Photo courtesy of Desert Hills Community School of Music
Desert Hills Community School of Music (DHCSM) recently received a grant of over $5,500 from the Kiwanis Club of Carefree, significantly enhancing the school’s ability to offer new and improved classes to its students. The funds have been allocated to purchase supplies and equipment for the school’s recording studio, as well as ukulele and drum circle classes, benefitting young musicians during the summer Band Camp and beyond.
“The generosity of the Kiwanis Club of Carefree enabled us to provide three brand-new classes for students this year, all of which were very popular and which we’ll be continuing in the fall,” says Heather Baldwin, director of administration and Band Camp coordinator at DHCSM. “We could not offer these classes without the support of Kiwanis. We are so grateful to this incredible organization.”
The Band Camp, held last month, is a weeklong program designed for students aged 11 to 16. It aims to enhance their musical skills, boost confidence, and provide opportunities to play alongside professional musicians. The camp features a mix of small and large ensembles, elective classes, and a professional performance. New classes funded by the grant, such as the recording studio, ukulele, and drum circle, were especially well-received and will continue to be part of the curriculum in the fall.
In addition to Band Camp, DHCSM offers a variety of year-round programs, including private lessons, group classes, and community ensembles. The school also runs an Advanced Music Program (AMP) for exceptionally dedicated young musicians, a Music Exploration program for younger children, and instrument-specific masterclasses in collaboration with the Scottsdale Philharmonic.
Located on the scenic campus of Desert Hills Presbyterian Church at 34605 N. Tom Darlington Rd., Scottsdale, DHCSM is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing world-class music instruction to students of all ages and abilities. For more information, visit deserthillsmusic.org
The Kiwanis Club of Carefree, one of the largest Kiwanis clubs globally with approximately 150 members, is committed to enhancing the quality of life for local children and helping them achieve their potential. The club supports various initiatives, including post-secondary scholarships, summer art programs, special needs programs, and youth service organizations. For more information, visit kiwaniscarefree.org.
