| One of the best things about our first concert of the year is seeing our students, many of whom had never picked up an instrument until two-and-a-half-months ago, reading and playing music. Our music teachers, Ann and Bill Clemmons, have been leading our music department as volunteers for years. They have been coming in twice a week to work with the students in small, masked groups since September. All of our instruments are donated. Grants and donations fund the purchase of consumables like reeds and books. And to add a bonus challenge to their teaching, we started this year with half our school as new students – students who had been learning virtually elsewhere for the last year and a half. On this night in early December, we gathered as one for our first concert of the year. For many, this was their first concert ever. These first, delightfully squeaky notes are some of our most cherished moments because they represent all that SMPA is about – opportunity, education, hope for tomorrow, and an unwavering belief in our students and all they will achieve, thanks to you. Merry Christmas,  Allison Rivera President |
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