Community Comes Together for Hoops, Homework...and Violins

It can be a challenge for communities to find ways to address the needs of all children. In Framingham, businesses and organizations are coming together to do just that. Hoops and Homework, PAC MetroWest, and Centre Music House recently partnered to ensure children in underserved areas of Framingham have an opportunity to learn about music through violin lessons.

Founded in 2012 by a group spearheaded by resident Herb Chasen, Hoops and Homework is a program aimed at offering “academic and enrichment services to children residing around the Beaver and Waverly Street areas.” Dedicated staff “strive to ensure a safe and fun learning environment for all of our students”.

To add a musical dimension to the program, Hoops and Homework recently partnered with PAC MetroWest to provide violin lessons to the elementary school-aged participants. With limited funding, PAC executive director, Mary Opanasets approached Centre Music House for assistance.

Max Larson, manager of Centre Music House recalls, “The violin program started last year. PAC was to provide group violin instruction and they needed violins for the kids to play. So, PAC approached us seeking to rent out the violins at a reduced cost. We decided that, you know what, these are kids that otherwise might not be able to afford music lessons or violins of their own. This is a community effort to provide these kids with enrichment through after school activities at no cost to them or their families. This involves lots of volunteers and donations.”

Without hesitation, Corbit Larson, Centre Music House owner, and Max decided “the right thing to do was to donate the violins to the program at no cost”.

After starting the program last year, Centre Music House is thrilled to continue the partnership this year with its increase in popularity among students. Max said, “Last year there were about a dozen or so young violinists and this year we donated 18 violins, so, the program is growing. Which is great!”

Through this partnership Centre Music House is confident the kids will learn how to play a few songs on the violin and be able to walk away from the program with a greater appreciation for music. Max adds, “And who knows, maybe the next great violinist is in this group right now and this is the first step in their successful music career.”

To learn more about the Hoops and Homework program and how it is helping children in Framingham, visit their website here.