The Old Town School of Folk Music, a renowned institution in Chicago, has announced the appointment of Troy Anderson as its new director and chief executive officer. Anderson, who previously served as the senior director of education at the school, will be taking over the role from former Ravinia Festival CEO Welz Kauffman, who has stepped down after less than two months in the position.

Empowering the Next Generation of Musicians

Elevating Educational Excellence

Anderson's appointment comes with a wealth of experience in community music education. Prior to joining the Old Town School, he served as the executive director of the Chicago Center for Music Education (ChiME) for over a decade, where he was credited with reviving the school and driving consistent growth. At ChiME, Anderson developed a comprehensive diversity, equity, and inclusion framework, as well as a formalized music curriculum that has been praised for its impact.Anderson's expertise extends beyond his work at ChiME. He has also held leadership roles at the West Loop-based Merit School of Music and the David Adler Music and Arts Center in Libertyville, further solidifying his reputation as a visionary in the field of music education.

Fostering Community Connections

In his new role at the Old Town School, Anderson will be tasked with building upon the institution's rich history and strong sense of community. The school, which was founded in 1957 by folk musicians Win Stracke and Frank Hamilton, has long been a hub for music enthusiasts and aspiring artists alike.Anderson's commitment to fostering community connections is evident in his own words, as he expressed his admiration for the "history, talent, and sense of community that makes the Old Town School so unique." He has pledged to work in partnership with the school's faculty and staff to lead the evolution of this storied organization, ensuring that it continues to bring people together to learn, create, perform, and enjoy music and dance.

Navigating a Smooth Transition

The transition from Welz Kauffman to Troy Anderson at the helm of the Old Town School has been described as a smooth one. Kauffman, who previously served as the CEO of the Ravinia Festival, stepped down from the role for personal family reasons, with the board expressing their support for his decision and wishing him well.In the announcement, Kate Tomford, the Chair of the Board of Directors of the Old Town School, highlighted Anderson's "breadth of experience" and "familiarity with and dedication to [the] community," which will undoubtedly facilitate a seamless transition as the school enters a new chapter under his leadership.

Expanding Reach and Impact

The Old Town School of Folk Music has a rich history and a significant presence in the Chicago community. With its main headquarters located in a 43,000 square-foot structure that features a 400-seat concert hall and extensive classroom space, the school has been able to offer a wide range of educational programs and community events.Currently, the Old Town School boasts an enrollment of nearly 6,600 students, with 2,700 of them being children. The school offers 700 accredited weekly classes, private lessons, and more than 400 concerts and community events, making it a hub for music education and cultural enrichment in the city.Under Anderson's leadership, the Old Town School is poised to build upon its impressive legacy and further expand its reach and impact within the community. With his proven track record of success in community music education and his commitment to fostering a sense of community, Anderson is well-equipped to lead the school into a new era of growth and innovation.