Two of the leading music programs in La Plata County—Stillwater Music and the Be Frank Foundation—have joined forces. These fixtures of Durango’s youth music scene are now united under one banner: Stillwater Music. Since the music lessons and related services provided by the two schools complement each other, it appears to be a perfect match.
Currently celebrating its 20th Anniversary, Stillwater Music offers a wide variety of music services, including private instrument and voice lessons, band classes, childhood education, and performance opportunities. By contrast, the Be Frank Foundation focuses almost entirely on orchestral music, providing high-quality music education to students in Bayfield and Durango since 2013. The Be Frank Foundation has traditionally provided instruction in orchestral instruments, like the violin, viola, cello, and double bass.
As part of the merger, Lech Usinowicz, Founder and Executive Director of the Be Frank Foundation, joined Stillwater Music as its new Orchestra Department Chair.
“Joining forces with Stillwater Music allows us to build on everything Be Frank has accomplished over the past decade,” Usinowicz explained. “Our orchestra students will continue to thrive, and now, they’ll have even greater resources, opportunities, and support behind them. This partnership ensures that orchestral music remains a vibrant part of our schools and community for years to come.”
Jana Leslie, Stillwater Music’s Executive Director, enthusiastically agreed: “We are thrilled to bring these two incredible organizations together under one mission: to make music education accessible, inspiring, and community-driven. We can’t wait to see where this new momentum and strong team take us. This is only the beginning.”
Now that the two music entities are united under one banner, Stillwater Music can focus on the celebration of its 20th Anniversary. As part of that celebration, Stillwater will host Winter Wonderbands, a student music showcase concert at the Light Box, Stillwater Music’s venue, on Saturday, December 13. This will be a triple celebration, as Stillwater celebrates its 20th Anniversary, the holiday season, and the region’s talented young musicians with an afternoon of fun, music, and food. A silent auction of items from local businesses will help to make this event one of Stillwater’s biggest fundraisers of the year. Tickets are free, and all are welcome. Visit https://stillwatermusic.org/events/ for more information about the event.
By Phil Brown
