Photo Caption:

From left to right: Larry Huemmler, Volunteer;  Kristen Barbin, Board Member; Judy Kennedy, Advisor; George Wiese, Executive Director; Kate Vachon, Office Manager; Audrey Collins, Events Director; Kristen Dunn, Board Member; Becky Mulkern, Board Member; Dr. Julia E. Howell, Director of Education

Conway Village, NH – The Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce along with Mountain Top Music Center  organized a ribbon cutting in recognition of the non-profit’s 30th anniversary. The event was attended by the Chamber’s Executive Director Chris Proulx, Mountain Top Music Center’s Executive Director George Weise, along with Mountain Top board members, volunteers and staff.

The event took place in front of the Majestic Theater, the beautifully restored vintage venue owned by the non-profit.

George Wiese, Executive Director of Mountain Top, reflected on what the milestone means for the organization. "Thirty years is an interesting number for us," he said. "For me personally, this is my 15th year, so the stars have aligned that I've been here for half the history of the organization, which is a really cool thing. We're also now old enough that we have alums from our programs doing really amazing things. Some of the alums from the early days are working here now, like our director of education, Julia Howell. We're seeing things come full circle."

Wiese also noted the significance of the organization's home in Conway Village. "It's been 10 years since we started our campaign to move down the street to this beautiful building. We moved in 2019, so this is really starting to feel like home. It's been gratifying to watch attention come to this end of the valley during our time here, and to be part of the synergy with other businesses moving to the village. Conway Village really has a vibrancy that it didn't have 10 or 15 years ago. When you come down on a concert night, you see people parking, the lights are on, and it's a special thing. It's especially meaningful that music education has been a catalyst for all of that. We're delighted to be part of this community, and 30 years is definitely worth celebrating."

Mountain Top Music Center is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit community music school and performing arts center located in Conway, New Hampshire. Their mission is to enrich lives and build community by providing inspiring music education and by offering performance and listening opportunities throughout the area.  More than 350 people participate in lessons, classes, workshops, and community ensembles each year.  

Mountain Top Music Center’s Majestic Theatre presents a variety of concerts bringing the work of professional musicians, plus students, community ensembles, and faculty to the community.  Mountain Top Music Center successfully led a capital campaign to renovate Conway’s long-neglected Bolduc Block and Majestic Theatre into teaching and performing space. Since 2021 they have operated the renovated theatre as a prominent regional performance venue.  

For more information, visit their website at https://www.mountaintopmusic.org/