“The way we go about building this Center has to reflect our ambition for the evolution of the organization toward ever-increasing responsiveness to, and governance by, people in the community of CMW.”

In late spring CMW launched the Community MusicWorks Center project, a milestone moment in plans to build a future home for the organization in the West End of Providence.

In this piece for the Ensemble, CMW Founder & Artistic Director Sebastian Ruth reflects on a new set of challenges in the long and iterative journey in planning this facility.

Read it on the Ensemble website.

Learn more about the Community MusicWorks Center here.

“One thing that’s beautiful about CMW is the way that it connects communities.” — Marconi Hernandez, CMW Alum and Board Vice President

From a small beginning in the computer room at the West End Community Center, Community MusicWorks has grown into an organization that has changed lives in twenty-five seasons of bringing people together through community and music.

At our recent Reunion Concert, friends, families, students, and alums came from near and far to gather in Dexter Park and celebrate our 25th Season with music, reflection, joy, and gratitude.

“Community MusicWorks offered a different perspective of what I could be doing in my life.” — AlexisMarie Nelson, CMW Alum and Current Fellow

We’re pleased to share this video presentation capturing interviews that show the impact this organization has had over decades of work, an impact that has reached well beyond our community in the West End of Providence.

CMW’s 25th Season ends on June 30, but your gift today has an impact that helps ensure that CMW continues to change lives for the next twenty-five seasons.

Click to support CMW’s 25th Season year-end goal today!

This season, violinist and composer Kevin Lowther, a/k/a Big Lux, is our CMW Artist-in-Residence. Lowther works with CMW students on improvisation, listening, and musical explorations, and produced a newly commissioned piece for our 25^th Season Reunion Concert. Writer Jill Pearlman connected with Big Lux during a recent group lesson.

The Bigness of Big Lux
by Jill Pearlman

Kevin Lowther is a master of the unexpected turn, the off-ramp, uprooting. In music and in life, he follows mythic displacements and exile that allow him to study himself and the world, take measure of freedom and make meaning. His wanderings and acquired “hats” — from Army officer on the battlefields in Iraq and Afghanistan, to émigré in S. Korea, to political and cultural activist— all lead to the bigness of hip-hop violinist Big Lux.

I’m watching him as he sits all coiled energy, joyously large in his red felt hat, camouflage pants, snaky boots. Lowther is working with CMW students, guiding them in what he knows best — improvisation. Their instruments have been amplified with pickup mikes, and the freedom is both tempting and intimidating. One student restlessly bangs, another plays a yearning melody, with feedback through the soundboard. Lowther, classically trained in his youth, cradles his violin, hooked up to machines, and smiles patiently as he observes their process. “I’m somebody who’s had to improvise his whole life — I’ve spent my life creating a cultural home that I can live in. It’s the same thing I’m trying to provide to students.”

Big Lux improvising with CMW students.

Lowther’s starting point was in Westerly, RI where he was a fiercely devoted violin student, studying Suzuki, playing with the Rhode Island Philharmonic Youth Orchestra.  He was often the only one who looked like him in the room.

“What do you do if you stand out?” His plan: “Stand out more.”

Presto! When he was 17, Lowther did an about-face from music and attended the prestigious West Point Military Academy.  When September 11 attacks brought on the drumbeat of war he was off to Iraq, starting a different life, outside music, outside the U.S. He’d wanted to be of service to his country and was now, as he says, “living history.”  The battlefield experience marked him in the intimacy of war, fear, and knowledge of other political systems.

Lowther also learned that bumping up against difference was a key part of his essential mix. When he returned home, “everything was beautiful, everything amazing… until it became ordinary again.”  That was a turning point.  “I knew I was going to have to push to have an amazing experience, to travel or perform to feel myself alive. I’m trying to put pedal to the metal to do as much as possible.”

A move to South Korea allowed him to let music rebalance his system.  He discovered the affinities of the country and became a luminary on the émigré circuit.

“I’ve spent most of my adult life living outside of the U.S. inside a culture that wasn’t mine — Korean, German, Kuwaiti — and I forced myself to experience those cultures as a native, without diluting it.”

Against that backdrop he kept interrogating his African American identity, his roots in hip-hop, his youth in 95-percent-white Westerly — and his pride in a country that hasn’t lived up to its promise for Blacks. Hip-hop had always been a passion, and he dived full force into its genre-bending expansiveness. He worked his violin to tell truths about war, to put plangent Middle Eastern melodies to a beat, to evoke the high, lonesome whistle of bluegrass. Moving back to Westerly, he also has become an activist — coordinating the Westerly Anti-Racism Coalition, working with town fathers, intent on confrontation that is productive, insistent, but nonviolent.  He is now running for Westerly Town Council.

As Lowther handles his violin with supple fingers and bowhand, one can see his utmost gentleness and respect — while meaning business.   “My whole life and political strategy has been an attempt to stay in harmony with things around me. I consider the violin a tool rather than anything else.  I prefer precise technique to brute force. Force is not the way. I listen to something nuanced and deeper.”

For Community MusicWorks’ 25th Season Reunion concert, Big Lux has composed a ten-minute composition for an ensemble of CMW musicians.  Each of the five parts of his piece, “Five Vibes,” explores an emotion, which he has brilliantly named ‘Bubbly, Doubt, Anticipation, Insecurity, and Celebration.’  “If a chamber music piece is playing hip-hop, is it still a chamber music ensemble?  That’s the million-dollar question.”

On his latest soon-to-be-released album, Lowther returns to boom-bap – a core and restless joy of ‘90s hip-hop of his youth, all with the violin as his tool and master. He will be debuting some of this fresh work in his concert as one of the headliners for PVD Fest.

Reflecting on CMW students, Lowther says, “It’s very important that CMW is giving them classical education, with history and technique. I’m guiding them a little bit to where they want to be. I’m channeling them towards a cultural home, a place they can express themselves through improvisation or wherever they choose to go.  It’s been a privilege.”

***

Join us in celebrating the premiere of Big Lux’s commissioned piece, “Five Vibes,” at the CMW Reunion Concert on Saturday, June 11 at 2 pm at Dexter Park in Providence (rain location is John Hope Settlement House). More information on our events calendar.

Learn more about Big Lux on his website bigluxviolin.com.

Jill Pearlman is a writer, poet, and former CMW board member based in Providence, RI.  Read more of her work at jillpearlman.com.

Big Lux portrait photo by Villas Channel Miami Beach Photography

CMW student lesson photos by Erin X. Smithers.

Join us in celebrating our graduating CMW seniors!

“I will always keep CMW close to my heart. I appreciate the sense of community that we have.”

Congratulations to Jaden on 10 years of musicianship with CMW! Jaden is a violinist and Phase II member who shines her bright light onto everyone she meets. Jaden loves to “de-stress” by playing her instrument and finds the community of CMW to be very supportive and open to listening. From here, Jaden will attend the University of Rhode Island in the fall, majoring in criminal justice and minoring in music.

“CMW is a place where I know I will always be welcomed, valued, and supported.”

Congratulations to Jannessa on 11 years of musicianship with CMW! Jannessa has been an active CMW participant since the age of 7 (along with 5 of her siblings!) and serves on the CMW board and student committee. She was instrumental in creating the student blog, and credits CMW with playing a large role in constructing her values and worldview. Jannessa will be attending Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, NY.

“I had no idea I was going to meet some of the greatest people who I’m thankful to call my friends.”

Congratulations to Jarilyn on 5 years of musicianship with CMW! Jarilyn is a violinist who serves on the CMW board and student committee and is an engaged participant in CMW’s Phase II teen group. Jarilyn brings her wise and kind presence wherever she goes, and this fall will attend the University of Rhode Island College of Engineering, where she’ll study biomedical engineering.

Need some tips and tricks to keep up your violin, viola, and cello chops? Jarilyn and Jannessa are here for you! Read their comprehensive Practice Tips guide on our CMW Student Blog, which includes advice and techniques that will make productive practice time a breeze.

Read it on the CMW Student Blog

CMW’s Season 25 is still going strong! Check our calendar for upcoming events

“What we’re going to build here is a community center for music. This is about neighbors helping neighbors; about opening the door for musical possibilities as a way to build deep and solid connections between us.” 

CMW Founder & Director Sebastian Ruth set the stage for the launch of the Community MusicWorks Center building project during the May 14 groundbreaking event on the lot at 1326 Westminster Street.

Guest speakers included Rhode Island Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos, R.I. State Representative Anastasia Williams, City of Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza, City Councilwomen Mary Kay Harris and Rachel Miller, CMW student Jannessa, and Capital Campaign Committee Co-Chairs Doris De Los Santos and David Bourns.

The event brought together a community of people including CMW students, alums, staff, neighbors, and supporters that basked in the mid-May sunshine and celebrated the launch of the Community MusicWorks Center building project.

Learn more about the CMWC project here:
https://communitymusicworks.org/the-community-musicworks-center/

Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza spoke to the crowd. “We are eternally grateful that CMW exists, that CMW is firmly rooted in our community, and that Community MusicWorks is going to grow and build a 15-million-dollar institution that will be around for my kids, and my kids’ kids…long, long into the future.”

“If CMW has been able to touch so many students and so many lives without a physical location, can you imagine the possibilities once this place is built?” Capital Campaign Co-Chair and former CMW parent Doris De Los Santos hosted the celebration and welcomed a wonderful lineup of speakers and student performers to the stage.

CMW students imagine the possibilities as they admire a rendering of the Performance Hall at the future Community MusicWorks Center.

Guests stayed cool with the help of umbrellas and refreshments from Amos House chef Linda Kane while CMW’s Youth Alliance performed an improvisation inspired by the concept of beginnings.

CMW student and board member Jannessa said, “This building will not only continue to support us in being learners and practitioners of music-making but also in spreading love and respect for each other and creating stronger bonds.”

RI Lieutenant Governor and former CMW parent Sabina Matos: “The work that Community MusicWorks does to help us to be sure that we have access to art for our children here in the city of Providence is crucial. Community MusicWorks has given us the opportunity to bring equity to this neighborhood.”

Extra-special shout-out to alums, students, staff, and supporters who pitched in to make this important day…and every day at CMW…a big success! Thank you!

Community MusicWorks Seeks Family Engagement Coordinator

Are you someone who is passionate about building strong relationships with young people and their families? Are you experienced in helping individuals find and access social services, dedicated to continual growth and learning, and someone who enjoys the challenges of both collaborative and individual work? Are you good at keeping track of details, and also interested in making sure the details fit with the big picture?

If this sounds like you, we invite you to apply for the position of Family Engagement
Coordinator at Community MusicWorks.

The Family Engagement Coordinator will be responsible for building and maintaining a robust support system for all aspects of student and family involvement in CMW programming. This includes both logistical and programmatic support (systems to track attendance and feedback, coordinating program space needs, creating  and supporting a parent volunteer system, and supporting parent leadership in the organization) and also connecting with resources outside CMW (assembling and maintaining a web of support for families that may include social service resources, language resources, self care resources, and others).

The position is envisioned at 30 hours/week, including some weekends and evenings.  Spanish proficiency is a huge asset for this role. The position includes health and dental benefits and offers a salary range of $32,000 – $37,000 based on experience.
CMW is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a culturally diverse staff that reflects the neighborhoods in which we are situated. Women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application details are here.

MusicWorks Collective with Guests: Songs of Refuge

“Songs of Refuge” was recorded at the Providence Public Library on March 26, 2022. The concert is a highly anticipated collaboration between Community MusicWorks and Dorcas International Institute, co-presented by Providence Public Library (PPL).

This event celebrates the joy and solidarity of community by bringing together local, resettled musicians along with the MusicWorks Collective in special arrangements of traditional songs from Iraq, Syria, and Iran.

The concert, set at PPL’s beautifully restored Donald J. Farish Auditorium, features works by composer Kareem Roustom, including a world premiere that spotlights MusicWorks Collective violinist Jesse Holstein as he marks a two-decade career at CMW.

Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island and Community MusicWorks have long shared a vision anchored in community and belonging. This event gathers both organizations in celebration of the common language of music.

We are so pleased to share this with you!

Read the bios of our featured performers and collaborators here:
https://communitymusicworks.org/29may_/songs-of-refuge-performer-bios/

Check our Events Calendar for upcoming performances:
https://communitymusicworks.org/29may_/events-calendar

Performance Party! WOO HOO!

CMW students (and alums!) perform solo, duo, and ensemble pieces for family and friends. Hosted by students Dayana and Yahaira, this hour-long spring edition of the Student Performance Party also features a delightful “What I like about CMW” segment, and 24 stellar performances!

Don’t miss this chance to cheer on our students!

Student Performance Party on YouTube
www.YouTube.com/communitymusicworks

The Alumni Fellowship is midway through its inaugural year, and Alum fellows AlexisMarie Nelson and Liam Hopkins have been busy!

Centered around three pillars: learning modules focused on aspects of organizational development, teaching, and creative practice, the Alumni Fellowship program is designed to be flexible to the interests and input of each fellow.

In September, the Alumni Fellows dove into big ideas with a learning module on Education, Artistry, and Social Justice taught by staff members Sebastian Ruth and Ashley Frith. Joined by Teaching Artist Fellow Kamyron Williams, the group met weekly and read texts by John Dewey, Claudia Rankine, Maxine Greene, Bayo Okomolafe and others. According to the Fellows, the discussions inspired by the texts were energizing and thought-provoking. The module wrapped up with a podcast recording (Stay tuned! Editing in progress.) of a conversation on education, artistry, and social justice.

Alumni Fellows record the first CMW podcast.

Liam and Alexis are now a month into their second learning module on Teaching Methods with Chloë Kline, (CMW’s Education Director) examining different approaches for string pedagogy and music education.

For teaching experience, Alexis and Liam assist with group classes and mentor individual students in the Daily Orchestra Program and the Tuesday program. At this point in the year, they have become familiar figures in many of the learning ensembles and have built a trusting rapport with each of their mentees.

Liam, who assists Artist-in-Residence Kevin “Big Lux” Lowther’s weekly hip-hop/pop music class, said:

“I’m really invigorated by the groove I’ve settled into with my classes. After several months with the same students we feel comfortable enough with each other to be really open and brave in our collective playing and learning.

 This feeling really came together last Monday in the class I teach with Kevin Lowther. After a semester spent working on improv and pop/hip-hop violin playing the class had what felt like our first proper jam session. I laid down a bass line and everyone took turns soloing. One student joined my rhythm section by drumming on his violin and it felt in that moment that we really blossomed and got that magical feeling of synchronicity that makes playing music with others so special.”

Alexis has been working with the Youth Alliance, the Daily Orchestra Program’s chamber music group. The Youth Alliance meets four days a week to focus on playing chamber music and look at other aspects of music more deeply. In their time with Alexis, the students have been exploring the connection between storytelling and music using improvisation.

Alexis leads a rehearsal with CMW’s Youth Alliance

In the realm of creative practice, Alexis has been taking regular lessons on viola and working on several musical projects with the goal of performing in the near future. She has also been incorporating Alexander Technique work in her practice, assisted by regular sessions with Resident Musician and certified Alexander Technique teacher, Lisa Sailer.

Liam has been working on composition projects with mentoring from composer and former Resident Musician Laura Cetilia. In addition, he spends time practicing bass guitar, exploring different styles of music, and performing with his band around town.

The return to CMW has been a homecoming of sorts for Liam and Alexis, with a highlight for both fellows being their work with CMW’s teen group, Phase II. Phase II was a memorable part of their own experience as students and returning to it as part of the planning team has been exciting and filled with learning.

Alexis reports:

“So far, the Alumni Fellowship has been a fun, illuminating, and educational experience! It’s been awesome to see all the ways CMW has evolved since I was a student and being on the teaching end has shown me how much intention, time, and care goes into keeping programs like this going.

While I love being involved in all of the ensembles and groups, I’ve been especially excited to be back in the Phase II space, watching them play in chamber groups, and having weekly discussions!”

We are thrilled to have Liam and Alexis back at CMW in these capacities, learning, sharing, and contributing to our community. Look for them this spring as they help guide upcoming student projects and appear in MusicWorks Collective performances!

—Minna Choi, Fellowship Director and Resident Musician

Get regular updates and upcoming event information by signing up for our enews!

“We believe music-making should be radically participatory, driven by the audience as much as the musicians.”

Lauren Latessa, cellist and CMW Fellowship Program graduate (2012-2014), directs the Iris Music Project, which integrates professional musicians within retirement communities, nursing homes, and other healthcare institutions.

Recently, the project’s Iris Piano Trio discussed collaborating with their community to create programming and adapting to constraints brought on by Covid restrictions in their work at the Charles E. Smith Life Communities in Rockville, Maryland.

Learn more about the Iris Music Project here.