Manchester Strengthens Future of Community Music School and Philanthropy with New Development Leadership
Manchester, N.H. — October 17th, 2025 — The Manchester Community Music School (MCMS) is delighted to announce the appointment of Marlén Rodríguez Wolfe as its new Development Director. Her arrival marks an exciting moment in the school’s continuing legacy of growth, access, and community impact.
Since its founding in 1983 by Sam and May Gruber, MCMS has expanded its reach to serve more than 1,500 individuals annually across 60 New Hampshire communities. From infants as young as six months to vibrant seniors in their 80s, the school offers early-childhood music classes, private lessons, ensembles, music theory, master classes, a robust Suzuki program, and an accomplished music therapy program. The Sam and May Gruber Recital Hall remain a daily hub of rehearsal and performance, honoring the founders’ vision of a community grounded in shared musical experience.
Under the leadership of Executive Director Polly Towner, MCMS has entered a new chapter of energy and alignment. A trained educator from Westminster Choir College, Towner brings deep musical and instructional experience to her role. Over her long teaching career, she has taught choir in middle and high schools, directed community and church ensembles, and performed with the New York Philharmonic and the Opera Festival of New Jersey. Towner assumed the role of MCMS Executive Director in 2024, after joining the organization in 2022 as a voice instructor and founding director of the Concert Choir.
Rodriguez Wolfe brings a rich blend of nonprofit development, music therapy, and international program design to MCMS. A long-time board-certified music therapist, she holds degrees in Music Therapy from Berklee College of Music, University of Miami and an Executive MBA. Over the years, she has developed programs and advised numerous arts and wellness initiatives, including co-developing the largest migrant music therapy program in the United States, and education programs serving children displaced by conflict. Her background equips her to lead MCMS’s fundraising, donor relations, and strategic growth efforts.
“I’m thrilled to join Polly and the amazing team at MCMS,” said Rodriguez-Wolfe. “Every staff member here brings deep expertise, rich backgrounds in music and program development, and a genuine commitment to increasing access to music for the entire Manchester community. It’s inspiring to be part of an organization that not only values music excellence but also acknowledges its importance in connection, healing, and opportunity”.
MCMS offers a full spectrum of programming that makes it a true gem for the Queen City. Its music therapy programs provide healing and enrichment for individuals of all ages and abilities. The Faculty Performance Series brings world-class music to the community through engaging concerts and recitals delivered by MCMS faculty. Outreach programs connect MCMS with local schools and community centers, ensuring music education reaches underserved populations. Students of all ages and levels participate in ensembles, orchestras, and choirs, fostering personal growth, skill-building, and joy in performance. Together, these programs create a vibrant, inclusive musical ecosystem that touches lives across Manchester and beyond.
“Marlen’s deep experience in building capacity, telling powerful stories, and marrying mission with sustainability will be a tremendous asset as we grow MCMS’s reach and impact,” said Executive Director Polly Towner. “Her leadership complements the strong foundation we’ve built, and I’m excited to see where we go together.”
In her new role, Wolfe will spearhead enhanced development initiatives, strengthen relationships with individual and institutional donors, expand corporate partnerships, and help ensure that MCMS continues its tradition of accessibility—providing high-quality music education and therapy for all, regardless of financial circumstance.
Connect and Support the Mission
MCMS relies on the generosity of its community to sustain and grow its programs. If you would like to explore ways to support music education, performance, and therapy in Manchester, please reach out to Marlen at development@mcmusicschool.org. Your partnership ensures that music remains accessible to everyone in our community.
Media Contact:
Nic Wrampe
Manchester Community Music School
Email: marketing@mcmusicschool.org
Phone: (603) 644-4548
Website: https://mcmusicschool.org