The Project
People
The Masterclass
The Benefit Concert
The Playhouse Project offers a unique combination of musical mentoring, education and performance opportunities, without charge, to high school and middle school students and permanent residents of the South Fork region of Long Island, NY, stretching from Hampton Bays through Southampton, East Hampton and Sag Harbor to Montauk. Its programs take place during the school year, in order to serve the year round population, as distinct from the area’s seasonal visitors and second‐home owners, whose social and cultural activities are largely concentrated in the summer months. Founded in 2005 by Richard Brockman and Mirra Bank, the Playhouse Project was inspired and named after the magnificent and acoustically resplendent Elizabethan style theater they own in East Hampton. The Playhouse is rich in musical and theatrical tradition and has been maintained, since it was constructed in 1916, as a family residence and performance venue. Throughout its first five years the Playhouse Project has had an exceptional impact on the local community and has been supported by ticket sales, family foundations and numerous donors.
Listed below are some comments from participants, teachers, journalists, donors and community members who have felt and/or seen musical empowerment, mentoring and greater self assurance arising from participation.
Comments from Participants, Teachers and Community Members
“I never had better advice. He suggested that I play with the song, and to act older and heavier‐set. And that
really seemed to work!” Preston Zeh Baritone
“To have an organization that works so hard and gives so generously to benefit local students is an eye‐opening
experience and many of my students and their families have commented on how rare and wonderful it is.”
David Douglas Vocal Director, East Hampton High School
“It was transformational and such an incredibly important gift to the community!”
Karen Hensel Community Member
“As Maestro Simon’s predominant focus was on the deep nature of the viola, I greatly wish to play this piece for
the concert and apply all the Maestro’s suggestions to perfection.”
Asalia Goldberg Viola; Brockman Award Winner
“Thank you for once more allowing our students to share their talents and benefit from such highly skilled
feedback! The program you offer is such a boon to the community, and Ross School is grateful to have taken
part for a second year.” Adam Judd Arts Department Head–The Ross School
“I found the master class, as conducted by Geoffrey Simon, thrilling. Almost every one of the students should
have felt uplifted. While they might not be able to duplicate what Mr. Simon drew out of them when they are
back in their own environments, the memory—kinetic, emotional, aural—should stay with them and give them
something to strive for. It was a stroke of genius for Richard and you to come up with the master class idea.”
Helen Rattray Owner and Publisher, East Hampton Star; Board Member, Choral Society of the Hamptons
“We feel he left each of them with positive life‐long strategies for improvement. We enjoyed listening to the
incredible talent that exists on the East End as well.” Phyllis Power Head of Music, Shelter Island High School
“I would like to thank you for running The Playhouse Project. It is such a great program and I’ve learned so
much from my involvement with it over the past two years.” Meghan Lydon Soprano; Merit Award Winner
“The master class was delightful! It was a pleasure to watch Maestro Simon prune, propagate, fertilize and
water our budding musicians!” Jane Hastay Teacher of Hunter Reynolds
“I would feel honored if you would allow me to help next year in a greater capacity. I think what you guys are
doing is fantastic.” Nancy Caine Head of Strings, Southampton High School
“The support and enthusiasm from Maestro Simon and Mr Powis was absolutely inspiring, and we are truly
grateful that we were included in today’s program.”
Steve Watson Coach/Teacher of the Hook Mill Music Lab String Quartet
