Community Music School Raleigh

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. 💙

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!

Community Music School Creating Bright Futures Through Music

Enrollment for the 2026-27 year is now OPEN for new and returning students. We expect CMS to fill to capacity. Don't miss this opportunity to get your child involved: rising 3rd graders though 12th grade!

Community Music School Creating Bright Futures Through Music

Today is the day! We are looking forward to celebrating our 6th Annual Brighter Futures Through Music Honoring the Legacy of Tom McGuire! We are excited to see our children perform along with two- time GRAMMY Award winner, Taylor Eigsti, pianist and composer.

If you have already RSVPd, thank you. If you are unable to join us, we hope you will consider supporting CMS by making a gift or bidding on a piece of art or two via our online art auction. Note, guests will also be able to bid on art in-person.

To bid online-

https://app.donorview.com/Auction/AuctionInfo?prm=NN4q9h9ZkheAxxws78nYBCl9wEo_2WxS-fY7h2KwoBIp83OlvzNfOQZPsgAmN9PsMa8Df_45xEi1uz0Ce_lHKAJOTaVsvPLRh5o3fyUAABu7GQMLc_yY0UVTv2ejfEqf_w_t_EpXlxaztc9497QRO4bH_WaS6jXUgs6gCAFyk0f2zlJl7UiG35oNUXIt4YSNEJg0bL6krnty_KKNG94Nb0EQvdFQyEL4InsHmnwu0BC4Eff8u91nIGpK7AL9KSXO0

Thank you for your continued support of Community Music School!

On Tuesday, May 5, CMS will host its 6th Annual Brighter Futures Through Music Honoring the Legacy of Tom McGuire. Thanks to everyone who made a donation to support this event and our mission. We look forward to seeing you on the 5th!

If you are unable to attend and have yet to give, we hope you will consider making a donation. Our goal is to raise $175,000 and thanks to a generous anonymous donor who made a $15,000 Challenge Match, we are just $12,000 away from our goal.

Please make a gift today and join us in creating Brighter Futures Through Music. For more information, go to https://cmsraleigh.org.

We are looking forward to seeing you at our 6th Annual Bright Futures Through Music Honoring the Legacy of Tom McGuire on Tuesday, May 5th! RSVP to save your seat now!

If you are unable to join us, make a donation to help us reach our goal of $175,000. RSVP or donate today at https://cmsraleigh.org/event/benefit-concert-honoring-tom-mcguire-2026/.

🎶 Join us for an inspiring evening of music!

Celebrate the 6th Annual Brighter Futures Through Music Honoring the Legacy of Tom McGuire.

This special night will feature two-time GRAMMY® award-winning pianist and composer Taylor Eigsti alongside talented CMS students.

📅 Tuesday, May 5, 2026
⏰ 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Art Auction begins at 5:30 PM)
📍 A.J. Fletcher Opera Theater in Raleigh

💛 Suggested donation: $100 | Sponsorships available

Support music education and help create brighter futures through the power of music.

Learn more & get involved: cmsraleigh.org/event/benefit-concert-honoring-tom-mcguire-2026/