ROCVETS is an opportunity for veterans to make music and learn how to play musical instruments

Register for FREE to as many activities as you want!

"Through regular practice and group performances, our
members experience the joy of music while building
meaningful connections within a supportive network"

- Dr. Roy Ernst

Veterans and immediate family members of veterans can now register for a free music program including bands, guitar, and a vocal group. Instruments, printed music and instruction are free. Come enjoy the healing power of music, new friendships, and a positive vision of the future.Practices and classes take place in the VetSpace
at the
The MarketPlace Mall- Enter the mall at the EAST entrance, walk past University of Rochester Medical Services and find Vet Space on your left-[email protected]

MVNA was founded by Dr. Roy Ernst, professor emeritus of The Eastman School of Music and founder of New Horizons International Music Association.
This is the third music program for veterans by the Music for Veterans National Association, Inc. 501(c)(3).Dr. Roy Ernst
[email protected]talk to ROCVETS at:
[email protected]
(585) 626- 2726This opportunity is made possible by a generous contribution from Andy Nahas, a Rochester philanthropist and his charity MusicPower.org

MUSIC DIRECTORS

Dr. Alden Snell, Chair of the Department of Music Teaching and Learning of the Eastman School of Music; Eastman graduate students

Marcia Bornhurst Parkes, founder of Insightful Music Leadership, applies her experience and success in higher education, community music schools, and k-12 schools. She offers support in the areas of leadership, engagement, musicianship, and performance anxiety. Marcia encourages people to reflect upon societal problems such as poverty, diversity, equity, and inclusion prior to shaping initiatives that could transform their communities through music and the other arts.While serving in administrative, conducting, and teaching roles with the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth Department of Music (UMD), the Eastman School of Music New Horizons Program and during her k-12 career, she created opportunities for students to uplift the community during economic downturns, soften senior adults’ loneliness, offer hope to peers who suffered on 9/11, and respect and build relationships with amateurs and professionals.Marcia gives presentations for the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), the College Music Society (CMS), the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA), the New York State Band Directors Association (NYSBDA), Sigma Alpha Iota (SAI), and for colleges, public schools, and professional organizations. She speaks about her research on creativity and comprehensive musicianship, as well as engagement, improvisation, composition, commissioning, and others.In 1997, Marcia received the first NYSBDA Distinguished Service Award for key roles as a founder (in her late 20’s), a steering committee and executive board member (15 years), 2nd vice-president, creator-manager of the Regional Workshop Program (12 years), and as chair of the first band commission which received a Meet the Composer grant. At two symposia, her school bands presented concert-clinics. In 1982, elementary students’ portfolios illustrated success with the comprehensive musicianship approach to learning. In 1997, she discussed fostering creativity through composition. Select 8th grade students performed their works and shared their creative processes. For The Commission Project (TCP), she was a collaborating teacher during three composers’ residencies. As a consultant, she evaluated that organization’s mission and two core programs. While at UMass Dartmouth, she co-produced the New Bedford Symphony/UMD composer residency featuring John Corigliano.To support the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Marcia served on the Education Committee. She helped write the first teacher-curricular guides, and she initiated programs including the “SpenceRPOrt Concert Connection Series” which she directed for 5 years. Two RPO conductors and 37 musicians gave “informances” prior to participants attending subscription concerts. Parkes also established RPO Day events which included RPO musician-led master classes and a concert for Spencerport’s secondary schools. For the RPO Integrated Arts Project she served as the local coordinator. A member of the Rochester Philharmonic League, Marcia served on the League Board and chaired the Young Artist Auditions Competition.For NYSSMA, she served as a contributor and writer for the NYSSMA/New York State Education Department’s “Music: A Resource Guide”. She has adjudicated NYSSMA All-State and Major Organization festivals, served as a guest conductor for various honor bands, and established county-level evaluation festivals.Currently, she is delighted to serve as a band director for Music for Veterans in Rochester, NY, and she performs with the Alphorn Society of Western New York. Marcia holds three degrees in music education: the Ph.D. and M. M. from the Eastman School of Music, and the B. M. from Ithaca College.

Lukas Wilson is an educator, conductor, and Christian chaplain with over 20 years of experience leading choirs, bands, and ensembles in schools, churches, and community settings. The son of an Iraq War veteran and grandson of a Vietnam veteran, he carries a deep respect for those who have served our country. Lukas has seen firsthand the sacrifices veterans and their families bear, which fuels his commitment to Music for Veterans’ mission of supporting mental health and belonging through music. He currently serves as pastor of Kingdom Generation Ministries and as Assistant Principal at Rochester’s School of the Arts, where he helps students thrive through performance, resilience, and community.

Currently a student in the doctoral program at Eastman School of Music under the mentorship of Paul O’Dette, Pedro Sperb’s study of historical plucked strings and modern guitar has granted him many years of experience as a performer and educator. Performing either solo or Basso continuo, Pedro seeks for historical music awareness, having entered early music under Dr. Silvana Scarinci. While a variety of experiences intertwine, Pedro is currently Chapter Leader for the Lute Society of America, where he directs the educational program Lute4KIds. Pedro’s Brazilian origin guides his Mission of representing diverse populous demographics in his performances, especially Latin-American Baroque music. As educator, Pedro currently holds a position of Secondary Professor at Eastman School of Music and has given Early Music Appreciation lectures at Universities in California, South Carolina and Colorado, while also serving as higher education Teacher Assistant the for classes of Counterpoint, Harmony, Analysis, Music Aesthetic, Chamber Music, Symphonic and Wind Orchestras. As a modern musician, Pedro had collaborated with compatriot composers in debuting contemporary guitar pieces with the Porto Alegre Contemporary Music Ensemble and at age 17, Pedro was finalist in the Souza Lima Guitar Competition (SP-Brazil). In 2018, Pedro received his Master of Arts in Music performance at Azusa Pacific University of Southern California and in 2022, Pedro graduated as a Master in Arts Lute/Guitar under John Schneiderman at the University of California, Irvine.

[email protected]

Schedule of ClassesBand I 8:30-9:20 am
Learn an instrument and how to read music!Band II 9:30-10:30 amGuitar Basics 10:30am-11:30amGuitar 11:30am-12:30pmChorus 1pm-2pm
Join your new friends to sing in a chorus!Choose to be in more than one class!Classes are Saturdays and take place in the VetSpace at the MarketPlace Mall, beginning on September 13 and ending on December 13, with no classes Thanksgiving weekend.for more info:
[email protected]

We want to thank our supporters for their very important contributions to Rochester Music for Veterans:Andy Nahas, Rochester Philanthropist, and his MusicPower