In fond memory of our founder, Mary Cates

We are mourning the loss of our beloved founder, Mary Cates, who passed away on Feb. 28. Mary was a truly remarkable woman who served five terms on the Raleigh City Council, and was involved in founding not just CMS, but also Raleigh’s Citizens Advisory Committee network, the Raleigh City Museum, and the Raleigh Hall of Fame, which inducted her as a member in 2012.

Mary became passionate about starting CMS after visiting the W.O. Smith Music School in Nashville, TN. In 1994, with Mary’s brilliant vision and the tenacity that fellow City Council members remember well, $5,000 in seed money obtained by co-founder Ginny Zehr, and the hard work of a team of volunteers, musicians and community leaders, the first students were enrolled in Community Music School.

None of us would be here, teaching or learning music, without Mary Cates. She exemplified the principles of servant leadership and is an inspiration to anyone who hopes to contribute to their community through public service. Her compassion and unwavering support, not just for the school itself but for all of us who work here and learn here, has been instrumental (pun fondly intended) in keeping CMS going for 24 years, and championing the power of music education to change lives.

Mary’s belief that every child deserves to be applauded for their achievements remains one of the core values of CMS. We believe Mary deserves a round of applause, as well. We love you, Mary. Thank you for the music.

If you found your way here hoping to give a gift to CMS in memory of Mary Cates, you can do that here.