A Letter from Our Sponsor

Jerry Sargent, President of Citizens Bank in Massachusetts, with last year’s guest conductors Blue Man Group

Citizens Bank has been an active partner in the community throughout the years. Why is this important to your organization?

Citizens Bank supports the communities where our colleagues live and work through a variety of programs that teach financial literacy, fight hunger, and strengthen local communities. Our colleagues are very active in the community and donate thousands of hours volunteering at nonprofits. Volunteering with the bank’s nonprofit partners gives our employees a sense of purpose, both at work and in their home life. Whether they’re serving meals at a local food pantry or planting flowers in a public park, our colleagues truly enjoy helping others and the environment where they live and work – it’s a win for everyone.

Citizens Bank has been a strong supporter of the Arts Foundation of Cape Cod and Citizens Bank Pops by the Sea since 2013. What has this partnership meant to the bank and to your colleagues?

The partnership with the Arts Foundation of Cape Cod is a special one for us. The Arts Foundation is doing exceptional work to bring public art, music and other activities to Cape Cod and the Islands. The Cape is a special place any time of year, but especially during the summer, it is great to be part of Citizens Bank Pops by the Sea and to welcome this concert to Hyannis. It is something we’re very proud of. We’re able to connect with customers and colleagues during the concert and share this great experience that is open for everyone to attend.

You personally have been attending Citizens Bank Pops by the Sea for five years. What do you enjoy most about it? Do you have any personal favorite memories?

The Cape is one of my favorite places to go during the summer, and Citizens Bank Pops by the Sea makes it all the more worthwhile. In my role as Massachusetts president for Citizens Bank, I travel around to different community events and I also spend a lot of time meeting with clients throughout the state, but there is something magical about visiting the Cape for a Pops concert on a warm summer evening. I have personally enjoyed the wide range of guest conductors, such as Emmy award-winning Blythe Danner to one of my favorite interviewers of all time – Charlie Rose. I also recall memorable performances by local stars Ashley Brown and American Idol finalist Siobhan Magnus. The Blue Man Group made a wonderful guest conductor last summer, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for this year!

This year, the Pops will celebrate the music of the renowned John Williams. We all have a favorite movie – what’s yours? Any musicians or artists in your family?

John Williams has written the musical scores for so many blockbuster movies of the last several decades. From Star Wars to Superman, and Jurassic Park to Harry Potter, it’s hard to pick a favorite among so many memorable movies and movie scores. In keeping with the Cape Cod theme, I might have to lean toward Jaws as a classic favorite, though I don’t think everyone on the Cape loves the idea of sharks these days. As far as my family goes, my daughter is a dancer, and supporting the arts has always been important both for me personally and for Citizens.