History of MCMS

Manchester Community Music School began in 1983 with a small youth string orchestra, conceived and supported by May and Sam Gruber.  Over the next ten years, private lessons on an increasing number of instruments were added, and early childhood arts programs were introduced.  The School moved around the city as necessitated by growth.

In 1993, MCMS settled into the fifth floor of 83 Hanover Street.  Grand pianos were delivered via crane through the windows as board members and friends finished the drywall and painting.  The space served 200 students well, and was appreciated for its intimacy and coziness.  Over the next nine years, MCMS grew, expanded into the fourth floor, and then grew some more.

“Cozy” became “cramped”.  Trumpets were drowning out the violin lessons, and teachers and staff were sharing tight quarters.  The Board of Directors developed a strategic plan calling for a new, permanent facility.  While committed to keeping the School in Manchester, prospects for finding affordable real estate were scarce.

Our answer came when Notre Dame College closed its doors in June of 2002, leaving a 60,000 square foot classroom building in need of students.  The MCMS board of Directors, though excited about the possibility of acquiring the building, expected it would be too large and costly for the School to manage on its own.  Coincidentally, Mount Saint Mary Academy, a private, nonprofit elementary school, was experiencing similar growth issues.

With help from the Manchester business community, the two organizations worked together to explore this unique opportunity.  A finance plan was developed and Nixon Peabody LLP donated many hours of legal expertise to form an agreement between the two organizations, which remain independent of each other.  With philanthropic support from businesses, foundations and several individuals, MCMS was able to acquire the building, move the School and plan for the future.

The North Manchester neighborhood welcomed us with open arms, as we worked to prepare the dark, cold building for the reintroduction of students.  Volunteers of all ages were generous with their time for cleaning, painting, packing and unpacking.  In late February of 2003, the Music School left Hanover Street and reopened for business just nine days later.

Today, we have 20,000 square feet of space for our own purposes, and share the use of gymnasium (which doubles as a concert hall), cafeteria, conference room, and lobby with Mount Saint Mary Academy.  This is a wonderful relationship for all of us, and we are delighted.