Auburn School Committee approves trial partnership with Packachaug Music School for on-site lessons

The Auburn School Committee on Oct. 22 voted to approve an 8–12 week trial partnership with Packachaug Music School to offer private and small-group music lessons at Auburn High School.

Superintendent (Speaker 3) told the committee Packachaug would coordinate registration, hire teachers, and fund a dedicated site manager to oversee lessons held in the school's practice rooms. Packachaug representative Miss Bailey said the program aims to restore pre-pandemic participation levels and provide easier access for students who otherwise travel to Worcester for lessons. “Having the lessons here in town just removes that added stress traffic and allows more students to take lessons,” Miss Bailey said.

The program will offer instruction for band and chorus instruments — including brass, woodwinds — as well as piano, voice and guitar. Miss Bailey said Packachaug would post small-group lessons for fifth- and sixth-grade beginners while advanced students could take private lessons. She also said Packachaug maintains scholarship and financial‑aid options through its school.

Committee members asked about supervision and parent access during lessons; Miss Bailey described a model with two adult teachers in the practice rooms plus a Packachaug coordinator and a site manager, and parents may sit in an adjacent area while lessons proceed. Chair (Speaker 1) and others emphasized reevaluation at the end of the trial: superintendent's office will report back with participation numbers and recommendations.

Committee member (Speaker 2) moved to approve the trial partnership; the motion passed on a voice vote. Superintendent (Speaker 3) and Miss Bailey said they will follow up with details about scheduling and enrollment.