Thanks to the kindness and generosity of Rochester business owner Orlando Rodriguez, who volunteered his time and talent, and the thoughtfulness of Hochstein parent Amy Côté, there are now brand-new cushions on four chairs outside our second-floor studios at Hochstein. These chairs are a beloved spot for families waiting during classes.
Check out the “before and after” photo of Orlando’s beautiful work!
Amy spends time there waiting for her two kids who take classes at Hochstein – James as a percussion student and both James and Lucy in Hochstein Youth Singers. Amy noticed a need and connected Hochstein with Orlando, who runs Versailles Home Decorating in Shortsville.
Here’s the back story in Amy’s own words:
“Knowing that different parts of the brain are activated and improved both after immediate and repeated exposure to music (whether listening, learning, or playing), it was important for us to engage our children in their early stages of development. We began regularly attending Hochstein when our firstborn was just over a year old in 2007 and we have spent nearly every Saturday since camped out there for the day.
“Recently, after spending many hours sitting on a cushion that had given more than it bargained for, I reached out to Orlando asking if he’d consider donating his upholstery skills and the necessary fabric to this amazing institution. Orlando has re-upholstered some of our personal pieces and we’ve known him for many years. I was ecstatic that he said yes and immediately ran downstairs to coordinate with Director of Operations, David Zaccaria.
“This music community is a second home and extended family for which we are forever grateful and carry special pride; we do our best to champion it always.
“I express my gratitude to Orlando whose admirable craftmanship is a tribute to Hochstein’s excellence.”