Worcester Business Journal

wbjournal.com | April 3, 2023 | Worcester Business Journal 9 Country singer LeAnn Rimes, singer- songwriter Bruce Hornseby, "Hamilton" star Leslie Odom Jr., and bluegrass musician Béla Fleck are all appearing this season. Pampinella said the center is making a point of mixing well- known stars with talented up-and- coming artists. It offers free daytime performances for the community, as well as concerts by its own professional Vista Philharmonic Orchestra and various regional and student ensembles. Attracting visitors from near and far Groton Hill is less than an hour away from Boston, Worcester, and much of Central Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire, and its shows draw people from farther away. at's good news for the local tourism industry, said Melissa Fetterhoff, president and CEO of the Nashoba Valley Chamber of Commerce. "I know that some of the businesses I've talked to are super excited," Fetterhoff said. "Folks are coming to the area and want to stay local." e music center is a boon for hotels, restaurants, cultural attractions, and all sorts of outdoor recreation facilities since many people may want to use a music performance as the centerpiece of a larger trip to take advantage of the scenic location, Fetterhoff said. At the same time, Groton Hill has made an effort to be a good neighbor as far as its immediate surroundings are concerned. e acoustics are designed it doesn't cause noise pollution in the local area, even when the concert hall opens up so artists can play to the lawn seating, "When sound flows out of the concert hall, it's going to float over the top of a hill," Leary said. e facility is compliant with the International Dark Sky Association's standards for avoiding light pollution. All lighting is aimed to illuminate a specific area rather than scattering around or pointing upward. With its new location, GHMC has expanded its staff slightly, from 18 employees last year to in the low 20s today, said Pampinella. A bigger change has been the growth of its volunteer program. Previously, four to six people helped with ushering, but today 18 to 20 are at every concert. "You don't realize how many people want to give their time," Pampinella said, adding the volunteers are invested in both the organization and their relationships with fellow volunteers and GHMC's patrons. "ey're kind of a new friend group." Groton Hill extends its work into communities around the region through its music education programs. It works with aer-school programs and schools, especially in areas that have limited funds to run their own music programs, offering string and drumming programs, ukulele clubs, and other opportunities. In the past, the organization has won numerous grants for these programs, as well as a 2019 outstanding organization award from the Nashoba Valley Chamber of Commerce. Symphony Magazine called the work a model of community connection. While questions can arise about how to balance the performance and educational sides of the organization, oen they fit together seamlessly, said Leary. Student musicians and amateurs of all ages have the opportunity to meet and even play with the professional performers. For example, when Scottish fiddler and composer Alasdair Fraser plays in May, he'll also take time to teach master classes to young string instrument students. "We're interested in making sure that young people and adults both have access to educational opportunities and to seeing world-class artists on world- class stages, making sure this is not locked away from anyone," Leary said. Arts is not a driving factor for our business Worcester's Hanover Theater has been an economic catalyst since it opened in 2008, and when the Groton Hill Music Center opened in September 2022, it positioned itself as having the potential to change the arts and culture landscape in the region and draw in new businesses and spending. Does proximity to an active arts and cultural scene play a role in deciding where to base your company's operations? F L A S H P O L L Yes, we find employees value access to the arts. 19% Yes, we are in an industry that benefits from a proximity to arts and cultural offerings. 15% Spring and summer performances at Groton Hill Music Center April 1 - The New Black Eagle Jazz Band April 7 - LeAnn Rimes April 8 - Boston Conservatory Orchestra April 14 - Organist Randy Steere April 22 - Vista Philharmonic Orchestra April 27 - Groton Hill Big Band May 6 - Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas May 12 - Kinan Azmeh, Mike Block, and Fabio Pirozzolo Trio May 19 - Bruce Molsky & Tony Trischka May 20 - Vista Philharmonic Orchestra June 11 - Leslie Odom Jr. June 17 - Vista Philharmonic Orchestra June 24 - Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers July 13 - The National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America Aug. 5 - Béla Fleck: My Bluegrass Heart Source: Groton Hill Music Center W No, it is not a relevant factor for our business. 53% No, we put much greater priority on access to public transportation and/or housing. 13% Maestro Bruce Hangen leads the Vista Philharmonic Orchestra.

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