On September 30, Trenton Music Makers’ thriving youth orchestra will take up residence at Union Baptist Church’s Pennington Avenue site.

The Trenton Music Makers orchestral music and social development program is in its fifth year, and has grown to include students in the second grade through high school. Formerly on site in four Trenton schools, it will consolidate the orchestra at Union Baptist, and will transport students from throughout the Capital City for rehearsals, lessons, and leadership development, four days per week.

Union Baptist Church is well respected in the City for its commitment to community activism and youth development. This partnership with Trenton Music Makers is the newest addition to its diverse history of community partnerships and support of charitable and non-profit organizations, both local and regional.

To sweeten the mix, Trenton Music Makers has been awarded a grant from the I Am Trenton Community Foundation that will fulfill its goal to host a series of “First Thursday” dinners for the families of young people in the program, sourced from local restaurants. Allowing the families to share a meal and enjoy each other’s multi-generational company, the dinners will also provide information on such topics as supporting children in their practice at home (even if parents don’t play), census participation and health resources, and mini-performances by the young players.

“The leadership of Union Baptist Church has provided us with an extraordinary welcome,” said Trenton Music Makers Board Chairman Julian Grant. “The commitment of its faith community to young people’s growth, and our shared vision of their role as an asset to their city, fills us with anticipation for what we will accomplish together this year.”

Union Baptist Church’s Pastor, Rev. Simeon Spencer, shares Mr. Grant’s enthusiasm: “Music is one of God’s most precious gifts. We are tremendously blessed and excited to be a part of this effort to develop the talents of and provide opportunities for young people to share that gift with the larger community.”

Trenton Music Makers receives significant funding from the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, Carnegie Hall PlayUSA, the George H. and Estelle M. Sands Foundation, El Sistema USA, the Frank & Lydia Bergen Foundation, and many generous individuals and family foundations in the region.

Participation in the Trenton Music Makers Orchestra is available to students in grades 2-12 at no charge, but with a deep time commitment. Orchestra rehearsals, studio-based sectionals, and string instruments are provided to its students, along with leadership training and performance opportunities that highlight their natural role as assets to their community. Registration for new students begins September 15, and pre-registration is available at www.trentonmusicmakers.org.

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