Community Impact
Make the Arts Available to Everyone
Apple Tree Arts is proud to be an active, accessible arts partner throughout Worcester County.
School and Community Partnerships for All
From early childhood music in local preschools to scholarships for families, inclusive community music gatherings, and senior programs that support connection and wellbeing, our goal is simple:
Make the arts available to everyone
Apple Tree Arts’ community outreach includes early childhood music programs, scholarships, and welcoming musical opportunities for people of all ages to participate throughout the year. We also host concerts, community music events, and jazz jam sessions where community members can attend and play together.
partnerships
Community Programs That Open Doors
These programs bring creative learning, connection, and performance opportunities to children, families, and older adults alike.
Early Childhood Music Education (Worcester County Preschools)
Music is often a child’s first experience with confidence, belonging, and creative expression. Apple Tree Arts brings early childhood music education directly into preschools across Worcester County, helping young learners build foundational skills through joyful, developmentally appropriate music-making.
Our Impact
- Served 10 to 15 preschools annually across Worcester County
- Helped children build confidence, rhythm, listening skills, coordination, and social connection
- Supported early learning through music, movement, and play
Where We Teach
Apple Tree Arts partners with a wide variety of community organizations and programs, including:
- YMCA programs
- Public libraries
- Worcester Comprehensive Education & Care (WCEC)
- Private preschools
Teaching Approach
Our Early Childhood classes use the Musikgarten teaching method, a respected approach that supports early childhood development through music and movement.
Brenda Lau and Emily Stratton are our Musikgarten certified educators.
Scholarships for WCEC Students (After School Programs)
At Worcester Comprehensive Education & Care (WCEC), Apple Tree Arts provides after school arts programming made accessible through our Financial Aid Assistance (Scholarships) Program. This program helps ensure students can participate in meaningful arts education regardless of financial barriers.
Our Impact
- Provides full scholarships for low-income students
- Expands access to arts programming
- Creates a welcoming and inclusive environment where anyone is welcome to join classes
Programs Offered Through Scholarships
Scholarships support participation in several programs, including:
- Early Childhood Education
- Theatre Arts: Behind the Scenes
- Music Classes: Ukulele, Recorder, and Voice
2026 Sponsors
These scholarship programs are made possible thanks to the support of our community partners:
- United Way of Central Massachusetts (Afterschool Programs)
- The Stoddard Charitable Trust (Early Childhood)
- The Fletcher Foundation (Early Childhood)
- Stephen R. Casey & Carlotta Casey Trust (Afterschool Programs)
Monthly Community Strum
Community Strum is a fun, inclusive, informal community music gathering where people come together to play and sing popular songs. It is designed to be welcoming, low-pressure, and truly accessible to all.
Our Impact
- Creates a recurring opportunity for community members to make music together
- Welcomes all ages and experience levels, from musicians to toe-tappers
- Supports community connection through shared music-making
What to Expect
Community Strum is a relaxed jam session where participants can:
- Sing along to familiar songs
- Play instruments such as ukulele, guitar, mandolin, or others
- Join themed sessions such as classic hits, seasonal music, or genre spotlights
- Participate at any comfort level, including just listening and enjoying
Program Details
- Led by Apple Tree Arts Music Faculty member Eric Guerin
- Held on the first Friday of each month
- The Town of Grafton also has a strong ukulele culture, including an annual Ukefest
Support and Sponsorship
Community Strum has been sponsored for a number of years by the Grafton Cultural Council, with additional support from community donations of $10 or more.
Community Sing Along (Grafton Senior Center)
(Faculty Recruitment Open)
The Community Sing Along is a monthly program designed to bring seniors together through the power of music. This program supports joy, connection, and community in a welcoming, low-pressure environment.
Our Impact
- Provides a recurring music and connection program for seniors
- Encourages community-building through familiar, shared songs
Creates an accessible musical experience that does not require prior training
What to Expect
Participants can expect:
- A friendly group sing-along atmosphere
- Familiar and nostalgic songs
- A welcoming space for all levels, from casual singers to longtime music lovers
- A shared experience centered on connection, not performance
Program Details
- Takes place monthly in the mornings
- Scheduled for the first Wednesday of each month
- Includes piano accompaniment by Apple Tree Arts Piano Faculty member Corbin Calloway
Faculty Recruitment: Song Leader Needed
We are currently recruiting a Song Leader to support the continuation of this program.
If you are a musician or teaching artist who enjoys building community through music, we encourage you to apply to join Apple Tree Arts faculty.
Community Chorus (Faculty Recruitment Open)
Apple Tree Arts is preparing to bring back our Community Chorus, a welcoming way for community members to come together through singing, rehearsing, and shared performance experiences.
Our Impact
- Creates a space for community members to connect through singing
- Builds community through consistent rehearsal and collaboration
- Provides cultural enrichment through choral music
What to Expect
Community Chorus is designed to be:
- A welcoming, inclusive chorus experience
- Focused on participation, skill-building, and connection
- A consistent gathering space for singers and music lovers
Faculty Recruitment: Choral Director Needed
Apple Tree Arts is preparing to relaunch this program in 2026. We are currently seeking a Choral Director to join our faculty so we can offer Community Chorus again in 2026. If you are a choral leader who values musical excellence and inclusive community programming, we encourage you to apply.