Cider Mill, Sterling - Nov 18

On November 18, SME musicians performed at the Cider Mill, Sterling where we were joined by Pat, one of the store owners shown here standing to the right of Pete Cormier, executive director of SME. Pat performed American Pie and a variety of Xmas carols.

We were also graced by the performance of 4 young ladies who accompanied Pat, Pete and John Weeks on many old favorites and xmas carols . Back row (l-r), Alison & Amy, front row (l-r): Maggie & Alex.

SME a finalist in MWCC Bus Plan Competition

The Sterling Music Exchange was a finalist in the Mount Wachusett Community College Entrepreneurial Resource Center’s second annual Business Plan Competition. The announcement was made at the conclusion of the finalists’ presentations Thursday, Nov. 16 at MWCC’s Gardner campus. In the photo from left to right is Ron Ansin, one of the judges, Pete Cormier of SME, and Dan Asquino, president of MWCC.

Sterling Music Exchange Inc.’s Step Up to Music in the nonprofit category won $4,200 in cash and in-kind services at the semi-final contest on Monday, Nov. 13. On Thursday evening, Step Up to Music was awarded the Community Builders volunteer program prize of $2,000 in cash and the Phoenix Park office space prize valued at $3,000, bringing the total prize to $ 9,200.

Step Up to Music is a new program of Sterling Music Exchange. Aimed at adolescents who are being treated for emotional problems and/or depression, this program will provide them with free music lessons, access to a guitar and eventual ownership of a guitar. Pete Cormier, founder of Sterling Music Exchange, wants this new program “to enhance the self-esteem and self-confidence of adolescents who for a variety of reasons find themselves in a situation that warrants counseling, outpatient therapy or residency in a group home situation.”

Cormier said the program will cost $240 per student. To cover those costs, he expects to apply for grants, to solicit donations from local businesses and to receive payments from treatment centers. Sterling Music Exchange will also cover a portion. Like Sterling Music Exchange, Cormier said Step Up to Music will be run by volunteers. Carefully selected music instructors will be paid for their services.

This article was excerpted from a press release issued by MWCC on November 18, written by By Kimberly B. Caisse, Public Relations Dept, MWCC.

Halloween Party - Oct 30

Local singer songwriter John Weeks entertained about 100 of Sterling's children at the Halloween Walk and Party sponsored by the Sterling Women's Club on Oct 30, 2006. The walk started at the bandstand behind the fire station and proceeded down main street ending at the First Church where the party was held.

In an article in the Meetinghouse News, organizers had this to say about SME and performer John Weeks, "Sterling Music Exchange blessed us with that wonderful talent, John Weeks, who played guitar all night for us. Kristen Cormier from the Sterling Women's Club had this to say in an email, "John Weeks was fantastic. He was good with the kids and the whole group."

In the photo above, John is serenading a group of young costumed children while letting them familiarize themselves with his musical equipment.

March of Dimes Gig - Oct 30

SME ensemble, Burnin' Daylight provided the music at the March of Dimes auction & fundraising event on Oct 30 at the Cyprien Keys Country Club in Boylston, MA. This event called the 'Chef's for Healthy Babies' featured specially prepared dishes, wine and unique items that were auctioned by Brian Barlow, GM of WICN public radio, 90.5, New England’s Jazz station.
Event organizer, Patty Kady reported that the event was attended by 190 people and raised $ 36,000 for the March of Dimes. In the photo from left to right are musicians: Dave Clark, Steve Wilisch, Lori Haddad and Dan Villani who provided their unique style of cool jazz.