At Fête de la Musique on June 22, 2019, Will Fickes was honored on the BCA Plaza with a certificate of recognition from the mayor of Boston. Will recently retired from CMCB, after serving CMCB for 32 years. Will taught and performed extensively throughout Michigan and Colorado prior to coming to Boston to initiate a group piano curriculum for studio and class instruction for students of all ages and levels at CMCB. In cooperation with Baldwin of Boston, he taught nearly 200 adults beginning group piano instruction–several of them became steadfast CMCB donors. His high school students have been frequent winners of our Lapin Competition. As one of the leaders of studio group instruction in the country, he has spoken on the subject in numerous venues, including the 2000 Music Teachers National Association Annual Convention in Minneapolis. He has been presented with CMCB’s Marilla MacDill prize for excellence in teaching and community service.

The proclamation read:

CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION

Presented toWilliam Harley Fickes

In honor of your 32 years of service to the Community Music Center of Boston in the South End

and

In recognition of your dedication, leadership, and tutelage ensuring Boston’s youth has equitable access to music

and

In appreciation of your commitment to community through the creation of Group Instruction and the Ensemble Program, giving thousands of students the opportunity to collaborate, communicate, and gain valuable life skills

The City of Boston thanks you for your devotion to the enrichment of Bostonians through music education.

Mayor of Boston

June 22, 2019