Photos and text
by Jerrey Roberts
More than 600 Northampton Community Music Center students gathered to share their talents in downtown Northampton Saturday during “Springfest16.”
The 22nd annual fundraiser was sponsored by 55 local businesses; each year it raises about $12,000 for scholarships to the center, according to Jason Trotta, its executive director.
The five-hour-long schedule of performances included a wide array of music and instruments. Some 60 Suzuki violin students played classical songs on the lawn of the Hampshire County Courthouse, and a seven-member blues jam took place later on the steps of City Hall.
Hannah Gonzalez, who is on the board of directors of NCMC, was handling bake sale items at the courthouse.
“It’s a way to bring awareness of the organization to the community, and it’s an opportunity to build community through music,” Gonzalez said.
Sarah Swersey’s flute students played at the kiosk in front of First Churches of Northampton. She played duets with her students, and also performed with her daughter, Rebecca Wagenheim, 11, who plays the French horn.
“I like raising awareness of what NCMC does,” said Swersey, who has taught at the center for 14 years.