March 22, 2001
State Representative Patricia Dillon (D-New Haven) has introduced legislation to provide funds for the expansion of the Neighborhood Music School (NMS) in New Haven. The bill (5942) would authorize bonding in the amount of $3.5 million for much needed capital improvements, code compliance and the expansion of the school. The bonding would then have to be approved by the State Bond Commission.
"This is a worthy cause," Rep. Dillon noted. "The Neighborhood Music School is a positive, upbeat place for children to grow and learn about music and dance. Music is such an important part of education. This bill will insure that children in Greater New Haven have the opportunity to take up ballet or the bassoon."
Rep. Dillon said NMS is dedicated to providing the highest quality instruction in music and dance and to make it accessible to people of all ethnic backgrounds and economic circumstances. It was established in 1911 in the Wooster Square neighborhood. In 1968 the school moved to Audubon Street in the heart of New Haven’s thriving arts community.
The bill’s co-sponsor, Rep. Peter Villano (D-Hamden), said, "This school has served the Greater New Haven area for 90 years and continues to offer strong instrumental, dance and vocal instruction for the over 2,800 students who study there each year. To help NMS expand is a wonderful and worthy investment in the cultural growth of the citizens of Connecticut."
The Neighborhood Music School is the ninth largest community arts school in the nation with a budget of $2.5 million. It has branches in Guilford and Woodbridge. The school features programs in voice and dance as well as instruction for more than 30 instruments.
Supporters believe diversity makes NMS special. "When my son was learning saxophone, his teacher was someone who grew up in one of the poorest neighborhoods in the city," Rep. Dillon said. "That’s one of the great things about NMS, people from all backgrounds come together to enjoy and appreciate music."
The Education Committee will hold a public hearing on the bill on Wednesday, March 28 at 11:00 a.m. in room 1-E of the Legislative Office Building.