Acclaimed filmmaker Ken Burns will spearhead a 40-minute Q+A session during the Northampton Community Music Center’s fundraiser gala on Nov. 8.
Reminder Publishing submitted photo
NORTHAMPTON — The Northampton Community Music Center was founded 40 years ago in response to challenges far greater than anyone could have imagined.
At that time, Proposition 2½ dismantled many art education programs in Northampton’s Public Schools, so the center became a haven for younger people looking to foster their creativity.
From wavering funding for the arts, to past flooding of the nonprofit organization’s building at 139 South St., and even the COVID-19 pandemic, the center has been tested again and again. Now in its fourth decade in Northampton, the organization is reflecting on the mission and spirit behind its founding, what it means to reach this milestone and what it means to keep striving for the future.
“While private lessons are the bread and butter of our operations, the center’s longevity is not due to any individual, but to our community of listeners,” NCMC Web, Media and Marketing Coordinator Indë Francis told Reminder Publishing. “Throughout these 40 years, the key to NCMC’s survival has been in the musician’s ear. With every changing chord, musicians work out melodies, solutions.”
NCMC was founded 40 years ago with the mission to foster the love and pursuit of music within its community through quality education, performances and activities accessible to all. Founded on the principle that music education is fundamental to the human experience and an essential part of childhood development, NCMC has built a legacy responding to the need and desire of parents in the community to continue to have access to comprehensive, quality music education for their children in response to the situation the community found itself in.
In the decades since its founding, NCMC has never turned a qualifying student away for lack of funds, consistently living through its belief that everyone should have access to the power of music.
In achieving its mission, Francis explained that the musicians at the center have used their expert ears to listen to the needs of the community. NCMC has awarded more than $1 million in scholarships through its financial aid program and has taught more than 20,000 students.
The organization’s financial aid program has provided over $70,000 in scholarships to more than 200 local music students in fiscal year 2026 alone, Francis added. Its Music Therapy program supports children, teens and adults across a wide range of abilities and needs — including autism spectrum disorder, emotional or behavioral challenges, neurological conditions, dementia and individuals recovering from trauma.
Francis reflected on some of the center’s accomplishments, including NCMC’s Ujima Singers program, which has succeeded in bringing musical and cultural collectivity to the Black community in Western Mass. and offering a space for intergenerational education through song. Furthermore, the Suzuki program has provided an invaluable space where educators and parents work together to reinforce the growth of a generation that is not only skilled with their instruments, but skilled at playing together and listening.
To celebrate the 40-year milestone, the NCMC will host Gala Fundraiser on Sunday, Nov. 8, at the Mill 1 event space in Holyoke.
Acclaimed filmmaker Ken Burns will headline the gala and take the stage for a 40-minute Q&A session. Following this portion of the gala will be a short performance from piano student AJ Strack, as well as NCMC Founder Bill Feinstein speaking on the significance of NCMC’s 40-year commitment to community music.
“We are nothing short of thrilled to host Ken Burns for the gala. His work as a documentary filmmaker is invaluable to the American public, and especially to musicians. From “Jazz” (2001) to “Country Music” (2019), Ken’s knowledge of U.S. music history rivals that of NCMC’s library, and we hope that his appearance at the gala will inspire the lucky 250 individuals in the room to invest in NCMC’s work from this historic perspective,” Francis said. “In addition to answering questions from the community, we are proud to present Ken and attendees with a performance by AJ Strack, whose immense musical talent exemplifies the expert listening that we foster here at the Center.”
With 30% of its budgeted revenue coming from “contributed income,” such as grants and donations, NCMC relies heavily on the community to keep the beat going.
Francis explained that NCMC has set a goal of raising $463,000 this year to sustain and advance its mission. This goal includes two campaigns: a $212,000 capital campaign to replace its outdated lift elevator system and $251,000 for the organization’s operations — or 30% of the organization’s budgeted revenue.
“With half a million dollars to raise in order to sustain our work and keep our building accessible to people with mobility aids such as wheelchairs, we are calling on support from all corners of the community,” Francis added.
The gala will kick off this effort. Tickets are on sale now at $150 and include a complimentary drink and hors d’oeuvres catered by Seth Mias Catering.
For tickets and more information on the gala or NCMC, visit ncmc.net or call 413-585-0001. To explore all ways to give and support NCMC’s work, visit ncmc.net/give.
