Susan Papinsick

Susan Papinsick (Voices for Joy Choir Co-Director) is a vocalist, certified cantor, music director, and voice instructor who infuses her work with a passion for music and community. As the Director of Sacred Music at Wesley United Methodist Church, she leads the congregation in song, directs both handbell and choral ensembles, and cultivates the church’s artistic and fine arts endeavors. She firmly believes in the transformative power of music and fine arts to uplift, inspire, and unite people from all backgrounds.

Beloved Bach’s Lunch Series Begins in October

by Jeff SelesnickWith the fall semester fully underway, Concord Community Music School is back to its usual buzz. Classes for young children and seniors meet during the day, private lessons pick up by mid-afternoon, and groups and ensembles fill rehearsal spaces into the evening hours. The final piece of the puzzle comes in early October when the signature Bach’s Lunch series kicks off for the 2026-27 season on October 1. “The CCMS Bach’s Lunch series is one of the most unique and longest-running music series in Concord,” notes Music School Executive Director Daniel Acsadi. “The 12:10 p.m. start time welcomes audiences for whom evening concerts are not always convenient, and we have many loyal audience members who make it to six or more performances a season. And every concert is free!”“I love that the Bach’s Lunch series is accessible to everyone,” agrees voice faculty and Bach’s Lunch veteran Melissa Elsman. “Anyone can come and enjoy a variety of music without any prior exposure or experience with that music and learn something new.”The series runs from October through May and loosely follows the model of a music-based lecture on the first Thursday of the month, followed by a performance on the second Thursday. First-timer Jim Prendergast, a self-dubbed “60’s folksinger who got in way too deep,” kicks off the series with songs and anecdotes from his musical adventures, followed by Grace and Lindsey Schust exploring West African drumming traditions. November will feature a double-session of South Asian music with CCMS faculty members Harimaya Adhikari and Prem Sagar Khatiwada leading a quintet performing traditional Indian and Nepalese tunes. Attendees won’t have any problem getting into the holiday spirit as Jordan Tirrell-Wysocki and Matt Jensen headline A Celtic Christmas on December 3, and the Portsmouth Brass Quintet performs festival favorites the following week. Piano virtuoso and international touring artist Kyra Zhao returns to the series for the second year in a row and ushers in the New Year on January 7. On January 14, Jaqueline Schwab shares a reimagined Be The Light program, celebrating a wide range of heartening music from around the world.The woodwind quartet Wall Street Winds will share their rich a varied repertoire on February 4, before the Hodes family sings songs of love in their annual Valentine’s Day performance. CCMS faculty members Stephanie Jenkins and Abigail Charbeneau will perform the work of Franz Schubert in March’s first performance, before the folk faculty takes the stage for the crowd-favorite St. Patrick’s Day program on March 11. Elsman makes her return to the Bach’s lunch rotation in April with a two-part performance alongside accompanist Kathryn Southworth. “La Voix Éternelle: Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Pauline Viardot, explores the life and legacy of Pauline Viardot, who was an opera star, prolific composer, and celebrated voice teacher,” notes Elsman. “I’m especially excited to share Viardot’s legacy because her influence has a very personal connection to my own teaching. She was one of the most influential women in music history for a variety of reasons, yet it is only in recent history that she is being talked about more widely.” Tony Varga delves into discovering the double bass in the penultimate Bach’s Lunch offering of the season, and the Expansion Quartet will perform Music by Women to close out another colorful season of performances. “Thanks to the Walker Lecture Series support, we are able to welcome a wide variety of guest musicians and scholars, along with our talented CCMS teaching artists,” says Acsadi. “Each year, we try to schedule favorites alongside shows that lead to musical growth and new connections.”View the full Bach’s Lunch lineup here
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CCMS Faculty Spotlight: Kyle Trombley

by Jeff SelesnickSince the founding of Concord Community Music School in 1984, a strong piano department has been a hallmark of the organization. Over the years, the piano faculty has been replete with skilled accompanists, classically trained artists, and jazz-influenced professionals, ready to meet the ever-present demand for piano instruction. New England native Kyle Trombley is the latest musician to join the CCMS piano faculty, bringing his eclectic style to Concord ahead of the 2026-27 academic year. After earning his degree in Choral Conducting from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, Trombley was excited to return to the Northeast and begin sharing his passion for music with the CCMS community. Trombley shared a bit about his background, his teaching philosophy, and career highlights in the following responses: Talk about your musical journey – how did you develop your interest in music? Where did you study?Trombley: My musical upbringing is as diverse as I stand musically today. My first formative musical experience was in an elementary school, where I had the extraordinary opportunity to be a featured soloist in a chamber group accompanied by an orchestra for a commissioned project. It was that moment that I realized I needed to be in music! What was a moment or moments during your musical career that was particularly memorable/influential?Trombley: I’ve had some of the best musical experiences that have shaped who I am today, and my international performance experiences have been the most influential. It was magical being in different countries and having both musical and cultural experiences. Singing and playing in some of the world’s most celebrated venues and halls has shaped my artistic persona, and allowed me to explore the color of my instruments.What was your first job in music? What are your memories from it?Trombley: My first real job in music was working at an old country church in southwestern New Hampshire. I served as Minister of Music, Organist and Pianist. I learned so much being there – both musical skills and soft skills of what a career in music and teaching would be. The church gave me the support to cultivate a program I desired so I learned how to put on benefit concerts, curate a comprehensive concert series/season, orchestrate large-scale ensembles for major holidays, and so much more. It was a lot of learning, but the learning felt like play. Do you have any styles/genres of music you enjoy teaching and/or playing the most?Trombley: While I am classically trained, I do enjoy performing and teaching both jazz and early music. While I was in my undergrad at Keene State College, I was fortunate to study under two different early music specialists. I learned so much under their guidance and am continually inspired by the professional work they have done over the years. I’m lucky I get to work with them both in the Zenith Ensemble each year.In addition to early music, jazz has become a huge part of my identity. Several years ago, I had the opportunity to play a gig with a couple of friends in college. In that gig, we each connected so well that we decided to play together more often. After being hired at numerous gigs, and touring around the area, we opted to become a professional jazz ensemble under the name of The Sonntag Jazz Collective, where we perform throughout New Hampshire and Vermont. How did you find out about CCMS? What about CCMS appeals to you?Trombley: After finishing graduate school in Kansas City, I was looking to return home to New England. While I was looking for work, a friend of mine sent me the job posting for CCMS. After looking it over, I immediately felt like it could be an incredible opportunity, and a small way to give students as much as my teachers gave to me. I am enthralled by the robust course and lesson offerings, as well as the wonderful faculty who teach here. After visiting briefly, it felt like home. I’m super excited to work alongside such fabulous teachers and with students who find joy in music making! How would you describe your teaching style?Trombley: Taking after my professors, my teaching style focuses on what the music asks of us. While it is important to have the foundational skills of scales, chords, arpeggios, etc., I am a firm believer in a fluid anatomical movement, tension release, and exploring a diverse color palette through sound. Most lessons focus on how we move, and how our movement affects the sound we create with the instrument. What do you love most about teaching music? Trombley: What I love most about teaching music is seeing the joy of others in their music making. I love when a student explores a new sound world they haven’t been exposed to before, when they are able to understand a new concept that has been previously a struggle, and of course, seeing each student’s unique expressivity as they play. When you’re not teaching music, what keeps you busy? Trombley: When I’m not performing music, I am out spending time in nature, especially going for hikes – something I love about being in New Hampshire! I also very much enjoy reading and learning more about the intricacies of the human mind. What are your hopes as a new faculty member at CCMS?Trombley: My hope as a new faculty member here at CCMS is to collaborate with everyone! I love finding new ways to work together as musicians and create diverse musical experiences for us and audiences to enjoy.
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CCMS Faculty Spotlight: Jill Hoffman

by Jeff SelesnickThere are lots of reasons to be excited heading into a new school year at Concord Community Music School. For many, it means a return to weekly lessons or ensemble gatherings or embarking on a new challenge with a new instrument or style of music. Oftentimes, it also means new faces among the CCMS faculty, adding to the collective knowledge and experience of the Music School musicians.Jill Hoffmann joined the CCMS faculty ahead of the 2026-27 school year as the school’s newest oboe teacher. A Philadelphia native, Hoffmann’s music career has taken her from Bloomington, Indiana to Seville, Spain, to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania before eventually landing in New Hampshire in 2022. Hoffmann answered a handful of questions about her background to help the CCMS community get to know one of its newest members:Talk about your musical journey – how did you develop your interest in music? Where did you study?Hoffmann: I started piano lessons just before my fifth birthday, VERY much against my will! My parents made all their kids study piano, and worse than that, forced us to practice 30 minutes a day. I constantly begged to be allowed to quit, even though I liked my piano teacher. In fourth grade, I heard the elementary band play the song “Windy” at a school assembly and thought it looked fun. I changed schools a couple times, but I finally was able to start a band instrument during the summer before sixth grade. My piano teacher suggested bassoon or oboe, probably as revenge for having to teach such an unenthusiastic student! It was about that time that I realized what a gift my piano skills were, and I will be FOREVER grateful to my parents for making me learn. I got both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Oboe Performance from Indiana University in Bloomington and I’m happy to report that I passed my piano proficiency exam (a degree requirement) with flying colors during my first semester.What was a moment or moments during your musical career that was particularly memorable/influential?Hoffmann: Oh, so many! I had the good fortune to sit next to my college teacher, Jerry Sirucek, for an IU Summer Festival Orchestra concert that featured Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade – a piece that has a lot of wonderful oboe solos. To this day, when I imagine the oboe part in my head, I hear Jerry’s interpretation, which was stunning. Ten years later, I played Scheherazade at a gala performance with the Royal Symphony Orchestra of Seville to dedicate the new theater in the presence of Queen Sofia of Spain.What was your first job in music? What are your memories from it?Hoffmann: In ninth grade, I was hired to play second oboe for a version of Vivaldi’s “Gloria” at a local church. I got paid $10 and was SO proud of that first professional check!Do you have any styles/genres of music you enjoy teaching and/or playing the most?Hoffmann: I enjoy teaching all styles. I especially like having a student start a piece that they think they don’t like that they come to love once they completely learn it. I also love when students introduce me to new music that they have found.How did you find out about CCMS? What about CCMS appeals to you?Hoffmann: (CCMS faculty member) Stephanie Jenkins told me about CCMS. The first time I came to visit, I loved seeing the energy of the students making all kinds of music throughout the building.How would you describe your teaching style?Hoffmann: I would describe it as – figure out where the student is, then figure out how hard and fast they can be pushed for improvement while keeping things fun.What do you love most about teaching music? Hoffmann: I’ve been playing the oboe for more than 50 years and I still love it. I’m still learning how to get better at it, and I’m never bored by it. It’s great to share that kind of skill set. When you’re not teaching music, what keeps you busy? Hoffmann: My husband and I have an elderly yipper dog and a personable calico cat who generously allow us to live in our house with them. We like to travel and we have some big flower gardens outside that we’re trying not to kill. What are your hopes as a new faculty member at CCMS?Hoffmann: I hope to keep the oboe students happy and playing well!
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				1 event 1 1 event, 1 12:10 pm - 1:00 pm Bach’s Lunch Series: Jim Prendergast October 1 @ 12:10 pm - 1:00 pm Bach’s Lunch Series: Jim Prendergast Concord Community Music School, Concord NH Free and open to the public. The Folk Music revival of the 1960s set guitarist and music producer Jim Prendergast on a fifty year journey that took him from busking on the Left Bank of Paris to the recording studios and orchestra pits of Nashville. Come hear songs and ... Read more	1 event 2 1 event, 2 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Fall Faculty Showcase October 2 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Fall Faculty Showcase Join us on Friday, October 2nd at 7:00 PM for our annual Fall Faculty Showcase! Many of our brilliant faculty and staff will perform, so it's a concert that you won't want to miss! This concert is free and open to the public, and will be held in our historic Recital Hall at the Concord ... Read more	2 events 3 2 events, 3 2026-10-03 Fall Fiddle Festival Workshops and Concert Fall Fiddle Festival Workshops and Concert October 3 Fall Fiddle Festival Workshops and Concert Fall Fiddle Festival Workshops and Concert featuring fiddle faculty Alden Robinson, Audrey Budington, and Liz Faiella with Dan Faiella, guitar Saturday, October 3, 2026 Concord Community Music School, Concord NH Festival 10am-3:30pm, Concert 4:30pm Concert only: $25 / $20 students & older adults (under 18/65+) \| Get tickets Workshops + Concert: $120 (includes lunch) \| ... Read more 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm Fall Fiddle Festival Concert October 3 @ 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm Fall Fiddle Festival Concert Fall Fiddle Festival Concert featuring Fall Fiddle Festival faculty Alden Robinson, Audrey Budington, and Liz Faiella with Dan Faiella, guitar Saturday, October 3, 2026 4:30pm Concord Community Music School, Concord NH Tickets $25 / $20 students & seniors Open to the public. PURCHASE TICKETS Fiddlers from the Celtic and New England fiddling traditions will join ... Read more
0 events 4 0 events, 4	0 events 5 0 events, 5	0 events 6 0 events, 6	0 events 7 0 events, 7	2 events 8 2 events, 8 12:10 pm - 1:00 pm Bach’s Lunch Series: History of Slide Guitar October 8 @ 12:10 pm - 1:00 pm Bach’s Lunch Series: History of Slide Guitar From the dusty porches of the rural South to the world’s biggest stages, slide guitar has shaped the sound of blues, rock, and beyond. In this immersive clinic, CCMS faculty Jarred Garneau traces the powerful lineage of slide guitar from its roots to the modern masters. We’ll begin with the pre–World War II pioneers who ... Read more, 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm The Moanin’ Frogs: Workshop and Demo Performance October 8 @ 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm The Moanin’ Frogs: Workshop and Demo Performance Concord Community Music School, in collaboration with the Avaloch Farm Music Institute, is proud to welcome The Moanin’ Frogs to Wall Street on Thursday, October 8. The saxophone sextet will be leading a workshop from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m., followed by a short demo performance from 6:00 to 6:20 p.m. A genre-bending saxophone sextet, the ... Read more	0 events 9 0 events, 9	0 events 10 0 events, 10
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0 events 25 0 events, 25	0 events 26 0 events, 26	0 events 27 0 events, 27	0 events 28 0 events, 28	0 events 29 0 events, 29	1 event 30 1 event, 30 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Cara Ensemble in Concert October 30 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Cara Ensemble in Concert Join us on Friday, October 30th at 7:00 PM for a benefit concert featuring Cara Ensemble. Cara is a group of five friends who share a love of traditional music. With fiddle, guitar, mandolin, bouzouki, flute, and whistle, they bring jigs, reels, waltzes, airs, hornpipes, and marches to life. The ensemble features Lois Reynolds, Betsy ... Read more	0 events 31 0 events, 31

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October 1

October 1 @ 12:10 pm - 1:00 pm

October 8 @ 12:10 pm - 1:00 pm

October 30 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Cara Ensemble in Concert

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