Dear Parents, Students, Neighbors, and Friends:

My inspiration for starting the Camden Music School came, primarily, from a wonderful group of Hmong children who participate in The Growing Tree at Luther Memorial Lutheran Church. Every Saturday for a number of years, I got together with these kids to sing, dance, create plays, play games and sometimes just run around. Other program leaders helped them with all kinds of cool art and cooking projects, and took them on expeditions to the theater, the clay center, the roller rink, the park…the list goes on.

As we worked on learning music together, I soon realized that many of these kids weren’t exposed to much music in school. And I wanted them to have the opportunity and the tools to experience music more fully so they could really take off and fly into the world of music if they wanted to.

So, long story – with lots of twists and turns – short, here we are at the Camden Music School, working to give “people of all ages the opportunity to learn and hear about music, and experience the joy and inspiration music brings to the mind and soul.”

Since we opened our doors in 2005 I’ve been so fortunate to work with such a great group of teachers. They work hard, they love their work, and it’s really a joy to watch them teach our students.

I’ve also had the pleasure to meet many new students, parents, and neighbors; people who are diligently working for stronger neighborhoods; people who are new to their neighborhood, and even to this country, and people who’ve lived here for years and have lots of good stories to tell.

It’s been exciting and fun, and there’s much more to come. Please join us in this grand adventure.

Sincerely,
Janet Zahn