Enriching the Human Experience Through the Arts
Founded in 1989 in Grafton, Massachusetts, Apple Tree Arts began as The Apple Tree, offering two early-childhood music classes for parents and toddlers taught by Donna Blanchard in a historic church on Grafton Common. It was built on the belief that music and the arts enrich and expand the human experience.
Over time, that small beginning became a vibrant nonprofit community school for the arts serving people of all ages across south central Worcester County.
Over the years, Apple Tree Arts has grown to include:
- Private instrumental and voice instruction
- Theatre productions and classes
- Student instrumental concerts
- Summer programs
- Faculty concerts
- A community concert series
Our work is funded through tuition, grants, private donations, and corporate sponsorships and is supported by a growing group of dedicated volunteers.
Everything we do is made possible by you, our community.
Our Mission
The mission of Apple Tree Arts is to enrich our communities through the arts by providing high-quality performing arts education and experiences for all ages, identities, and abilities.
Our Philosophy
We believe music and theatre arts experiences can transform lives in profound and meaningful ways. Throughout history, humans have benefited from making music and participating in theatre as both a means of self-expression and self-discipline. Music and theatre education enriches lives and brings people together. We believe it should start as early as possible and continue throughout one’s life.
Support the Arts for Everyone
our vision
The vision of Apple Tree Arts is…
- To offer high-quality music & theatre arts education that supports lifelong learning.
- To be a strong advocate for early childhood music education in Central Massachusetts.
- To offer outreach programs to under-served populations throughout Central Massachusetts.
- To bring talented musicians and other performers to the community to educate and entertain.
- To maintain a strong sense of community for our students, families ,and faculty
Our History
Explore the Journey
Started with two early childhood music classes for parents and toddlers.
Classes were held at a historic church facing Grafton Common.
Built on the belief that music and the arts enhance and expand the human experience.
The Apple Tree legally incorporated as Apple Tree Arts.
Established:
Articles of organization and by-laws.
Formal policies and procedures.
Bookkeeping practices and office management.
Became an official non-profit organization.
Jan Barlow added music enrichment programs for area preschools and daycare centers.
Lisa Scarlett introduced multiple theatre productions for all ages.
Expanded to include:
Music and movement education for children from birth onward.
Private instrumental and voice lessons.
Student instrumental concerts.
Summer music and theatre programs.
Year-round theatre productions.
Faculty concerts.
Community concert series.
Moved offices and teaching studios to the second and third floor of the Grafton Townhouse at One Grafton Common.
Worked with the Town of Grafton to secure funding for restoration.
The Great Hall was restored as a central community gathering space.
Community support played a key role in making the project a reality.
Serves over 3,000 people annually throughout south central Worcester County:
Toddlers in our early childhood music classes
Youth and teens engage in theatrical productions and musical jam sessions
Adults and seniors participate in adult improve and community strum
Underserved communities receive early childhood, ukulele, voice and theatre enrichment courses
Aspiring Artists utilize the Great Hall for workshops and professional development to hone their craft
Support the Arts With Us!
For more than 30 years, Apple Tree Arts has provided a welcoming space for music and theatre in our community.
None of this would be possible without you.