For the past 30 years at Church Street School, we have committed to spreading the positive power of music and art to all. To reaffirm that commitment, we will be posting new art & music pieces and resources here every Wednesday. It is our hope that they will lighten your spirit, keep you entertained, and remind you of the power of the arts in these uncertain times.
Join our online community!
And f you are able and would like to support CSSMA during these challenging times please head here: support.churchstreetschool.org/30for30years
*If you want to learn more about our faculty members please click on their names at the top of each post!
ENJOY!
Wednesday, September 30th
- This Saturday, October 3rd the site will take on a new look as we launch our FALL FESTIVAL!
- For the entire month of October you can expect an ever expanding amount of arts related content representing the past, present and future of Church Street School, our Tribeca neighborhood and downtown NYC.
- Expect art galleries and Q&A’s, deep dives into the archives to see old footage of ALL kinds from CSSMA and treasures offered to us to share from artists neighbors and friends of the school and the arts.
- Live streamed performance EVERY SATURDAY at www.churchstreetschoolvirtual.com We are thrilled to be hosting performances by Lee Ranaldo of Sonic Youth, Conductor & pianist Oliver Hagen, (CSSMA Alumnus) who will be joined by our own Jung Sun Kang, award winning kindie singer Suzi Shelton and many more. Stay tuned for the full schedule to be released next week! And that’s only a taste of what you’ll find.
- Join us on Instagram (@churchstschool) for regular updates!
- Note: A sliding scale donation starting at $5 will be necessary for entry to Live Stream shows



Wednesday, September 23rd


Wednesday, September 16th
Thanks to our brand new virtual hub, www.churchstreetschoolvirtual.com, we were also able to live stream our open art and music lessons and invite people at home into our bright and airy performance space for a brilliant trio performance from our inspiring faculty.


The neighborhood has not lost the urge for creation…have you seen this little sculpture mounted on a parking sign on White Street? Art is everywhere you look…
Wednesday, September 9th
Below are a few examples of several inspired and inspiring music students at CSSMA. These videos were taken for our first series of virtual recitals! While we were away from the school it was so important for our community to be able to come together and share in the music and celebrate the work and passion of our amazing students. Enjoy!!
Fiel’s version of ‘Here’ by Alessia Cara
Adam’s version of ‘Blue Bossa’ by Kenny Dorham
Jacob’s version of ‘Pride & Joy’ Stevie Ray Vaughn
Don’t forget that Church Street School is a place for people of ALL AGES and all backgrounds. If you have always thought about picking up an instrument or learning a new creative skill…this is the time! If you have an idea about a program or class that you wish existed, let us know! We are here to keep inspiration alive and that means for you too!
Wednesday, September 2nd
Wednesday, August 26th
Caetano Veloso & Gilberto Gil on music, Brazil & friendship – BBC News
Aquarela do brasil – Translation
Caetano e Gil – Cinema Novo – Tropicália 2 – São Paulo 1993
A clip from Os Mutantes the movie


LEFT: Gil & Caetano in Picadilly Circus soon after becoming exiled from Brazil in 1969.
ABOVE: Gil & Caetano have a powerful and enduring friendship based in creative collaboration and experimental approaches to music and protest
Background photo is of colorful favelas (slums) in Brazil
Wednesday, August 19th
In Wendy’s words: I have been teaching studio art classes at CSSMA since October 2019. On top of my teaching and curatorial practice, I am a visual artist specializing in sculptural textile installations and sculptural paintings. My work is currently on view in the exhibit Thoughts & Prayers at Chashama Matawan in NJ. As an educator I am passionate about helping kids and adults of all ages grow confidence in their creative voices, so I’m inspired by Church Street’s exploratory approach to arts education.
Wendy continues: One of my favorite artists is Sheila Pepe. I admire her experimental and playful use of crocheting as a form of sculpture and installation art. This image below is from her exhibit Hot Mess Formalism, which was organized by the Phoenix Museum of Art in 2017.

Here is a great 5-minute video about Sheila’s work at the ICA Boston:
Wednesday, August 12th
One of Dennis’s biggest inspirations is French novelist, dramatist, political activist, and philosopher, Jean Genet. As Dennis puts it: Genet’s literary and philosophical legacy has influenced several generations across the world.

Wednesday, August 5th

Wednesday, July 29th
While Sage does not consider herself an artist per se, she did have exposure to the arts as a child and CSSMA reminds her of this important time: I was born and raised in Brooklyn, a first generation New Yorker and American, (my parents are both from the Caribbean). I grew up thoroughly un-athletic and so the arts were absolutely my extra-curricular of choice! I was exposed to musical theater, I sang in choirs, did ceramics and danced!

Sage spent a year traveling and doing nonprofit work before finding CSSMA. When asked about the school she shared: Church Street School inspires me because it reminds me of so many of the communities and arts schools that enriched my childhood. I am so happy that I now get to be a part of creating and maintaining that space for this generation of young people (and un-athletic children). 😉
So what has Sage been inspired by recently? Here’s what she had to say: In December 2019, I got a dog which meant I was taking more walks than I ever have before. And, while I thoroughly enjoy music, I found myself listening to more podcasts than anything else. Below are three episodes from Revisionist History, a podcast from famous author Malcolm Gladwell. These three episodes inspired me and taught me a lot, I hope they will do the same for you.

Wednesday, July 22nd
Here is what Matt had to say about his time at Church Street School: I’ve been teaching at Church Street School as a full-time faculty member since 2015. I have loved every minute of this great opportunity to share my knowledge of drumming with others at the school, and now virtually. I’ve been a full time performing musician my whole working life, starting at 17 years old. I truly cherish the opportunity to share and teach the practical knowledge that I’ve gained with my students. I look at all of my students as my “drumming children” and part of what I can leave behind on Earth. I also truly believe that teaching something is how you master it.
It goes to show you how impactful that one tune or album can be and how the right teacher can help set you on an inspiring creative path for life! Check out Ralph Peterson playing “Urban Omen” from his 1990 album Presents the Fo’tet:

Take a look at this LEGENDARY drum battle show-down featuring Steve Gadd, Dave Weckl, & Vinnie Colaiuta from a 1989 tribute concert for the great Buddy Rich. Can you guess which drummer is Matt‘s favorite?

Wednesday, July 15th
When asked about his history with CSSMA and what he finds inspiring about the school, Toby shared: I’ve worked at CSSMA for half of its 30 year existence, first as a guitar and band instructor, then a program coordinator, and finally in the Director role I’ve occupied since 2014. It’s an endlessly inspiring place to be and I’m so happy to find that inspiration has continued outside of our physical space and into the remote learning realm. Making connections with countless students and families over the years, while working to create an environment that feels like home and encourages real creative exploration, has been the most fulfilling part of my job.
first met the renowned saxophonist Bob Mover (now amazingly a CSSMA parent!):
Wednesday, July 8th
Check out this a video of a song called “Albany” released in February of 2019. This is a from a band called Secret Sibling that Peter plays with and misses dearly!
To continue with the idea of community and support, Peter shares: I’d simply like to encourage people to visit the site Bandcamp. Since the song-a-day challenge, I have been going there to see what my peers are up to, support their work, and in turn, support causes that need it NOW and being stuck at home is a great time to check out what people are working on!
Wednesday, July 1st
Wednesday, June 24th

Angela writes: Poly Styrene was a true punk warrior who inspired me as a singer, performer and style icon. Her energy and wit informed such amazing songs as The Day the World Turned Day-Glo and Identity. When her band X-Ray Spex played at CBGB’s I marveled at her sheer energy and was mesmerized by her radiant voice. Poly was an originator of ideas who celebrated individuality and found the braveness to be herself.
Check out this video of Poly and her band X-Ray Spex doing their tune IDENTITY in this 1978 video. The music and performance energy is raw and real. Everyone has had some moment in their life where there was a reckoning with identity and punk music lets that struggle be heard out loud.
Wednesday, June 17th

Dennis chose to talk about Charles Burnett, a film director, writer, actor, photographer,
and cinematographer. He was once called by The Chicago Tribune, “one of America’s very best filmmakers” and by New York Times, “the nation’s least-known great filmmaker and most gifted black director.” When Dennis discovered Burnett’s films he was very moved by his poetic cinematography and approach to storytelling.
Dennis says: In his movies, there are not many “dramatic” moments in the traditionalsense as you see in most Hollywood films with intensified dialogue and jaw dropping plot
twists. Instead, he simply takes film back to the life itself. “Drama” in his films is all about the situation that his characters live in. Throughout his career, he was able to capture the lives that are rarely depicted on big screens. When diving into his films, I always feel that I am “there”, in that particular neighborhood or street, witnessing how the environment and the situation shape these characters’ behaviors and attitudes and even their future.
Here is the trailer to one of Dennis’s favorite movies of Burnett’s, My Brother’s Wedding. It is about a man named Pierce Mundy who has no ambition and no plans in life, and spends most of his time hanging out with his friend, Soldier. As his life goes on, he is facing a life dilemma. He needs to choose between attending his brother’s wedding and being by his friend Soldier’s side. It the lives on stage with their situation. We also have to create the time and space to comment on the society we are in, particularly during this time. If we strive for freedom for all, then we must work on reforming the current sociopolitical/socioeconomic structure.
Wednesday, June 10th
Nancy Dupree was an activist and music teacher who took the limited curriculum of the 1960s’ Rochester elementary school where she worked into her own hands. She and her students collaborated on a full albums’ worth of songs which spoke to her students’ lived experience. The result is full of heart, passion, and power. Dupree was a true visionary arts educator who amplified her students’ voices. Below you can hear the song “What do I Have” from the album GHETTO REALITY.
You can find the the liner notes for this special album here
These beautiful works from Baltimore based painter, Amy Sherald. You might recognize her as the artist who painted Michelle Obama’s official portrait. Learn more about her and her work here: amysherald.com

“Innocent You, Innocent Me” Amy Sherald

“All Things Bright & Beautiful” Amy Sherald
Wednesday, June 3rd
Executive Director Lisa Ecklund-Flores shares this Chuck Mangione tune with Esther Satterfield’s beautiful vocals, along with the lyrics.
Development Director Abby Levin offers this amazing TED Talk on deconstructing racism from Baratunde Thurston
Wednesday, May 27th
Have you met Stacy Werdin? You may know her as a teacher of saxophone, piano, or vocals. Or perhaps you’ve had conversations with her as our Program Coordinator.
When asked about her time at CSSMA and what inspires her about her teaching, she said “I have been with CSSMA for 7 years now (I think!?) Time flies! I’ve had the opportunity to work at the front desk, teach and serve as the Program Coordinator over these years, but teaching has been a constant here for me. It is a true passion and one of the most important gifts I can share. I’m incredibly grateful that I get to do this on a regular basis. Teaching at CSS is inspiring because the staff is made up of amazingly talented individuals who are able to bring their own style and methods to the school making it the well-rounded and diverse place it is. Even in these challenging and confusing times, we all feel connected because we are behind the philosophy and know how powerful and important music is now and always.”
We are lucky to have Stacy at CSSMA and she has some good tunes to share with you!
Please enjoy Stacy’s music inspirations below!
Jill Scott- “Golden”
To me, it’s all about living life to the fullest and using the tools within to endure and keep “singing loud and strong”. This is certainly something I’m trying to do more especially in these crazy times. Introspection has been key to working on how to truly shine and I feel like there are so many opportunities for us all to really look inside so we can make it count when everything is back to “normal.” ‘Golden’ has been an anthem for me lately, because life is precious.
Maze- “Happy Feelin’s”
Music is a universal language and this song exemplifies the most straight-forward and positive message that could be conveyed. You can’t help but smile when you hear this jam. Funky, soulful-70s is the best! Throw this one on when you’re relaxing around the house. It will be hard not to dance or sing along.
Wednesday, May 20th
This week CSSMA Music Faculty Member, keyboardist, and band leader Kevin Bernstein shares his experience at Church Street School.
“I started subbing at CSS 5 years ago and officially joined the staff 3 years ago. I’ve learned a lot about working with young students and I’m inspired by the effort and talent I hear in them. I love being a part of the esteemed and diverse faculty who are all amazing and the staff who work hard to help me find new students and ask me to be apart of a wide array of school events. Church Street is a special place for me!”
Please enjoy Kevin’s music inspirations below!
Gabriel Garzón-Montano- “Long Ears”
I’ve known about this singer for a while (lead singer of amazing band funk band Mokaad) but I neglected this album that came out in 2017. It still sounds just as fresh as if it came out yesterday. I’m amazed by how unique it sounds to me and the variety of textures and colors happening at the same time. He mixes classical, latin, r&b, hip hop, and electronic together in a really stunning way. I love the sort of spooky groovy feeling that permeates the whole track and the unusual chords. I find it hypnotic!
Aretha Franklin- “What a Fool Believes”
Are you looking for a high energy song to dance to while you’re stuck at home? This one hits the spot for me! This is a classic “yacht rock” 80’s jam written by Michael McDonald for the Doobie Brothers that Aretha then rerecorded with the help of some all star musicians. I actually like this version more than the original (which is very rare)! The synths sound bright and strong, the drums are tight and make you move, and Aretha adds so much energy to the vocal part and has some great background melodies. Definitely a fun one to put on at the next dance party, whenever that is.
Wednesday, May 13th
Mukundi, who is 17 and heading to the University of Southern California for college, has been taking voice and guitar lessons with Sam since Spring 2018 and they’ve done a lot together in that short time!
When asked about the process of working with Sam, Mukundi writes: It has been a really fun adventure. All of it has been collaborating and trying to meet each other in the middle. Sam’s unbridled belief in me as an artist is invaluable and part of what makes it all so fun to do. More importantly, my dream of connecting with people through music has never been more tangible. I’ve learned a lot.
“Trouble” is Mukundi’s third release as LENKIE and can be heard below. Check her other songs out anywhere you stream your music!
Below enjoy some more art and music inspirations from Sam and Mukundi!
Wednesday, May 6th
Of this piece, Babsi writes: “It was about laying bare my experience in the strange, cozy, blurred zone of not being just one, but also not yet being two that is mirrored in this intimate space.” Click here to read more and discover her work.
Wednesday, April 29th
- Every week you’ll hear from a faculty/staff member or CSSMA friend about some piece/pieces of music, art or anything that inspires them.
- These emails hopefully offer a chance to take a break and take a breath and be taken away from it all through the power of the arts, something we deeply value at CSSMA.
- Contributors will share why these piece(s) are important to them and you will get to experience these works for yourself. Hopefully you will learn a little bit about the person sharing and then hear, see or read something that will also inspire you…and the joy spreads from there!
Let’s take a break now and watch this beautiful Ted Talk from Conductor Benjamin Zander, currently of Musical Director of The Boston Philharmonic & The Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. He takes a packed audience on wonderful journey to describe the transformational power of music. Enjoy:
Wednesday, April 22nd
Michael continues: The primary emphasis here is on slowly shifting textures, with parts of rhythms distributed among each of the six players that together form a composite whole. It might sound lulling or relaxing, but pulling this off in performance would require a lot of rehearsal and familiarity to make it work. Often in the score Reich does not indicate a definite number of repeats for a given passage; he leaves it up to the ensemble to determine what feels right in the moment, but the paradox is that this is otherwise a highly controlled work. The chords change so slowly and quietly you may not notice if you are not actively listening.
Michael says: Copland inhabits a very elegant post-impressionist harmonic universe. Although he often records and concertizes in piano trio settings, he made a number of duo albums in the early 2000s, including this one from 2003, which pairs him with saxophonist Greg Osby. Copland and Osby make natural duo partners; Copland’s glassy and austere touch set offset against Osby’s warm, full bodied alto sound that tapers to a razor point. Their writing and improvising is filled with subtlety and relaxed artistic mastery. Copland’s style exploits a murky lyricism, while Osby plays with fluid geometry. For example, I love the subtle bitonality (two keys at once) in the first four measures of “Round She Goes”, or the way Osby’s jagged chromaticism suddenly shifts from the inside to the margins of the chords. Jazz can often be joyous and high energy music, but the mood here is introspective; hauntingly grey and yearning, but pulsating and alive.

Wednesday, April 15th
Take a look at the full video here:
Jane says: And so, to continue the theme of my bond with New York, here is the track ‘Manhattan’ from George Russell’s 1959 album New York N.Y. Narrated by the John Hendricks. American jazz singer, lyricist and the most prolific exponent of the art of vocalese. “It may seem like a cold town, but man, let me tell you, it’s a soul town.” -Jon Hendricks

Wednesday, April 8th
Today’s first of several sonic selections is from
Church Street SchoolMusic Faculty Member Abby Payne:
Our second selection comes on the heels of losing one of America’s most beloved folk singer-songwriters, John Prine. John got his start in the 1970’s at a Chicago music club while still working days as a mail man. He was beloved for his expertly and simply crafted songs that chronicled the human condition and he was known for his humility and humor. Take a look at this interview from 2016 where Prine speaks with inCommon & Mike Leonard about the creative process…magic words for Church Street Schoolers.
Finally, we must give a huge bow to the incredible Bill Withers…another music legend we lost too soon. Like the artists above, his words, music and soul resonate profoundly for so many right now. In the spirit of togetherness…please take a watch and a listen to this beautiful version of Lean On Me from 1973. For all who are celebrating today and through the weekend, we send you lots of warmth and love to you and your family near and far.
Wednesday, April 1
Natalie writes: “I wanted to include these images of Mary Nohl’s house in Wisconsin. Nohl was never concerned with reaching commercial fame, but she was an incredibly invested artist and literally turned her home– and the land it occupied– into an entire artwork. As we navigate tapping into creative sources within us and our individual homes, let’s look to Nohl’s resourcefulness and commitment to her fantastical art-world.”


But Wait! There’s More!

Wednesday, March 25th
Music by Styx
“My student Cooper and I have been working on this song together. It has a simple but very effective piano intro and a hilarious but powerful transition. We stumbled upon these lyrics: ‘But we’ll try best that we can. To carry on…’ Yes we will”
Monday, March 23rd
Art by Susan Duncan, Music by Chopin
“I believe in the therapeutic power of the arts; I go to music and art to help ground me in a time of stress. Today I am sharing the artwork of our beloved Susan Duncan, along with one of my favorite pieces of piano music, the exquisite Chopin Nocturne No. 1 in B flat minor. Make more music. Make more art.”
-Lisa Ecklund-Flores
Friday, March 20th
Art from our Church Street School Community