2017 Artist in Residence & Spring Open House



The Birchtree Center was delighted to host musician Randy Armstrong as our Artist in Residence this winter and spring. During monthly visits to Birchtree, Randy offered hands-lessons in world music and percussion to small groups of students. Students learned drumming patterns from Liberia, Ghana, and other countries and got the opportunity to play and hear instruments from across five continents. On May 11, Randy led students and staff in a drumming performance at our Spring Open House. 

The Open House also featured a brief awards celebration for Active & Aware: The Birchtree Center’s Fitness Challenge for Autism Awareness Month.

The Birchtree Center was able to purchase seven drums this spring, thanks to generous grants from the Wireless Zone Foundation for Giving and the Wireless Zone Verizon Premium Retailers of Hooksett, Plaistow, and the Concord Mall. Students will be able to use these drums to enjoy drumming activities throughout the school year.

Thank you to the Arts Alliance of Northern New Hampshire and VSA NH, who provided the residency as part of their Arts in Inclusive Learning program, under a contract with the The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The 2017 residency was also made possible thanks to generous grants from the Wireless Zone Foundation for Giving and the Wireless Zone Verizon Premium Retailers of Hooksett, Plaistow, and the Concord Mall. We also thank Randy Armstrong for his wonderful work at The Birchtree Center.

Thank you also to OPL Charities, Coed Sportswear, Kennebunk Savings, People’s United Bank, and Bisson Realty Partners- Keller Williams Coastal, Lakes & Mountains for their generous sponsorship of Active & Aware: The Birchtree Center’s Fitness Challenge for Autism Awareness Month. With your support, we raised over $19,000 this spring for Birchtree’s Student Support Fund!