Summer 2025 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 2025 Summer Interns
Arouet Moore, Front Desk Intern
Hi my name is Arouet Moore, 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 I am currently the Band President. My interests are Baseball, Science, Video Games, and Music/Composing Music. When i first started band i met Mr. Gary Bernice, he inspired me to want to teach music. The first taste of teaching I got was when I composed a piece called Escape for my school’s annual Winterfest performance. I got to lead rehearsals and get a taste of what it is like to teach. I composed a new piece called Lost Paradise for the next Winterfest performance, and I hope that I will be able to improve my methods of running rehearsals to better develop the skills I need as a teacher. My hope for the future is to graduate and attend a 4 year college into a music education program and to eventually teach at The High School of Science and Technology. Another dream is to continue composing music and to inspire younger generations that music is an important part of life. My hope and dream here at CMSS is to not only come out of my shell, but to also meet amazing musicians and to get tips on how to effectively teach students.
Juan Reyes Rodriguez, Front Desk Intern
Greetings! My name is Juan Reyes Rodriguez, I am 19 years old, and I was raised in Jacksonville, Florida and Springfield, Massachusetts. I graduated from Springfield Honors Academy in 2024 and attended my first year in college at UMass Boston! I’m interested in roller coasters, traveling to my island Puerto Rico every year, and I record and write songs. My hope for the future is that I’d be able to sing my own songs and perform in front of crowds of people. For now though, I’m settling in! I’m hoping that CMSS helps me find a clearer path for the future I want through networking, performance opportunities, and to utilize its space for music. CMSS has always been a bridge to music for me, as I used to take private vocal lessons. The Children’s Chorus of Springfield and the Bridge Leader’s group were programs I was a part in as well! I’m excited for my journey to continue at CMSS!
Abigail Gil, Front Desk Intern
My name is Abigail Gil, I’m 16 years old and I was born and raised in Springfield MA. I will be going into my junior year at Springfield Central High School. I enjoy Drawing, Baking, and Music, especially my two main instruments Alto Saxophone and Guitar. In addition to this I have participated in theater as well, both on and off stage. This upcoming school year I hope to be able to do it again, and join our History Honors society, and the Cross country team.
In the future I’d like to work in the medical field, and I am currently looking at my options for colleges I might be interested in. This summer I hope I can refine my skill of speaking to people in a more professional way, for example on phone calls, or in person. I know improving my verbal communication skills will be useful to me now and in the future, both in and out of professional environments. I also hope that my musical background and skills will continue to provide me with an outlet in the future.
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!
Solomon Jones, Event Support Intern
Hello my name is Solomon, I’m 21 and I’m focusing on a career in music specifically teaching and performing. Here at CMSS I have a few different roles which includes event support, helping with inventory, teaching, and I’m a part of the Bridge Leaders. Outside of CMSS I also produce my own and other peoples music. My main goals for right now is continuing to be a part of opportunities that allow me to see the different avenues of music.
Elijah Dailey, Youth Support Intern
I’m Elijah D. I was born and raised in Springfield MA and attended Duggan Academy for high school. I am currently a student at Elms College where I study sports management and play lacrosse. Some of my areas of interest are music, sports, traveling the world, and community service. 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 . 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 for a new goal. I am privileged with the blessing CMSS is which helps 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.
Tristan Fowler, Events and Inventory Intern
Tristan Fowler is a 19 year old high school graduate of Scitech High School in Springfield MA, currently serving as the Event & Inventory at the Community Music School. A dedicated musician and leader, Tristan was a member of the Pride of Springfield, the SciTech Band and served as the Music Director from 2023 to 2024. He performed in many high profile events like Governor Maura Healey’s inauguration at TD Garden, Mayor Domenic Sarno’s 2024 inauguration, and the 2025 NBA Hall of Fame Enshrinement. Tristan also gives back to his community as a mentor in the IGNITE program and a camp leader with Younglife. Tristan plans on learning much more about the music world and getting to learn the insides of it all, he also plans on furthering his connection with Young LIfe to become a better leader. His hopes/goals he wants to achieve this summer at CMSS are becoming more familiar with the building and staff, getting very good at his job as quickly as possible, and trying to be the best version of himself as possible.
Ricki Alfaro-Orozco, Front Desk & Youth Support Intern
Hello! My name is Ricki Alfaro-Orozco. I am 18 years old and was born and raised in Springfield, Massachusetts. I graduated from the High School of Science & Technology. For the next four years, I will be attending the University of Hartford with a major in Music Management with a concentration in Jazz Saxophone. During my high school career, I presented the “Ignite Mentoring Through Music program”. I acted as the lead student mentor for the Springfield District and collaborated and worked with CMSS closely, most notably being an MC for the Annual Springfield Public School Expo. I was also tasked with various leadership roles, such as being the 2024-2025 Band President for the Sci-Tech Band! Outside of music, I love the art of photography and plan to pursue it part-time when I’m not on stage. Being an Intern at CMSS has taught me many real-world skills, and every day, I continue to learn. I wish that I could keep on finding new ways to continue and connect with so many different musicians, people, and role models, and expand my passion for music to the youth, and use CMSS as a foundation for my overall success in the Music Industry.
Kiara Lee, Prelude Preschool of the Arts Intern
My name is Kiara Lee, I’m 18 years old. I am now entering my freshman year of college. I will be attending UMass Dartmouth this fall to study psychology. In the next 5-10 years I plan on being in my last year of college. I also plan on starting my career as a correctional psychologist between that time as well. Wanting to work with juveniles but also helping children that are involved in and(or) witnessed traumatic events in their life. During my time at CMSS I plan on learning how to help children express their feelings/emotions in ways that aren’t harmful to them and their peers. I also plan on learning how to make children feel heard when they feel like they are not. This may connect with the career path I chose because it will teach me how to effectively communicate with children, how to understand the different ways that children communicate their feelings.
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.
Ashley Judkins, Sonido Musica Assistant Teaching Artist
My name is Ashley Judkins, a 21 year old Springfield MA native that currently studies at Westfield State University as a Music Education major.
I’m studying to become a secondary education music teacher. I am very interested in all aspects of music. I primarily play trumpet, but I also love to sing and learn other instruments. I’ve spent the majority of my life in spaces where I have been able to grow and expand my musical abilities. Bands, choruses, and other ensembles have allowed me to learn, explore, and have fun with music and all that it has to offer!
I would like to eventually achieve a master’s degree in Music Education. I want to encourage the schools that I work with to be stronger than ever. Long term, I will have a career in teaching, but I would also like to coach a local step team and mentor young students at some point in my career.
My mission is to use my experience here at CMSS as an opportunity to give back to the community. I want to be known as someone who is helpful and very involved, even in parts of the community that I’m not directly tied to. My goal is to push myself and those around me to greatness, and that begins with a strong community.
Ultimately, I will be able to teach others successfully if I take advantage of my opportunities at CMSS and learn as much from them as possible. I need to soak up all of the skills and examples from the people around me so I can be a vessel of great knowledge and resources in the future.
Chris Zeng, Youth Support Intern
My name is Chris Zeng. I am 17 years old, and entering my senior year of high school. Music has always been a huge part of my life — I’ve been playing piano for 12 years, and have been taking lessons at CMSS for over 10 now. I’ve been a part of my school’s jazz group for over 3 years, and in my free time, I like to make beats and produce music. Outside of music, I swim on a competitive club team, enjoy playing basketball with friends, and making food. In the near future, I’m hoping to study economics and minor in music production in college, as well as join a jazz group on campus. I’m always trying to share my love of music with others, whether it be through releasing my music online or teaching piano lessons; at CMSS, I want to continue spreading that joy with others by creating an environment where music can be both inspiring and accessible. I’d also love to build lasting connections with both students and faculty members, and develop effective communication and teaching skills that stay with me into college and beyond. CMSS has been such a positive part of my life for the past decade, and I’m excited to have the opportunity to give back through the program!
Ndilei Lukulay, Youth Support Intern
Hi there!
My name is Ndilei Lukulay, and I was born and raised in Springfield. I am 19 years old and a rising sophomore at Western New England university in the Pharmacy program! 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 bucket drumming class with the well-renowned 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. A couple of years ago, I became a part of the Bridge Leaders program, which has truly uplifted me in more ways than I can describe. The Community Music School has candidly allowed me to rise while being my authentic self, as well as express my creativity in ways that help the community I call home. I hope to inspire more young people of all backgrounds 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 every challenge I endured. I want more young people like me to have that same experience. I am truly grateful to the music school for allowing me to do just that.
Joey Calhoun, Prelude Preschool Intern
Hi my name is Joey Calhoun, I’m 20 and I study music therapy at Westfield State. My main point of interest is definitely directed towards helping others in my community with the help of music. Right now I am the secretary of the Westfield state music therapy club. My hopes for the next few years is to work my way up as a music therapist and in the music industry as a musician. My goal in life is to help others and use music to do so. As for CMSS I want to further my career, help my community and grow as a leader and musician. I think they connect in the same meaning, to grow in life.
Jennifer Cruz, Sonido Musica and Music Exploration Assistant Teaching Artist
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.
Jayla James, Prelude Preschool of the Arts Intern
Hello! My name is Jayla James and I am 20 years old. I go to Simmons University in Boston and grew up in Springfield Mass. I am currently studying Exercise Science/ Physical Therapy through the 3+3 DPT program. My other passions fall into the Simmons division 3 soccer team alongside track and field, teams that I am proudly apart of. I plan to excel in my academics and continue to try my best, I want to succeed in this program and end with getting a doctorate. The first step is graduating with my bachelors while still being on track with the demands of the program. My hopes for my time at CMSS is to gain a new experience and build my communication skills. I will be working with a lot of different people being a physical therapist, allowing this internship to build my problem solving skills and important factors that make a professional conversation.
Berenice Cruz, Prelude Preschool of the Arts Intern
Hi! My name is Berenice Cruz I am 18 years old and attend 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.