Since its opening, Brattleboro's newest music school, the Open Music Collective, has generated support from those seeking musical instruction, musical awareness, and a musical community.
“I believe music connects us on a primal level and the more we listen to each other, the more involved in and open to life we are,” said Kate Parsons, one of the founders of the all-volunteer organization.
Her partner, bassist Jamie MacDonald, agrees. “I think music can teach trust and bring people together who wouldn't normally get along. If more people were musicians, chances are the world would be a better place,” he said.
The Open Music Collective, a nonprofit music education organization, opened in September at the Cotton Mill, lets students participate in ensembles, private lessons, practice space, and engage with each other as musicians and as learners.