Wilmington Branch: 4101 Washington Street Wilmington, DE 19802 302-762-1132 Mon-Fri, 9am-9pm Sat, 9am-5pm Sun, Closed Milford Branch: 10 South Walnut Street Milford, DE 19963 302-422-2043 Mon-Thu, 10am-8pm Fri, 10am-6pm Sat & Sun, Closed	In July 2007, The Wilmington Music School consolidated operations with the Delaware Music School. The joining of the two schools resulted in a single community music entity with over 80 years of experience offering services throughout Delaware from two branches, the Wilmington Branch (Wilmington Music School location) and the Milford Branch (Delaware Music School location). Wilmington Branch History Milford Branch History __________________________Wilmington Branch History 1923-1928: Beginnings WMS opens in 1924, enrolling 70 students. Stated goal: provide high quality music education to students of all economic backgrounds. WMS moves to Old Odd Fellows Hall at Third and King Streets. The Wilmington Music School Orchestra and the S. Coleridge Taylor Choral Society are begun. 1928-1943: Growth and Stability The school moves in 1928 to the "old Moore mansion" at Eighth and Washington Streets. Musicianship classes and an introductory music program for very young children are added. Community support helps the school subsist during the country's worst economic depression. Generous faculty musicians, including the Curtis String Quartet, donate their talents for special events. In 1929 the school's orchestra merges with another to become the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra, predecessor to the Delaware Symphony Orchestra. 1943-1959: Postwar Expansion and a New Building Postwar enrollment jumps to 200 (following a wartime dip). Renovation creates the school's first concert hall. By 1946, WMS Board votes unanimously to accept students "regardless of race, color or creed." The 25th anniversary of the school is celebrated in 1949 at the Gold Ballroom of the Hotel DuPont. Merit scholarships are added to the already-established financial aid awards. 1959-1974: New Programs, Jazz and a 50th Anniversary Celebration In 1959, WMS moves to its present location at Washington Street and Lea Boulevard. Jazz and Suzuki violin instruction begin. Enrollment reaches 900. In January 1974, the 50th anniversary of the school is celebrated at the Gold Ballroom of the Hotel DuPont. 1974-1987: "Awakening the Sleeping Giant" A "Conservatory Division" is established for the most serious students, with an alternate "General Studies Division" for those wishing a less rigorous course of study. A program aimed at reaching and serving the elder population of Wilmington is established with help from the Delaware Foundation. 1987-1997: Expanding for a Musical Future In 1991, the first Performathon is held, with 140 students participating. WMS faculty initiate the Early Childhood curricula that later become known nationally as Kindermusik®. The Wilmington Community Orchestra is named, following its start as the Wilmington Repertory Orchestra (then an affiliate of The Delaware Symphony Orchestra). The John Rollins Jazz Band is established at WMS in 1988. In 1997, renovations to the facility are completed, including a digital piano lab, large ensemble room, two early childhood rooms, nine new teaching studios, a large atrium lounge and a courtyard. 1998-present: Quality, Accessibilty and Stability: Approaching a Century of Service The 75th anniversary of the school is celebrated in 2000 at the Delaware Art Museum. Performathon draws nearly 300 student participants by the year 2000. Enrollment reaches its highest point in the history of the school, topping 2,200 by the year 2001. The school rededicates itself to quality instruction, diverse offerings and outreach - bringing back its Jazz Band, renewing its Certificate Program, adding Steel Drums and forming numerous partnerships with other community organizations. Longwood Foundation endorses the work of the school with a $100,000 matching challenge grant to help boost the Annual Fund. __________________________Milford Branch History June 10, 1981: The Delaware Music School is incorporated. September 1981: Delaware Music School opens with two teachers and 38 students. School’s Goal: “Bringing the joy of music to the community of Southern Delaware” School operates out of Avenue Methodist Church until 1998 Three-fold Mission: Teach music instruction Enrich instruction through supplementary training, performances and other experiences Outreach in the community 1981 - 1986: Delaware Music School establishes branches in 4 nearby communities (Dover, Seaford, Lewes and Millsboro). During this time the school: Increases faculty to 17 and students to 200 Operates the only string orchestra in Southern Delaware Performs in recitals, retirement communities, shopping centers, businesses, public schools and in concert with the Dover Symphony In May 1984, 21 DMS Suzuki String students perform at the Filene Center at Wolf Trap Farm Park for the Performing Arts in Vienna, VA. September 1998: School moves to 10 S. Walnut Street in downtown Milford. June 10, 2006: Delaware Music School celebrates 25 years. Summer 2007: Delaware Music School merges with The Wilmington Music School to create The Wilmington Music School/Delaware Music School.	Check This Out Concert Brochure - Fall 2008 2008-2009 Information Guide Capital Campaign Update WMS/DMS Informational Video
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