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CVSM

Apr 13

Alumni Spotlight – Kevin Gorman

By Meet CVSM

When did you attend CVSM and who were your teachers?

My first class at CVSM was Musikgarten with Susan Whitelock when I about was 4.  Afterward, my parents enrolled me in piano lessons with Bob Parini. Marie Hershey and Brian Helman then became my teachers.

Where do you currently live and what do you do?

I’m back in Franklin County teaching at CVSM and Dickinson College. I’ve undertaken a recording project of the complete piano sonatas of William Bland (a former CVSM instructor) which has one CD out so far on Bridge Records. I am also the church musician at St. Andrew’s Episcopal in Shippensburg.

Do you still participate in music activities?

That’s literally my life!

What is your best/favorite memory of your time at CVSM?

In my senior year of high school, Brian (Helman( prepared me for my college auditions, which required over an hour of solo repertoire, memorized, and playing to the best of my abilities. That level of preparation eventually became the norm in my undergrad and graduate work but was not at all the norm when I was a teenager. It was an intense time for me, the first time music and piano really became the main focus of my life, and I was beyond fortunate to have Brian as a teacher during that time.

What are three words to describe CVSM?

Musical, creative, and fun!
 

What was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?

My first job was washing dishes at the Cracker Barrel on Wayne Avenue. I think I lasted 2 weeks.

If you could instantly have any talent, what would it be?

To be able to sing, then I wouldn’t have to play the piano! 😉

What is one thing you can’t live without?

Worcestershire sauce

In what places have you lived?

Born in Chambersburg, PA, moved to Potsdam, N.Y. for undergrad, then to Montreal, QC.

What is your favorite quote?

“Life is a gift”

Apr 13

Donor Spotlight – Gene & Sally Herritt

By Meet CVSM

Gene is originally from the Williamsport, PA, area with a BS in Education from Clarion and an MEd in Reading from Shippensburg. Sally was born and raised in Chambersburg, then moved to Shippensburg when they got married. They have a daughter, Andi, and a grandson, Lyric. Sally retired as Executive Director of Chambersburg Community Theatre (CCT) after 25 years but continues to volunteer & perform with the group.

Sally is a singer, having studied voice with Peg Weeks as a teenager, and with Marjorie Hirsch at Juniata College. She continues to perform in her church choir and, when available, with the Mercersburg Area Community Chorus, as well as being an independent performer.

Sally knew Meagan Boozer from Chambersburg Community Theatre prior to the opening of CVSM, so she has known about the school from the beginning. Gene was first introduced to CVSM when someone mentioned they were looking for a board member and knew that he had experience with serving on non-profit boards.  Watching students perform and grow as a result of their experience with CVSM made him feel as if a non-talented person like him can still contribute to the arts.

Three words to describe CVSM: Gene—Talent, Growth, Opportunity; Sally—Excellence, Creativity, Passion

CVSM exists to provide people of all ages the opportunity to explore and grow their talent and interests in the arts. This is an economical alternative for the students and a chance for qualified teachers to reach more students through the school’s promotions of their offerings.

CVSM competes with local schools and private tutors, but no one else in the area is doing everything that CVSM does. The organized efforts of the CVSM staff allow for tutors to teach under the CVSM roof and reach a wider audience for their own talents as educators.

Gene and Sally consider CVSM a worthwhile local charity because of the opportunities the school provides local residents who wish to take advantage of them. It has brought over the years a high degree of talent both to and from our community. It helps to showcase the quality of talent and people that are here in South Central Pennsylvania and inspires them to continue offering financial support where they can. Having a background in the performing arts (dance, drama, music), Sally feels it is so important to support organizations that promote a love of the arts. Everyone enjoys music even if they don’t sing or play an instrument. Life without music would be a very dull existence.

Gene has bored his family and friends since his college days with stories of when he spent two summers hitchhiking around the country. That gave him a chance to see a lot of the country and experience the people from the areas he visited. Traveling in other parts of the world with Sally when she was on concert tours gave him additional travel experiences.

All of us fortunate enough to live in this area experience good people and good opportunities. CVSM is one of many and they are pleased to be a part of the community and to participate in its growth and its cultural development.

Apr 13

Student Spotlight – Carolyn Kent

By Meet CVSM

For how long have you attended CVSM and which teachers have you studied with?

I have studied for about 4 years with Brian Helman and Kevin Gorman.  However, I have also eavesdropped during my children’s lessons for many years, on Richard Overcash, Valerie. Merriman, Geoff Weeks, and Deb Stotelmyer!

Where do you attend school and what grade are you in? 

I am not in school at the moment, but I have taken music classes recently at Gettysburg College and Messiah University.

What are your favorite music activities?

I love to sit at the piano and play for myself in the evenings, but also enjoy concerts and listening to music. 

What is your best/favorite memory of your time at CVSM? 

Playing with Brian Helman in the recital hall downstairs

What do you do for fun? I love to read to my grandchildren and watch them figure things out!

If you could instantly have any talent, what would it be? To play any piano piece on sight!

What is your favorite memory? 

As a young child, my mom worked evenings and my dad worked during the day.  After my sister and I went to bed at night, my dad would stand in the doorway of our bedroom, silhouetted against the hall light behind him, and talk to us about the music he played on the record player: Scheherazade, Pictures at an Exhibition, the Grand Canyon Suite, La Mer, the 1812 Overture, the Firebird Suite, and Swan Lake. 

In what places have you lived?

I grew up in New Jersey but moved to Mercersburg after finishing my pediatric residency.  Now I live in Greencastle.

Where is the best place you have traveled to and why? 

I hiked part of the Annapurna circuit in Nepal several years ago with the Sierra Club and it was so beautiful there are no words to describe it.

What is the weirdest thing you have ever eaten?

Toenails!  I still bite my fingernails but haven’t been able to reach my toes since I turned 36 years old.

Where is your favorite place to eat?

You can’t beat the Falafel Shack.  But I like Sheetz and McDonald’s too!

Nov 20

CVSM Thanksgiving

By Meet CVSM

The staff of CVSM are so thankful for all of our instructors, families and community!! We love hearing the beautiful music created by our students. We decided to share some Thanksgiving memories and recipes with all of you.

RECIPES

Pumpkin Dip – shared by CVSM Co-Founder Paula Hepfer

Stuffing – shared by CVSM Bookkeeper Sharon Eshleman

Baked Corn – shared by CVSM Store Manager Sheryl Gudgeon

Creamed Mushrooms – shared by CVSM Marketing & Communications Steph Allee

Squash Casserole – shared by CVSM Program Manager Heather Kline

Buttermilk Pecan Pie – shared by CVSM Marketing & Communications Steph Allee

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cake – shared by CVSM Executive Director Heather McEndree

MEMORIES

“2008: My grandfather was in the final days of his life, at a personal care home.  He was hospitalized on my birthday, which is always very near Thanksgiving.  He was released from the hospital and put on hospice at the home.  On Thanksgiving Day, I went to visit him.  He wasn’t really talking any more by that day.  I chattered on for a little while, letting him know that it was Thanksgiving Day and I was so thankful for having him in my life. He passed away the next day.  I’m so glad that I got to tell him that.” ~Valerie Merriman, CVSM Registrar

“I grew up with a large extended family. Each Thanksgiving, we would descend on my Aunt Patricia’s house for Thanksgiving dinner. Everyone brought a dish to share, either appetizer, dinner, or dessert. My Aunt & Uncle made a HUGE turkey to feed the ravenous clan. I remember the warmth, the sounds, the people, the energy, and feeling so absolutely stuffed by the end of the evening that I felt I would not need to eat for another month – at least until it was time for Christmas dinner, LOL!” ~Heather McEndree, CVSM Executive Director

“The year I found out I was pregnant I kept it a secret until we had our Thanksgiving meal. I knew I wanted to share it during our annual “What I’m thankful for” go around the table. My brother had been (what I like to call) lovingly harassing me about having kids, and I kept telling him I might never have kids just to annoy him. So, as we went around the table on Thanksgiving I ended up being right after my brother and just happened to be the last one to go. He said his thought and then made a joke about how no one could top him. Honestly, I don’t even remember what he said. I followed and said I was “thankful for my unborn baby.” I wish I could share the look on his face, because his eyes got huge in disbelief and excitement at the same time. He shouted, “Are you for real?” He couldn’t believe it and kept asking me over and over if it was for real. He was so excited when he realized I was telling the truth. Ever since then we have joked about the year that I topped my brother and practically knocked him off his chair.” ~Heather Kline, CVSM Program Manager

Feb 14

Faculty Spotlight – Jane Peatling, cellist

By Meet CVSM

Meet Jane

Jane performing with Marlin at Chefs Walk

Jane Peatling is a cellist and has been an instructor with CVSM since it was founded in 1990. She took a break from teaching in the 2000’s and has now been back teaching for 5 years. What she likes most about teaching at CVSM is being part of a vibrant musical community. She was originally drawn to teaching at CVSM for the energy of a new venture and the ease of the administrative side of arranging lessons.

Jane would use these three words to describe CVSM: Vibrant, Musical, and Community.

She enjoys listening to any music performed Read More

Feb 07

Be Determined to Practice

By Tips & Techniques

Did you join the millions of people who set New Years Resolutions?

I heard an interesting change to the terminology that I find empowering: instead of a Resolution, it is a DETERMINATION. No matter the time of year, you can DETERMINE to make changes in your habits, including your musical habits.

  • Be determined to attend more live performances.
  • Be determined to learn a new piece of music by your favorite composer.
  • Be determined to learn one new piece from each musical time period.
  • Be determined to learn more information about your favorite composer or piece of music.
  • Be determined to practice more.

Let’s focus on being determined to practice more. Read More

Jan 27

Meet the Nolls

By Meet CVSM

Jeff Noll, CVSM Instructor and Parent

L-R: Joshua, Jordan, Caleb, Careth, Jeff

CVSM has been my musical family for going on 27 years.  I continue to teach piano, CVSM Children’s Choir (formerly Cumberbunds), and Voice Camp.  It has been a pleasure to work with such gifted colleagues and to share the wonderful gift of music with hundreds of children over the years.  I feel like CVSM has offered me a place to not just teach music, but see students grow in discipline, character and love for what is beautiful.  To me, CVSM is about investing in the whole person.  I have been there long enough now to say that I have Read More

Jan 17

YouTube versus In-Person Music Lessons

By Tips & Techniques

With access to wifi and an internet device, we can learn just about anything from anywhere. This is an amazing age of having information at our fingertips! For many people, it may have been a challenge to imagine those first room-size computers eventually being able to fit into our pockets, but that is the reality of now. Not only can we use and learn from the content on the internet, we can also create content (such as this blog post!). This includes MUSIC. 

There are many websites and online communities where people can go to learn music theory, download sheet music, and learn to perform music on an instrument or with their voice. When it comes to online music lessons, YouTube has a vast library of lessons. Want to learn the basics of holding a violin? Check. Want to learn a specific guitar riff? Check. Want to learn a plagal cadence? Check. Want to learn how to compose a pop song? Check. Want to have an interactive musical experience? Nope.

There are various differences between YouTube learning and in-person lessons (see graphic), but the biggest is the level of personal interaction between the student(s) and the instructor(s). Music lessons that are in-person are flexible, adaptable, social, and personal. The student can share their personal interests and goals with the instructor, and the instructor can adapt the instruction to the needs of student. Not to say that instruction can’t be done virtually via Skype, FaceTime, or any other virtual method (that is a post for another day). For the purposes of this post, I am focusing on recorded or one-way videos (such as Facebook Live).

  • Cost: The recorded lesson is free to the student, with no income to the instructor (unless they have ads or sponsors). The in-person lesson involves a fee to the students which is income for the instructor and payment for their expertise and time.
  • Scheduling: A recorded lesson can be taken anytime from almost anywhere, while there is a scheduled date and time for the in-person lesson, often at a specific location.
  • Interaction: Only the comments section offer a somewhat interactive component to the recorded lesson. The entire lesson is interactive when in-person, offering specific feedback to benefit the student.
  • Variety of topics: There is a WIDE variety of topics available online, whereas one particular teacher may have a limited number of topics they are qualified to teach in-person. Depending on where the student lives and how far they are willing to travel to learn in-person on a specific topic, this will limit what is available.
  • Availability: If a student lives in a remote area, there may not be any teachers of the music topic they wish to explore. Hopefully, they will have online access and have all of the information available through the internet, although some remote areas also make that challenging.
  • Other factors: An in-person lesson is a personalized, social activity (usually one-to-one, but can also be group). Recorded lessons are completely universal (not personalized), anonymous (no one will know what you are learning), and lack a social component, unless the student chooses to comment and initiate some type of interaction with other viewers or with the instructor.

As a student is learning the guitar riff from a video, how will they know that their hand position is correct? That the guitar is tuned correctly? That they are at the correct fret and/or applying appropriate pressure? That the guitar is a quality instrument without issues that affect the playing and sound of the instrument? That they are sitting or standing with appropriate posture? That they are using the correct technique?

Video learning is a great supplement for in-person learning. Go ahead and search for that specific song or technique you want to learn! But the foundation of the musical learning will be strongest when built in an interactive student and instructor format. Many instructors point their students to online lessons. This is analogous to attending a workshop or clinic… at least one in which you are not able to participate actively in the instruction. And as many of us know, sometimes we learn best when a topic is presented in a variety of styles from different sources.

So, if you or your child desire to learn an instrument or improve your singing skills, find a qualified instructor to take in-person lessons, and supplement that instruction with the wealth of knowledge on the internet.

 

Written by: Heather McEndree, January 2020

Oct 04

Community String Orchestra presents fall concert featuring Spanish selections

By Announcements

A free concert open to the public will be given by the Cumberland Valley School of Music Community String Orchestra on Tuesday, November 14 at 8 p.m. Location of the event is the Thomson Hall Alumnae Chapel located on the Wilson College Campus.

For this program, director Herman Hopple assembled a collection of mostly Spanish selections centered around a string adaptation of the delightful “Andalucia Suite” by Ernesto Lacuona. 

“I chose the selections to appeal to both our musicians and our audience,” states the director, Herman Hopple. “It should be a very entertaining program.”

Orchestra members gather twice each year to rehearse and present two free concerts. About 30 string musicians from the Chambersburg area are coming together to be this season’s performers. Many of the musicians return to perform with the group and new members are welcome to join the group. Any string player interested is asked to contact the school at (717)-261-1220 for more information.

Hopple provides double bass and electric bass instruction at CVSM. A former public school string teacher and orchestra director, he has experience in teaching all ages of students.

Oct 04

Cumberland Valley School of Music Announces New Executive Director

By Announcements

The Cumberland Valley School of Music Board of Directors is proud to announce the appointment of Heather McEndree as the new Executive Director effective March 1, 2019. McEndree will succeed Paula Hepfer who will be retiring after 29 years of service to the school. 

McEndree has served as the Program Manager of the school since 2014, where her duties included program creation and management, faculty management and concert logistics. She performs and teaches flute and is trained as a Musikgarten specialist for early childhood education. Previous to her work at CVSM she worked as a public school music teacher in Washington County, Md.

“I’m delighted to pass the baton to Heather who is both very capable and passionate about the mission of CVSM” says Hepfer. “I have every confidence the school will flourish under her leadership.”