Bill

This sweet little banjolele was in Bill’s closet for 50 years until he dug it out and brought it to TommyFest. Our illustrious banjo guru, Roburn, put on a new hide drum, repaired the tuning pegs and restrung it, bringing it back to life! Bill is soon to be pickin’ and grinnin’ at local jam sessions!!!

Through the years, it has been my pleasure to work in community and school settings, where I have been able to share the joy of making art and music with a wide range of kids, from infants to high school students.

Recently, my many years as a paraeducator landed me in Student Accessibility Services. With Tommyfest as a resource, we were able to bring instruments to a variety of kids in our community. Some of these young people may have lacked funds or family support, and some just wanted to explore the world of music without the big expense and commitment.

As our dear friend Tommy Morris used to say,

“How can you learn to play, if you don’t have an instrument?”

In my school, we talk a lot about “Universal Design” and the benefits of offering everyone in a particular community various and diverse points of entry toward a desired goal based on individual learning styles and/or life circumstances

Tommy and his beloved partner, Nancy Jean (founder of Tommyfest) embraced the idea that anyone can experience the joy of learning how to play an instrument if only they are given the tools and the encouragement.

“The only disability is when people cannot see human potential.” - Debra Ruh

I will never forget the smile of a student who took to my old beat-up ukulele so naturally and how it gave him such a proud sense of accomplishment to learn to play “Wagon Wheel”. This young man had a very difficult childhood, experiencing trauma that you would not believe. The trauma led to learning difficulties and deep emotional scarring, but the boy still had this natural joy that could not be extinguished. Thanks to Tommyfest, we were able to get him his own brand-new uke. Owning this beautiful instrument and being able to express his emotions through music was such a beautiful thing to witness.

All people have their own personal challenges. Their challenges might not seem as difficult as the ones my young student faced and yet to each individual, their own journey is the only one they know. Anything that brings joy and a sense of accomplishment - like owning your own instrument and learning how to make beautiful sounds come out of it - will inspire positivity and self-love in any living, breathing human being.

I am so grateful for all the young people in my life whose lives have been touched by this ever-evolving library of instruments managed by a small group of lovable and generous volunteers. Thank You Tommyfest.

Ukulele Player

Danial

Danial’s German grandfather and father were both accordion players. This sweet little Accordion was donated at TommyFest 2024, and Danial is soon to be a third-generation Accordion aficionado!

Stu Osnow:

"I got to the jam (West Townshend store Sunday Jam) late and played a song on my blue clarinet. It was an appropriate time for Paul to bring forth Liam's clarinet. All wrapped up and new, we greased the corks and got down to business. He was thrilled and displayed some talent and named the notes he played. We're setting up lessons. Jeremy (Liam's dad) was awed that we got a brand new horn for Liam. I told him it was a win all around. I am going to enjoy working with this kid. He is so happy. I said play it in good health. Peace, Love and Three Part Harmony. That's the TommyFest motto. (The first part is what my father Ozzie told me when he bought me my tenor sax.)