Settlement hits high note with new Willow Grove branch

Settlement Music School’s newest and most state-of-the-art branch opened its door to Willow Grove Jan. 3.

Increasing student enrollment made it necessary for the school to move out of its former location in Jenkintown, which it shared with the Abington Art Center.

One of six branches in the Philadelphia area, the in Willow Grove represents a long history of high-quality musical instruction and activities.

The music school celebrated its centennial in 2008. Many affiliated with the school consider the grand opening of its Willow Grove branch the crowing achievement of the centennial celebration.

The building was designed to be economically and acoustically sound. It houses 18 teaching studios and a large recital hall, which may accommodate over 300 people and will be made available for public use.

The building also incorporates green technology, including motion sensors that turn on lights when someone enters a room, and automatically turns them off when the room is not in use.

Located across the street from the Second Alarmers Rescue Squad headquarters on Davisville Road, the building is meant to blend in with the neighborhood.

The three-story gray structure was not designed to be imposing or gaudy. Even the school’s sign by the entranceway was installed with the serenity of the neighborhood in mind.

“One of the parents of the students I have is an architect,” Lynne Budnick-Lennon, Settlement violin teacher, said. “He was really impressed with the design.”

Budnick-Lennon, who has taught at Settlement since 1990, compares moving the school from Jenkintown to Willow Grove to moving from an apartment to a new house.

“For me, I’m glad to have a new home,” she said. “And, it’s great for the community because it’s permanent.”

According to Budnick-Lennon, people in Upper Moreland have been talking about the completion of the new $8 million building, and she said that many see it as a positive addition to the community.

“The new building echoes a new revival of education in the arts, which is sorely needed,” she said, adding that the musical arts studied at Settlement can only help cultivate a better quality of life.

In addition to learning how to play an instrument, Budnick-Lennon said taking music lessons promotes problem-solving skills and a lifelong appreciation for beauty.

“You come here to find the best of yourself,” said Marsha Hogan, the Willow Grove Settlement School branch director.

Hogan, who was also the branch director of the former Jenkintown location, said that the building’s 25,000-square-feet will help increase student enrollment in the area from the 750 students at the Jenkintown location to an expected 1,500 in Willow Grove.

“There’s much more parking, and [the new location] is actually more convenient for everyone of all ages,” Hogan said.

Aside from the ample parking lot, the SEPTA Warminster Line station is located a block away from the school.

The increased space will also allow for more arts programming, including a new dance class, which takes place in the branch’s large dance studio. The studio comes complete with its own skylight.

Other regular programming provides adult musicians the opportunity to play music with other local musicians.

An official dedication ceremony is scheduled for March 17 and will feature prominent local and state officials, including Rep. Tom Murt and State Senator Stewart Greenleaf.

An open house is scheduled for June 4 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

For more information, call 215-320-2600 or visit www.smsmusic.org. For specifics about the Willow Grove branch, call 215-320-2630.