below to submit your donation.
Thank you!
| | A Special Thank You to Our Supporters | |
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We are grateful to have received a $5,000 grant from the Worcester Arts Council (WAC) for the 2026 fiscal year. WAC supports organizations that advance the arts in Worcester, Massachusetts. The WAC grant will support our youth program with Worcester Public Schools, helping us continue to give high quality music education to Lincoln St. School students. Thank you to WAC for supporting our youth programming! | | | |
| | We are thankful to the Kirby Foundation for awarding us a $150,000 three year pledge as well as two $10,000 grants. These grants support our youth programming and Songwriters Circle program, underscoring the success and promise of the program as it expands. The Kirby Foundation's continued support will allow us to invest in the growth of our Songwriters Circle and music education for underserved communities in Worcester. | | | |
| | We are grateful to have received a $7,500 grant from the Greater Worcester Community Foundation. This 2025 Community Grant for Project Support supports our Songwriters Circles at Open Sky Community Compass and the Community Justice Support Center. GWCF is committed to enhancing the greater Worcester community, and we are appreciative to be a part of this mission! | | | | OPPORTUNEITY AND THE OPPORTUNEITY LOGO ARE TRADEMARKS OF MELISSA S. MARTIROS @ 2025. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. | | | | |
