Community Music School Raleigh

09/04/2026

09/04/2026

It starts with one note.

Join us in supporting our young musicians by making a gift to Community Music School’s Back-to-School Campaign.

Give now. - https://app.donorview.com/Donation/DonationInfo?prm=NN4q9h9ZkheAxxws78nYBCl9wEo_2WxS-fY7h2KwoBIp83OlvzNfOQZPsgAmN9PsMa8Df_45xEi1uz0Ce_lHKAJOTaVsvPLRh5o3fyUAABu_EjClEt7anpQstAbJxe-xn9jO7iYQKf5XojJqeJ-aiIcMdNRNVankudewvx-I3mFFQf2MymiqU36EJnd4SmYZvzTAciqz8jrdwlOz_QbkzU4XIWsD9W_lbYUactOuJmONhFsbzRzO3tjueYDUo_3G0

Maybe it’s the first note a student plays on a brand-new instrument.

Maybe it’s the first time they play a song all the way through.

Or maybe it’s the moment they realize, “I can do this.”

At Community Music School, the beginning of a new school year is filled with possibilities. More than 200 young people are learning, practicing, creating, and discovering their musical voices.

And behind every student is a community of people who believe in what’s possible.

🎶 Help a student find their first note.

Your gift can help make that first note and everything that comes after it possible.

Help us start the 2026–2027 school year strong and create Brighter Futures Through Music.

CMS is funded in part by the City of Raleigh based on recommendations of the Raleigh Arts Commission; and supported by the United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County, as well as the NC Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

08/09/2026

Hello parents and CMS friends! Student scheduling is almost complete! Wooo hooo! 🎼🎶🎵🎸🎤🥁

Next week, you will receive an email that shows the time, day, and teacher that you and I agreed on.

On that email you will also get the time and day of our parent meeting. I will also share that link on Facebook. Please make sure to attend! It’s important!

Looking forward to seeing all of you soon!

Please share the CMS enrollment link with anyone that’s interested. Tell them to enroll as WAITLIST! They might get a call soon!

https://cmsraleigh.org/enrollment/

Kind regards,

David Dowless
Director of Music Education

Creating Bright Futures Through Music

06/29/2026

06/26/2026

Award-Winning Talent on Display!

Congratulations to Community Music School percussion student Isaiah G., who delivered an outstanding performance yesterday at the Virginia Area Relocation Specialist Conference at the Marriott Hotel in downtown Raleigh!

Fresh off his 1st Place finish at the RDU Drum-Off 2, Isaiah performed SUPERCHARGE by Anthony Burns with remarkable energy, precision, and musicality, captivating conference attendees and showcasing the talent that can flourish when young musicians are given the opportunity to learn, grow, and perform.

Isaiah's journey is a testament to the power of music education. Through Community Music School, he has received personalized instruction, performance opportunities, and the encouragement to pursue his passion, developing into a confident and accomplished young musician.

We are incredibly proud of Isaiah and his percussion teacher, Mr. Jake Buchanan. We are also grateful to the members of VARC who presented CMS with a donation of $2,000 in support of out mission.

🎥 Check out Isaiah's performance in the video below and join us in congratulating him on another outstanding achievement!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1S9l_5f7bd2mWMW5O3JIrKOfm8RpI8xFi/view?usp=sharing

Way to go, Isaiah! Your CMS family is cheering you on, and we can't wait to see where your musical journey takes you next.

06/25/2026

🥁 From Kitchen Pots to Champion 🥁

Help More Students Like Isaiah Find Their Rhythm

🚨 DONATE TODAY: https://cmsonline.org/donate

As we approach the close of our fiscal year on June 30, we're asking our community to help us finish strong so more students like Isaiah can thrive through music.

Isaiah began his musical journey banging on kitchen pots at just 2 years old, and by age 5, he was already playing in church. Today, he is an award-winning percussionist, recently earning 1st Place at the RDU Drum-Off 2 in Raleigh!

Through Community Music School, Isaiah has had access to:

🎵 A loaner drum set
🎵 Personalized one-on-one instruction
🎵 Ensemble experiences, including our Blues Band
🎵 Opportunities to develop his talent and confidence

His percussion instructor, Jake Buchanan, shared:

"My student Isaiah just won this drum off! … he has continued to flourish and grow tremendously!!"

Isaiah's story is what is possible because of supporters like you.

Your generosity provides instruments, instruction, mentorship, and life-changing opportunities for children who otherwise would not have access to quality music education.

🎶 Help us close out the year strong.
🎶 Help us reach more students still waiting for their chance.

There’s still time to make an impact before June 30.

👉 DONATE TODAY: https://cmsonline.org/donate

To learn about giving through a stock transfer, donor-advised fund, charitable IRA rollover, or planned gift, visit:
https://cmsonline.org

🎥 Watch Isaiah (white drum set) and fellow CMS percussion student Aaron (red drum set) perform an exciting percussion duet ("shed") here:
https://docs.google.com/videos/d/16wA1tdYBq7W2WvkVNMdv4jrcduKVFqdQM3Xmn3fsOzo/edit?scene=id.p =id.p

Thank you for helping create brighter futures through music for children across Wake County.

06/25/2026

Check out this CMS drummer. Wow!

Tap to view!

05/27/2026

What an unforgettable day for Community Music School! 🎶

Our Oak Town Blues Band took the stage and jammed out at the Red Hat Amphitheater’s Steel “Topping Off” ceremony—marking an exciting milestone in the continued growth of downtown Raleigh.

We were especially honored to be part of this celebration thanks to international rock artist Sting, who, after his recent performance at Red Hat, requested that a nonprofit youth music organization be selected to receive a special donation and participate in the festivities. Thanks to Kerry Painter, Executive Director of the Raleigh Convention Center, Community Music School was chosen for this incredible opportunity. 🎸

As part of the event, Sting generously donated one of his Fender guitars to the Red Hat Amphitheater, further amplifying his support. The guitar that was hosted on top of the beam was courtesy of Harry’s Guitar.

A huge thank you to CMS instructor Kevin Clark and Director of Music Education David Dowless for preparing and supporting the Oak Town Blues Band, featuring talented students Geron Chavis, Isaiah Gill, Isaac Mehaffie, and Diego Juarez.

With Raleigh leaders, Red Hat and Convention Center staff, and local business leaders in attendance, our students shined, earning rave reviews for both their performance and professionalism. We are so proud!

Moments like these highlight the power of music to connect, inspire, and create brighter futures. 💙

05/26/2026

Enrollment for the 2026-27 school year is happening NOW! CMS has limited space. Here is the link to enroll. Please pass this on to friends and family. Don't miss out on this opportunity!

Creating Bright Futures Through Music