Koch brings more than 16 years of experience in higher education, arts and culture, and healthcare to the position. “I am very excited to join the Community Music School family,” said Jennifer. “CMS has an exceptional history and tradition of music education, and I hope to work with our faculty & students to build on that tradition to jettison CMS into the next stage of its evolution. For 91 years the talented and dedicated faculty of CMS has provided an exceptional music education guided by the profound belief that music is for people of all ages, ambitions, backgrounds & abilities – I sincerely look forward to where the next 91 years will take us.”

 

"We are all very excited to welcome Jen to CMS," said Kathleen Rizzo Young, president of the School's board of trustees. "She brings expertise, experience and enthusiasm that will be invaluable as Community Music School moves into its next chapter.  Our faculty, staff and students will all benefit from her collaborative and inclusive approach."

 

 

Community Music School of Buffalo (originally known as First Settlement Music School) was founded in 1924 by Chromatic Club members and community leaders as an adjunct to Welcome Hall Social Settlement. Students from 6 months to 86 years and beyond are welcome in seven city and suburban locations. Instruction is offered in piano/keyboard, voice, strings (including fiddling and mandolin), woodwinds, brass, percussion (including drum circle), guitar, electric bass, jazz improvisation, composition, theory, music and movement, music and art and movement, piano exploration, music fundamentals, fiddle tunes and folk music, surviving auditions, musical theater and more. CMS collaborates with other organizations for afterschool programs in churches and public schools (21st Century Community Learning Centers' initiatives). CMS also presents two concert series outside its own facilities. Annual enrollment is 850.