Artreach
Music Program
Artreach Music Program Director Dick Pape is a career musician who has also worked in the mental health field. We are very lucky to have him on our team. Our music program offers an annual music showcase where members can perform with a band of seasoned musicians; an intermediate jazz group; and individual guitar or bass lessons. In addition, Artreach holds events for the international annual Make Music Day.
Annual Music Showcase
The Music Heals Coffeehouse is a 3 - 4 month rehearsal process that culminates with these performances. Using music in the service of mental health recovery, Artreach members, our band of community volunteers and Artreach staff rehearse weekly to build skill in singing, make connections with each other (reducing the isolation that often comes with experiencing mental health symptom), and support each other as they prepare to sing in front of an audience.
Jazz Group & Guitar Lessons
Artreach's Jazz Band meets every Friday to play songs out of the "Real Book." This opportunity to practicing playing on the fly while reading from lead sheets, then playing solos with the band, is invaluable for developing musicianship.
Dick Pape, Arteach's Music Director, is also available for one-on-one lessons in guitar and bass.
Make Music Day
Completely different from a typical music festival, Make Music Day is open to anyone who wants to take part. Every kind of musician — young and old, amateur and professional, of every musical persuasion — pours onto streets, parks, plazas, and porches to share their music with friends, neighbors, and strangers. All of it is free and open to the public.
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Artreach participates with Southeastern CT's Make Music Day. Each year, there are performances and participatory classes. From drumming classes and ukulele singalongs, jazz performances and acoustic song circles, the offerings are unique each year.
