Make Music With Us

Paisley Hampton was just 2 years old when she discovered her love of music and singing. Now, the 10-year-old has discovered the many ways that the Uptown Music Collective can help turn that passion into so much more. 

“When I first started at Uptown, I was excited, but nervous,” she said. “I can now say I gained a lot of knowledge and confidence in myself and my singing.” 

Senior guitarist Mackenzie Hakes feels the same way after spending five years as a Collective student. 

“Before joining the Collective, I was a really shy kid with a lack of confidence in myself,” she said. “I have grown as a musician and a person, and I’m learning how to break out of my shell and be more confident in myself and my abilities. I can say that I have performed in front of 1,000 people. I can say that I’ve opened for Kansas. I can tell people that I’ve shared the stage with Dylan Rockoff and Brennan Hepler. And, most importantly, I can say that I have met some of the best people in my life and learned things I will take with me in the future.” 

Drummer Bryant Cole, 12, has also been with the Collective for five years, but his love for music was often overshadowed by self-doubt and a lack of confidence in sharing his ideas. Music, he said, felt more like something he liked rather than something he was “good enough” to grow or perform confidently. 

“Since joining Uptown Music Collective, my relationship with music has changed a lot,” Cole said. “I feel more confident, supported and motivated. Being surrounded by mentors and peers who believe in me has helped me trust my abilities. Now music feels like a space where I belong and where I can continue to grow both as a musician and as a person.”

But what would happen if the Uptown Music Collective didn’t exist? 

“If Uptown Music Collective wasn’t here, students and the community would be missing a safe, supportive space where young people can grow, express themselves and feel like they belong,” Cole said. “Many students wouldn’t have access to quality music education, mentorship or opportunities to perform and collaborate with others who share their passion.”

We all know a Paisley, a Mackenzie or a Cole – maybe it’s in one of our own children, maybe it’s the kid next door or maybe we see a bit of them in ourselves. We all have the same thing in common – finding joy in bringing music into our own lives and sharing that out with the world. 

Our society is changing at a breathtaking pace. In difficult times, music can help guide us. Live music connects and inspires us, drawing us together toward common ground. We hope you’ll consider supporting students like Paisley, Mackenzie and Cole, and the hundreds of others who call the Collective home each week. 

Read on to learn what inspires our partners and donors to support the Uptown Music Collective.

"We are proud to support the Uptown Music Collective. They are not only teaching music but also building confidence and leadership skills for their students. As a community bank, we are passionate about investing in opportunities that help shape the future of our area, and Uptown is doing that every single day. Choosing Uptown Music Collective for a Raise the Region donation means investing directly in local youth in our community. Every contribution helps provide access to programming, scholarships, and performances. Supporting the Collective ensures that more students can experience the confidence, creativity, and growth that come from being part of the Uptown Music Collective."

- Woodlands Bank

"Organizations like the Uptown Music Collective add meaningfully to the cultural vibrancy that Williamsport has long celebrated. Beyond teaching music, Uptown helps students develop qualities that serve them throughout life—character, diligence, creativity, and teamwork—often through a path that is different from traditional academic or athletic outlets."

- Allen Kiessling | Kiessling Group of Janney Montgomery Scott

"The Uptown Music Collective is the best place for young kids or even adults who want to learn how to play an instrument. Their music shows are fantastic. If you haven’t seen one, take the time to be impressed. Both my boys grew up with Dave teaching them the music world. Uptown is a great experience!!!"

- Rick Quigley

"Grins and clapping from both audience and players show the excitement brought to Uptown concerts after long hours of preparation. Uptown offers students an opportunity to excel among several instruments and multiple skill sets — instrumental, vocal performance and technical. Doing so among others who share passions for many forms of music provides a comfortable yet exciting forum in which to learn and have fun. The input players have toward choosing themes and pieces moves them to create amazing concerts for their audiences. Thus, the enthusiasm on all sides!"

- Stephen and Martha Huddy