Meet Our CMSS' Summer Interns

CMSS offered 12 paid internships through their Cultural Heritage Program this summer, fulfilling a demand from students and families for career-building opportunities in Springfield. The organization aims to support personal and professional growth by providing a living wage, and tailored education and training to its interns.

Explore our website to witness and extend your support to the CMSS Summer Interns!

CMSS' Jazz & Roots Festival Spotlight!

The Children's Chorus of Springfield (CCS) and Sonido Summer Session marked the culmination of their program with a captivating parade and main stage performance at the Springfield Jazz & Roots Festival. The students delighted the audience as they played "When the Saints Go Marching In" during the second line parade from City Hall to the Jazz & Roots main stage in Stearns Square. Following the parade, they marched directly onto the stage to showcase their talent. CCS wowed the crowd with their renditions of "Iko Iko" and "Glory Glory," skillfully led by Laurie Ellington. Meanwhile, Sonido took the stage with Rick Marshall and the Sonido Musica Teaching Artists, delivering captivating performances of "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy," and "Songo Especial."

CMSS would like to thank Kristin Neville and Blues to Green for this 10 year partnership with the Jazz Festival.

CCS & Sonido Musica Summer Session

The two-week camp for the Children's Chorus of Springfield (CCS) and Sonido Summer Session was a dynamic and enriching experience. The students dedicated time to their main instruments (winds, strings, or percussion) and learned bucket drums while exploring elective courses like music production, keyboard skills, musical games, and joining ensemble rehearsals. Students have also been singing, moving, and collaborating on an art mural project with the help of Prelude's Allison Needham. The mural's overall theme is "Music" across the ages incorporating various musical instruments and genres into the silhouetted Springfield skyline. Each student had the freedom to represent their own visual voice by painting, sketching or building 3D designs!

Want to register your child for Children's Chorus of Springfield?

Contact CCS Director Laurie Ellington for registration & info!

The program provided additional performance opportunities, including showcases for families each Friday, a collaboration with Rick Marshall's (Sonido Music Teaching Artist) band, and a drumming workshop from Jazz & Roots artists.

Sonido Musica students have one more performance coming up on August 1st. They will be performing for the National Night Out in Springfield, an annual and nationwide community-building event. This will take place on August 1st at 6 pm at the Springfield Elks Lodge (440 Tiffany St, Springfield MA). We invite all to come!

Throughout the session, students' genuine appreciation for one another was evident in the "Compliment Jar," where they shared positive shout outs, reflecting on the cherished moments of their rewarding two-week experience.

CMSS' Beginner Group Piano Lessons

Unleash your passion for music with CMSS's Beginner Piano Group Classes! Perfect for kids eager to explore piano but not quite ready for one-on-one lessons. The 45-minute weekly class provides a fun, safe environment to explore music through movement, games, and sing-alongs. It's a perfect stepping stone for private instruction. Join our classes for grades 1-2 on Tuesdays at 4:30 pm and for grades 3-6 on Thursdays at 4:30 pm. Sign up now to discover the magic of piano at CMSS!