irs program accomplishments · form 990 part iii · fy2024
What they reported doing
- #1 primary $774KExpressive Arts (1,697 total served): 155 clients were served throughout 36-week school year and 6-week summer sessions onsite and 1,542 clients in 45 program weeks at community sites; students from preschool to senior citizen ages participated in weekly individual music, dance, and/or art therapy sessions and/or group sessions, to develop cognitive, physical, social, and emotional skills contributing to their independence and quality of life. Clients were served either in person or virtually, as needed.
- #2 $111KROCmusic: From 2024-2025, the ROCmusic program, a collaborative of The Hochstein School, Eastman School, Eastman Community Music School, City of Rochester, Rochester City School District, Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, served 224 City of Rochester student residents in grades 1-12 through summer and school year programming. In the summer, ROCmusic held several "music exploration" weeks for students in the community at three different City locations. During the school year, ROCmusic provided free after school instrumental music instruction at four different recreation centers in Rochester, 36 opportunities for students to perform in the community, and access to numerous arts and cultural events in the area. (Continued on Schedule O) Classes include instruction on string, brass, and rhythm section instruments. Hochstein serves as the fiscal agent for the ROCmusic collaborative.
named programs · 4 · from sources
What they call their work
Expressive Arts
Provides weekly individual and group music, dance, and art therapy sessions for clients of all ages, from preschool to senior citizens, to develop cognitive, physical, social, and emotional skills. Offered onsite, at community sites, and virtually.
Music Therapy Program
Pilot program launched in 1971 to extend music education services to children with disabilities, using therapeutic methods to support development and independence.
ROCmusic
Collaborative program providing free after-school instrumental music instruction to City of Rochester students in grades 1–12 at recreation centers, along with performance opportunities and access to cultural events. Hochstein serves as fiscal agent.
Spring Festival of Music
Annual three-day music festival inaugurated in 1961, featuring performances by student ensembles and guest artists, promoting community engagement with the arts.
activities · 6 groups
What they do
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Creative Arts Therapy Programs 1 activity
- Delivering arts therapy and community outreach programsProvides weekly music, dance, and art therapy sessions to over 1,600 clients onsite and in the community, supporting cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development; also offers outreach programs including free after-school instrumental instruction and summer music exploration for Rochester City students.
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Ballet and Dance Education Programs 1 activity
- Offering dance and expressive arts programsProvides dance courses in ballet, contemporary, and other forms, as well as interdisciplinary expressive arts programs that foster creativity and development for individuals of all ages and abilities.
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Performing Arts Venue Rental 1 activity
- Operating performance and event venuesManages the Hochstein Performance Hall (847-seat) and Hilda D. Taylor Recital Hall (102-seat), offering state-of-the-art acoustics and technical equipment for concerts, recitals, and community events; also rents facilities for recording sessions and virtual meetings.
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Live Music Performances & Concerts 1 activity
- Presenting public concerts and community performancesHosts outdoor and indoor community concerts, including rain-or-shine events and performances during the Rochester Fringe Festival; organizes student recitals and public concert series featuring local and nationally renowned artists.
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Music Education and Training Programs 1 activity
- Providing accessible music education and instructionOffers individual and group music lessons, ensemble programs, and courses in instruments, voice, jazz, and chamber music for students of all ages and skill levels at its downtown Rochester facility and partner locations.
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Community Art Education Workshops 1 activity
- Providing summer arts camps and workshopsOffers immersive summer camps and workshops in music and the arts for children and adult learners, including specialized programs as part of community initiatives like the Summer Youth Opportunities Arts Festival Instructional Program.
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financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$4.54M
Contributions & grants$1.79M39%
Program service revenue$2.39M53%
Investment income$209K5%
Other revenue$143K
expenses
Total expenses$4.48M
Program expenses75%
Admin / overhead18%
Fundraising7%
Salaries & benefits$2.97M
Grants paid out$417K
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$11.54M
Cash$1.31M
Investments$5.82M
Liabilities$326K
Net assets$11.21M
Liquid reserves19.1 mo
4 years on record · 2020–2024 · YoY revenue +1.6%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
paid leadership · 2
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hilary Field Respass President | Executive Director (through 9/24) | 40 | $136K |
| Gary Palmer President | Executive Director (began 9/24) | 40 | $119K |
board members · 23
- Aimee Jozic CPA — Treasurer
- Alexandra Justis — Director
- Anthony Piazza Esq — Director
- Anthony Pisani Ph D — Director (began 1/25)
- Christopher Hasenauer — Director
- Deborah Onslow — Director
- Eric Logan — Chair
- Gareth Warren MDMSc — Director
- Idonia Owens Ed D — Director
- Isaac Figueras Esq — Director
- Jean Gordon Ryon — Director
- Jeffrey Smith — Director
- John Nutter Esq — Director
- Karen Fairhead SCP — Director
- Linda G Gillim — Director
- Margaret Rachfal — Director (through 9/24)
- Mary Steblein PE CPESC — Director (through 9/24)
- Maureen RuteckiCPAABVCFFASA — Director
- Michael Reed — Secretary
- Michael Rotondo MD FACS — Director (through 2/25)
- Nancy Reale — Director
- Nathan Loomis — Director (began 9/24)
- Neal Burns — Vice Chair
relationships · 17
Who they work with
- Brandtatorship Partner — Local organization supporting the Hochstein at High Falls concert series.
- City of Rochester Partner — Collaborative partner in the ROCmusic program providing after-school music instruction.
- City of Rochester Partner — Partnered with Hochstein to implement the Summer Youth Opportunities Arts Festival Instructional Program in 1968.
- Downtown United Presbyterian Church Partner — Hosts Hochstein School programs at its facility on Fitzhugh Street.
- ESL Rochester Fringe Festival Partner — Collaborates with the ESL Rochester Fringe Festival to present public performances.
- Eastman Community Music School Partner — Collaborative partner in the ROCmusic program providing after-school music instruction.
- Eastman School Partner — Collaborative partner in the ROCmusic program providing after-school music instruction.
- Gateways Music Festival Partner — Collaborative partner in the ROCmusic program during the 2022–2023 program year.
- High Falls Business Association Partner — Co-presenter of the Hochstein at High Falls concert series.
- LaBella Associates Partner — Local organization supporting the Hochstein at High Falls concert series.
- Monroe Community College Partner — Supports the Hochstein at High Falls concert series and provides an indoor rain location at its Downtown Campus.
- National Guild for Community Arts Education Network — Joined the National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts in 1961, marking a professional milestone in community arts education.
- Rochester City School District Partner — Collaborative partner in the ROCmusic program providing after-school music instruction.
- Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra Partner — Collaborative partner in the ROCmusic program providing after-school music instruction.
- Rochester region Partner — Provides outreach programs and collaborates with community partners across the Rochester region.
- The Route/WRUR 88.5 Partner — Co-presenter and host of the Hochstein at High Falls concert series.
- United Way of Greater Rochester Network — Became a member agency of United Way (formerly Community Chest) in 1964, receiving designated funds for financial assistance programs.
strategies · 4
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Community Partnership Modelmethodology: community_partnership_modelBy collaborating with local institutions, businesses, and venues, the school expands access to music education and public programming because shared resources and co-sponsored events increase reach and embed the arts in community life.
- Expressive Arts for Lifespan Developmentmethodology: expressive_arts_therapyBy using expressive arts and music-making as therapeutic and educational tools, the school supports cognitive, emotional, and social development across ages because creative engagement fosters neural plasticity, self-expression, and interpersonal connection.
- Inclusive Access Modelmethodology: inclusive_accessBy removing financial, social, and physical barriers to music and dance education, the school fosters equitable participation and community engagement because access to the arts supports personal development and social cohesion across diverse populations.
- Individualized Music Educationmethodology: individualized_instructionBy tailoring instruction to individual student goals, needs, and experience levels, the school increases engagement and personal achievement because learning is aligned with personal motivation and developmental stage.