Submitted by Bedford POMS
The Bedford Patrons of Music Students (POMS) will host their annual reception on Monday June 10th, 6:30 – 8:00 PM in the Bedford High School Band Room. All Bedford parents and school-age children are welcome.
Bedford POMS is an all volunteer organization that supports music students, music teachers, and music programs in the Bedford Public Schools.
Perhaps you have purchased a burger from the POMS booth on Bedford Day or have seen them selling refreshments during intermission at the school musicals but are still not sure of what POMS is all about. Much of what POMS does is behind the scenes and this event is an opportunity for POMS to reach out to the community.
The POMS annual reception has taken different forms over its more than 50 year history. “This year we are trying something new,” says Carol Bittenson, POMS co-president. “We want to showcase our private music lessons program as well as our new Concert Clothing Swap.”
POMS arranges private music lessons with a network of professional musicians for 17 instruments, including voice, right here in our schools. POMS is able to keep the rates reasonable because the overhead costs for this program are extremely low: administration of the program is done entirely by POMS volunteers, and the schools provide rooms for lessons free of charge to the teachers.
“The POMS private lesson program provides students with valuable, one-on-one time with a teacher,” says Bedford Schools’ Music Department Chair Nicole O’Toole. “This extra attention helps these students to build a solid foundation of skills, to develop healthy practice habits, and to become the best musicians that they can possibly be.
During the reception, parents and students will be able to meet many of the POMS private lessons teachers. In addition to informal demonstrations, teachers will offer the chance to speak with them individually to learn about their method and teaching style.
The teachers who plan to attend this reception include:
Tsuyshi Honjo — Saxophone / Clarinet
Matt Ross — guitar
Kendra Carson — piano
Steve Bittenson — banjo
Carol Bittenson — fiddle
Tchavdar Natchev-Peno (Chari) — Piano / Guitar / Trumpet
John Tanzer – drums/percussion
John Lobosco — Saxophone / Clarinet
John Guarino – piano/violin
Ken Budka — guitar
Sharon Reid — flute
Lili Kauffman — voice
Johann Soults, POMS cello instructor, is unable to attend the event but is offering a free introductory cello lesson to students whose parents attend the event. Other teachers offering the free introductory lesson are Tchavdar Natchev-Peno, Carol Bittenson, and Steve Bittenson.
Also at the reception, parents and students will be able to “shop” at POMS’ gently used clothing closet, which is new this year. Volunteers will be there to accept gently used concert clothing and can help parents find clothing in their child’s current size. To drop off or select that perfect ensemble for an upcoming concert during the school year, contact Music Department Chair Nicole O’Toole, nicole_o’[email protected].
“We are very excited about this event,” says Carol Bittenson. “ Please come meet our wonderful private lessons teachers and hear a sampling of music.” Light refreshments will be served.
For more information visit https://www.bedfordpoms.org.
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