Testimonials

MusicWings funds a band support program led by MusicWings ambassador and professional musician, Zach Lauzon, at Alder Creek Middle School. Below are comments from Natalia Tomasello, band director at ACMS:

“Throughout this academic year, Zach Lauzon has actively engaged with the Alder Creek Middle School band program on multiple occasions. His contributions include conducting masterclasses focused on trumpet and trombone, collaborating with our jazz ensemble, and leading sectionals targeting various instrument groups. Additionally, one of our students has been benefiting from weekly lessons facilitated by MusicWings.

As an educator, I firmly believe in the value of collaborative efforts. MusicWings has significantly enriched our program by providing an educator who brings forth innovative ideas, effective teaching strategies, and a fresh perspective. I deeply appreciate Zach's dedication and the substantial impact his involvement has had on both me and my students.

The inclusion of an additional professional such as Zach in our classroom setting has greatly enhanced the learning experience for our students. Music Wings has afforded our students the opportunity to gain insights into instrument-specific techniques and styles through Zach's unique teaching approach.

I earnestly hope our partnership with MusicWings will inspire more students to take advantage of their lesson offerings. This organization serves as a valuable resource, particularly for music students who may face financial barriers to accessing lessons within our community.” 

MusicWings funds a band support program led by MusicWings ambassador and professional musician, Zach Lauzon, at Truckee High School. Below are comments from Jesse Steele, band director at Truckee High:

“We have had the pleasure of having Zach Lauzon come to Truckee High School this year. He came three times to conduct an after-school jazz improvisation workshop, and twice more to work with the jazz band trombone section. During the improv workshops he did a really great job explaining jazz music theory in a new and accessible way. Some of my students had "ah ha" moments as a result of his teaching. Zach was really kind, knowledgeable, and worked really well with the students. His attention to detail, kindness, and expertise were on display during the trombone sessions, as he was able to provide some specific approaches to working through lines, as well as provide general thoughts on technique, all while being fun and relatable with the students. We were really lucky to have Zach come in to work with our musicians, and grateful for the MusicWings program for helping to make it happen.”

MusicWings funds an early childhood music education class in Spanish offered to the community in partnership with KidZone. Below are comments from KidZone’s Nataly Zarate:

“I want to take a moment to express my sincere appreciation for the incredible partnership we have with Brooke Chabot and MusicWings. As the Community Advocate at KidZone Museum, I have the privilege of bringing the KidZone experience to the Family Room, a space dedicated to our youngest learners and their caregivers.

Brooke's presence during these outreach visits has been nothing short of magical. Her passion for music, coupled with her genuine love for children, transforms each session into a delightful and enriching experience. The interactive music classes she conducts with MusicWings have become a cherished addition to our outreach program.

What sets Brooke apart is her unwavering commitment to making every child feel special. From remembering their names to providing a variety of instruments and tools for exploration, she goes above and beyond to create a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere. The joy and excitement that fill the room during her sessions are palpable, creating lasting memories for both children and caregivers.

The positive energy and creativity Brooke brings to our outreach efforts have truly elevated the impact of the KidZone experience. We are grateful for her dedication to fostering a love for music and learning in the hearts of our community's youngest members.”

MusicWings funds a “Music With Me” program taught by Brooke Chabot at Truckee Pines Head Start Preschool. Below are comments from Tracy Barroza, site director of Truckee Pines Head Start:

“I really do feel very lucky that the children in our classroom were able to participate in such a wonderful program. The amount of joy that this program brought to our children every week was something that we all, even the staff, looked forward to.”

MusicWings funds music scholarships for students in need to take private lessons. Below are comments from a family on scholarship:

“Our daughter has been taking piano lessons at Little Bird Music since March of 2023 and she absolutely loves it! Learning to play the piano has provided her with new opportunities for creative expression and emotional regulation. She’s also discovered a love of playing her favorite tunes by ear and improvising her own songs, which has boosted her confidence. We’ve loved watching her practice for, and perform in recitals, instilling in her a sense of pride, commitment and perseverance. In short, playing the piano has enriched her life, which we value immensely. 

In January of 2024, our family began experiencing financial hardship due a cancer diagnosis and the associated loss of income from time spent away from work for appointments, treatment and recovery. We were forced to reduce our non-essential expenses, but felt that continuing piano lessons would be beneficial for our daughter's wellbeing during this stressful time. So, we decided to apply for a Music Wings scholarship in February — and were approved! We are grateful that we were awarded tuition support from March through June, allowing our daughter to continue lessons at Little Bird Music through the end of the school year, providing a sense of normalcy for her as our family navigated cancer treatment.”