2024-25 School Year Interns
CMSS provides paid internships to help young people in and around Springfield develop skills will help them succeed in their careers. This internship program developed out of an overwhelming demand from our current and former students and their families for opportunities to be part of CMSS’ work, as well as an identified need in our community for career building for young people that develop our future workforce and contribute to our local economy.
As an organization dedicated to lifting up our community and shining a light on its assets, CMSS works hard to foster an organizational culture that supports personal and professional growth and fulfillment. In keeping with these values, interns are paid a living wage, treated with respect, and provided with individualized education and training in the areas that interest them.
About our 2024-25 School Year Interns
Sophia Tomko, Trust Transfer Project Intern
Hello, my name is Sophia Tomko, I am 21 years old. I am currently enrolled at Asnuntuck Community College in Enfield Connecticut, where I am pursuing a major in General Studies. This field allows me to explore a variety of different subjects giving me the opportunity to figure out what I want to pursue for my career. After earning my associates degree, I plan to continue my education at a four-year college to further my studies. Although I do not plan on studying music in college, it has always been a passion of mine. Music has been a huge part of my life as I have been involved with the Community Music School of Springfield for the past 11 years. I am also a part of the Bridge Leaders program here at the music school, and I take private voice lessons as well. As I explore other career paths in college, I hope to continue performing as a gigging musician on the side. I am excited to be working on the Trust Transfer Project and I am hoping to strengthen my communication and organizational skills. I believe that these are valuable skills to have in whatever career I choose. These skills will also help me better manage my music career in the future. I look forward to the journey ahead!
Ndilei Lukulay, Youth Support Intern
Hi! My name is Ndilei Lukulay, and I was born and raised in Springfield. I am 19 years old and recently graduated from Hampden Charter School of Science in Chicopee. This year, I started a 6-year pharmacy program at Western New England University. Outside of my education, music has been my passion for as long as I can remember. I started with the Community Music School as a Prelude preschool student, and started my first ever bucket drumming class with Rick Marshall in the 4th grade. In 6th grade, I started on violin through the Sonido Musica program, and quickly made my switch to cello. I fell in love with the instrument, and continued my path with the instrument into Stringfield and String City as I moved into highschool. Recently as of last year, in addition to String City, I became a part of the Bridge Leaders program, which has been a very memorable experience! The Community Music School has made up a large part of who I am and have uplifted me to reach the greatest of heights. I hope to inspire more young black girls to want to pursue music. Whether it’s for a career or just as an escape from reality. We endure so much in the world, and music as a whole has been my safe place through it all. I want more young girls like me to have that same experience. I am truly grateful to the music school for allowing me to achieve this.
Solomon Jones, Event Support Intern
Hello my name is Solomon, I’m 20 and I’m attending Holyoke Community college, studying Music education and mixing/mastering. Most of my jobs out of High school have been teaching music but some of my other interests are making my own music, photography and graphic design, and I currently play in a band called the Marlborough Street Band. I’d like to have multiple sources of music as a profession as most things with music interest me. During my time at CMSS I’ve learned how to interact with students, faculty and also people outside of CMSS and I’d like to continue building my own personal teaching style/beliefs and continue to go further with my instrument.
Berenice Cruz, Prelude Preschool of the Arts Intern
Hi! My name is Berenice Cruz I am 17 years old and currently assist to Springfield Honors Academy. I am interested in entering the psychology field, specifically working with little kids. Which is why I am working with different age groups at CMSS. From kids in the preschool to middle school kids in their choir. I want to learn how kids grow and develop in their environment and how I can help them. I hope to gain experience to reach my goal of graduating in child psychology.
Elijah D., Youth Support Intern
I’m Elijah D. I was born and raised in Springfield MA and attended Duggan Academy for middle school and high school. I am currently a student at Elms College where I study business and play lacrosse. Some of my areas of interest are music and traveling the world, which both go hand in hand with the business marketing degree I am currently in pursuit of. For the future, I hope that I find peak success in both music and business fields wherever I put the threshold and if those don’t hold up, I’ll be happy with a jazz band and a masters degree in business. I also hope to continue my over a decade long relationship with CMSS and one day give back to the city of Springfield which made me the man I am and will one day become. One thing I was always told was to believe in myself, and another thing was to lean on other people when I get a spark to chase a goal. CMSS has helped me bridge the gap between the things I want to achieve and where I was at before I got there and I am determined to return the favor to the generations after me.
Ricki Alfaro-Orozco, Front Desk & Youth Support Intern
Hello! My full name is Ricki Eduardo Alfaro-Orozco, I am 17 years-old I was born and raised in Springfield Massachusetts. I am currently attending The High School of Science and Technology and currently the President of The National Honor Society, Vice President for the Class of 25 and Band President! My interest are Volleyball, Photography and of course, Music. My hope, is to graduate and enroll into a 4 year college into a Music Business/Music Industry program! Eventually go into law school to become an entertainment lawyer! My hope and dream at CMSS is to connect and network with talented Musicians to learn more about the industry and learn about music in general! Overall CMSS is the foundation of connecting and learning more about myself and the start of my career in order to continue growing as a musician but especially as a person!
Kiara Lee, Prelude Preschool of the Arts Intern
My name is Kiara Lee. I’m 17 years old, and in my Senior year of high school at Springfield Honors Academy. In the next 5-10 years I plan on being in my last year or graduating college with a Ph.D or Psy.D. I also plan on starting my career as a children psychologist or a correctional psychologist between that time as well. During my time at CMSS I plan on learning how to help people express their feelings/emotions in ways that aren’t harmful to them and their peers. I also plan on learning how to make people feel heard and valid even if they think they aren’t. This may connect with the career path I chose because learning these skills will make it easier for me to connect to my clients, but to also adapt to their personalities with little struggle.
Eliana Worpek, Youth Support and Front Desk Intern
Hi! My name is Eliana Worpek. I’m eighteen years old and was born and raised in Springfield, Massachusetts. I currently attend the Springfield Conservatory of the Arts and am president of my class. I’ve been obsessed with singing for as long as I can remember, and started performing for the first time in the sixth grade. Since then, I’ve become very involved in musical theater and perform in my school’s play and musical every year. I am also currently a member of the STEPS program at CMSS. I hope to attend college with a major in music business in the fall. Through this internship, I hope to inspire younger children and help them find the same passion and joy in music that I did, while I also gain valuable experience towards my goals by working in a non-profit arts-centered establishment.
Jennifer Cruz, Sonido Musica and Music Exploration Intern
Hello everyone, I’m Jennifer Cruz. I’m currently studying at HCC with the intent of becoming an early childhood educator. I have always been drawn to the idea of making a positive impact on young minds. This internship presents an incredible opportunity for me to explore and discover working with kids. As I embark on this journey, I’m eager to learn from the wonderful people in this community. The warmth and support I’ve received here during my own educational path have inspired me to contribute to the community that has nurtured and taught me so much. I look forward to creating a nurturing environment where every child can thrive, explore, and experience the joy of music education.