In honor of Ken Cole, retiring Executive Director, the Hoff-Barthelson Music School’s Board of Trustees has established a new fund to fuel innovation and growth across the School. The Fund has been intentionally designed to introduce innovative new ideas and practices that will grow student participation and enrollment, increase accessibility, and enhance the reputation of the School as a premier destination for music education for students of all ages and abilities. Contributions to the HB Fund for Innovation will provide incoming Executive Director Gabriella Sanna a flexible source of funding to guide the School in its next era of excellence and impact, embodying the hallmarks of Ken’s leadership.

Fueling Innovation Across Programs and Practices

The HB Fund for Innovation will fuel innovation across the School and its community, focused on the three areas outlined below. It will allow for expansion and refinement of recent initiatives and enable the development of new ideas under future leadership.

1. Leveraging technology to deliver the finest music education. Possible areas of focus include further development of musicianship labs and streaming and recording capabilities, the use of cutting-edge music education applications, and digital systems to more efficiently administer the School and its programs.
   
   
2. Enhancing learning among HB students and faculty. Possible areas of focus include the development of Sunday programming, additional peer mentoring and professional development opportunities for Faculty and Staff, development of additional performance opportunities both on campus and in the community, and expanded programming to leverage the benefits of the School’s comprehensive music education (e.g. instrument workshops, master classes with guest artists).
   
   
3. Advancing access and inclusion. Possible areas of focus include fostering affordability and accessibility for the greatest number of families possible and the continued expansion of community partnerships and outreach programs.  

About Ken Cole

Ken Cole joined Hoff-Barthelson as Executive Director in August 2016. During his tenure, Ken led the School through a period of transformation and change, embracing new technology and innovative new approaches, highlighted by the School’s 75th anniversary campaign, and punctuated by navigating the School and its community through the Covid pandemic. Before joining HB, Ken served in leadership positions at the League of American Orchestras and the National Guild for Community Arts Education. Ken brought to bear his extensive experience and knowledge of community music schools nationwide to innovate at HB and help the School adapt to a rapidly changing environment. The HB Fund for Innovation in honor of Ken will make possible continued innovation during the next era of the School’s growth and development. 

To make a gift

To make a gift please select HB Fund for Innovation from the drop down menu on our PayPal Donate Page or mail a check to HBMS at 25 School Lane, Scarsdale, NY 10583, and indicate the HB Fund for Innovation in the memo.

For questions please contact Alex Villari at development@hbms.org. Thank you for your support!