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A message from the CMC President and the Executive Director:

Dear Friends –

With the ongoing social and economic consequences of the pandemic, students in our community need now more than ever the stability and expression that music gives them. If you are an Oregon resident and haven't given to us recently, please donate today to help us continue to give the gift of music to those in need.

When the Community Music Center building closed in March due to Covid-19, CMC Inc. kept the music playing in our students’ and teachers’ homes. We put together a grant program so our exceptional teachers could bring online learning to life in fun and engaging ways, at whatever rate the student could afford. It was pretty awesome! We also waived instrument rental fees for everyone through the summer.

When Portland Parks & Recreation approved virtual programming this Fall, we supplied funds to re-hire instructors, and to support a ‘pay what you can’ system for students so as to lower barriers for those whose financial situation has been affected by the current economic conditions.

CMC also continues to engage with the East Portland community, reimagining programs that are designed for and by people of color, and supplying full-scholarship lessons to students in their neighborhoods. We believe in the power of music to stay connected with our community.

Will the new Parks Levy (recently approved by voters, effective Fall 2021) reduce the need for donations to CMC Inc.? No. We need your help now more than ever! Music students will continue to need resources, equipment, and services not covered by the Levy. Donations to CMC Inc. do not offset funds from the City for the Community Music Center’s programs.

Please consider a gift to the CMC Inc. to help sustain our 65-year-old tradition of providing access to quality music education. We know we will get through this difficult time together, and we thank you for being part of the CMC family. 

Sincerely,

Judy Rompa, CMC Inc. Board President & Gregory Dubay, CMC Director

Learn more about the Annual Fund Drive and donate now at www.communitymusiccenter.org.

Contributions to CMC Inc. are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.