As part of our Arnold-Miller Cultural Heritage Program, CMSS provides paid internships to help young people in and around Springfield develop skills will help them succeed in their careers. This internship program developed out of an overwhelming demand from our current and former students and their families for opportunities to be part of CMSS’ work, as well as an identified need in our community for career building for young people that develop our future workforce and contribute to our local economy.
As an organization dedicated to lifting up our community and shining a light on its assets, CMSS works hard to foster an organizational culture that supports personal and professional growth and fulfillment. In keeping with these values, interns are paid a living wage, treated with respect, and provided with individualized education and training in the areas that interest them.
About 2023-24 School Year Interns
Raul Maldonado, Sonido Musica Intern
My name is Raul. I am a proud Puerto Rican trumpet player who was born and raised in the great city of Springfield. My goal in life is to spread the gift of music to as many as I can and this goal of mine was conceived in the band room of the High School of Science and Technology in Springfield. In particular, Mr. Gary Bernice was the main person that gave me that spark to want to teach. I first touched my current main instrument in 9th grade (2015) and from there I fell in love with music as a whole. During high school I was given lessons at CMSS by the awesome Jeremy Turgeon and after high school, I went on to attend the music program at Holyoke Community College where I was given private trumpet lessons by Dr. Peter Grimaldi. After receiving my associates degree, I transferred to Westfield State University where I improved my skills on the trumpet thanks to the amazing Dr. Karen LaVoie. Currently, I am striving to be the best music educator I can be at the high school level and I hope that my future consists of inspiring young minds to express their creativity not only through brass instruments which is my specialty but through music in general.
Richard Parris Scott, Sonido Musica Intern and Event Support Intern
Born and raised in Springfield, Massachusetts, Richard Parris-Scott is a self-taught composer, musician, and actor who is dedicated to music and live performance. In the past, they’ve had the opportunity to grace the stage of The Majestic Theater in “Mamma Mia the Musical” and “The Buddy Holly Story”, The Multicultural Arts Center in “Hear Her Sing For Freedom”, and Boston Symphony Hall in the 2020 All-State Choir. One of their goals as an artist is to inspire and empower others to move forward in the direction that they so choose. At the age of 21, they’re embarking on this goal by partnering with the Community Music School of Springfield.
Update: Parris was promoted to Sonido Musica Teaching Artist (January, 2024) and CMSS Events and Inventory Coordinator (July, 2024)
Manuel Miranda, Front Desk and Enrollment Intern
Solomon Jones, Sonido Musica Intern
Hello my name is Solomon, I’m 20 and I’m attending Holyoke Community college this fall, I plan on studying Music ed and mixing/mastering. Most of my jobs out of High school have been teaching music but some of my other interests are making my own music, photography and graphic design, and I currently play in a band called the Marlborough Street Band. I’d like to have multiple sources of music as a profession as most things with music interest me. During my time at CMSS I’ve learned how to interact with students, faculty and also people outside of CMSS and I’d like to continue building my own personal teaching style/beliefs and continue to go further with my instrument.
Update: Solomon was promoted to Sonido Musica Teaching Artist (August, 2024)
Juan Gomez, Prelude Preschool Intern
Hello, my name is Juan Gomez. I’m from Tallahassee, FL, and I’m attending school at Springfield College. I’m entering my last semester studying Psychology with a minor in Philosophy and music. I’m on the Springfield College Men’s Gymnastics Team, and I play guitar for the Springfield College Band. As well as my Band, “N30”, we play anything from Jazz, blues, rock, Neo Soul, chill, etc. My goals for the future involve being a part of music in any way I can. I hope to bring people closer together through music. This shared feeling we connect with between people, melody, rhythm, and voice. As well as the union of others to provide this sense of feeling. I hope to be a link, or rather a connection, to help create this community of music and to bring others to feel. My goal is to become an artist and release my songs. However, I would be more than happy to be a session musician or involved in another band with the same goal. In the future, I’d like to continue studying this relationship between music and the mind. I hope to observe and learn more about this relationship during my time at CMSS. Prelude Preschool of the Arts has given me plenty of opportunities to engage in this observation, as well as giving me opportunities to learn teaching methods and communication with younger children. I hope to use these skills and values as I take the next step in counseling or Music Therapy.
Berenice Cruz, Prelude Preschool Intern
Jennifer Cruz, Prelude Preschool Intern
Hello everyone, I’m Jennifer Cruz. You might recognize me as a friendly face at the front desk. During the past year I’ve enjoyed working with families in CMSS’ enrollment team. My passion for working with kids and my love for music have led me to the prelude preschool internship. I’m currently studying music at HCC with the intent of becoming a music educator. I have always been drawn to the idea of making a positive impact on young minds. This internship presents an incredible opportunity for me to explore and discover working with kids. As I embark on this journey, I’m eager to learn from the wonderful people in this community. The warmth and support I’ve received here during my own educational path have inspired me to contribute to the community that has nurtured and taught me so much. I look forward to creating a nurturing environment where every child can thrive, explore, and experience the joy of music education.
Update: Jennifer was promoted to Prelude Preschool of the Arts Teacher (June, 2024)
Lauren Parker, Prelude Preschool Intern
My name is Lauren Parker from Longmeadow MA. I am currently attending school at HCC getting my Lead Teacher certification and a degree in early childhood education. It is an honor to be able to be a part of the CMSS family and make a difference in the community. I look forward to working with you all this school year. My dream is to open up a forest preschool of my own to help my community raise children who are authentic, kind, and collaborative. By fostering an environment of warmth and exploration, it is my goal to nurture the developmental skills each child needs in order to thrive. So if you see me around, feel free to say hello. I always love to get to know the different families and their stories!
Update: Lauren was promoted to Prelude Preschool of the Arts Teacher (June, 2024)
Carolyn Dufraine, Front Desk Intern
In addition to interning at CMSS’ front desk, Carolyn Dufraine is a Brass Teaching Artist in our Sonido Musica program. Carolyn is originally from Westfield, Massachusetts, specializing in trombone performance. She received her BM in trombone from Westfield State University in 2018, under the private instruction of Mr. Timothy Atherton. She then earned her MM in Trombone Performance at UMass Amherst in 2022, under the tutelage of Mr. Gregory Spirodopoulos. Carolyn has been a freelance musician since 2012, hired to perform in various college ensembles and bands in the Western region of Massachusetts. Some of these ensembles include the Amherst College Jazz Ensemble, the Mount Holyoke Orchestra and Jazz Ensemble, the Westfield State Wind Symphony and Jazz Ensemble, The UMass Chapel Jazz Ensemble, as well as The Leafies You Gave Me, Shokozoba, The Feldons, The Valley Moonstompers, The Soul Magnets, Rock Steady, The Berkshire Ska Orchestra, The Preservation Mob Band, Gunhild Carling (of Postmodern Jukebox) and Glori Wilder. She also regularly sings and plays trombone in The Lucky 5. In 2022, the Berkshire Jazz Organization commissioned her to write an original composition for small jazz ensemble at the 10Ã—10 Jazz Showcase. She also travels around Western Mass teaching private lessons on trombone, trumpet and euphonium. It brings her great joy to share the musical knowledge she has gained throughout the years, and she strives to create a safe and engaging environment for students to learn and make music in.
Update: Carolyn was promoted to Enrollment Assistant and Receptionist (July 2024) and continues in her role as a Sonido Musica Teaching Artist.