Long-time Nanuet Music Volunteers Recognized

The nationally ranked Nanuet Music Program has a large presence in the Nanuet School District, through general music classes, ensembles and the theater productions. The department’s influence can be felt in every school of the district, and there is a group working behind the scenes helping each music department event come to life: the Nanuet Music Parents Association.

This past week three long-time members of the Nanuet Music Parents Association were recognized at the for their years of hard work and dedication: Marie Maher, Marty Kuhn and Jennifer Kuhn.  These three volunteers have been involved with organization in some capacity for about the last 15 years.  The main function of the Nanuet Music Association is support the Nanuet Music program through fundraising and volunteering at music department events, such as All-County Festivals or theater productions. 

Marty and Jennifer Kuhn, a father-daughter team, have served as the most recent president and vice president, respectively, of the Music Parents Association. Marty began volunteering with the organization when the first of his three children were young.

“I stared out originally selling flowers,” when his children were young, he said and this small role eventually lead the entire Kuhn family to become involved with Music Parents.

Maher also became involved with Music Parents when her first child was in elementary school, almost 18 years ago. She later stepped into the roll of secretary in 2000 and she served in that position until this year.  As secretary, Maher helped digitize the organization by supporting the creation of a website for the group and by starting to contact other volunteers through email. 

Maher and the Kuhns are proud of all their organization has accomplished throughout the years.  Maher is particularly pleased with increasing community awareness for the Music Parents Association.

“Since I became involved the organization, we have branched out and now more people know about us,” said Maher. Because the organization has grown in popularity it has allowed the music department to continue to develop. 

The Kuhns are glad they have been involved with an organization that supports a music program that “provides an alternative outlet for students that may not succeed in other areas,” said Jennifer.

Dr. Jack Gremli, the director of the Nanuet Music Department is grateful for all the support Music Parents, and its volunteers, has provided his department.

"(Maher) always carried out her duties with dignity and compassion," said Gremli. "She is one of the most reliable people I have ever met." 

Gremil also added how much he relied upon the Kuhn family to provide what was needed for the Music Department. 

"The entire family works together to make things happen, and boy do they make things happen," Gremli. "Whenever we need something done for the students of the Nanuet Music Department, we call on the Kuhns knowing the task will be completed quickly, completely, and with an extra frill or two added."

Although the three are moving on from the Nanuet Music Parents Association, they all wish for the organization to continue to grow and provide the Music Department with the support it needs. 

“I hope the program continues to grow in its number of students and more funds for the betterment of the music program," said Maher

The Kuhns added that they would like the Nanuet Music Parents Association to, “continue to recognize the students who deserve it and continue to do what the music department needs them to do.”