- Geoff congratulated Jason S on being an active Assistant Governor
- Denis was happy to be a the meeting and happy to help with the golf tournament
- Maureen was invited to table 1 for the first time in 10 years in Rotary
- Neil gave a shout out to the UVM Basketball team
- Jason L recognized a kid from Midd who made it to the Maine Black Bears
- David went to NYC and was impressed with the financial technology to get on buses and subways
- Ben gave a shout out to the Middlebury Basketball Team and Evie made it to the All Tournament Team
- Tim announced that after Sem left, Tim was the only “Holland..er” left
- John was happy to have Sadie Brightman
- David put a plug in and is looking for a volunteer to help with John M’s route for Meals on Wheels. Volunteers needed for 2nd and 4th Friday Routh from 9:30-11 ish
Guest Speaker: Sadie Brightman
Sadie is the Founder & Executive Director of Middlebury Community Music Center. Sadie talked about her love and passion for music. She founded the MCMC almost 10 years ago and it is thriving. She is the current Executive Director and has 30 faculty members (some full time/part time). This is an opportunity to connect individuals, skill sets, and passion for learning. The MCMC is meant to make music accessible and Sadie reiterated that all children are born musical. Sadie has been an instructor for 30 years - she started when she was a teenager. She has played the piano since age 5.
Sadie talked about a few key pillars of MCMC: Leadership, Team, Passion, and Vision. She talked about how the beginning stages of trying something new is always difficult, but it takes practice. When she was young, her parents helped her to do lessons and switched to various instructors based on skills. She went on to play competitively. She did a great job comparing sports to music and musicians are “Athletes of the small muscles”. It takes discipline, team, and practice to do music, just like sports.
Sadie talked a little more about her experience and how fortunate she was to be able to study in Europe in a Conservatory. However, she developed tendonitis in her fingers and she had to rebuild her technique. There is always time to learn new skills based on passion and dedication.
Lastly, Sadie talked about how important music is to build a sense of connection, support, and relationships. Covid highlighted the importance of music!
From a program perspective, Sadie talked about the 4 programs MCMC hosts, the private lessons offered (250 lessons/week for all ages), and early childcare programs to offer musical experiences to children. MCMC is working with schools and childcare centers to offer other opportunities.
After Sadie’s talk, Kevin and Neil announced that through the Buster Brush Golf Tournament they will be giving $1,000 to MCMC. A portion of the Golf Tournament fundraiser is designed to help with youth sports, but MCMC is crucial for youth connection and Sadie made a great connection between music and sports.
Thank you, Sadie!
Cow Tag - Fred
MINUTES SUBMITTED BY SYLVIE MORRISON
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