Along with developing talented musicians, the Uptown music collective aims to help develop well-rounded citizens who value leadership and responsibility. One of their main initiatives toward this aim is their Student Teacher Outreach & Mentoring Program, better known as STOMP.

STOMP will be once again offering free private music instruction for students 5 – 10 years of age and who might not otherwise be able to afford private lessons. These half-hour, peer to peer lessons, are taught by experienced and specially trained Uptown Music Collective student volunteers.

For over 19 years, the Uptown Music Collective has grown from what many used to call “the best-kept secret in the Williamsport area,” to one of the area’s most highly respected, non-profit, educational organizations. While the school is dedicated to providing a well-rounded education to students of all ages, it focuses many of its programs on students ages 10 – 18. The Uptown Music Collective is known for its positive peer group, inspiring teachers, and a diverse multitude of performance opportunities.

“An important part of a music education should include a deep appreciation for your gift of music,” said Dave Brumbaugh, the nonprofit school’s founder and executive director. “A sense of both gratitude and understanding of the importance of giving back, by both sharing it with an audience and passing it on. This program gives our students, who have been given so much through the support of our community, another chance to give back.”

STOMP has enjoyed a partnership with the Firetree Place after school program over the past several years. Where both Firetree’s participants and the Uptown Music Collective Student Teachers & Mentors have had a lot of fun sharing music together.

“The Uptown Music Collective is extremely excited to offer this program to our community,” said Jared Mondell, Assistant Executive Director of the Uptown Music Collective. “It not only helps S.T.O.M.P. students connect with music, but it also allows us to continue to further our mission with our current students by giving them an opportunity to give back.

To facilitate the needs of the Student Teachers, the program will once again take place in the Uptown Music Collective’s facility at 144 West Third Street in Downtown Williamsport. Families must apply to take part in this program and can choose between voice, guitar, keyboard or drum lessons. Space in the program is limited due to the UMC’s hectic schedule, so interested families should apply as soon as possible.

“We truly hope that those interested take the opportunity to participate in this great community-based program,” said Breanne Eisenhardt, UMC S.T.O.M.P. Assistant Director.

For more information or to submit an application go to www.uptownmusic.org/stomp. To speak to Breanne call, 570-329-0888 Ext. 705.

On the Cover: STOMP participants with UMC Students (Back Row, L-R) – Cade Palmatier, Kenni Powell, Cece Lutz, & Isabella Cole.