Welcome Abimael Melendez, Homer OPUS’s new String Program Director! Abi (Mr. “Abby” to the kids) grew up in a small, vibrant city in northwest Venezuela and began studying violin at age eight. He attended his local El Sistema “nucleo”—essentially a Boys and Girls Club of music. After earning a Bachelor of Music in violin performance, a Master’s in Education, and a Doctorate in Educational Sciences in Venezuela, Abi received his Master’s in Music Education from Bard College’s Longy School of Music in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and comes to us after teaching in the Boston public schools.

Special thanks to our Nest Egg supporters who made it possible to recruit a full time teacher and program director. We’re off and running now, thanks to you!