Thank you Tim Pitney!

Tim Pitney, a parent of JOMP alumni, and various band members have been donating gig tips to JOMP for the past 3-4 years (Chapin’s Bayside, Woodshed, Sea Dog, Ground Round, etc). Over the summer, they hit an impressive milestone of $5,000 raised for JOMP's tuition assistance program! We are so grateful to these generous individuals who, in sharing their love of music with others, have inspired such support for our program.

Tim has shared the following message with us:

"When I think about JOMP, I think about my now grown children that all took lessons and performed at JOMP for some years in the 2000’s. During that time, I came to appreciate the talents and mission that Rich and Wendy Ardizonne set in motion that still stand today, with Jenny Gaul reinvigorating that mission.

I also think of my own experience learning instruments, starting with piano. I had the honor of having my grandmother as my first piano teacher at the age of five. She was a learned player who originally played in silent theaters, so had an endless repository of songs, stamina to play through multiple screenings and a passion to make people happy. Other Worcester teachers included Mrs. Pauline Rice, Mr. Bill Farrell, Mrs. Anne Rochleau, and Mrs. Madelyn Levenson - all of whom I frustrated at one point or another!

My three (later six) siblings would line up for lessons with Grandma after church on Sundays and get the 30 minute musical touch from a woman who then dedicated her life to music and teaching others. It was a bit of hit or miss for some of us but we all enjoyed the attention and she enjoyed watching us progress.

Grandma Pitney was a velvet guiding hand and taught us to our various levels. At an early age she told me I had “the talent” - I had no idea what this meant, I just played, and enjoyed it. Among all of the lessons, scales, sonatas, ragtime and piano in four hands we played together she taught me, one lesson stood out. It was not about the piano, but about life. She implored me to never stop learning or playing - and play for others. Most importantly, she said not all will have the given talent so share yours with others through your own.

I’ve since turned to guitar (and still piano) and over the last 45 years joined with a cadre of outstanding musicians who share the passion of playing for others and giving out their talent. We all have full-time day jobs but play when we can, fulfilling lifelong passions of playing music and making people happy (we hope!).

A few years ago, we decided to dedicate tip jar money to JOMP and the response from our audience has been nothing but overwhelming. Whether I am playing solo or with a variety of mixed formations (Hooper’s Revenge, Highland Sound), all of us have been so excited to be able to give back to the youth in the community through JOMP and their scholarship program. That program provides instruments and lessons to Worcester area students that need some financial help. Outside of pure academics, there could be nothing better put in their hands and minds.

Jenny and her team have been so supportive in our efforts and we are blessed and excited to keep my Grandmother’s advice alive by giving out the talents that have blessed us and bring music to entertain those around us, and give a new generation the opportunity to do the same.

My thanks go to the musicians who have donated their time and talents (in no particular order): Matt Robert, Mike Cirillo, Jared Forgues, Matt Smith, Chris Vroman, Chris Dufault, Rick Schiffman - and the staff past and present for JOMP. Thanks to Jenny and your staff. Keep doing what you are doing and so will we!"