September 18, 2026
Dear friend,
Around Hear has begun its tenth season. It’s a time to celebrate growth and success, but also to address new, urgent challenges.
As Around Hear’s new Board President, I’m writing our first-ever appeal letter. For nine years, Marji Gere and Dan Sedgwick have built and sustained Around Hear with limited resources, supported by grants, partner organizations, individual donors, and a tremendous amount of work they have contributed themselves. For those of you who have supported us and participated in our work over the years, I am deeply grateful. If you are just learning about Around Hear, welcome to the community!
This year, the funding landscape has shifted, and Around Hear has lost significant grant support. At the same time, every part of the organization is growing. Our free, all-ages violin and piano classes have grown from 18 students last year to 37 this fall. Our Healey School field trips have expanded from two grades to three. Most of our public concerts played to full houses last season, while residents at our partner sites for seniors and people with disabilities are asking for more frequent concerts, jam sessions, and singalongs. Our challenge now is to build a financial structure that can sustain this growing work.
I grew up in the Somerville Housing Authority and devoted my career to serving low-income families at the Mystic Learning Center. Through my life experiences, I have learned that when caring people bring others together in community, smiles become more plentiful and possibilities more real.
Fluffy at the corner of Florence and Pearl, next to Bryant Manor, one of Around Hear's partners sites for seniors and people with disabilities.
That is one reason I believe in Around Hear, a project founded on a simple idea: bring beautiful, adventurous live music into public housing community rooms—places where people already live, learn, and gather. I’ve seen confidence shine in students when they learn, practice, and perform. I’ve seen children encounter great artistry up close, seniors welcome back musicians they remember from a previous concert, and audiences uplifted by concerts that involve much more than music. I’ve watched people of different ages and backgrounds listen, draw, move, eat, talk, and laugh together.
One of the most important things Around Hear does is show up—again and again, year after year. That continuity allows people to develop real relationships—with music, with artists, and with each other. I can’t think of a better way to build stronger communities.
Right now, we need your help to keep those relationships growing. We believe Around Hear can raise the resources it needs, but our community must be part of that effort. Whatever amount is meaningful to you will provide crucial support for the season ahead and into the future.
If you would like to talk with me, Marji, Dan, or another board member about Around Hear’s future, we would be delighted to hear from you. Our contact information is in the brochure.
Our tenth season is underway. I hope you’ll help us sustain it.
With gratitude,
Florence “Fluffy” Bergmann Board President, Around Hear, Inc.
On behalf of the Around Hear Board of Directors
