The nonprofit music and social justice program Musica Franklin has brought music and mentorship to students across Franklin County for a decade now. To celebrate, the organization hosted a luncheon fundraiser last month that raised over $5,000, and honored three local residents for their support since the start. 

The late Ann Hamilton, formerly executive director of the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, former Musica Franklin Executive Director Vicki Citron, and former Greenfield Recorder reporter Richie Davis were honored with “Angels of Music” awards at the luncheon for their support of Musica Franklin, with FCCOC Executive Director Jessey Deane accepting the award for Hamilton, who died in 2023.

Musica Franklin offers a free after-school program for students in first to 12th grade three times a week at the First United Methodist Church in Greenfield, and gives them a space to explore their musical interests while learning about social justice topics. The inspiration for Musica Franklin come from the music and social change program, El Sistema, developed 50 years ago in Venezuela by Dr. Jose Antonio Abreu to teach underprivileged youth music, and to support social connection. 

Honoring the helpers 

Hamilton, who was honored posthumously, went before the Chamber of Commerce in 2013 to showcase the idea for Musica Franklin, and was a great supporter of arts in Franklin County.

“She cared not just for the arts and for music, but for children, and so I know this would really mean a lot to her,” Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jessey Deane said while accepting the award on behalf of Hamilton’s family. 

Citron was honored at the ceremony for her work in spearheading the creation of Musica Franklin, and for leading the program for several years. She was able to secure a three-year, $45,000 Massachusetts Cultural Council grant to kick-start the program with an additional $15,000 raised privately in donations.  

While Citron was working to get the program off its feet and expand its reach, Davis helped spread the word as a reporter at the Greenfield Recorder. In her speech, Citron said that through his reporting, Davis helped the program gain momentum.

In a follow-up interview on Feb. 24, Davis said the award was meaningful because music played an important role in his childhood. “It can really empower kids and change their lives,” he said. 

The fundraiser event raised $5,404 which will go toward student transportation and teacher compensation, according to Musica Franklin Development and Communications Manager Annirose Kimball. 

Reflecting on 10 years

During the luncheon, Citron, Musica Franklin Executive Director Orice Jenkins, and founding Musica Franklin teacher Gloria Matlock reflected on the change they’ve seen since 2015.

“What sticks out is how Musica Franklin has adapted to changes in the community,” Citron said, noting that as the demographics of the area have changed (such as an increase in immigrants to Franklin County), Musica Franklin has been able to support that shift. 

Since 2015, the program has grown to represent students from schools across Franklin County. According to Musica Franklin, in 2024, 43 children from eight schools were part of the program, there were 14 community performances, more than 180 hours of private lessons were taught, and eight instruments were offered to students – among other accomplishments.

Jenkins reflected this point, saying that the organization has changed their instructional materials and music selection to respond to the change in student demographics, specifically mentioning the use of English, Spanish and French in their music and teaching materials – something he said wasn’t the case five years ago. Additionally, more students participating has required more staff, including AmericaCorp volunteers who help students when they need extra support.

The music the students learn and perform has also diversified, with genre influences from pop, R&B and jazz being part of the repertoire alongside the classical music. Jenkins said that diversity helps engage students across ages and backgrounds. 

Matlock, a founding teacher at Musica Franklin, said she’s noticed the way students interact with each other to form close bonds. 

“It’s a family-type environment, and they learn that if somebody's in stress, they go to help that person,” Matlock said of the students. “And working together, they’ve learned to know when someone is off, when they can help that person, and they can recognize what’s good about the music, and what isn’t good.” 

Parents are also seeing the impact of the program on their children’s learning.

Rhylissa Doxzen is a parent and board member of Franklin Musica, and her daughter Wesley started participating in Musica Franklin two years ago through Sheffield Elementary School. In that time, Doxzen said her daughter has had the chance to learn more about both singing and violin, and has gained new confidence in her skills.

Doxzen said that she sees a lot of value in a program offering after-school care, and a chance for kids to meet their peers across different backgrounds while also learning about music and social justice. She hopes to enroll her son when he is old enough, and also hopes to see the program grow and offer new opportunities to more kids and families.

“I know it sounds a little cheesy,” Doxzen said, “but these kids are our future, and to see what they can create together despite their differences, it’s just a wonderful experience.”

Erin-Leigh Hoffman can be reached at ehoffman@recorder.com or 413-930-4231.