Pianist raises money for local nonprofit

Teen pianist Eileen Mitchell recently harnessed her musical talents to create a CD of her performances and made it available for sale in order to raise funds for the local nonprofit agency Project Self-Sufficiency.

The CD is a compilation of seven pieces by Bach, Chopin and Mozart. The production of the CD was supervised by her piano teacher, Margaret Korczynski, of the Sussex County Music Workshop, where Mitchell has studied piano for twelve years. The recording is available for $10 through the Sussex County Music Workshop.

“Eileen Mitchell has been playing piano since the age of five under my tutelage,” said Margaret Korczynski, of the Sussex County Music Workshop in Mcafée. “Throughout the years, Eileen has played in numerous recitals and participated in the annual evaluation with the National Guild of Musicians, for which she received excellent marks.”

Mitchell, 17, a student at High Point Regional High School, is no stranger to community service. She has volunteered for years at the Sussex County YMCA and within the Lake Wallkill community.

She likes helping people so much, she plans on becoming a nurse.

“I love volunteering because you get a lot out of it,” Mitchell said. “My main focus is to help others and I want to help make this world a better place. I find that to be important.”

Mitchell chose Project Self-Sufficiency as the beneficiary of the funds from his CD because of the agency’s work with families.

“I like how Project Self-Sufficiency helps families to get back on their feet,” she said.

Students of the Sussex County Music Workshop, which is co-directed by Margaret and her husband, Edward, are often encouraged to use their musical gifts to benefit others.

“Being involved in fundraising creates a feeling of doing something significant for those who need our help in the community where we live. Young people, in particular, need to develop the sensitivity to help those who are less fortunate,” said Margaret. “Having a gift of playing piano and the discipline of recording classical music, my students are delighted to be able to raise funds for Project Self Sufficiency.”

Those who are interested in purchasing Mitchell’s CD can contact the Sussex County Music Workshop at 973-827-9726.

“We treasure all of the many volunteers who have used their talents to contribute to our mission,” said Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency. “We are honored to have been chosen to be the recipient of the funds raised by this remarkable young woman, and we wish her the very best as she continues to fulfill her dream of helping others.”

For information about the programs and services offered at Project Self-Sufficiency, call 973-940-3500, or visit www.projectselfsufficiency.org.

Sussex County Music Workshop piano teacher Margaret Korczynski and her student Eileen Mitchell