Director’s Letter

It was a year of getting back on track...as I hope this report conveys, there is much to celebrate.

Our Annual Report is back in print! Like Punxsutawney Phil poking his head out on Groundhog Day in hopes of spring, would we really be able to emerge from the constraints of the pandemic this year?

Prior to the pandemic, PCM was on an exciting trajectory of growth in almost all facets of the school. Covid-19 interrupted that trajectory.

Looking back, we were reminded that music students are singularly prepared for spending a great deal of time alone (all that practicing), and our appreciation for technology grew. We were also reminded that our work affords wonderful opportunities to learn, perform, and enjoy music together. That, we missed dearly. It was a year of getting back on track— rebuilding programs most heavily impacted by the shutdown, considering next steps, and recognizing the extraordinary opportunities we have to bring people together at a time when so much seems to divide us.

We hold the greatest admiration for our students and families for their resilience these past few years. We are indebted to our remarkable faculty and staff who navigated pandemic challenges with persistence, creativity, and passion. And we are deeply grateful to our supporters whose generosity helped sustain us through a particularly difficult chapter.

As I hope this report conveys, there is much to celebrate.

Stephen McCurry Executive Director