At the core of the MRC’s founding in 2007 was a dedication to bring the power of music and the arts to at-risk teens and that dedication can only increase as it becomes a service that the YMCA offers. In a city that is full of arts organizations of all disciplines and sizes, there is a considerable lack of accessible arts programming and educational enrichment for underserved students and families, especially as many school districts see a continual loss of music and arts classes. The MRC is dedicated to ensuring that all teens in the Greater Cincinnati area have access to quality music education programs. Katie Tamarelli, MRC Board member, adds, “For the last 15 years, the Music Resource Center has excitedly served the teens of Cincinnati through music education. We are so excited to be a part of the Y to continue this mission and expand our outreach throughout Cincinnati. We are appreciative to our founder for her vision and our staff and volunteers who work with the students every day. We are excited to continue making music under the Y.”
The MRC’s dedication to serving under-resourced teens in Cincinnati and the YMCA’s long-time work in youth development will blend to provide programming to the entire YMCA footprint. “This strategic move will afford new opportunities and a network of support that is stronger than ever, allowing more students to be reached while using both organizations’ shared resources and areas of expertise,” states YMCA of Greater Cincinnati CEO and President Jorge Perez.